You can get a Bank of America debit card by opening a checking account in person, online, or by phone
Bank of America issues a debit card automatically when you open a checking account. You do not need to request it separately. The card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after your account opens. If you already have a Bank of America checking account but never received a debit card, you can request a replacement through your online banking portal or by calling customer service at 1-800-432-1000.
The debit card works immediately for online and phone purchases once it arrives, even before you activate it. You must activate it before using it at an ATM or in a store. Activation takes less than a minute through the Bank of America app, website, or by calling the number on the back of the card.
Key Takeaways
- A debit card comes automatically with any Bank of America checking account; you do not order it separately.
- The card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days and must be activated before ATM or in-store use.
- You can open a checking account online, in person at a branch, or by phone without a minimum deposit at most account types.
- If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, call 1-800-432-1000 to report it and request a replacement.
- Bank of America debit cards include fraud protection that limits your liability if unauthorized charges appear on your account.
Opening a checking account online
The fastest way to get a debit card is to open a checking account through the Bank of America website. Go to bankofamerica.com, select "Open an Account," and choose the checking account type that fits your needs. Most people choose the Basic Checking or Advantage Checking account. You will need a Social Security number, a government-issued ID, and a current mailing address.
The online process takes about 10 minutes. You will provide your name, date of birth, contact information, and employment status. Bank of America will verify your identity using information from credit bureaus and public records. Once approved, your account opens immediately and you can begin using it for transfers and bill pay. Your debit card ships within 7 to 10 business days.
If you want to deposit cash or checks before your card arrives, you can visit a Bank of America branch with your account number and a photo ID. Branches can also issue a temporary card on the spot if you need one urgently, though this is not standard practice and depends on branch availability.
Opening an account in person at a branch
Visit any Bank of America branch with a photo ID and Social Security number. A banker will help you choose an account type and complete the application. Bring a recent utility bill or lease if you have moved within the last 60 days, as Bank of America may ask for proof of address.
Opening in person takes 15 to 30 minutes. Your account opens the same day and you can deposit money immediately. The banker will order your debit card, which arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Some branches can issue a temporary card or expedited card for a fee if you need to make purchases before your permanent card arrives.
Opening an account by phone
Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 to open a checking account over the phone. A representative will walk you through the application and verify your identity using information from credit bureaus. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and a government-issued ID available during the call.
Phone applications take 15 to 20 minutes. Your account opens immediately and your debit card is ordered during the call. It arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can make an initial deposit by transferring money from another bank account or by visiting a branch with your account number.
What happens after your card arrives
When your debit card arrives in the mail, activate it before using it. You can activate through the Bank of America app by selecting "Activate Card," through the website under "Card Services," or by calling the number printed on the back of the card. Activation is instant and takes less than a minute.
Once activated, your card works at any ATM, store, or online merchant that accepts Visa (Bank of America debit cards are Visa cards). You can set up a PIN for ATM withdrawals and in-store purchases. Your PIN is separate from your online banking password. If you forget your PIN, you can reset it through the app or at any ATM.
Bank of America debit cards include zero-liability fraud protection. If someone uses your card without permission, report it to Bank of America immediately. You are not responsible for unauthorized charges if you report them within a reasonable time. The bank investigates and typically removes fraudulent charges from your account within 10 business days.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged card
If your card is lost or stolen, call 1-800-432-1000 immediately to report it. Bank of America will freeze your card right away so no one else can use it. You can also report it through the mobile app by selecting "Card Services" and choosing "Report Lost or Stolen Card." Reporting through the app is faster if you are outside business hours.
A replacement card ships within 7 to 10 business days at no charge. If you need a card sooner, you can pay for expedited shipping (typically $15 to $25) or visit a branch to request a temporary card. Until your replacement arrives, you can still access your money through ATMs using your PIN, through online banking, or by using a temporary card issued at a branch.
If your card is damaged but not lost (bent, cracked, or the chip is not working), you can request a replacement through the app or by calling customer service. Replacement for damage is free and takes the same 7 to 10 business days.
Account types and what they include
Bank of America offers several checking accounts, each with different features and fees. Basic Checking has no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Advantage Checking costs $12 per month but waives the fee if you maintain a $1,500 balance or have direct deposit. Both accounts include a debit card, online banking, mobile banking, and access to over 16,000 ATMs nationwide.
All Bank of America debit cards work the same way regardless of account type. The differences are in monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and account perks like rewards or higher interest rates on savings. Choose the account that matches your banking habits and balance level. You can switch to a different account type later without closing your account or getting a new card.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a Bank of America debit card?
Your card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days after your account opens. If you open your account online, it opens immediately and your card ships the same day. If you open in person or by phone, your account opens the same day and your card ships within 24 hours. You can use your account for online purchases and bill pay before the card arrives.
Can I use my debit card before it arrives?
Yes, you can use your account number for online purchases, bill pay, and transfers as soon as your account opens. You cannot use the physical card at a store or ATM until it arrives and you activate it. If you need to withdraw cash before your card arrives, visit a Bank of America branch with your account number and photo ID.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
Bank of America requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open a checking account. If you do not have either, you may not be able to open an account. Contact your local branch to ask about alternative options, though they are limited.
Do I need a minimum deposit to open a checking account?
No minimum deposit is required to open most Bank of America checking accounts. However, some accounts waive monthly fees only if you maintain a minimum balance (usually $500 to $1,500) or set up direct deposit. You can open an account with $0 and deposit money later, but you may pay a monthly fee if you do not meet the balance or direct deposit requirement.
What if my debit card is declined?
A debit card can be declined for several reasons: insufficient funds, the card is not activated, the card is expired, fraud protection blocked the transaction, or the merchant does not accept Visa. Check your account balance through the app or website. If you have funds, call 1-800-432-1000 to ask why the transaction was declined. If fraud protection blocked it, the bank can remove the block and allow the transaction.