What you need to open a checking account at Bank of America
Bank of America requires a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit to open a checking account. You can start the process online, on the phone, or in person at a branch. Most people complete it in 10 to 15 minutes if they have their documents ready.
The initial deposit amount depends on the account type. Bank of America's basic checking account (called Advantage Banking) requires a minimum opening deposit, though this amount varies and you should confirm the current requirement when you start. Some accounts have no minimum deposit requirement at all. You can fund the account with a debit card, transfer from another bank, or cash if you open in person.
You will also need a current mailing address. Bank of America will send your debit card and PIN to this address, so make sure it is correct before you finish. If you are opening online or by phone, the card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- You need a government photo ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit to open an account.
- Opening online takes about 10 to 15 minutes and you can start using your account the same day through the mobile app.
- Your physical debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days, but you can request a temporary digital card immediately after opening.
- Bank of America offers different checking account types with different fees and minimum balance requirements, so compare them before you choose.
- If you already have a Bank of America savings account or credit card, opening a checking account is faster because the bank already has your information.
Opening online through the Bank of America website
Go to bankofamerica.com and click "Open an Account" or "get your free guide" in the top navigation. Select "Checking" as the account type. The site will ask you to choose between Advantage Banking, Advantage Plus Banking, or Premium Rewards Banking — each has different monthly fees and minimum balance requirements. Read the fee schedule for each before you pick, because fees vary based on how you use the account.
Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. Bank of America will run a soft credit check and check ChexSystems (a banking history database) to verify you do not have outstanding issues with another bank. This does not affect your credit score. You will then upload or photograph your government ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work.
Choose how to fund the account. You can transfer money from another bank account (you will need the routing and account number), use a debit card, or if you have a Bank of America savings account already, transfer from that. Enter the amount and confirm. Bank of America will send a verification code to your email or phone — enter it to complete the process.
After you finish, you can download the Bank of America mobile app and log in immediately. You will see a temporary digital card number that you can use right away for online purchases or contactless payments. Your physical debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Opening in person at a Bank of America branch
Find your nearest branch at bankofamerica.com/locations or call 1-800-432-1000. Bring your government photo ID, Social Security number, and the initial deposit (cash, check, or debit card). Tell the banker you want to open a checking account and they will walk you through the account types and fees.
The banker will enter your information into the system, verify your ID, and process the deposit. The whole process takes 15 to 20 minutes. You will receive a temporary debit card on the spot that you can use immediately, and your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You will also get a temporary checkbook if you request one.
Opening in person is useful if you have questions about which account type fits your needs, or if you prefer to handle banking face-to-face. It is also the fastest way to get a temporary card you can use the same day.
Opening by phone with Bank of America
Call 1-800-432-1000 and tell the representative you want to open a checking account. They will verify your identity by asking for your Social Security number and date of birth, then run the same background checks as the online process. Have your government ID ready so you can answer questions about it.
The representative will walk you through the account types, explain the fees, and help you choose. You will provide your initial deposit information — either a bank account to transfer from or a debit card number. The call takes about 20 to 25 minutes.
After you hang up, you can log into the Bank of America website or app using your Social Security number and date of birth as temporary credentials. You will be prompted to set up a username and password. Your physical debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days, but you can request a temporary digital card through the app immediately.
What happens after you open the account
Your account is active the same day you open it, even though your physical debit card has not arrived yet. You can transfer money between accounts, set up bill pay, and receive direct deposits immediately. If you opened online or by phone, download the Bank of America mobile app and log in with your new credentials to see your account balance and request a temporary digital card.
Bank of America will send your debit card, a welcome packet with your account number and routing number, and temporary checks (if you requested them) by mail. The card usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Activate your debit card as soon as it arrives by calling the number on the back or using the mobile app.
Set up your online banking password and security questions if you have not already. Bank of America offers two-factor authentication through the app or text message — turn this on to protect your account. You can also set up alerts for low balances, large transactions, or deposits.
Monthly fees and minimum balance requirements
Bank of America's Advantage Banking account has a monthly maintenance fee that varies by state, typically between $12 and $15. You can waive the fee if you maintain a minimum daily balance (usually $500 to $1,500, depending on your state), set up direct deposit, or link a Bank of America savings or money market account with a minimum balance.
Advantage Plus Banking has a higher monthly fee and higher minimum balance requirement, but includes benefits like higher interest rates on linked savings accounts and waived overdraft fees. Premium Rewards Banking is designed for customers who maintain higher balances and use Bank of America's wealth management services.
Read the fee schedule for your state before you open, because minimums and fees vary. You can also ask a banker or call 1-800-432-1000 to confirm the exact fees for your account type and location.
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 to open any account. If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, you may be able to open an account at some branches, but policies vary by location. Call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch to ask about your specific situation.
What if I do not have a government photo ID?
Bank of America requires a government-issued photo ID to open an account. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. If you do not have one, you will need to get one before you can open an account.
How long does it take to open an account online?
The online process takes 10 to 15 minutes if you have your ID and Social Security number ready. Your account is active immediately, though your physical debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You can use a temporary digital card through the mobile app right away.
Can I open a checking account if I have been denied by another bank?
Bank of America checks ChexSystems, a banking history database, when you open an account. If you have outstanding issues with another bank — like unpaid overdrafts or fraud — you may be denied. Call 1-800-432-1000 to ask about your specific situation before you start the process.
What is the minimum opening deposit?
The minimum opening deposit varies by account type and state. Most checking accounts require between $25 and $100 to open. Confirm the current minimum when you start the process online, by phone, or at a branch.