You can open a Bank of America checking or savings account in about 10 minutes online, or walk into a branch with an ID and do it in person.
The fastest route is Bank of America's website or mobile app. You'll need a Social Security number, a valid government-issued ID, a current address, and an initial deposit (usually $25 for savings, though some checking accounts have no minimum). The whole process takes place on your screen, and your account opens the same day. If you prefer to talk to someone, any Bank of America branch will open an account while you wait.
What happens next depends on which account type you choose and how you fund it. A direct deposit or transfer from another bank can take one to three business days to show up. A debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to withdraw cash immediately, you can do that at any Bank of America ATM or branch on the day you open the account.
Key Takeaways
- Online account opening takes about 10 minutes and requires a Social Security number, valid ID, current address, and an initial deposit.
- Bank of America offers multiple account types—checking, savings, and money market—each with different features and minimum balance requirements.
- Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, but you can withdraw cash at any Bank of America ATM or branch immediately after opening.
- Transfers from other banks take one to three business days to appear in your new account.
What you need before you start
Have these items ready before you open an account, whether online or in a branch. You'll need a Social Security number (or ITIN if you don't have one), a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your current residential address, and a phone number. Bank of America will verify your identity against public records and may ask follow-up questions if something doesn't match.
You also need an initial deposit. Most savings accounts require $25. Checking accounts vary—some have no minimum, while others require $100 or more depending on the account type. You can fund the account with a debit card, transfer from another bank, or a check. If you're opening in person at a branch, you can also bring cash.
If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must open the account with you or co-sign it. Bank of America offers student checking accounts with different rules, so ask about those if that applies to you.
Opening an account online or through the mobile app
Go to bankofamerica.com and click "Open an Account," or use the Bank of America mobile app. You'll be asked to choose an account type first—checking, savings, or money market. Read the features and fees for each one, because they differ in how much interest you earn, what monthly fees apply, and what minimum balance you need to keep.
Enter your personal information: name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. Bank of America will run a background check using ChexSystems, a banking history database. This is not a credit check and won't affect your credit score. If you've had problems with a bank account in the past (overdrafts, fraud, or closed accounts), this check might flag it, and Bank of America may ask you questions or deny the account.
Next, choose how to fund the account. You can link a debit card, provide bank account details for a transfer, or deposit a check using mobile deposit (if you already have a Bank of America account). Enter the amount—at least the minimum required. Your account opens immediately, and you'll receive a confirmation email with your account number. Your debit card ships within 7 to 10 business days.
Opening an account in person at a branch
Walk into any Bank of America branch with your ID, Social Security number, current address, and initial deposit. Tell the banker you want to open an account. They'll ask which type—checking, savings, or money market—and explain the features and fees. This is a good time to ask questions about overdraft protection, ATM access, or anything else that matters to you.
The banker will enter your information into their system and run the same ChexSystems background check. If everything clears, they'll show you the account agreement to sign, take your initial deposit, and issue you a temporary debit card on the spot. You can use this card at Bank of America ATMs and branches right away. Your permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Ask the banker for your account number and routing number before you leave. You'll need these if you want to set up direct deposit or transfer money from another bank. The banker can also show you how to use the mobile app or online banking if you're new to it.
Account types and what each one costs
Bank of America's main checking account is Checking, which has no monthly fee if you set up direct deposit or keep a $500 minimum balance. Without either, the fee is $12 per month. This account includes unlimited debit card transactions, online bill pay, and access to all Bank of America ATMs.
The Savings account earns interest on your balance and has a $25 minimum to open. There's no monthly fee as long as you keep $300 in the account. If your balance drops below $300, you pay $5 per month. You can make up to six withdrawals per month before fees apply.
The Money Market account combines checking and savings features. It requires a higher opening deposit (usually $2,500) and pays higher interest rates on larger balances. Monthly fees apply if your balance falls below certain thresholds, which vary by tier. This account is better if you have more money to deposit and want to earn more interest.
Bank of America also offers Student Checking for people under 25 with a valid student ID. This account has no monthly fee, no minimum balance, and no overdraft fees for the first year. After that, standard overdraft rules apply.
When your account is active and what happens next
Your account is ready to use the moment it opens. You can log into online banking or the mobile app right away, set up bill pay, and check your balance. If you opened in person, you have a temporary debit card. If you opened online, you'll need to wait for your permanent card to arrive by mail.
If you're setting up direct deposit—for paychecks or government benefits—give your employer or benefits administrator your account number and routing number. Direct deposits usually take one to three business days to appear, though some employers process them faster. Transfers from another bank also take one to three business days.
If you need to deposit checks, use mobile deposit through the app (photograph the front and back) or visit a branch. Mobile deposits usually clear within one business day. If you're moving money between your own Bank of America accounts, transfers happen instantly.
What to do if your account application is denied
Bank of America may deny your account if the ChexSystems check reveals unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or repeated account closures at other banks. If this happens, you'll receive a letter explaining the reason. You have the right to dispute the information in your ChexSystems report if it's wrong.
Contact ChexSystems directly at 1-800-428-9623 or chexsystems.com to request a copy of your report and file a dispute. This process takes about 30 days. Once it's resolved, you can reapply to Bank of America.
If you can't get approved at Bank of America, look into second-chance banking accounts at other banks or credit unions. These accounts are designed for people with banking history problems and often have lower fees and easier approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to open a Bank of America account?
Online or through the app takes about 10 minutes, and your account opens the same day. In person at a branch, it takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the branch is. Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Do I need a minimum balance to keep my account open?
It depends on the account type. Checking has no minimum if you set up direct deposit or keep $500. Savings requires $300 to avoid a $5 monthly fee. Money Market requires a higher balance, which varies by tier. Student Checking has no minimum.
Can I open an account if I don't have a Social Security number?
Yes. You can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. You'll need to open the account in person at a branch and bring your ITIN documentation along with your ID and proof of address.
What if I want to close my account later?
Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000, visit a branch, or use online banking to close your account. Make sure your balance is zero or transfer any remaining money out first. The account closes within a few business days.
Can I open multiple accounts at Bank of America?
Yes. You can have multiple checking and savings accounts. This is useful if you want to separate money for different purposes—one account for bills, another for savings, another for a specific goal. Each account has its own number and debit card.