What you need to open a Bank of America checking account

Bank of America lets you open a checking account in person at a branch, online through their website, or by phone. You will need a government-issued photo ID, a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, and an initial deposit. The deposit amount varies by account type—some accounts require $100 to $500 to open, while others have no minimum. You can fund the account with a debit card, transfer from another bank, or cash at a branch.

The entire process takes about 15 to 30 minutes in a branch or 10 to 20 minutes online. If you open online, Bank of America will verify your identity through their system and may ask follow-up questions by email or phone. Once approved, your account number and routing number arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, though you can use your account immediately for transfers and bill pay.

If you do not have a photo ID or Social Security number yet, you can still open an account with a passport, military ID, or state ID card. Bring whatever identification you have to a branch and ask what documents they need for your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit ranging from $0 to $500 depending on the account type.
  • Opening online takes 10 to 20 minutes and you can use the account immediately, though your debit card and checks arrive by mail.
  • Opening in person at a branch is fastest if you want to deposit cash or get a debit card the same day.
  • Bank of America offers multiple checking account types with different fees and minimum balance requirements, so compare them before you choose.

Opening an account online through Bank of America's website

Go to bankofamerica.com and click "Open an Account" or "Sign Up." Select "Checking" and choose the account type that fits your needs—Bank of America offers Advantage SafePass, Advantage Plus, and Premium Rewards checking, each with different monthly fees and minimum balance requirements. Read the fee schedule for each one so you know what you will pay if your balance drops below the minimum.

Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number. Bank of America will run a soft credit check and verify your identity through their system. If they need more information, they will email or call you. Once verified, you choose your initial deposit method—transfer from another bank account, debit card, or wire transfer. The account opens immediately, but your debit card and checks ship by mail and arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

If you already have a Bank of America account, you can add a new checking account by logging into your existing account and selecting "Open Another Account." This is faster because they already have your information on file.

Opening an account in person at a Bank of America branch

Find your nearest branch using the Bank of America branch locator on their website or mobile app. Bring your government photo ID, Social Security number, and the amount you want to deposit as your opening balance. Walk in during business hours—no appointment is needed, though you may wait 15 to 30 minutes during peak times.

A banker will ask you which checking account type you want, review the fees and features with you, and collect your information. They will run a background check and verify your identity on the spot. If you pass, they will issue you a temporary debit card or a card number you can use immediately, and your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you deposit cash, it posts to your account the same day.

Opening in person is useful if you want to deposit cash immediately, ask questions about account features, or prefer to speak with someone face-to-face. It is also the fastest way to get a debit card in your hands, even if it is temporary.

Opening an account by phone

Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 to open a checking account by phone. A representative will walk you through the account types, answer questions about fees, and collect your personal information. You will need your Social Security number and photo ID available to verify your identity. The call takes 15 to 20 minutes.

After you open the account, you must fund it with a transfer from another bank account or a debit card payment—you cannot deposit cash by phone. Your debit card and checks arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Phone opening is useful if you cannot visit a branch or prefer not to do it online, but it is slower than opening in person if you need cash deposited the same day.

Understanding Bank of America checking account types and their costs

Bank of America offers three main checking accounts: Advantage SafePass, Advantage Plus, and Premium Rewards. Each has a different monthly maintenance fee and minimum balance requirement. Advantage SafePass has a $12 monthly fee but waives it if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Advantage Plus has a $12 monthly fee and requires a $1,500 minimum balance to avoid it. Premium Rewards has a $25 monthly fee and requires a $10,000 minimum balance.

If your balance falls below the minimum, you pay the monthly fee unless you meet one of the waiver conditions—usually direct deposit, a certain number of debit card transactions, or maintaining the minimum balance. Read the fee schedule for the account you choose so you know exactly what triggers a charge. Many people choose Advantage SafePass because the $500 minimum is easiest to maintain, and the fee disappears if you set up direct deposit from your employer.

All three accounts include online banking, mobile app access, bill pay, and fraud protection. The main difference is the monthly fee and minimum balance. If you are unsure which account fits your situation, ask a banker in person or call 1-800-432-1000 to compare.

What happens after you open your account

Your account is active immediately, even though your debit card and checks are still in the mail. You can log into your account online or through the Bank of America mobile app right away and use it to transfer money, pay bills, or set up direct deposit. Your routing number is 011000015 for all Bank of America checking accounts, and your account number appears in your online banking portal as soon as the account opens.

Your debit card arrives within 7 to 10 business days. When it arrives, you must activate it by calling the number on the back of the card or using the mobile app. Checks take 7 to 14 business days to arrive. If you need checks before they arrive, you can order them through your online account or ask a banker to print temporary checks at a branch.

Set up direct deposit as soon as possible if you want to waive the monthly maintenance fee on Advantage SafePass. You will need your routing number (011000015) and account number, which you can find in your online banking portal. Give these to your employer's payroll department, and direct deposit usually starts within one or two pay cycles.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring your ITIN documentation and a government photo ID to a branch, or call 1-800-432-1000 to open by phone. The process is the same, but Bank of America may ask additional questions to verify your identity.

What is the minimum deposit to open a Bank of America checking account?

It depends on the account type. Advantage SafePass and Advantage Plus require $100 to $500 to open, though some promotions waive this. Premium Rewards may require $500 or more. Check the current requirements on bankofamerica.com or ask a banker, as these amounts change.

How long does it take to get my debit card after I open an account?

Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you open in person at a branch, you may get a temporary card number you can use immediately. If you need a card faster, ask a banker whether they can print a temporary card at the branch.

Can I open a Bank of America checking account without going to a branch?

Yes. You can open online at bankofamerica.com or by phone at 1-800-432-1000. Both methods take 10 to 20 minutes. You will need to fund the account with a transfer from another bank or a debit card—you cannot deposit cash unless you visit a branch.

What fees will I pay on my checking account?

Monthly maintenance fees range from $12 to $25 depending on the account type. Most fees are waived if you maintain the minimum balance or set up direct deposit. You may also pay fees for overdrafts, ATM use outside the Bank of America network, or wire transfers. Review the fee schedule for your account type before you open it.