You can open a Bank of America checking account online in about 10 minutes using a computer or phone

Bank of America lets you start a checking account entirely online without visiting a branch. You'll need a valid government ID, a Social Security number, and a way to verify your identity—usually a phone number or email address on file with the bank already. The process moves fast: you choose your account type, enter personal information, link a funding source, and receive account details immediately. Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

The account opens with a $0 minimum deposit if you're opening certain account types, though some accounts require you to link an existing Bank of America account or meet other conditions. You can start using your account number and routing number for direct deposits or bill payments right away, even before your physical debit card arrives.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid government ID, Social Security number, and a way to verify your identity before you start the online process.
  • The entire account opening takes about 10 minutes and you receive your account number immediately.
  • Your debit card ships within 7 to 10 business days, but you can use your account number for transfers and bill payments right away.
  • Bank of America offers several checking account types with different features and fee structures, so review the options before you choose.
  • If you're under 18, you'll need a parent or guardian to open the account with you, either online or at a branch.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you open your browser: a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number, and your date of birth. You'll also need a phone number or email address that Bank of America can use to verify you're who you say you are.

If you're opening an account as a minor (under 18), a parent or guardian must be present during the process. Bank of America requires a joint account holder in this case, and that adult will need their own ID and Social Security number as well.

Have a funding source ready if you want to make an initial deposit: a debit card, credit card, or bank account number from another bank. You can open the account with $0, but linking a funding source speeds up verification.

The step-by-step process

Go to bankofamerica.com and click "Open an account" or "get your free guide" on the homepage. Select "Checking" from the account type menu. Bank of America will show you the checking options available in your state—these vary by location, so you may see different choices than someone in another state.

Choose the checking account that fits your needs. Bank of America's main options include the Advantage SafePass Checking (designed for frequent online and mobile banking), Advantage Plus Checking (with overdraft protection options), and Advantage Relationship Checking (which offers benefits if you maintain a linked savings account or investment account). Read the fee schedule for each: some charge monthly maintenance fees that can be waived if you meet certain conditions, like setting up direct deposit or maintaining a minimum balance.

Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. Bank of America will ask for your Social Security number and driver's license or state ID number. Answer questions about your employment status and income—this is standard for all banks and helps them comply with federal banking regulations.

Verify your identity. Bank of America may text or call you, or ask you to answer security questions based on your credit history. This step usually takes a few minutes. If you can't verify immediately, you may need to visit a branch with your ID to complete the account opening.

Link a funding source if you want to make a deposit. Enter a debit card number, credit card number, or another bank account's routing and account numbers. Bank of America will make a small deposit (usually $0.01) to confirm the account is real, then ask you to verify the amount. You can skip this step and fund the account later.

Review the account agreement and disclosures, then sign electronically. Bank of America will send you a confirmation email with your new account number and routing number. Your account is now open and ready to use.

When your debit card arrives and what to do first

Your physical debit card ships within 7 to 10 business days. You can track the shipment through your online account or the Bank of America app. When it arrives, you'll need to activate it before you can use it for purchases or ATM withdrawals—the card itself will have instructions, or you can activate it through the app or by calling the number on the back.

While you wait for the card, you can already use your account. Set up direct deposit using your account number and routing number (which appear in your confirmation email and in your online account). Pay bills through the Bank of America website or app. Transfer money to or from other accounts you own at other banks. The only thing you can't do is swipe a physical card at a store or ATM.

Set up online banking and the mobile app as soon as your account opens. Create a login username and password, then download the Bank of America app to your phone. This is where you'll check your balance, review transactions, set up alerts, and manage your account day-to-day.

Account types and what each one costs

Bank of America offers checking accounts with different fee structures. The Advantage SafePass Checking typically has a monthly maintenance fee (usually $12) that can be waived if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. The Advantage Plus Checking has a similar fee structure but includes overdraft protection options. The Advantage Relationship Checking may have a lower or waived fee if you link a savings account or maintain a combined balance across accounts.

Fees vary by state and change periodically, so review the current fee schedule on bankofamerica.com before you choose. Look for what triggers a waiver: some accounts waive the fee if you receive direct deposit, others if you maintain a certain balance, and some if you link multiple accounts together.

All Bank of America checking accounts include access to their ATM network (over 16,000 ATMs nationwide) and online bill pay at no extra charge. Out-of-network ATM fees apply if you use another bank's ATM, typically $2.50 per transaction.

If verification fails or you can't open online

If Bank of America can't verify your identity online, they'll tell you to visit a branch in person. Bring your government ID and Social Security card (or a document with your Social Security number). A banker will complete the account opening for you, which usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.

If you're opening an account as a minor and the online process doesn't work, you and your parent or guardian will need to go to a branch together. Bank of America requires both of you to be present and to provide ID.

If you've been denied an account, Bank of America will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include a history of unpaid overdrafts at other banks (visible through ChexSystems, a banking history report), fraud concerns, or a previous account closure. You can dispute information in your ChexSystems report or wait and try again after a period of time, depending on the reason for denial.

What happens after your account is open

Your account is active immediately, even before your debit card arrives. You can receive direct deposits, set up automatic bill payments, and transfer money between your Bank of America account and other accounts you own. You can also visit any Bank of America branch and withdraw cash using your ID, even without a debit card.

Bank of America will send you a welcome packet by mail with your debit card, a checkbook (if you ordered one), and account information. Keep the welcome packet in a safe place—it contains your account number and routing number, which you'll need for setting up direct deposit or receiving wire transfers.

Monitor your account regularly through the app or online banking. Set up alerts for low balance, large transactions, or suspicious activity. Bank of America's fraud protection covers unauthorized transactions, but you need to report them within a certain timeframe—usually 60 days from when you see the transaction on your statement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Bank of America checking account if I don't have 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 banking requirement, not a Bank of America policy. If you have an ITIN, you may be able to open an account—contact Bank of America directly to confirm.

What if I already have a Bank of America account but want to open a second checking account?

You can open a second checking account online using the same process. Bank of America allows multiple accounts in your name. You'll receive a separate account number and debit card for each account, and you can manage them all through the same online login.

Do I need to make a deposit when I open the account?

No. Most Bank of America checking accounts have a $0 minimum opening deposit. You can open the account and fund it later by transferring money from another bank, setting up direct deposit, or visiting a branch to deposit cash or checks.

Can I open a Bank of America checking account on my phone?

Yes. The Bank of America app and mobile website both support account opening. The process is the same as on a computer—you'll need your ID, Social Security number, and a way to verify your identity. Some users report that verification works faster on a phone because Bank of America can use your phone number to confirm who you are.

What if I close my Bank of America account and want to open a new one later?

You can usually open a new account, but it depends on why the previous account was closed. If you closed it yourself, you can open a new one immediately. If Bank of America closed it due to fraud, repeated overdrafts, or policy violations, you may need to wait a period of time or resolve the issue first. Contact Bank of America to ask about your specific situation.