What you need to open a Bank of America checking account

Bank of America requires a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit to open a checking account. The deposit amount depends on the account type you choose—some accounts have no minimum, while others require $100 or more. You will also need a current mailing address and a phone number.

You can open an account in person at any Bank of America branch, online through their website, or by phone. Each method takes roughly the same amount of time, though online and phone openings may take a few business days to fully activate while in-person accounts are usually ready to use immediately.

If you do not have a photo ID, you can still open an account in a branch by bringing two forms of non-photo identification, such as a utility bill and a birth certificate. Bank of America will verify your identity through ChexSystems, a banking history database, so accounts with a history of fraud or unpaid overdrafts may be declined.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a photo ID, Social Security number, current address, and an initial deposit to open a checking account at Bank of America.
  • Opening in person at a branch gives you immediate access to your account, while online and phone openings take a few business days to activate.
  • Bank of America checks your banking history through ChexSystems, so prior fraud or unpaid overdrafts may result in denial.
  • Different account types have different minimum deposit requirements, ranging from zero to $100 or more depending on the account features.
  • If you lack a photo ID, bring two alternative forms of identification such as a utility bill and birth certificate to a branch.

Opening an account in person at a Bank of America branch

Walk into any Bank of America branch during business hours and tell a representative you want to open a checking account. Bring your photo ID, Social Security number, and the initial deposit amount in cash or by debit card. The representative will ask you which account type you want—Advantage Plus, Advantage SafeBalance, or another option—and explain the monthly fee, minimum balance requirements, and overdraft protections for each.

The entire process takes 10 to 20 minutes. You will receive a debit card on the spot or within a few business days, depending on the branch. Your account number and routing number will be provided immediately, so you can set up direct deposit or bill payments right away if needed.

Bring your phone number and a current mailing address. Bank of America will ask for both during the account setup. If your address changes after you open the account, you can update it online, by phone, or in a branch.

Opening an account online

Go to bankofamerica.com and click "Open an Account" or "New Customer." You will be asked to choose your account type, enter your personal information, and upload a photo of your ID. Bank of America will verify your identity electronically and ask for your initial deposit information—you can link an existing bank account to transfer funds or provide a debit card number.

The online process takes about 10 minutes to complete. Your account will be created immediately, but you will not be able to use it for transactions until Bank of America verifies your identity, which usually takes one to three business days. During this time, you can log in and view your account details, but transfers and purchases will be blocked.

After verification is complete, your debit card will ship to your mailing address within 7 to 10 business days. You can request expedited shipping for an additional fee, or use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit before your card arrives.

Opening an account by phone

Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and say you want to open a checking account. A representative will walk you through the same questions as an in-person or online opening: account type, personal information, and initial deposit method. You will need to provide your photo ID information verbally, so have it ready.

Phone openings take 15 to 25 minutes. Your account will be created on the call, but like online openings, it will not be active for transactions until Bank of America verifies your identity, usually within one to three business days. Your debit card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If you are calling from outside the United States, use the international phone number listed on the Bank of America website, as the 1-800 number may not work from abroad.

Choosing the right checking account type

Bank of America offers several checking accounts with different features and costs. Advantage Plus has a $12 monthly fee but waives it if you maintain a $1,500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit of at least $250 per month. Advantage SafeBalance has a $4.95 monthly fee and is designed for people who want lower overdraft risk—it declines transactions if your balance is too low rather than charging overdraft fees.

The Interest Checking account earns a small amount of interest on your balance but has a higher minimum balance requirement and may have a monthly fee depending on your balance. College Checking is free for students under 24 and has no minimum balance or monthly fee.

Compare the monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, overdraft policies, and interest rates before you open. If you plan to use direct deposit or maintain a high balance, Advantage Plus may be cheaper than SafeBalance. If you want to avoid overdraft fees entirely, SafeBalance is the safer choice.

What happens after your account opens

Once your account is active, you can use your debit card to make purchases, withdraw cash at ATMs, and transfer money online. Your first debit card usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days of account opening. You can activate it by calling the number on the back of the card or logging into your Bank of America account online.

Set up online banking by creating a username and password on bankofamerica.com. From there, you can pay bills, transfer money between accounts, deposit checks using your phone camera, and monitor your balance. You can also set up alerts for low balances, large transactions, or overdrafts.

If you need to deposit checks before your debit card arrives, use the mobile app to photograph the front and back of the check and deposit it electronically. Bank of America usually credits mobile check deposits within one business day.

If your account is declined

Bank of America may decline your account opening if ChexSystems reports unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or repeated NSF (non-sufficient funds) fees from a previous account. You have the right to see what ChexSystems has on file about you. Request your report at chexsystems.com or by calling 1-800-428-9623.

If the report contains errors, dispute them directly with ChexSystems. If the report is accurate but you believe you have resolved the issue, contact Bank of America directly and explain your situation. Some branches may open an account for you despite the ChexSystems report if you can show proof of financial recovery, such as a recent bank statement showing a positive balance.

If Bank of America continues to decline you, consider opening a second-chance checking account at another bank, such as Chime, LendingClub, or a local credit union. These institutions often have less strict verification requirements and may report positive account history back to ChexSystems, which can help you open a Bank of America account later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a minimum deposit to open a Bank of America checking account?

It depends on the account type. Some accounts have no minimum deposit requirement, while others require $100 or more. Advantage SafeBalance, for example, typically has no minimum, while Advantage Plus may require $100. Ask the representative which account has the lowest or no minimum deposit when you open.

How long does it take to get my debit card?

If you open in person at a branch, you may receive a debit card immediately or within a few business days. If you open online or by phone, your card will ship to your mailing address within 7 to 10 business days. You can request expedited shipping for a fee, or use your account number and routing number for direct deposit or bill payments before your card arrives.

Can I open a Bank of America account without a Social Security number?

No. Bank of America requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open any account. This is a federal requirement for all U.S. banks to prevent fraud and comply with anti-money-laundering laws.

What if I do not have a photo ID?

You can open an account in person at a branch by bringing two forms of non-photo identification, such as a utility bill, birth certificate, or passport. Bank of America will verify your identity through ChexSystems and other databases. Online and phone openings require a photo ID, so you must visit a branch if you do not have one.

Can I open a joint checking account with someone else?

Yes. Both account holders must be present in person at a branch, or you can open online and add the second person afterward. Both people will need a photo ID, Social Security number, and current address. Each person will receive their own debit card and online access to the account.