You can open a Bank of America checking or savings account in about 10 minutes online, or in person at a branch with an ID and initial deposit

Bank of America lets you start an account through their website, mobile app, or by walking into a branch. The online route is fastest — you answer questions about yourself, verify your identity, and fund the account, often the same day. In-person takes longer but gives you a chance to ask questions and get a debit card immediately. Either way, you need a valid government ID, a Social Security number or ITIN, and money to deposit.

The account opens before you leave (or before you close the browser), but your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can use your account number to set up direct deposit or transfers right away, even while you wait for the physical card.

Key Takeaways

  • Online account opening takes 10 minutes and requires a valid ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and an initial deposit of at least $25 for most accounts.
  • Bank of America offers checking accounts, savings accounts, and money market accounts, each with different monthly fees and minimum balance requirements.
  • Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days, but you can use your account number for direct deposit or transfers immediately after opening.
  • If you open in person at a branch, bring your ID, proof of address, and your initial deposit, and you can walk out with a temporary debit card the same day.

What you need before you start

Have your government-issued ID ready — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Bank of America will ask to see it, either by uploading a photo during online signup or by showing it in person. You also need your Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number).

Decide how much to deposit to open the account. Most Bank of America checking and savings accounts require a minimum opening deposit of $25, though some accounts have higher minimums. You can fund the account with a debit card, credit card, or by transferring money from another bank account. If you open in person, you can also deposit cash.

Have your address ready. Bank of America will ask for your current mailing address and may ask for a phone number and email. If you're opening online, they may send a verification code to your phone or email to confirm your identity.

Opening an account online through Bank of America's website

Go to bankofamerica.com and look for the "Open an Account" button, usually near the top of the page. Click it and choose the type of account you want — checking, savings, or money market. Bank of America will walk you through a series of questions about your personal information, employment status, and annual income. Answer honestly; they use this information for fraud prevention and to comply with banking regulations.

When prompted, upload a photo of your ID using your phone or computer camera. Bank of America's system reads the ID automatically and checks that it matches the information you entered. If the photo is blurry or the ID is expired, you may be asked to try again or to verify your identity by phone instead.

Next, choose your initial deposit method. If you use a debit card or credit card, enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV. If you transfer from another bank account, provide the routing number and account number. Bank of America will process the deposit immediately or within one business day, depending on the method.

Review the account terms and disclosures, then sign electronically. Your account opens right away. Bank of America will send you a confirmation email with your account number, routing number, and temporary online access details. Your physical debit card ships within 7 to 10 business days.

Opening an account in person at a Bank of America branch

Find your nearest branch on bankofamerica.com or in the mobile app, then visit during business hours. Bring your government-issued ID, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement), and your initial deposit. You can deposit cash, a check, or use a debit card to fund the account.

Tell the employee you want to open a new account and which type — checking, savings, or money market. They will ask the same questions as the online form: your name, address, Social Security number, employment status, and annual income. They may also ask about the source of your initial deposit if it's a large amount, as part of anti-money-laundering compliance.

The employee will verify your ID, process your deposit, and print out your account details. Many branches can issue you a temporary debit card on the spot, which you can use immediately at ATMs and in stores. Your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Account types and their costs

Bank of America's most common checking account is the Checking Account, which has a $12 monthly maintenance fee that is waived if you maintain a $1,500 minimum daily balance, set up direct deposit, or have a linked Bank of America savings account with a $500 balance. If none of those apply, you pay the fee every month.

The Advantage Checking Account has the same $12 monthly fee but waives it if you maintain a $2,000 minimum daily balance or have a linked savings account with a $500 balance. This account is designed for people who keep more money in the bank.

The Savings Account has no monthly fee and earns interest on your balance, though the rate varies based on how much you have in the account and current market conditions. You can make up to six transfers or withdrawals per month before Bank of America charges a fee.

The Money Market Account combines features of checking and savings — you can write checks and use a debit card, but you also earn interest. It has a higher minimum balance requirement (usually $2,500) and a monthly fee if you fall below that minimum.

What happens after your account opens

Your account is live immediately, and you can log in online or through the mobile app to see your account number and routing number. Use these to set up direct deposit with your employer, or to transfer money from another bank account. You can also pay bills through Bank of America's bill pay service or send money to other people through Zelle, which is built into the app.

Your debit card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. When it arrives, you'll need to activate it — Bank of America usually sends a text or email with instructions, or you can activate it in the app. Once activated, you can use it at any ATM or store that accepts Visa.

If you need cash before your debit card arrives, you can withdraw from your account at any Bank of America ATM using your account number and ID, or you can visit a branch and ask a teller to withdraw cash for you.

If your application is declined or delayed

Bank of America may decline your application if you have a history of fraud, unpaid overdrafts at other banks, or if you're listed on ChexSystems (a banking history report). If your application is declined, Bank of America will send you a letter explaining why. You can dispute the information on your ChexSystems report by contacting ChexSystems directly at chexsystems.com.

Your application may be delayed if Bank of America cannot verify your identity — for example, if your ID photo is unclear or if your name doesn't match their records exactly. If this happens, a Bank of America representative will call you to resolve it, usually within one business day.

Some people are unable to open a traditional bank account due to their banking history. If that's your situation, Bank of America offers a Second Chance Checking Account for people with prior banking problems. Ask about it at a branch or call 1-800-432-1000.

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 ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. You'll need to open the account in person at a branch and bring your ITIN documentation along with your ID and proof of address. Call 1-800-432-1000 to confirm that your local branch can process ITIN accounts before you visit.

How much money do I need to open an account?

Most Bank of America checking and savings accounts require a minimum opening deposit of $25. Money market accounts usually require $2,500. You can deposit this amount using a debit card, credit card, or transfer from another bank account.

Can I open an account for someone else?

No. The person whose name is on the account must be present (in person) or must complete the online signup themselves. Parents can open custodial accounts for minors, but the minor's name and Social Security number are required. Ask at a branch about youth accounts if you're opening for a child.

What if I want to close my account right after opening it?

You can close your account anytime by visiting a branch, calling 1-800-432-1000, or using the mobile app. If you haven't met the minimum balance requirement or direct deposit condition, you may owe the monthly maintenance fee for that month. Any remaining balance will be returned to you by check or transfer within 5 to 7 business days.

Can I open multiple accounts at the same time?

Yes. You can open a checking account and a savings account in the same session, either online or in person. Having both can help you avoid monthly fees on your checking account if you maintain the required linked savings balance.