What you need to open a Bank of America account
You can open a Bank of America checking or savings account online, by phone, or in person at a branch. The fastest route is online — it takes about 10 minutes and you can start using the account the same day. You will need a valid government ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and an initial deposit, which varies by account type but is often $0 for online accounts.
Bank of America offers several account types: basic checking, interest-bearing checking, savings, and money market accounts. Each has different monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and interest rates. The account you choose depends on how you plan to use it — whether you need a debit card for everyday spending, want to earn interest on savings, or need overdraft protection.
If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to open the account with you, either online or at a branch. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, though some account types may not be available to you.
Key Takeaways
- You can open an account online in about 10 minutes with a valid ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit.
- Bank of America offers checking, savings, and money market accounts, each with different fees and minimum balance requirements.
- If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must open the account with you.
- You can fund your new account by transferring money from another bank, depositing a check, or making an in-person cash deposit at a branch.
- Your debit card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days if you open online, or immediately if you open in a branch.
Opening an account online
Go to bankofamerica.com and click "Open an Account" or "get your free guide." You will be asked to choose your account type — checking, savings, or money market. The site will then walk you through entering your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number. Have your ID ready so you can verify your information matches what the bank has on file.
Next, you will set up online banking login credentials — a username and password — and choose security questions. Bank of America will ask how you want to fund the account: transfer from another bank, deposit a check by mobile app, or wait to deposit cash in person at a branch. If you transfer from another bank, you will need the routing number and account number from that bank. The transfer typically takes one to three business days.
Once you submit your application, Bank of America will review it and send you a confirmation email. Your account is usually active within a few minutes, though you may not be able to use your debit card until it arrives by mail. If you need cash immediately, you can withdraw from any Bank of America ATM using your temporary digital card, which appears in the mobile app right away.
Opening an account in person at a branch
Bring your valid ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit (cash or a check) to any Bank of America branch. A banker will help you choose your account type and fill out the application. The entire process takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will receive a debit card on the spot, though it may not be activated until you call the number on the back or activate it online.
Opening in person is useful if you want to ask questions about account features, overdraft protection, or which account type fits your needs. It is also the fastest way to get a working debit card the same day. If you do not have an initial deposit with you, the banker can still open the account, and you can fund it later by transfer or check deposit.
Account types and their costs
Bank of America's most common checking account is the Checking Account, which has no monthly maintenance fee if you maintain a $500 minimum daily balance or set up direct deposit. If your balance falls below $500 and you do not have direct deposit, the monthly fee is $12. This account includes a debit card, online banking, and access to over 16,000 ATMs nationwide.
The Interest Checking Account earns a small amount of interest on your balance but has a higher minimum balance requirement — typically $2,500 — and a $25 monthly fee if you do not meet it. This account is worth considering only if you keep a large balance and want to earn interest.
The Savings Account has no monthly fee and earns interest on your balance. There is no minimum balance requirement to open, though interest rates are low — typically well under 1% per year. The Money Market Account combines checking and savings features, earns higher interest than a regular savings account, and includes a debit card, but requires a higher minimum balance (often $2,500) and charges a monthly fee if you fall below it.
Bank of America also offers SafeBalance Banking, designed for people who have had banking problems in the past. It has no overdraft fees, no minimum balance, and a $4.95 monthly fee. This account does not earn interest and has limited ATM access, but it prevents the spiral of overdraft charges that can trap people in debt.
Funding your account and getting your debit card
After you open your account, you need to deposit money to use it. If you opened online, you can transfer money from another bank account — this takes one to three business days. You can also deposit a check using the Bank of America mobile app: photograph the front and back of the check, and it will be deposited within one to two business days. If you opened in person, you can deposit cash or a check immediately.
Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you opened online. If you opened in a branch, you receive it immediately. Until your physical card arrives, you can use a temporary digital card in the mobile app to make purchases online or in stores using your phone. You can also withdraw cash from any Bank of America ATM using your temporary card.
When your physical debit card arrives, activate it by calling the number on the back or logging into your online banking account. You will be asked to verify your identity and set a PIN (personal identification number) for ATM withdrawals. Your card is then ready to use.
What happens after you open your account
Once your account is open and funded, you can set up direct deposit, schedule bill payments, transfer money between accounts, and use your debit card to make purchases. Bank of America offers free online banking and a mobile app that lets you check your balance, deposit checks, transfer money, and pay bills from your phone.
If you have questions about your account after opening, you can contact Bank of America by phone (1-800-432-1000), through the mobile app, by visiting a branch, or through online chat on their website. You can also set up alerts to notify you when your balance drops below a certain amount, when a large transaction occurs, or when your monthly statement is ready.
Keep in mind that if you do not meet the minimum balance requirement for your account type, you will be charged a monthly maintenance fee. You can avoid this by setting up direct deposit, maintaining the required balance, or switching to an account type with no minimum balance requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Bank of America account without a Social Security number?
Yes, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. However, some account types and features may not be available to you. Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 to ask which accounts you can open with an ITIN.
How much money do I need to open an account?
Many Bank of America accounts require no minimum deposit to open online. If you open in person, the banker may ask for a small deposit to fund the account, but this varies by location. You can always open the account and fund it later.
What if I do not have a valid ID?
You will need a government-issued ID to open an account — a driver's license, passport, or state ID. If you do not have one, visit your state's DMV or passport office to obtain an ID before opening your Bank of America account.
Can I open an account for someone else?
No, you cannot open an account in someone else's name. If you want to manage an account for a minor, you must open it as a joint account with yourself as the parent or guardian. If you want to manage an adult's account, they must authorize you as a power of attorney, which requires a separate legal document.
How long does it take to open an account and start using it?
Online accounts are active within minutes, and you can use a temporary digital card immediately. Your physical debit card arrives within 7 to 10 business days. In-person accounts are active immediately, and you receive a debit card on the spot.