What you need to open a Bank of America checking account

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 in person at a branch, online through their website, or by phone. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes online or in branch, though you may need to wait for account verification before you can use it fully.

The initial deposit amount depends on the account type. For their basic checking account (called SafePass or eChecking, depending on your state), the minimum is typically $0 to $25, though this varies. Some accounts require higher minimums. You can fund the account with a debit card, transfer from another bank, or cash if you open in person.

Bank of America will run a ChexSystems check, which is a banking history report similar to a credit check. If you have been flagged in ChexSystems for unpaid overdrafts or fraud at another bank, Bank of America may deny your application. You can request your ChexSystems report for free at www.chexsystems.com if you want to know your status before applying.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a photo ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit (usually $0 to $25) to open a checking account.
  • Online applications take 10 to 15 minutes and you can start using the account immediately for most transactions, though transfers may take longer to clear.
  • Bank of America checks ChexSystems, a banking history database, so prior overdrafts or fraud flags at other banks can result in denial.
  • If you open in person, bring your ID and Social Security card; if online, you will upload photos of your ID and provide your information directly.

Opening an account online

Go to bankofamerica.com and click "Open an Account" or "get your free guide." Select the checking account type you want—Bank of America offers several, including SafePass (no monthly fee if you meet requirements) and eChecking (designed for customers who rarely visit branches). The website will walk you through entering your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and Social Security number.

You will be asked to upload or photograph both sides of your government ID. Use a recent driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The photo must be clear and show your full face. Bank of America's system will verify the ID automatically in most cases, though some applications are reviewed manually and may take an extra day or two.

Next, you will set up online banking credentials: a username and password. Bank of America will also ask you to set up a security code or link a phone number for two-factor verification. After you complete these steps, your account opens immediately, and you can log in to see your account number and routing number. You can then set up direct deposit or transfer money from another bank to fund the account.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Bring your government-issued photo ID and Social Security card to any Bank of America branch. A banker will verify your identity, run the ChexSystems check, and ask the same questions as the online form: name, address, phone, date of birth, and Social Security number. The process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

You will choose your account type and decide how to fund it. You can deposit cash, use a debit card, or arrange a transfer from another bank. If you have a Bank of America debit card or credit card already, the banker can link your new checking account to it. You will receive temporary debit card information on the spot, though your physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Before you leave, the banker will give you your account number, routing number, and online banking login information. Ask them to write down your temporary debit card number if you plan to use it before the physical card arrives. You can start using the account for online bill pay and transfers immediately.

Opening an account by phone

Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 to open a checking account over the phone. A representative will verify your identity by asking for your Social Security number, date of birth, and address. They will ask the same questions as the online or in-person process and will explain the account options available to you.

You will need to provide a way to fund the account. The representative can set up a transfer from another bank account (you will need the routing number and account number from that bank), or you can arrange to deposit cash or a check at a branch later. After the call, you will receive confirmation by email or mail with your account number and routing number.

Phone applications take longer than online or in-person—usually 15 to 20 minutes—because the representative must manually enter all your information. Your account opens after the call, but you will not have online banking access until you set it up separately on the Bank of America website or app.

What happens after you open the account

Your checking account is active immediately, but some features take time to become fully available. Direct deposits and transfers from other banks typically clear within one to three business days. If you deposit a check at an ATM or branch, it may take longer depending on the check amount and your account history.

Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can use your temporary card number (given at the branch or by phone) to make purchases online or by phone, or you can withdraw cash at any Bank of America ATM using your account number and PIN. You will set your PIN during the account opening process or when you first log into online banking.

Bank of America will send you a welcome packet by mail with your account agreement, fee schedule, and information about their online and mobile banking tools. Review the fee schedule carefully—some account types charge monthly fees if you do not meet requirements like maintaining a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit. You can avoid most fees by choosing the right account type for your situation.

Fees and account types to know about

Bank of America's basic checking accounts include SafePass and eChecking. SafePass has no monthly fee if you set up direct deposit or maintain a $500 minimum balance. eChecking also has no monthly fee under the same conditions. If you do not meet these requirements, the monthly fee is typically $12 to $15, though this varies by state and account type.

Overdraft fees apply if you spend more than your balance. Bank of America charges $35 per overdraft transaction, and you can incur multiple fees in a single day if you make several purchases while overdrawn. You can opt out of overdraft coverage, which means transactions will be declined rather than charged a fee, though this may affect your ability to use your debit card.

Other fees include ATM fees (free at Bank of America ATMs, but $2 to $3 at other banks' ATMs), wire transfer fees ($15 to $30 depending on the type), and stop-payment fees ($30 to $35). Ask the banker or representative about the full fee schedule for your specific account type before you open it.

If your application is denied

Bank of America may deny your application if ChexSystems shows a history of unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or other banking violations. If this happens, you will receive a letter explaining the reason and information about how to dispute the ChexSystems report if you believe it is inaccurate.

You can request your ChexSystems report for free at www.chexsystems.com or by calling 1-800-428-9623. If you find errors, you can file a dispute directly with ChexSystems, which will investigate and correct your report if the information is wrong. This process typically takes 30 days.

If you are denied, you have other options. Some banks and credit unions have second-chance checking accounts designed for people with ChexSystems issues. These accounts often have higher fees or lower limits, but they allow you to rebuild your banking history. Ask Bank of America if they offer a second-chance account, or search for "second-chance checking" in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Bank of America checking account if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. Bank of America requires a Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) to open any account. If you have an ITIN but no Social Security number, you may be able to open an account, but you will need to speak with a banker in person or call to confirm.

How long does it take to receive my debit card?

Physical debit cards arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can use your temporary card number immediately for online and phone purchases, and you can withdraw cash at Bank of America ATMs using your account number and PIN while you wait for the physical card.

What is the minimum deposit to open a checking account?

The minimum initial deposit is usually $0 to $25 for basic checking accounts, though some account types require more. You can ask the banker or representative what the minimum is for the specific account you choose before you open it.

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

It depends on why you were denied. If ChexSystems flagged you for unpaid overdrafts or fraud, you can dispute the report or wait for the information to age off (typically 5 years). If you were denied for other reasons, you can try applying again, but Bank of America will run the same checks and may reach the same decision.

Do I need to go to a branch to open an account, or can I do it entirely online?

You can open an account entirely online or by phone. You do not need to visit a branch unless you want to deposit cash or prefer to speak with someone in person. Online and phone applications are just as valid as in-person ones.