Yes, you can open a Bank of America checking account online, by phone, or in a branch

Bank of America offers several checking account products, and the path to opening one depends on whether you already have a relationship with the bank and which account type fits your needs. You can start the process entirely online without visiting a branch, though you will need to verify your identity and provide banking information before the account becomes active.

The bank requires a Social Security number, a government-issued ID, and an initial deposit to open most checking accounts. If you do not have a Social Security number, Bank of America offers accounts for non-U.S. citizens with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), though availability varies by state and branch.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America checking accounts can be opened online, by phone at 1-800-432-1000, or in person at any branch without an appointment.
  • You will need a government-issued ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and an initial deposit amount that varies by account type.
  • The online application takes about 10 minutes, but the account will not be fully active until Bank of America verifies your identity, which usually happens within one business day.
  • Bank of America offers multiple checking account types with different monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and features—compare them before you choose.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must open a student checking account with you, either online or at a branch.

Which Bank of America checking account types are available

Bank of America offers three main checking accounts for personal use: Advantage SafeBalance Banking, Advantage Plus Checking, and Advantage Preferred Checking. Each has different monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and features. SafeBalance Banking is designed for customers who want to avoid overdraft fees; Advantage Plus is the standard option; Advantage Preferred offers higher interest rates and fee waivers if you maintain a larger balance or set up direct deposit.

The bank also offers Student Checking for customers under 18, which typically has no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement. If you are opening a student account, a parent or guardian must be a joint owner on the account.

Review the current terms for each account on Bank of America's website or ask at a branch, because monthly fees, minimum balance thresholds, and interest rates change periodically. The account that costs you the least depends on how much you plan to keep in the account and whether you can set up direct deposit.

What you need to open an account online

To open a checking account through Bank of America's website, gather these items before you start: a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and your current address. You will also need to decide on an initial deposit amount and have a way to fund it—either a debit card, another bank account, or a wire transfer.

The online application asks for your personal information, employment status, and the type of account you want. Bank of America will ask you to verify your identity during the application, which may involve answering security questions based on your credit history. This step usually takes a few minutes.

After you submit the application, Bank of America sends a confirmation email. Your account number appears immediately, but you cannot use the account to make transactions until the bank completes its identity verification process, which typically happens within one business day. If the bank needs additional information, it will contact you by phone or email.

Opening an account by phone or in person

You can call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 to open a checking account over the phone. A representative will walk you through the same information as the online form and can answer questions about which account type suits your needs. Phone applications take longer than online ones—usually 20 to 30 minutes—but some people prefer speaking to someone directly.

To open an account in a Bank of America branch, bring your government-issued ID, Social Security number, and your initial deposit. You do not need an appointment; walk-ins are accepted during branch hours. A banker will complete the application with you, verify your identity on the spot, and your account is usually active the same day. This is the fastest route if you want to start using your account immediately.

Branch hours vary by location. Use the Bank of America branch locator on their website to find the nearest branch and confirm its hours before you go.

Initial deposit requirements and funding options

Bank of America requires an initial deposit to open most checking accounts, though the minimum amount varies by account type. SafeBalance Banking typically requires $25; Advantage Plus and Advantage Preferred may require $100 or more. Check the current minimums on the Bank of America website or ask when you apply, because these amounts can change.

You can fund your initial deposit using a debit card from another bank, a transfer from an existing Bank of America account, or a wire transfer. If you are opening the account online, you will enter this information during the application. If you are opening in person, you can hand the banker a debit card or provide account details for a transfer. The deposit usually posts within one to two business days.

Timeline from application to first use

If you open your account online or by phone, expect one business day before you can use it. Bank of America completes identity verification overnight in most cases, and you receive a confirmation email when the account is ready. You can then set up online banking, request a debit card, and make transfers.

Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can withdraw cash at any Bank of America ATM using your online banking login, or visit a branch to withdraw from your new account. You can also set up bill pay and transfers through online banking immediately after the account is active.

If you open the account in person at a branch, you walk out with your account active the same day. The banker can issue a temporary debit card or provide your account number so you can start using the account right away.

What happens if your application is denied or delayed

Bank of America may deny your application if you have a history of fraud, unpaid overdrafts, or other issues in the ChexSystems database—a system banks use to check account history. If your application is denied, the bank will send you a notice explaining the reason and how to contact ChexSystems to dispute any errors in your file.

Your application may be delayed if Bank of America cannot verify your identity through its automated system. This happens sometimes with people who have limited credit history, recent address changes, or names that match many other people in the system. If this occurs, the bank will contact you by phone or email and may ask for additional documents like a utility bill or recent tax return. Providing these documents usually resolves the delay within a few business days.

If you are denied and believe it is an error, you can visit a branch in person with your ID and ask a banker to review your application manually. Some applications that fail online approval succeed with in-person verification.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Bank of America accepts applicants with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number. Availability varies by state and branch, so call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch to confirm whether ITIN accounts are offered in your area.

Can I open a checking account if I am under 18?

Yes, through Bank of America's Student Checking account. A parent or guardian must be a joint owner on the account. You can open it online together, by phone, or in person at a branch. The parent or guardian will need to provide their ID and Social Security number as well.

What if I do not have a government-issued ID?

Bank of America requires a government-issued photo ID to open an account. If you do not have one, visit your state's DMV to apply for a state ID card, which is different from a driver's license and does not require you to pass a driving test. Bring this ID to a Bank of America branch to open your account in person.

How long does it take to receive my debit card?

Debit cards arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after your account is active. You can withdraw cash at Bank of America ATMs or branches using your online banking login while you wait. If you need a card faster, some branches can issue a temporary card in person.

Can I open multiple checking accounts at Bank of America?

Yes. Bank of America allows you to open more than one checking account as long as each account meets the bank's requirements. This can be useful if you want to separate spending categories or maintain different account types. Each account has its own monthly fee structure.