Yes, you can open most Bank of America accounts entirely online

Bank of America lets you open a checking or savings account from your computer or phone without visiting a branch. The process takes about 10 minutes and requires a valid government ID, a Social Security number, and an initial deposit (which varies by account type). You will need an email address and a phone number where Bank of America can reach you during the setup.

Not every account type is available online. Money Market accounts and some specialty products still require a branch visit or a phone call to a banker. If you are opening an account for a minor, you will need to go to a branch in person with the child and their birth certificate or passport.

Key Takeaways

  • Most checking and savings accounts open online in about 10 minutes using your ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit.
  • You will need a valid government ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of your Social Security number to complete the process.
  • Bank of America will verify your identity by asking questions about your credit history or by sending a verification code to your phone or email.
  • Your account becomes active immediately after approval, though it may take one to two business days for your debit card to arrive by mail.
  • If you cannot open an account online, you can call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a local branch to speak with a banker about other options.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you begin the online application. You will need a valid government-issued ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Bank of America will ask you to enter the ID number and expiration date during the application. If your ID is expired, you may not be able to complete the process online; call the number above to ask about alternatives.

You also need your Social Security number and a way to verify your identity. Bank of America typically does this by asking security questions about your credit history (like the amount of a past loan or the name of a creditor) or by sending a one-time code to your phone or email. Have your phone and email ready.

Finally, you will need an initial deposit. The amount depends on the account type. Checking accounts often require $25 to $100; savings accounts may require $25. You can fund the account with a debit card, another bank account, or a wire transfer during the application process.

The step-by-step process

Go to bankofamerica.com and click "Open an Account" or "Open Checking." Bank of America will ask you to choose the account type—Advantage Checking, Preferred Checking, or a savings account are the most common online options. Select the one that fits your needs.

Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. Bank of America will ask whether you are a U.S. citizen and whether you have an existing Bank of America account. Answer honestly; if you already have an account, the system may offer you options to link or upgrade instead of opening a new one.

Next, enter your government ID number and expiration date. Bank of America will verify this information in real time. If the verification fails, you will see a message telling you to call or visit a branch.

Bank of America will then ask security questions to verify your identity. These questions are based on your credit history and may ask about past loans, credit cards, or addresses where you have lived. Answer as accurately as you can. If you answer incorrectly, you may be asked to verify your identity another way—usually by receiving a code via text or email.

Once identity verification is complete, you will choose your initial deposit method. You can link a debit card, enter another bank account number (routing number and account number), or arrange a wire transfer. The deposit will be processed immediately or within one business day depending on the method.

Review the account terms and disclosures, then sign electronically. Your account is now open. You will receive a confirmation email with your account number and routing number. Your debit card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

When you cannot open an account online

Some situations require a phone call or branch visit. If you are under 18, you cannot open an account online; a parent or guardian must go to a branch with you and your birth certificate or passport. If you do not have a government ID, you will need to visit a branch with alternative documents like a passport card, tribal ID, or military ID.

If you are opening a Money Market account or a specialized product like a CDs (certificates of deposit), you may need to call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch. If your identity verification fails during the online process, the system will direct you to call or visit a branch to complete the account opening with a banker.

If you are not a U.S. citizen or do not have a Social Security number, you may still be able to open an account, but you will need to visit a branch or call to discuss your options. Bank of America can sometimes use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.

What happens after your account opens

Your account is active immediately after approval, and you can use it right away. Bank of America will send you a temporary debit card number via email or text that you can use for online purchases before your physical card arrives. Your physical debit card will be mailed to the address you provided and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

You can log into your account online or through the Bank of America mobile app as soon as the account is open. Set up online banking and mobile banking during the application or shortly after. You can also set up direct deposit, bill pay, and transfers to other accounts once you are logged in.

If you need to deposit cash or checks before your debit card arrives, you can visit any Bank of America branch or use an ATM. If you do not have a debit card yet, ask a teller at the branch to help you deposit.

Fees and account requirements

Bank of America charges a monthly maintenance fee on most checking accounts, though the fee is waived if you meet certain requirements. For Advantage Checking, the fee is waived if you maintain a minimum daily balance, set up direct deposit, or use online statements. For Preferred Checking, the requirements are higher. Savings accounts typically have no monthly fee.

Some accounts have minimum balance requirements. If your balance falls below the minimum, you may be charged a fee or lose certain benefits like ATM fee reimbursement. Read the account terms carefully during the application to understand what applies to your account.

Bank of America does not charge fees for most basic transactions like transfers, bill pay, or ATM withdrawals at Bank of America machines. However, using an out-of-network ATM may result in a fee from both Bank of America and the ATM operator.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to open an account online?

The application itself takes about 10 minutes. Identity verification happens in real time, so your account is usually approved within minutes. You will receive a confirmation email immediately, and your account is active right away. Your physical debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Can I open an account if I have had problems with another bank?

Bank of America checks ChexSystems, a banking history database, during the application. If you have unpaid overdrafts, fraud disputes, or other issues on your record, your application may be denied. If this happens, call 1-800-432-1000 to ask about second-chance checking options or to discuss your specific situation with a banker.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You may be able to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch to ask whether you can open an account with an ITIN and what documents you will need to bring.

Can I open a joint account online?

No. Joint accounts require both account holders to be present or to complete separate verification steps. You will need to visit a branch or call a banker to set up a joint account. Both people must provide ID and Social Security numbers.

What if my online application is denied?

Bank of America will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include identity verification failure, ChexSystems issues, or incomplete information. Call 1-800-432-1000 to ask what went wrong and whether you can reapply or visit a branch to open an account in person.