What you need to start a Bank of America account

You can open a Bank of America account online, by phone, or in person at a branch. The fastest route is online, which takes about 10 minutes. You will need a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and an initial deposit — usually $25 for a checking account, though some account types have no minimum.

Bank of America checks your banking history through ChexSystems, a system that tracks closed accounts and fraud. If you have been flagged there, you may not be able to open an account, or you may need to wait a set period before trying again. You can request your ChexSystems report for free at chexsystems.com if you want to know your status beforehand.

You will also need a current mailing address and a phone number. If you are opening online, you will need a debit card or credit card to make the initial deposit, or you can transfer money from another bank account.

Key Takeaways

  • Online account opening takes about 10 minutes and requires a valid ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit of at least $25.
  • Bank of America uses ChexSystems to check your banking history, and a negative mark there can block you from opening an account.
  • You can fund your new account with a debit card, credit card, or transfer from another bank during the online process.
  • Once your account is open, you can order a debit card in person at a branch or request one by mail, which takes 7 to 10 business days.

Opening an account online

Go to bankofamerica.com and select "Open an Account." You will choose the account type first — Bank of America offers checking, savings, and money market accounts. The most common choice is a checking account paired with a savings account. Select the account type and answer questions about your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and Social Security number.

Next, you will verify your identity. Bank of America will ask you to answer security questions based on your credit history, or you can upload a photo of your ID. This step usually takes a few minutes. Once verified, you will set up online banking credentials — a username and password — and choose a security method (text message, email, or security questions).

Then you will fund the account. You can use a debit card, credit card, or transfer from another bank. Enter the card or account details and the amount you want to deposit. Bank of America will process the deposit immediately for card transfers, though it may take one to two business days for transfers from another bank to show in your account.

You will receive a confirmation email with your account number and routing number. Your debit card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can use your account online or through the Bank of America mobile app to transfer money, pay bills, or set up direct deposit.

Opening an account at a branch

Visit a Bank of America branch with your ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit. Bring a check from another account, cash, or a debit card to fund the account. A banker will walk you through the account setup, answer questions about account features, and help you choose which accounts to open.

The in-person process takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will sign documents and receive a temporary debit card on the spot if you open a checking account. Your permanent card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You will also receive your account number and routing number immediately, so you can set up direct deposit or bill pay the same day.

Opening in person is useful if you want to ask questions about account features, overdraft protection, or monthly fees before committing. It also avoids any delays with identity verification that can sometimes happen online.

Account types and monthly fees

Bank of America offers several checking and savings account types, each with different monthly maintenance fees. The most common is the Advantage Checking account, which has a $12 monthly fee but waives it if you maintain a $1,500 minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or use a Bank of America credit card.

Advantage Plus Checking has a $15 monthly fee and includes overdraft protection and higher balance thresholds. Advantage Savings has a $5 monthly fee, waived if you keep $300 or more in the account. Money Market accounts have higher minimum balances and monthly fees but pay higher interest rates on your balance.

If you want to avoid monthly fees entirely, look for the eChecking account, which has no monthly maintenance fee and no minimum balance requirement. However, it does not include a debit card — you can only access funds through online transfers, bill pay, or ATM withdrawals using your account number.

What happens after you open your account

Once your account is open, you can log into Online Banking or the Bank of America mobile app immediately. You can transfer money between your accounts, pay bills, send money to other people, and set up direct deposit right away. Your routing number is 026009593 for all Bank of America checking and savings accounts.

Your debit card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. When it arrives, you will need to activate it before you can use it. You can activate it through the app, by calling 1-800-432-1000, or by making a purchase and entering your PIN at an ATM or store.

Bank of America offers overdraft protection, which you can set up to link your checking account to your savings account. If you overdraw your checking account, the bank will automatically transfer money from savings to cover it, usually for a $12 fee per transfer. You can turn this on or off in Online Banking settings.

If you cannot open an account online

If your online application is declined, the most common reason is a ChexSystems flag. Bank of America will send you a letter explaining why you were declined. You can dispute the information in your ChexSystems report by contacting ChexSystems directly at 1-800-428-9623 or chexsystems.com.

If you were declined because of unpaid overdrafts or fraud at another bank, you may need to wait a set period — usually one to five years depending on the reason — before Bank of America will open an account for you. Some people in this situation can open a second-chance checking account at a different bank and rebuild their banking history, then apply to Bank of America later.

If you want to try again, visit a branch in person. Branch staff sometimes have more flexibility than the online system, especially if you can explain the situation and show that you have resolved the underlying issue (paid off overdrafts, for example).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a minimum deposit to open a Bank of America account?

Most Bank of America checking accounts require a $25 minimum deposit to open. Some savings and money market accounts have higher minimums, ranging from $100 to $2,500. The eChecking account has no minimum deposit requirement. You can fund the account with a debit card, credit card, or transfer from another bank.

How long does it take to open a Bank of America account?

Online account opening takes about 10 minutes from start to finish. In-person opening at a branch takes 15 to 30 minutes. Your debit card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use your account online or through the app immediately after opening.

Can I open a Bank of America account if I have had problems with another bank?

It depends on what the problem was. Bank of America checks ChexSystems, which tracks unpaid overdrafts, fraud, and closed accounts. If you have a recent flag, you may be declined. Visiting a branch in person sometimes works when the online application does not, especially if you can explain the situation and show you have resolved it.

What is the routing number for Bank of America?

The routing number for all Bank of America checking and savings accounts is 026009593. You will need this number to set up direct deposit, receive wire transfers, or pay bills through other services. Your account number appears on your debit card and in Online Banking.

Can I open a Bank of America account without a Social Security number?

No. Bank of America requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open any account. This is a federal requirement for all U.S. banks. If you have an ITIN, you can use that instead of a Social Security number.