You can open an Ally checking account online in about 10 minutes without visiting a branch

Ally Bank is an online-only bank, so there is no branch to walk into. You start at ally.com, choose the checking account type you want, and complete the application on your phone or computer. The process asks for your Social Security number, date of birth, address, and employment information. Ally then verifies your identity using public records and may ask you to confirm a small deposit or answer security questions. Once approved—usually within minutes to a few hours—you can fund the account and start using it the same day.

The account comes with a debit card that arrives by mail within 5 to 7 business days. Until it arrives, you can transfer money in and out using ACH transfers, wire transfers, or by setting up direct deposit from your employer. Ally does not charge monthly fees on its checking accounts, and there is no minimum balance requirement to open one.

Key Takeaways

  • You open an Ally checking account entirely online at ally.com by providing your Social Security number, date of birth, address, and employment details.
  • Approval usually takes minutes to a few hours, and you can fund and use the account the same day through transfers or direct deposit.
  • Your physical debit card arrives in 5 to 7 business days, but you do not need it to move money or pay bills before then.
  • Ally checking accounts have no monthly fees and no minimum balance, so there is no cost to open or maintain the account.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you open the application: a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, your current address, and your phone number. If you are employed, have your employer's name and your job title ready. If you are self-employed or retired, Ally will ask about your income source but does not require pay stubs or tax returns at the time of opening.

You also need a way to fund the account after it is opened. This can be a transfer from another bank account you own, a wire transfer, or direct deposit from your employer. Ally does not accept cash deposits or checks mailed to the bank, so you cannot fund it that way.

The step-by-step opening process

Go to ally.com and click the button to open a new checking account. You will see options for different account types—Ally Bank Checking and Ally Bank Interest Checking are the two main choices. Interest Checking pays a small amount of interest on your balance; regular Checking does not. Choose the one that fits your needs and click to begin.

The application asks for your personal information in this order: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, phone number, and email address. Then it asks about your employment—whether you are employed, self-employed, retired, or a student—and your employer's name if applicable. Answer honestly; Ally uses this information to verify your identity and comply with banking regulations.

After you submit the application, Ally checks your information against public records and may run a soft credit inquiry (this does not affect your credit score). Most applicants are approved within minutes. Some are approved within a few hours. If Ally needs more information, it will ask you to confirm details or answer security questions based on your credit history.

Once approved, you receive a confirmation email with your account number and routing number. You can then transfer money into the account or set up direct deposit. Your debit card is ordered automatically and ships to your address within 1 to 2 business days; it typically arrives within 5 to 7 business days.

Funding your account before the debit card arrives

You do not have to wait for your physical debit card to start using the account. Ally gives you your account and routing numbers immediately after approval, so you can set up direct deposit from your employer right away. Your paycheck will deposit directly into the account on your normal pay schedule.

You can also transfer money from another bank account you own using an ACH transfer. Log into your other bank's website or app, set up Ally as an external account, and initiate a transfer. ACH transfers usually take 1 to 3 business days. If you need money faster, you can request a wire transfer from another bank, which typically arrives the same day or next business day, though some banks charge a fee for this service.

What happens if your application is denied

Ally may deny your application if it cannot verify your identity, if you have a history of fraud or unpaid bank accounts, or if you appear on ChexSystems—a banking history report that tracks closed accounts and disputes. If this happens, Ally sends you a letter explaining the reason and telling you how to dispute the decision if you believe it is wrong.

If you are denied, you can contact Ally's customer service to ask what went wrong. Some denials are based on incomplete information that you can correct and reapply. Others are based on your banking history and may require you to wait a period of time before reapplying. Some banks offer second-chance checking accounts for people with ChexSystems records; Ally does not, but other online banks and some credit unions do.

Using your account once it is open

Once approved, you can pay bills, transfer money, and receive deposits immediately using your account and routing numbers. When your debit card arrives, you can use it at ATMs and stores. Ally does not operate its own ATM network, but it reimburses ATM fees charged by other banks—you can use any ATM without paying out of pocket.

You can also set up bill pay through Ally's website or mobile app to send money to creditors, landlords, or other payees. Bill pay typically takes 1 to 3 business days to reach the recipient. Transfers between your Ally account and other banks you own take 1 to 3 business days for ACH transfers or same-day for wire transfers (wire transfers may have a fee).

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to open an Ally checking account?

The application itself takes about 10 minutes to complete. Approval usually happens within minutes to a few hours. You can fund and use the account the same day, though your physical debit card takes 5 to 7 business days to arrive by mail.

Do I need a minimum balance to open or keep an Ally checking account?

No. Ally checking accounts have no minimum balance requirement to open, and no monthly maintenance fee. You can keep the account open with a zero balance if you choose.

Can I use my Ally debit card before it arrives in the mail?

You cannot use a physical card before it arrives, but you do not need one. You can transfer money, set up direct deposit, and pay bills using your account and routing numbers or through Ally's mobile app as soon as your account is approved.

What if I do not have a job or regular income?

Ally still opens accounts for people who are retired, self-employed, or between jobs. You will need to tell Ally your income source during the application, but you do not need to provide pay stubs or tax returns at the time of opening.

Can I open an Ally checking account on my phone?

Yes. The Ally website and mobile app both allow you to open an account. The process is the same on either device, and takes about 10 minutes.