You can open a Bank of America checking or savings account in about 10 minutes online, or visit a branch in person with an ID and Social Security number.
Bank of America offers two main routes: online through their website or mobile app, or by walking into a branch with identification. The online path is faster and works any time of day. The in-person path lets you ask questions and sometimes get a debit card on the spot. Both require you to be at least 18 years old, have a valid government ID, and provide your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
The account opens immediately online if you pass their verification checks. In-person accounts typically open the same day. You'll need to fund the account with an opening deposit—the minimum varies by account type, but many checking accounts have no minimum. After opening, you can use your account to receive direct deposits, pay bills, transfer money, and withdraw cash from Bank of America ATMs and partner networks.
Key Takeaways
- Online account opening takes 10 minutes and requires a valid ID, Social Security number, and an email address you can access immediately.
- You'll need to make an opening deposit, though many Bank of America checking accounts have no minimum deposit requirement.
- In-person opening at a branch lets you ask questions and sometimes receive a debit card immediately, but requires a visit during business hours.
- Bank of America verifies your identity during signup, which may include checking your credit report and banking history.
- After opening, you can set up direct deposit, mobile banking, and bill pay within the same session.
Opening an Account Online
Go to bankofamerica.com or open the Bank of America mobile app and select "Open an Account" or "New Customer." You'll be asked to choose your account type—most people start with a checking account, but you can also open a savings account or money market account. The site will ask for your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number or ITIN.
Bank of America will verify your identity by asking questions about your credit history or previous accounts. This is automated and takes a few minutes. If you pass verification, the account opens immediately and you'll see your account number and routing number on screen. You can then link an external bank account to make your opening deposit, or use a debit card to fund the account. Some customers can also deposit a check using mobile check deposit once the account is active.
After funding, you'll receive a debit card by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can request expedited shipping for a fee, or use a temporary digital card in the app to make purchases right away. Set up online banking, mobile app login, and bill pay during this session—you won't have to do it later.
Opening an Account In Person at a Branch
Find your nearest Bank of America branch using their branch locator on bankofamerica.com. Bring a valid government ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and your Social Security number or ITIN. You can walk in during business hours without an appointment, though calling ahead can reduce wait time during busy periods.
A banker will ask the same questions as the online form and verify your identity. They'll show you the account options and help you choose based on your needs. You'll make your opening deposit at the counter—by cash, check, or transfer from another account. The account opens on the spot, and you'll receive a temporary debit card or be told when your card will arrive by mail.
In-person opening is useful if you want to ask about account features, overdraft protection, or linked savings accounts before committing. Some branches can issue a debit card immediately, though this varies by location. Ask the banker when you arrive.
What You Need to Bring and Provide
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid ID | Driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID. Must not be expired. |
| Social Security Number or ITIN | Required for identity verification and tax reporting. Bank of America will not open an account without it. |
| Email Address | You must be able to access it immediately during online signup to verify your account. |
| Opening Deposit | Amount varies by account type. Many checking accounts have no minimum. You can deposit cash, check, or transfer from another bank. |
| Age | You must be at least 18 years old. Minors can open accounts with a parent or guardian. |
Account Types and Minimum Deposits
Bank of America offers several checking and savings accounts, each with different features and minimum deposit requirements. Their basic checking account (often called "Checking" or "Core Checking") typically has no minimum opening deposit and no monthly fee if you receive direct deposit or maintain a minimum balance. If you don't meet those conditions, a small monthly fee may apply.
Premium checking accounts like "Preferred Rewards" require higher balances or regular deposits but offer benefits like higher interest rates, fee waivers, and cash back on debit card purchases. Savings accounts and money market accounts usually require a minimum opening deposit of $100 to $2,500, depending on the product. Ask the banker or check the website for current requirements, as these change periodically.
If you're opening your first account and want to avoid fees, ask about their basic checking option and whether you can set up direct deposit immediately. Direct deposit is the easiest way to meet the requirements that waive monthly fees.
Identity Verification and What Happens Next
Bank of America uses automated systems to verify your identity during signup. They check your Social Security number against government records, review your credit history, and may look at your banking history with other institutions. This process is called "Know Your Customer" (KYC) verification and is required by federal law for all banks.
Most people pass verification instantly. If Bank of America cannot verify you automatically, they may ask you to provide additional documents—a utility bill, lease, or recent tax return to confirm your address. They'll email you instructions on how to upload these documents. Verification usually completes within one business day once you submit the documents.
In rare cases, Bank of America may decline to open an account if they cannot verify your identity or if your Social Security number appears on a government fraud list. If this happens, they'll tell you the reason and may allow you to reapply after a waiting period.
Setting Up Your Account After Opening
Once your account is open, log into online banking or the mobile app to set up additional features. Link an external bank account for transfers and bill pay. Enable mobile check deposit so you can photograph checks and deposit them from your phone. Set up direct deposit by providing your employer with your new Bank of America account number and routing number (26009593 for most Bank of America accounts).
Consider enabling alerts for low balances, large transactions, or failed transfers. These notifications help you catch fraud or mistakes early. You can also set up automatic transfers to a savings account if you want to save a fixed amount each month. All of these features are free and take a few minutes to configure.
Your debit card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can activate it in the app or by calling the number on the back of the card. If you need cash before the card arrives, visit a Bank of America ATM or branch and withdraw from your new account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Bank of America account if I don't have a Social Security number?
Yes, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bank of America requires one or the other for tax reporting and identity verification. If you have an ITIN, provide it during signup the same way you would a Social Security number.
How long does it take to receive my debit card?
Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. Bank of America offers expedited shipping for a fee (usually $10 to $15) if you need the card faster. You can also use a temporary digital card in the mobile app to make purchases immediately while you wait for the physical card.
What if Bank of America cannot verify my identity online?
They'll email you asking for additional documents like a utility bill, lease agreement, or tax return to confirm your address. Upload these documents through the link they provide, and verification usually completes within one business day. If you prefer not to submit documents online, you can visit a branch in person instead.
Do I have to make a deposit when I open the account?
Yes, Bank of America requires an opening deposit to activate the account. The minimum amount depends on the account type—many checking accounts accept deposits as low as $1, while some savings accounts require $100 or more. Check the specific account details before opening to see the minimum for your chosen account.
Can I open an account for someone else or as a minor?
Minors (under 18) can open accounts with a parent or guardian present. The adult must provide their own ID and Social Security number as well. Bank of America offers youth checking accounts with parental controls. Adults cannot open accounts for other adults—each person must open their own account with their own ID and Social Security number.