What Bank of America requires before you can open an account
Bank of America requires a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit to open a checking or savings account. The ID can be a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You'll also need to provide your date of birth and current address. If you're opening an account online or by phone, you may be asked to verify your identity through additional steps, such as answering security questions based on your credit history.
The initial deposit amount varies by account type. Some accounts require a minimum deposit of $25, while others may ask for $100 or more. Bank of America also runs a background check through ChexSystems, a banking history database, to verify you haven't had problems with previous bank accounts. If you've been flagged in ChexSystems for unpaid overdrafts or fraud, you may be denied.
You can open an account in person at a Bank of America branch, online through their website, or by phone. Each method has the same basic requirements, though the online and phone routes move faster if your identity verification goes smoothly.
Key Takeaways
- You need a government photo ID, Social Security number, date of birth, and current address to open any Bank of America account.
- An initial deposit is required; the amount depends on the account type but typically ranges from $25 to $100 or more.
- Bank of America checks ChexSystems, a banking history database, and may deny your account if you have unpaid overdrafts or fraud on record.
- You can open an account in person, online, or by phone, with online being the fastest option if identity verification succeeds on the first try.
Documents to bring or have ready
Gather these items before you start the account opening process. A government-issued photo ID is non-negotiable—a driver's license works best because it contains your address, but a passport or state ID card will also work. You'll need your Social Security number written down or memorized. Have your current mailing address ready, even if it's different from the address on your ID.
If you're opening the account in person at a branch, bring your ID and have your Social Security number available. If you're opening online or by phone, you won't need to show physical documents, but you'll type or speak your information, and Bank of America will verify it against records they can access. Some people are asked to upload a photo of their ID during the online process, so having a clear image ready can speed things up.
How the identity verification process works
Bank of America verifies your identity in real time when you open an account. If you're in a branch, the banker checks your ID against your face and runs your Social Security number through their system. Online or by phone, the system asks you questions based on your credit file—things like "Which of these addresses have you lived at?" or "Which lender issued a loan in your name?"—to confirm you're really you.
This verification usually takes a few minutes. If the system can't confirm your identity automatically, a Bank of America representative may call you to verify information by phone, or you may be asked to visit a branch in person. In rare cases, if your credit history is thin or your information doesn't match their records, the process can take a day or two.
ChexSystems check and what can disqualify you
Bank of America uses ChexSystems to check your banking history before opening your account. ChexSystems is a database that tracks overdrafts, bounced checks, fraud, and accounts closed due to misuse. If you've had problems at another bank—unpaid overdraft fees, repeated NSF (non-sufficient funds) charges, or a closed account for cause—ChexSystems will flag it.
A ChexSystems record doesn't automatically disqualify you, but it raises your risk level. Bank of America may deny your account, ask you to pay outstanding fees from a previous bank before opening, or offer you a second-chance checking account with stricter terms. If you know you have a ChexSystems record, call Bank of America before applying to ask whether you can open an account and what conditions might apply.
You can request your own ChexSystems report for free at chexsystems.com or by calling 1-800-428-9623. If there's an error on your report, you can dispute it directly with ChexSystems.
Minimum deposit amounts by account type
Bank of America's minimum deposit varies depending on which account you choose. A basic checking account typically requires a $25 minimum deposit to open. Premium checking accounts, such as Preferred Checking or Gold Checking, may require $100 or more. Savings accounts usually start at $25 as well.
The minimum deposit is not a fee—it's money that goes into your account and belongs to you. You can withdraw it immediately after opening if you want, though doing so may trigger monthly maintenance fees on some account types. Bank of America waives monthly fees on many accounts if you maintain a minimum balance (often $500 to $1,500) or set up direct deposit, so check the specific account terms before you decide.
Opening an account online versus in person
Opening online is faster if everything verifies smoothly. You can complete the entire process in 10 to 15 minutes from your computer or phone, and your account is usually active the same day. You'll receive a temporary debit card number immediately and can use it for online purchases right away. Your physical debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Opening in person at a branch takes longer—typically 30 to 45 minutes—but you walk out with a debit card in hand and can start using it immediately. In-person opening is also better if you have questions, if your identity verification is complicated, or if you want to discuss account options with a banker. If your online application is denied or flagged, you can often resolve it by visiting a branch.
What happens after you open your account
Once your account is open, Bank of America sends you a welcome packet with your account number, routing number, and information about online banking. You can set up online access and mobile banking right away through their website or app. Your debit card arrives separately by mail.
If you set up direct deposit, you can start receiving paychecks into your new account as soon as your employer has your account and routing number. You can also transfer money from another bank account using ACH (automated clearing house), though that transfer typically takes 1 to 3 business days. Deposits made at an ATM or branch are available immediately or within one business day, depending on the time of day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Bank of America account without a Social Security number?
No. Bank of America requires a Social Security number to open any account. If you don't have one, you cannot open a standard account. Some banks offer accounts for people without a Social Security number using an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), but Bank of America does not.
What if I don't have a government photo ID?
You need a government-issued photo ID to open an account. If you don't have a driver's license or passport, you can get a state ID card from your state's DMV. The process varies by state but typically takes a few days to a few weeks. Until you have an ID, you cannot open a Bank of America account.
Can I open an account if I'm flagged in ChexSystems?
It depends on what's on your record. Bank of America may deny you, or it may offer a second-chance account with higher fees or stricter limits. Call Bank of America before applying to ask about your specific situation. You can also check your ChexSystems report yourself at chexsystems.com to see what's there.
How long does it take to open an account online?
If your identity verifies automatically, you can complete the process in 10 to 15 minutes and your account is active the same day. If Bank of America needs to verify your identity by phone or through additional steps, it may take a day or two. Your physical debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Can I open an account with someone else's money as the initial deposit?
Yes. The initial deposit can come from anyone—a gift from a family member, a check from an employer, or a transfer from another account. Bank of America doesn't restrict where the deposit comes from. The money becomes yours once it's in your account.