What you need to open a Bank of America checking account
You can open a Bank of America checking account in person at a branch, online through their website, or by phone. Most people finish the online process in under 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—though the amount varies by account type and whether you're opening online or in a branch.
Bank of America offers several checking account types: the Basic Checking account (no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit), the Advantage Checking account (monthly fee waived with direct deposit or a $1,500 minimum balance), and the Premium Checking account (designed for customers with higher balances). The account you choose affects your minimum balance requirement and whether you pay a monthly maintenance fee.
If you're under 18, you'll need a parent or guardian to co-own the account. If you don't have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, though availability varies by state and branch.
Key Takeaways
- You need a valid ID, Social Security number (or ITIN), and an opening deposit to start a checking account at Bank of America.
- Online account opening takes about 10 minutes and is available 24/7; in-branch opening requires a visit during business hours.
- Monthly maintenance fees range from $0 to $15 depending on the account type and whether you meet balance or direct deposit requirements.
- Minors need a parent or guardian to co-own the account, and the adult remains responsible for the account.
- You can fund your new account with a debit card, wire transfer, or check deposit on the same day you open it.
Opening an account online
Go to bankofamerica.com and click "Open an Account" or "get your free guide." You'll select the account type that fits your needs, then enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number. Bank of America will ask whether you want paperless statements and if you'd like to set up direct deposit right away.
Next, you'll verify your identity. Bank of America uses a process called knowledge-based authentication—they ask you questions about your credit history that only you should know the answers to. This typically takes 2 to 3 minutes. If you can't answer enough questions correctly, you'll be asked to verify your identity in person at a branch instead.
Once verified, you'll choose your initial deposit method. You can link an existing bank account and transfer money, use a debit card, or arrange a wire transfer. The account opens immediately, and you'll receive a temporary debit card number you can use right away for online purchases. Your physical debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Opening an account in person at a branch
Bring your valid ID, Social Security number, and your initial deposit (cash, check, or debit card). A Bank of America representative will walk you through the account application on a tablet or computer. The process takes 15 to 20 minutes. You'll choose your account type, provide your contact information, and set up online banking access before you leave.
In-branch opening has one advantage: if you bring cash or a check, it posts to your account immediately. You'll also receive a temporary debit card on the spot, though your permanent card still arrives by mail. If you're opening a joint account or a minor's account, all account owners must be present with valid ID.
Opening an account by phone
Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 to open an account over the phone. A representative will guide you through the same information you'd provide online: personal details, account type selection, and identity verification. Phone opening takes 15 to 25 minutes and works well if you prefer speaking to someone directly or have questions during the process.
You'll still need to fund the account separately—the representative will explain your deposit options and may ask you to link an existing account or provide debit card information. Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days, just as it does with online or in-branch opening.
Minimum deposits and account fees
The minimum opening deposit depends on the account type. Basic Checking typically requires $25 to $100, while Advantage Checking may require $500 to $1,000. Some promotions waive the opening deposit entirely, though these change throughout the year. Check the current offer on bankofamerica.com before you start.
Monthly maintenance fees also vary. Basic Checking has no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum daily balance or set up direct deposit of at least $250 per month. If you don't meet either requirement, you pay $12 per month. Advantage Checking charges $15 per month unless you maintain a $1,500 minimum balance or receive direct deposit. Premium Checking has no monthly fee but requires a higher minimum balance.
Bank of America waives overdraft fees for the first time in a 12-month period if you link a savings account or credit card as backup. After that, overdraft fees are $35 per transaction. You can also opt out of overdraft protection entirely, which means transactions will be declined rather than charged a fee.
Setting up direct deposit and online banking
Once your account is open, you can set up direct deposit immediately through your employer or the organization paying you. Direct deposit typically takes one to two pay cycles to activate. In the meantime, you can use your temporary debit card number for online purchases or add it to digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Online banking access is set up during account opening. You'll create a username and password, then set up a security code or fingerprint login. Bank of America's mobile app lets you check your balance, transfer money between accounts, deposit checks by photo, and pay bills. You can also set up account alerts to notify you of large transactions, low balances, or unusual activity.
What happens after you open your account
Your account is active immediately, though some features take time to fully activate. Your temporary debit card number works right away for online purchases and contactless payments through your phone. Your physical debit card arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Checks can be ordered through online banking or at a branch; they typically arrive within 5 to 7 business days.
If you opened the account online and couldn't complete identity verification, Bank of America will send you a letter with instructions to verify in person at a branch. You have 30 days to do this; if you don't, the account will be closed and your deposit returned. This is rare and usually only happens if the knowledge-based authentication questions couldn't be answered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Bank of America checking account without a Social Security number?
Yes, if you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Not all branches offer this option, so call 1-800-432-1000 to find a location near you that does. You'll still need a valid ID and an opening deposit.
How long does it take to receive my debit card?
Your physical debit card arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can use a temporary card number for online purchases and mobile payments immediately after opening the account.
What if I don't meet the minimum balance requirement?
You'll be charged a monthly maintenance fee ($12 for Basic Checking, $15 for Advantage Checking). The fee is waived if you set up direct deposit of at least $250 per month or maintain the required minimum balance instead.
Can I open a joint checking account online?
Yes, but both account owners must complete the online process together. Each person will need to verify their identity separately. If verification fails for either person, you'll need to open the account in person at a branch instead.
What's the difference between opening online and in person?
Online opening is faster (10 minutes) and available 24/7, but in-person opening lets you deposit cash or checks immediately and receive a temporary debit card on the spot. Both methods result in the same account and fees.