What you need to open a Bank of America account
Bank of America requires a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit to open a checking or savings account. You can open an account online in about 10 minutes, or walk into a branch and complete it in person. The minimum opening deposit varies by account type—some accounts require $25, others $100 or more—but Bank of America frequently waives this requirement during promotional periods.
If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bank of America will also ask for your contact information: a current address, phone number, and email. If you are opening an account online, you will need to verify your identity by uploading a photo of your ID or answering security questions based on your credit history.
You do not need to have an existing Bank of America account or be a current customer. Anyone 18 or older can open an account, though minors can open accounts with a parent or guardian present.
Key Takeaways
- You need a government photo ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and an initial deposit (though this is often waived during promotions).
- Online account opening takes about 10 minutes and requires you to verify your identity through photo upload or security questions.
- In-branch opening is faster for identity verification but requires a trip to a physical location during business hours.
- Your account is typically active within one business day of opening, and you can use your debit card immediately for online purchases.
- Bank of America offers multiple account types with different features and fee structures, so compare before deciding which one fits your needs.
Opening an account online through Bank of America's website
Start at bankofamerica.com and click "Open an Account" at the top of the page. You will be asked to choose your account type: checking, savings, or money market. Bank of America's most common checking account is the Advantage SafePass Checking, which has no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit. If you do not meet those requirements, the account carries a $12 monthly maintenance fee.
After selecting your account type, enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number or ITIN. Bank of America will then ask you to create a username and password for your online banking login. Next, you will verify your identity. If Bank of America recognizes your information from existing credit records, you may be asked security questions about your credit history—for example, "Which of these addresses have you lived at?" If this verification method is not available, you will be prompted to upload a photo of your government ID using your phone or computer camera.
Once your identity is verified, you will choose your initial deposit method. You can link an external bank account and transfer money, use a debit card, or wire funds. After you submit your deposit, your account is usually active within one business day. You will receive a temporary debit card number immediately for online purchases, and a physical card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Opening an account in person at a Bank of America branch
Bring your government photo ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and your initial deposit (cash, check, or debit card) to any Bank of America branch. A banker will walk you through the account setup process, which typically takes 15 to 20 minutes. This method is faster for identity verification because the banker can confirm your ID directly, and you avoid the security question or photo upload step.
The banker will help you choose an account type based on your banking habits and will explain the fees and features of each option. If you do not have your Social Security number memorized, bring a document that shows it—a tax return, W-2, or Social Security card. You can find branch locations and hours at bankofamerica.com/locator.
Your account is active immediately after you open it in person. You will receive a temporary debit card at the branch for immediate use, and a permanent card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you opened the account with cash or a check, the funds are usually available the same day or by the next business day.
Account types and what each one costs
Bank of America offers several checking and savings accounts, each with different features and fee structures. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right account for your situation.
| Account Type | Monthly Fee | Fee Waiver Conditions | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advantage SafePass Checking | $12 | $500 minimum balance OR direct deposit | No overdraft fees if you opt in; fraud protection |
| Advantage Plus Checking | $12 | $1,500 minimum balance OR direct deposit | Higher balance requirement; same protections as SafePass |
| Interest Checking | $25 | $10,000 minimum balance | Earns interest on your balance; higher minimum |
| Regular Savings | $5 | $300 minimum balance | Basic savings with interest; limited withdrawals |
If you do not maintain the minimum balance or set up direct deposit, you will be charged the monthly fee. Direct deposit means your employer or a government agency (like Social Security) deposits money directly into your account—this counts as meeting the requirement, even if the deposit is small.
Bank of America also charges overdraft fees if you spend more than your account balance. The overdraft fee is $35 per transaction, though you can opt into SafePass to avoid this fee. Other common fees include ATM fees outside the Bank of America network ($2.50 per withdrawal) and wire transfer fees ($15 for domestic, $45 for international).
What happens after you open your account
Your account is active within one business day of opening, whether you opened it online or in person. You can log into your account at bankofamerica.com or through the Bank of America mobile app using the username and password you created. Your temporary debit card number is available immediately for online purchases and contactless payments through your phone.
Your physical debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can activate it by calling the number on the back of the card or through the mobile app. Your first set of checks (if you ordered them) typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days as well. If you need checks sooner, you can order expedited delivery for an additional fee.
Set up online bill pay and mobile banking right away so you can manage your account from anywhere. Bank of America's mobile app lets you deposit checks by taking a photo, transfer money between accounts, and monitor your balance in real time. You can also set up account alerts to notify you when your balance drops below a certain amount or when a large transaction occurs.
Identity verification methods and what to expect
Bank of America uses two main methods to verify your identity when you open an account online: security questions based on your credit history, or a photo upload of your government ID.
If Bank of America has a record of your credit history, you will be asked security questions like "Which address have you lived at?" or "Which of these car loans have you had?" Answer based on your actual history. If you answer incorrectly, you will be asked to upload a photo of your ID instead. This photo must be clear, show your full face, and display your government-issued ID number. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID.
If you do not have a credit history or Bank of America cannot verify you through security questions, you will be required to upload a photo of your ID. Take the photo in good lighting and make sure all four corners of the ID are visible. Bank of America typically reviews the photo within a few minutes, though it may take up to 24 hours during high-volume periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Bank of America account without a Social Security number?
Yes. You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring documentation that shows your ITIN, such as a tax return or IRS letter. The account opening process is the same otherwise.
What if my online identity verification is denied?
If your photo upload is rejected or your security questions cannot be answered, you can open an account in person at a Bank of America branch instead. Bring your government ID and the banker will verify your identity directly. This usually resolves the issue immediately.
Do I have to keep a minimum balance to avoid fees?
It depends on your account type. Advantage SafePass Checking waives the $12 monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance OR set up direct deposit. If you do not meet either requirement, you will be charged the fee each month. Other account types have different minimums.
When can I start using my debit card?
Your temporary debit card number is available immediately after you open your account online, so you can use it for online purchases and contactless payments through your phone right away. Your physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days and must be activated before you can use it at ATMs or in stores.
What if I need to close my account after opening it?
You can close your Bank of America account online through your account settings, by calling customer service at 1-800-432-1000, or by visiting a branch in person. Make sure your account balance is zero and all pending transactions have cleared before you close it. Bank of America will not charge a fee to close the account.