Yes, you can open most Bank of America accounts online without visiting a branch

Bank of America lets you open a checking or savings account entirely through their website or mobile app. You will not need to go to a physical branch, though you will need to verify your identity and fund the account before you can use it. The whole process takes about 10 to 15 minutes if your information is ready.

The accounts you can open online are the same ones available in branches: Advantage SafePass Checking, Advantage Plus Checking, Advantage Savings, and Money Market Savings Account. Some specialty accounts—like CDs or certain investment products—may require a phone call or branch visit, but the basic checking and savings options work entirely online.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a Social Security number, valid government ID, and a current address to open an account online at Bank of America.
  • Bank of America will verify your identity by asking security questions based on your credit history, so you must answer them correctly to proceed.
  • You must fund your new account with an initial deposit, either by transferring money from another bank or using a debit card.
  • Your account becomes active and usable once identity verification is complete and your deposit clears, which usually takes one to three business days.
  • If you cannot complete the online process—usually because identity verification fails—you can finish opening the account at a branch with your ID and initial deposit.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you begin the online process. You will need your Social Security number, a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your current address, and your date of birth. Bank of America will also ask for your phone number and email address.

You will also need a way to fund the account. This means either a debit card (Visa, Mastercard, or Discover) or the routing and account number from another bank account you own. If you use a debit card, the deposit posts immediately. If you transfer from another bank, it typically takes one to three business days.

The step-by-step process

Go to bankofamerica.com and click "Open an Account" or use the Bank of America mobile app. Select the type of account you want—checking or savings—and choose whether you want online-only or a branch location nearby. Bank of America will ask you to enter your personal information: name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, phone number, and email.

Next, Bank of America will verify your identity by asking security questions based on your credit file. These questions ask about your past addresses, previous loans, or credit accounts. You must answer them correctly; if you get too many wrong, the system will stop and you will need to verify your identity in person at a branch.

After verification passes, you will choose your account features—such as paperless statements and online bill pay—and set up your login credentials. Then you will fund the account with your initial deposit using a debit card or bank transfer. Once you submit the deposit, your account is created, though you may not be able to use it fully until the deposit clears.

When identity verification fails online

If Bank of America cannot verify your identity through their security questions, the online process will stop. This happens most often if you have limited credit history, recently moved, or have errors in your credit file. You will see a message telling you to visit a branch to finish opening the account.

Take your government ID and your initial deposit to any Bank of America branch. A representative will verify your identity in person and complete the account opening on the spot. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Your account will be active immediately, and any deposit you bring will post the same day.

How long until you can use your account

Your account is created the moment you complete the online process, but you may not be able to use all features right away. If you funded the account with a debit card, you can use your account immediately for transfers and bill pay, though your debit card and checks will not arrive for five to seven business days. If you funded it with a bank transfer, you must wait for that transfer to clear—usually one to three business days—before the funds are available.

You can set up direct deposit and mobile check deposit as soon as your account is open, even if your physical debit card has not arrived. You can also transfer money between your new Bank of America account and other accounts you own at different banks.

Minimum deposit and account fees

Bank of America does not require a minimum opening deposit for most checking and savings accounts, though you must deposit at least $1 to open the account. Some accounts have monthly maintenance fees—typically $12 for Advantage Plus Checking—but the fee is waived if you meet certain conditions, such as maintaining a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit.

Read the account disclosure document before you finish opening the account. It lists the exact fees, minimum balances, and conditions for waiving fees. You can access this document on the account selection page during the online process.

What happens if you need to close the account later

You can close your Bank of America account online through your account settings, by phone at the number on the back of your debit card, or in person at a branch. If you have a negative balance, you must pay it before closing. If you have a positive balance, Bank of America will send you a check or transfer the funds to another account you specify.

There is no penalty for closing an account early. Bank of America does not charge a closure fee. If you close the account within a short time of opening it, Bank of America may flag your account for review, but this does not prevent you from closing it or opening another account later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to open a Bank of America account online?

You must have a valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Bank of America will verify this during the online process. If you do not have one of these numbers, you will need to visit a branch and bring additional documentation.

What if I do not have a government ID?

You cannot complete the online process without a valid government-issued ID. Go to a Bank of America branch with your ID and initial deposit. A representative will open the account for you in person.

Can I open an account if I am under 18?

Bank of America does not allow minors to open accounts online independently. A parent or guardian must open a custodial account in person at a branch. Some minors can be added as authorized users to an existing adult account.

What if the security questions are about accounts I do not remember?

If you cannot answer the security questions accurately, the online process will stop. You will need to visit a branch with your government ID and initial deposit to open the account in person. Bring any documentation you have about your credit history or previous accounts.

Can I open multiple accounts at the same time?

Yes. After your first account is open and active, you can open additional checking or savings accounts online. You do not need to repeat the full identity verification process for subsequent accounts linked to the same Social Security number.