What key documents are required for account opening?

Opening a bank account typically requires specific documents that establish the identity of the applicant and verify their eligibility. The correct answer includes essential items such as identification, social security number, and proof of address. These documents are critical because they serve to confirm the individual's identity, ensure compliance with regulations like the USA PATRIOT Act, and help the bank to understand the customer's background.

Identification serves as a primary means of verifying who the person is, while the social security number is often required for tax reporting purposes and to prevent fraud. Proof of address is also crucial, as it verifies the individual's residency, which is necessary for determining the customer's eligibility for certain services and local regulations.

The other choices listed do not fulfill the fundamental requirement for identity and address verification that is key to account opening. For example, business licenses may be relevant for business accounts but are not necessary for personal accounts, while credit reports and employment verification are more associated with loan applications than with account opening. Similarly, bank statements and customer referrals are not standard requirements for establishing a new account.