Yes, you can open a Bank of America checking account entirely online
Bank of America lets you start a checking account from your computer or phone without visiting a branch. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you can begin using your account the same day in most cases. You will need a valid government ID, a Social Security number, and a way to verify your identity — usually a phone number or email address tied to existing accounts.
The account opens immediately for online and mobile banking. Your debit card ships within 7 to 10 business days. If you need cash or checks before the card arrives, you can visit any Bank of America branch or ATM to withdraw funds using your account number.
Key Takeaways
- You can complete the entire signup process online using a computer or the Bank of America mobile app, with no branch visit required.
- Bank of America will verify your identity by asking security questions based on your credit history or by sending a code to your phone or email.
- Your account is ready to use for transfers and bill pay the same day, but your physical debit card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive.
- You must have a valid government-issued ID, a Social Security number, and be at least 18 years old to open an account online.
- If you already have a Bank of America account, opening a second checking account online is faster because the bank already has your information on file.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you begin the online signup:
- A valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card)
- Your Social Security number
- Your date of birth
- A phone number and email address
- Your current address
- An initial deposit amount (the minimum varies by account type, but many checking accounts require $0 to open)
If you are opening the account on a mobile device, you may need to photograph your ID. Make sure the image is clear and all four corners of the ID are visible. Bank of America's system will read the information directly from the photo, so a blurry or partially cut-off image will slow down the process.
The online signup process, step by step
Start at bankofamerica.com or open the Bank of America mobile app. Look for the "Open an Account" or "get your free guide" button on the homepage. You will be asked to choose the type of checking account you want — Bank of America offers several, including the Advantage SafePass Checking and the Advantage Plus Checking, each with different monthly fees and minimum balance requirements.
Next, enter your personal information: name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. Bank of America will ask whether you are a current customer. If you are, the process moves faster because the bank already has your identity verified. If you are new, the bank will ask security questions to verify your identity — these are based on your credit history and past financial accounts.
You will then be asked to verify your identity through one of two methods: answer security questions, or receive a one-time code via text or email. The code method is usually faster. Enter the code, and Bank of America will confirm your identity.
Finally, choose how you want to fund the account. You can link an external bank account and transfer money, use a debit card, or deposit cash at an ATM after the account opens. Review the account terms, sign the disclosures electronically, and submit. Your account number appears on screen immediately.
When your account is ready to use
Your checking account is active for online and mobile banking the moment you finish signup. You can log in to your account, set up bill pay, transfer money to other banks, and receive direct deposits right away. If someone sends you money through Zelle or another peer-to-peer service, it will land in your account within minutes.
Your physical debit card ships within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can still access your money: withdraw cash at any Bank of America ATM using your account number, visit a branch to withdraw over the counter, or use your account number to set up automatic bill pay for recurring expenses.
Checks take longer. If you order checks through Bank of America during signup, they typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days as well. If you need a check sooner, you can visit a branch and request a counter check, which the teller will write on the spot.
Identity verification and security questions
Bank of America uses two main methods to verify you are who you say you are. The first is a set of security questions based on your credit history — the bank asks about past addresses, previous loans, or accounts you have held. These questions pull from credit bureau records, so you must answer based on what is actually in your credit file, not what you remember.
The second method is a one-time code sent to your phone or email. This is usually faster and more reliable. Bank of America sends a six-digit code that expires in 10 minutes. Enter it correctly, and your identity is confirmed.
If you fail identity verification, Bank of America will tell you why — usually because the answers do not match the credit file, or the code expired. You can try again, but repeated failures may require you to visit a branch in person with your ID to complete the account opening.
Minimum deposit and account fees
Most Bank of America checking accounts do not require a minimum deposit to open online. However, some account types do have monthly maintenance fees unless you meet certain conditions — such as maintaining a minimum balance, setting up direct deposit, or keeping a linked savings account. The fee typically ranges from $12 to $15 per month, but it is waived if you meet the account's requirements.
When you choose your account type during signup, Bank of America shows the monthly fee and the ways to avoid it. Read this carefully before you submit, because switching account types later requires a call or branch visit.
You can fund the account with $0 if the account type allows it, or deposit money immediately through a linked external bank account, debit card, or wire transfer. The amount you deposit does not have to meet any minimum — even $1 counts.
What happens if verification fails
If Bank of America cannot verify your identity online, the system will tell you to visit a branch in person. Bring your government-issued photo ID and Social Security card or tax return (to verify your Social Security number). A banker will complete the account opening on a branch computer while you are there, and your account will be active by the end of the appointment.
Verification failures usually happen because the information you entered does not match what is in the bank's records or credit bureaus — a misspelled name, an old address still on file, or a Social Security number mismatch. Double-check your entries before you submit. If you know your information has changed recently (you moved, got married, or corrected a credit report error), call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 before you start the online process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Bank of America checking account if I do not have a Social Security number?
No. Bank of America requires a valid Social Security number to open any deposit account. If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, you will need to visit a branch in person and bring additional documentation, such as a passport and proof of address.
How long does it take to open an account online?
The signup process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish. Your account number is issued immediately, and you can use it for transfers and bill pay the same day. Your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
Can I open a second checking account online if I already have one with Bank of America?
Yes. Existing Bank of America customers can open additional accounts online much faster because the bank already has your identity verified. The process typically takes 5 minutes, and you skip most of the security questions.
What if I do not receive my debit card after 10 business days?
Contact Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 or log into your online account and use the message center to report the missing card. The bank can reorder it or issue a replacement. In the meantime, you can withdraw cash at any Bank of America ATM using your account number.
Do I need to make an initial deposit to open the account online?
No. Most Bank of America checking accounts do not require a minimum deposit to open. However, you will need to fund the account eventually to use it. You can deposit $1 or more through a linked external bank account, debit card, or ATM deposit after your account opens.