What you need to open a Bank of America account
You can open a Bank of America checking or savings account in person at a branch, online through their website, or by phone. The bank requires a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit—usually $25 for savings accounts, though some checking accounts have no minimum. You'll also need a current mailing address.
If you're opening online or by phone, you'll need to verify your identity through their system, which typically takes a few minutes. In-person applications at a branch are the fastest route if you want to walk out with a debit card the same day.
Key Takeaways
- You need a government photo ID, Social Security number, and current address to open any Bank of America account.
- Online account opening takes 10 to 15 minutes and you can fund the account immediately from another bank or with a debit card.
- In-person applications at a branch let you receive a debit card on the spot, though you may wait 7 to 10 business days for it to arrive by mail.
- Bank of America checks your banking history through ChexSystems; if you have unpaid overdrafts or fraud flags at other banks, you may be denied.
- Monthly maintenance fees range from $0 to $15 depending on the account type and whether you meet balance or direct deposit requirements.
Opening an account online
Go to bankofamerica.com and select "Open an Account." Choose whether you want a checking or savings account—Bank of America offers several versions of each, with different features and fee structures. The most common option is the Bank of America Advantage Checking, which has no monthly fee if you maintain a $1,500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit.
You'll enter your personal information, Social Security number, and ID details. Bank of America will verify your identity electronically, usually within minutes. Once approved, you can fund the account immediately by transferring money from another bank account (using routing and account numbers) or by debit card. Your account opens the same day, though a physical debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
Opening an account at a branch
Find your nearest Bank of America branch using their branch locator on their website or by calling 1-800-432-1000. Walk in during business hours with your ID, Social Security number, and proof of address (a utility bill or lease works). A banker will walk you through the application, which takes 15 to 20 minutes.
You can receive a temporary debit card to use immediately, though the permanent card arrives by mail. If you bring cash or a check for the initial deposit, the account funds right away. Some branches offer expedited card delivery for an extra fee, but standard delivery is included.
Understanding Bank of America's account types
Bank of America Advantage Checking has no monthly fee if you keep $1,500 in the account or receive direct deposits. Without either, the fee is $12 per month. This account includes online banking, mobile app access, and a debit card with fraud protection.
Bank of America Advantage Plus Checking costs $15 per month but waives the fee if you maintain a $2,500 balance or set up direct deposit. It includes overdraft protection and higher daily ATM withdrawal limits. Savings accounts start at Bank of America Advantage Savings, which charges $5 per month unless you keep $500 or more in the account.
Bank of America also offers student checking (free for students under 25 with a .edu email) and senior checking (free for customers 65 and older). Compare the full list on their website to find the account that matches your balance and deposit habits.
What happens if Bank of America denies your application
Bank of America uses ChexSystems, a banking history database, to screen new customers. If you have unpaid overdraft fees, fraud flags, or closed accounts with negative balances at other banks, you may be denied. The bank will send you a notice explaining the reason.
You can request your ChexSystems report for free at chexsystems.com to see what information they have on file. If there are errors, you can dispute them directly with ChexSystems. If the denial is due to unpaid fees at another bank, paying those fees and waiting 30 to 60 days sometimes allows you to reapply successfully. Some people denied at Bank of America open accounts at credit unions or online banks with less strict screening instead.
Setting up direct deposit and online banking
Once your account is open, you can set up direct deposit by giving your employer or benefits administrator your Bank of America account number and routing number (1121-0330 for most regions, though this varies). Direct deposit typically takes one to two pay periods to activate. Once it's running, it waives the monthly maintenance fee on most checking accounts.
Online banking and the mobile app are free and activate automatically when you open your account. You can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, send money to other people, and monitor your balance 24/7. Set up alerts for low balances, large transactions, or overdrafts so you catch problems early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Bank of America account if I don't have a Social Security number?
No. Bank of America requires a Social Security number for all account holders. If you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead, you may be able to open an account at some branches, but policies vary by location—call ahead to confirm.
How long does it take to get my debit card?
Standard delivery is 7 to 10 business days. If you open an account in person at a branch, you can receive a temporary card to use immediately. Some branches offer expedited delivery for a fee, usually $5 to $10, which cuts the time to 2 to 3 business days.
What if I don't have a minimum balance—will I be charged a fee?
Yes, unless you meet one of the fee waivers. Most Bank of America checking accounts charge $12 per month if you don't maintain the required balance or set up direct deposit. Savings accounts charge $5 per month without a minimum balance. Student and senior accounts are free regardless of balance.
Can I open an account for someone else?
No. The account holder must be present and provide their own ID and Social Security number. Parents can open custodial accounts for minors, but the minor's information is still required. Contact your local branch for details on youth accounts.
What should I do if my account is denied?
Request your ChexSystems report to see why you were denied. If there are errors, dispute them with ChexSystems. If the denial is due to unpaid fees at another bank, pay those fees and wait 30 to 60 days before reapplying. You can also explore accounts at credit unions or online banks, which often have less strict screening.