What you need to open a checking account at Bank of America

Bank of America requires a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit to open a checking account. You can open an account online, by phone, or in person at a branch. The process takes about 10 minutes online or 15 to 20 minutes in a branch, and your account is usually active the same day.

The initial deposit amount depends on the account type. Most checking accounts require a minimum opening deposit of $25, though some accounts have no minimum. You can fund the account with a debit card, transfer from another bank, or cash if you open in person.

Bank of America checks your banking history through ChexSystems, a system that tracks closed accounts and overdraft patterns. If you have unpaid overdrafts or were flagged for fraud at another bank, Bank of America may deny your application. You can request your ChexSystems report before you apply if you are unsure about your history.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a photo ID, Social Security number, and a minimum opening deposit (usually $25) to start a checking account.
  • Online applications take about 10 minutes and your account opens the same day; in-branch applications take longer but let you deposit cash immediately.
  • Bank of America reviews your ChexSystems report, which tracks overdrafts and closed accounts at other banks, and may deny you if you have unpaid negative balances.
  • Monthly maintenance fees range from $0 to $15 depending on the account type, and you can waive most fees by keeping a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit.

Opening an account online

Go to bankofamerica.com and click "Open an Account" at the top of the page. Select the checking account type you want—Bank of America offers several, including Advantage Banking, Advantage Plus, and Premium Rewards. Each has different monthly fees and benefits, so read the fee schedule before you choose.

Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. Bank of America will ask whether you are a U.S. citizen and whether you have an existing account with them. Answer honestly; misrepresenting your status can result in account closure and legal consequences.

Verify your identity by uploading a photo of your ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card). Take the photo in good lighting so all text is readable. Bank of America's system scans the ID automatically and usually approves it within minutes, though some applications require manual review and may take up to 24 hours.

Choose how to fund your account. You can transfer money from another bank account (provide the routing and account number), use a debit card, or link a credit card. Enter the amount—at least $25 for most accounts. The transfer usually posts within one to two business days.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Bring your photo ID and Social Security number to any Bank of America branch during business hours. A banker will walk you through the account setup, answer questions about fees and features, and help you choose the right account type. This route is useful if you want to deposit cash immediately or if you prefer to ask questions face-to-face.

The banker will enter your information into the system while you are there. You will sign documents on a tablet or paper, depending on the branch. The whole process takes 15 to 20 minutes. Your account opens immediately, and you can start using your debit card the same day if you request one (though it arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days).

If you do not have a Social Security number but are a permanent resident or visa holder, bring your passport and visa documentation. Bank of America can open accounts for non-citizens, but the process takes longer and may require additional verification.

Account types and monthly fees

Bank of America's most common checking accounts are Advantage Banking ($12 monthly fee), Advantage Plus ($15 monthly fee), and Premium Rewards (no monthly fee if you maintain a $20,000 combined balance across all accounts). Each account includes a debit card, online banking, and mobile app access.

You can waive the monthly fee on Advantage and Advantage Plus accounts by setting up direct deposit of at least $250 per month, maintaining a minimum daily balance (usually $1,500 to $2,500 depending on the account), or keeping a linked savings account with a certain balance. Ask the banker which waiver option works best for your situation.

Premium Rewards is designed for customers who maintain higher balances. It includes higher ATM reimbursements, priority customer service, and waived wire transfer fees. If you do not meet the balance requirement, you pay no monthly fee but lose those benefits.

What happens after you open your account

Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can use your account online or through the mobile app immediately, even before the card arrives. Set up a PIN for ATM withdrawals and in-store purchases before you use the card.

Bank of America assigns you a routing number (026009593 for most accounts) and an account number, which you will see in online banking. You need both to set up direct deposit with your employer or to receive wire transfers. Write these down or save them in a secure place.

Link your account to other banks if you want to transfer money between them. Go to the "Transfer Money" section in online banking, select "External Transfer," and follow the prompts. Bank of America will ask you to verify the external account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) and confirming the amounts. This takes one to two business days.

Review your account settings and turn on fraud alerts if you want. Bank of America can notify you by text or email when large transactions occur, when your balance drops below a threshold you set, or when someone tries to access your account from a new device.

Avoiding common problems during setup

Do not provide false information on your application. Bank of America verifies your identity against government databases, and mismatches can trigger account holds or closure. Make sure your name, address, and date of birth match your ID exactly.

If your online application is denied, you will receive an email explaining why. Common reasons include a ChexSystems flag, an address mismatch, or an incomplete identity verification. You can call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 to ask what went wrong and whether you can reapply or open an account in person instead.

Do not overdraft your account immediately after opening it. Bank of America may flag new accounts that overdraft within the first 30 days as high-risk and close them. If you are unsure about your balance, check online or call before you spend.

If you are opening an account to receive government payments (Social Security, unemployment, tax refunds), make sure your account is fully set up and verified before you provide the account number. Government agencies may reject incomplete or unverified accounts, and the payment may be delayed or returned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Bank of America checking account if I have been denied before?

It depends on why you were denied. If the reason was a ChexSystems flag, you can request your report and dispute inaccurate information. If the denial was recent, wait 30 to 90 days and try again—Bank of America may reconsider. If you were denied for fraud or identity theft, you will likely need to resolve that issue first, which may require police reports or documentation from the other bank.

Do I need a minimum balance to keep my account open?

No, but you may pay a monthly fee if you do not meet the balance requirement for your account type. Advantage Banking and Advantage Plus accounts charge $12 to $15 per month unless you waive the fee through direct deposit or a linked savings account. Premium Rewards has no monthly fee as long as you maintain a $20,000 combined balance.

How long does it take to receive my debit card?

Bank of America mails debit cards within 7 to 10 business days of account opening. You can use your account online and through the mobile app immediately, even before the card arrives. If you need a card faster, ask about expedited shipping at a branch, though this may cost extra.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

Bank of America can open accounts for permanent residents and visa holders using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring your passport, visa documentation, and ITIN. The process takes longer and may require additional verification through a branch rather than online.

Can I open a joint checking account?

Yes. Both account holders must be present in person or you can open online and add the second person later. Each person needs their own photo ID and Social Security number. Both names appear on the debit card and checks, and either person can withdraw money or close the account without the other's permission.