What you need to bring and the steps to open an account

You can open a Bank of America checking account in person at a branch, online through their website, or by phone. The fastest route is online if you have a valid government ID and a Social Security number ready. Bank of America will verify your identity during the process, pull a ChexSystems report (a banking history check), and ask about your employment and income.

If you open online, the account opens immediately and you can use it right away, though your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you open in a branch, you walk out with a temporary card the same day. Either way, you will need to fund the account with an initial deposit — Bank of America does not require a minimum opening deposit, but you do need money in the account to use it.

The documents you need are a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and your Social Security number. If you are opening an account for a minor, a parent or guardian must be present and provide their own ID as well. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open a checking account online in minutes if you have a valid ID and Social Security number, and the account is ready to use immediately.
  • Bank of America does not require a minimum opening deposit, but you must fund the account with at least some money to activate it.
  • Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you open online, or you receive a temporary card the same day if you open in a branch.
  • Bank of America will check your banking history through ChexSystems and may deny the account if you have unpaid overdrafts or fraud flags from other banks.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must open the account with you and be listed as a co-owner or custodian.

Opening an account online

Go to bankofamerica.com and click "Open an Account" or "get your free guide." You will answer questions about the type of account (checking, savings, or both), your personal information, and your employment status. Bank of America will ask for your Social Security number, date of birth, and address. The entire process takes about 10 minutes.

After you submit your information, Bank of America verifies your identity by checking your credit file or by asking you security questions based on your financial history. Once verification is complete, your account number appears on screen. You can link an external bank account to transfer money in, or you can wait for your first paycheck to be deposited directly.

Your temporary debit card number also appears on screen, so you can use it for online purchases or contactless payments through your phone immediately. The physical card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need cash before the card arrives, you can withdraw from any Bank of America ATM using your account number and ID.

Opening an account in a branch

Bring your government ID and Social Security number to any Bank of America branch during business hours. A banker will walk you through the account setup on their computer, ask the same questions as the online process, and verify your identity in person. This takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

Once the account is open, you receive a temporary debit card on the spot that you can use immediately at ATMs and in stores. Your permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can also set up direct deposit during this visit by providing your employer's information or your payroll contact details.

If you do not have an initial deposit with you, the banker can note that in the account and you can deposit money later that day or the next business day. Some branches allow you to deposit cash or a check at an ATM or teller window immediately after opening the account.

What happens if Bank of America denies your account

Bank of America uses ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking problems like unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or repeated NSF (non-sufficient funds) fees. If you have a negative history with another bank, Bank of America may deny your application. You will receive a letter in the mail explaining the reason within 30 days.

If you were denied because of ChexSystems, you have the right to dispute the information. You can contact ChexSystems directly at 1-800-428-9623 or through their website to request a copy of your report and file a dispute if information is wrong. Correcting errors can take 30 to 60 days.

If you are denied and want to try again, wait at least 30 days before reapplying. Some people open accounts at other banks first (like a credit union or online bank with lower standards) to rebuild their banking history, then apply to Bank of America later. You can also call Bank of America's customer service at 1-800-432-1000 to ask whether reapplying is worth trying or if there is a waiting period.

Setting up direct deposit and online banking

Once your account is open, you can set up direct deposit so your paycheck deposits automatically. You will need your employer's routing number and your new Bank of America account number. Give this information to your payroll department or HR, and deposits usually begin within one or two pay cycles.

Bank of America's online banking platform, accessible through bankofamerica.com or the mobile app, lets you check your balance, transfer money between accounts, pay bills, and set up alerts. You can also turn your debit card on and off through the app if it is lost or stolen, which is faster than calling customer service.

Set up a strong password (at least 8 characters, including numbers and symbols) and enable two-factor authentication through the app for security. Bank of America will send a code to your phone or email when you log in from a new device, which prevents unauthorized access even if someone has your password.

Monthly fees and account requirements

Bank of America's basic checking account is called the Checking Account and has no monthly maintenance fee if you maintain a minimum balance of $500 or set up direct deposit of at least $250 per month. If you do not meet either requirement, the fee is $12 per month.

If you want to avoid the fee without direct deposit, keep $500 in the account at all times. If your balance drops below $500 and you do not have direct deposit, the $12 fee posts automatically on the last business day of the month. You can remove the fee by bringing your balance back to $500 before the fee posts, or by setting up direct deposit.

Bank of America also offers a Advantage Checking account with a $15 monthly fee (waived if you maintain $1,500 or set up direct deposit) and a Premium Checking account for customers with higher balances. For most people starting out, the basic Checking Account is the right choice.

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 to open a checking account. They use ChexSystems instead, which tracks banking problems like overdrafts and fraud, not credit history. If you have bad credit but no banking problems, you can open an account. If you have ChexSystems issues, you may be denied.

How long does it take to get my debit card?

If you open online, your physical debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use a temporary card number immediately for online purchases and contactless payments. If you open in a branch, you receive a temporary card on the spot and the permanent card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring your ITIN documentation along with your government ID when you open the account. If you are opening online, enter your ITIN in the Social Security number field and Bank of America will process it.

Can a minor open a checking account at Bank of America?

A minor under 18 cannot open an account alone. A parent or legal guardian must open the account with them and be listed as a co-owner or custodian. Both the minor and the adult must bring government ID and Social Security numbers to a branch, or the adult can open the account online and add the minor afterward.

What happens if I do not make an initial deposit?

Bank of America does not require a minimum opening deposit, but you must fund the account with at least some money to use it. If you open the account but do not deposit anything, the account remains open but inactive. You can deposit money anytime through direct deposit, ATM, or by visiting a branch.