What you need to open a Bank of America checking account
You can open a Bank of America checking account online, by phone, or in person at a branch. Most people finish the online process in 10 to 15 minutes. You will need a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and an initial deposit—though the minimum deposit amount varies by account type and changes periodically, so check the current requirement when you start.
Bank of America offers several checking account types, each with different features and requirements. The most common are the Basic Checking account (designed for frequent transactions), Advantage Checking (includes rewards on debit card purchases), and Premium Checking (requires higher balances but waives certain fees). The account you choose affects your monthly fees, overdraft protection options, and what perks you receive.
If you do not have a Social Security number, you can open an account using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, though you will need to do this in person at a branch with additional documentation. Non-U.S. residents can also open accounts, but the process requires a visit to a physical branch and additional identity verification.
Key Takeaways
- You need a valid photo ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and an initial deposit to open an account online or by phone in 10 to 15 minutes.
- Bank of America offers multiple checking account types with different fee structures, so compare the Basic, Advantage, and Premium options before you choose.
- Monthly maintenance fees range from $0 to $15 depending on the account type and whether you meet balance or direct deposit requirements.
- You can link an external bank account to transfer money in, or deposit cash at any Bank of America ATM or branch location.
- If you are denied an account, Bank of America will tell you why, and you can dispute the decision or reapply after addressing the issue.
Opening an account online or by phone
The online process starts at bankofamerica.com. Click "Open an Account" and select the checking account type you want. You will enter your personal information (name, address, date of birth, Social Security number), verify your identity using your driver's license or state ID, and choose your initial deposit method. Bank of America uses digital verification technology to scan and confirm your ID, so have it ready and make sure the photo is clear.
For the initial deposit, you can transfer money from an existing bank account, use a debit card, or arrange a wire transfer. If you transfer from another bank, the money usually arrives within one to three business days. Once your identity is verified and the deposit clears, your account is active and you can use your debit card and online banking immediately.
If you prefer to open by phone, call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000. A representative will walk you through the same information and can answer questions about account types and fees. Phone opening takes slightly longer than online but may be easier if you have questions during the process.
What happens after you open your account
Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can withdraw cash at any Bank of America ATM using your temporary card number from online banking, or visit a branch and withdraw using your ID. Your checks (if you order them) take an additional 7 to 10 business days and are not free—Bank of America charges for check orders, though the cost varies by design and quantity.
Set up online banking and the Bank of America mobile app as soon as your account is open. You can transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and monitor transactions from either platform. If you want direct deposit from your employer, you will need to provide your new account number and routing number (26009593 for most Bank of America checking accounts) to your payroll department.
Your first statement arrives 30 days after your account opens. Bank of America sends statements electronically by default, but you can request paper statements if you prefer—though paper statements may incur a fee depending on your account type.
Monthly fees and how to avoid them
Bank of America checking accounts charge a monthly maintenance fee unless you meet one of several conditions. The Basic Checking account charges $12 per month unless you maintain a $1,500 minimum daily balance or set up direct deposit of at least $250 per month. The Advantage Checking account charges $15 per month unless you maintain a $2,000 minimum daily balance or have $3,000 in combined Bank of America deposits. The Premium Checking account charges $25 per month and requires a $10,000 minimum daily balance or $25,000 in combined deposits.
If you do not meet the balance or direct deposit requirement, the fee posts automatically on the same day each month. You can avoid the fee by setting up direct deposit even if you only receive one deposit per month—many people use this method because it is the easiest condition to meet. If you fall below the minimum balance temporarily, the fee still posts, so plan accordingly if you know you will be withdrawing large amounts.
Overdraft fees are separate from monthly maintenance fees. If you overdraw your account, Bank of America charges $35 per overdraft transaction (up to three per day). You can link a savings account or credit card to cover overdrafts automatically, which prevents the fee but may trigger a transfer fee instead—check your account terms for the exact cost.
Funding your account and linking external banks
After your account opens, you can add money by transferring from another bank, depositing cash at a Bank of America ATM or branch, or receiving direct deposit from your employer. External transfers (called ACH transfers) usually take one to three business days to arrive. If you need money faster, you can deposit cash immediately at any Bank of America ATM or branch—the funds post to your account right away.
To link an external bank account for transfers, log into online banking, go to "Transfer Money," and select "Add External Account." You will enter the other bank's routing number and your account number there. Bank of America verifies the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) and asking you to confirm the amounts—this verification takes one to two business days. After verification, you can transfer up to $10,000 per day between the accounts.
If you want to move a large amount from another bank, ask that bank about a wire transfer instead. Wire transfers arrive the same day or next business day but cost $15 to $30 depending on the sending bank. For amounts over $10,000, a wire is often faster than multiple ACH transfers.
What to do if your account application is denied
Bank of America may deny your application if you have unpaid overdrafts or negative balances at other banks, a history of fraud or identity theft, or an error in your identity verification. The bank will send you a written notice explaining the reason for denial. Read this notice carefully—it tells you what triggered the decision and whether you can reapply.
If the denial was due to a verification error (for example, your ID photo did not scan clearly), you can reapply immediately and try again. If it was due to banking history, you may need to resolve the issue first—pay off any negative balances, wait for old fraud flags to age off your record, or contact the bank to dispute an error. Bank of America's ChexSystems report (a banking history database) can be checked for free at chexsystems.com if you want to see what information triggered the denial.
You can also call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and ask to speak with an account specialist about your denial. Some denials can be overturned with additional documentation or explanation, particularly if the issue was a misunderstanding or data error.
Account types and features comparison
| Account Type | Monthly Fee | Fee Waiver Conditions | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Checking | $12 | $1,500 minimum balance OR $250+ direct deposit | Standard debit card, online banking, no rewards |
| Advantage Checking | $15 | $2,000 minimum balance OR $3,000 combined deposits | Debit card rewards (cash back on purchases), higher ATM limits |
| Premium Checking | $25 | $10,000 minimum balance OR $25,000 combined deposits | Premium customer service, higher transaction limits, investment account discounts |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Bank of America checking account if I have bad credit?
Bank of America does not check your credit score when you open a checking account. The bank uses ChexSystems (a banking history report) instead, which tracks overdrafts, fraud, and unpaid balances at other banks. A low credit score will not prevent you from opening an account, but unpaid banking history will.
How long does it take to receive my debit card?
Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after your account opens. You can use your temporary card number from online banking to withdraw cash at ATMs or make purchases online before the physical card arrives. If you need cash immediately, visit a Bank of America branch with your ID and withdraw from the teller.
What is the routing number for Bank of America checking accounts?
The routing number for most Bank of America checking accounts is 26009593. This number is used for direct deposits, wire transfers, and ACH transfers. Your specific account number appears on your debit card, checks, and online banking portal. Some regions may have different routing numbers, so verify with Bank of America if you are unsure.
Can I open multiple checking accounts at Bank of America?
Yes, you can open multiple checking accounts at Bank of America. Many people open separate accounts for different purposes (bills, savings transfers, business). Each account has its own monthly fee unless you meet the waiver conditions, so factor that into your decision.
What happens if I do not use my account?
Bank of America does not close accounts for inactivity, but your monthly maintenance fee will continue to post if you do not meet the balance or direct deposit requirement. If you want to close the account, log into online banking or visit a branch and request closure. Make sure your balance is zero or transfer any remaining funds before closing.