What you need to open a Bank of America account
You can open a Bank of America checking or savings account in about 10 minutes online, or in person at a branch. Online takes the fastest route: you provide your Social Security number, date of birth, address, and phone number, then fund the account with a transfer from another bank or a debit card. In person, you bring a government-issued ID and the same information, and a banker walks you through it on the spot.
Bank of America requires you to be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a valid Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number yet, you cannot open an account online; you will need to visit a branch and speak to a banker about your options.
The account itself costs nothing to open. Bank of America does not charge an opening fee. Some account types have monthly maintenance fees, but those do not kick in until after your account is active.
Key Takeaways
- You can open a checking or savings account online at bankofamerica.com in minutes using your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid address.
- In-person account opening at any Bank of America branch requires a government-issued ID and takes about 15 minutes.
- You must fund your new account with an initial deposit, either by transferring money from another bank or charging a debit card.
- Some account types charge a monthly maintenance fee (usually $12 to $15), but you can waive it by maintaining a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit.
- Your account is active immediately after opening online; in-person accounts are usually active the same day.
Opening an account online at bankofamerica.com
Go to bankofamerica.com and click "Open an Account" at the top of the page. Select the account type you want: Bank of America Advantage Checking, Advantage Plus Checking, or Savings. Each has different features and fee structures, so read the comparison before you choose.
Enter your Social Security number, date of birth, full name, and current address. Bank of America will verify this information against credit bureaus and fraud databases. If anything does not match your records, the system will flag it and ask you to correct it before moving forward.
Next, you will set up login credentials: a username and password, plus a security question and answer. Write these down or save them in a password manager. You will need them to log in to your account immediately after opening it.
Fund your account by linking a bank account you already have or using a debit card. Bank of America requires a minimum opening deposit of $25 for most checking accounts and $25 for savings accounts. The transfer or charge posts within one to two business days. Your account is active and ready to use as soon as you complete these steps, though your debit card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Opening an account in person at a Bank of America branch
Find your nearest branch at bankofamerica.com/locator or call 1-800-432-1000. Walk in during business hours with a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card). You do not need an appointment, though branches are often less crowded early in the morning or mid-week.
Tell the banker you want to open a checking or savings account. They will ask for your Social Security number, date of birth, phone number, and current address. They will also ask how you want to fund the account: with cash, a check, or a transfer from another bank. Most people bring cash or a check for the opening deposit.
The banker will show you the account options on a computer screen and explain the fees and features. Once you choose, they will print the account agreement, you will sign it, and the account opens on the spot. Your debit card is ordered at that moment and arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can withdraw cash or make deposits at any Bank of America ATM or branch immediately.
Understanding Bank of America account types and their fees
Bank of America offers several checking and savings accounts, each with different monthly fees and ways to avoid them.
| Account Type | Monthly Fee | How to Waive the Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Advantage Checking | $12 | Keep $1,500 minimum balance, or set up direct deposit of $250 or more per month |
| Advantage Plus Checking | $15 | Keep $2,500 minimum balance, or set up direct deposit of $250 or more per month |
| Savings Account | $5 | Keep $300 minimum balance, or link to a Bank of America checking account |
If you do not meet the waiver requirement, the fee is charged on the last day of each month. Direct deposit is the easiest way to waive fees because it happens automatically once you set it up with your employer or benefit provider.
What happens after your account opens
Your account is active immediately, and you can log in to online banking right away. You will see your account number and routing number, which you need to set up direct deposit or to receive wire transfers.
Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can withdraw cash at any Bank of America ATM using your online login and a temporary PIN, or you can visit a branch and withdraw cash with your ID.
Set up online bill pay as soon as you log in. You can pay any company that accepts checks by entering their name and address, and Bank of America will mail a check or send an electronic payment on the date you choose. This is free and takes about 5 minutes to set up.
If you opened your account online and want to deposit cash or checks, you will need to visit a branch or use a Bank of America ATM that accepts mobile deposits. Download the Bank of America mobile app to deposit checks by taking a photo of the front and back.
Fixing problems during account opening
If your online application is rejected, Bank of America will tell you why. Common reasons include a mismatch between your name and Social Security number, an address that does not match your ID, or a fraud alert on your credit file. Call 1-800-432-1000 and speak to a banker; they can often override the issue or guide you to open an account in person instead.
If you started an application online and did not finish it, your information is saved for 30 days. Log back in to bankofamerica.com and click "Resume Application" to pick up where you left off.
If your account is closed shortly after opening (which is rare), Bank of America will mail you a letter explaining why. This usually happens if fraud is detected or if the account was opened with false information. If you believe this was a mistake, call 1-800-432-1000 and ask to speak to the fraud department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Bank of America account if I do not have a Social Security number?
No, not online. You must visit a branch in person and speak to a banker. Bring your passport or other government-issued ID. Some branches may be able to work with you if you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), but policies vary by location, so call ahead.
How much money do I have to put in when I open the account?
Bank of America requires a minimum opening deposit of $25 for most checking and savings accounts. You can deposit more, but $25 is the minimum to complete the opening process.
Can I open an account for someone else, like a child or family member?
No, the person whose name is on the account must be present and provide their own Social Security number and ID. For children under 18, Bank of America offers youth accounts, but a parent or guardian must open it with them in person at a branch.
What if I want to close my account right after opening it?
You can close your account anytime by calling 1-800-432-1000 or visiting a branch. Bank of America will return any remaining balance to you by check or transfer to another bank account. There is no penalty for closing an account early.
How long does it take to receive my debit card?
Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need it faster, visit a branch and ask about expedited card delivery; some branches can issue a temporary card on the spot or order expedited shipping for an extra fee.