What you need to open a Citizens Bank account
Citizens Bank lets you open a checking or savings account either online or at a branch. Online takes about 10 minutes and you can start using your account the same day. In-person at a branch takes longer but a banker can answer questions as you go.
For either method, you will need a valid government ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and an initial deposit. Citizens Bank does not require a minimum opening deposit for most checking accounts, though some account types have minimums ranging from $25 to $500. You will also need a way to fund the account — a debit card, another bank account, or cash if you go to a branch.
If you are opening online, have your ID ready to photograph or scan, and make sure you have a working email address and phone number. Citizens Bank will text or call you during the process to verify your identity.
Key Takeaways
- Online account opening takes about 10 minutes and you can use your account the same day; in-person takes longer but a banker can walk you through it.
- You will need a valid government ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit method — Citizens Bank does not require a minimum deposit for most checking accounts.
- Citizens Bank will verify your identity by phone or text during online signup, so have your phone nearby and answer when they call.
- After you open an account, your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use your account number to set up direct deposit or transfers right away.
Opening an account online through Citizens Bank's website
Go to citizensbank.com and click the button to open a new account. You will choose whether you want a checking account, savings account, or both. Citizens Bank offers several checking types — the basic version has no monthly fee if you keep a $500 balance or set up direct deposit, while premium versions have higher fees but more perks.
Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. Then upload or photograph both sides of your ID. Citizens Bank's system reads the ID automatically, but if it cannot read yours clearly, you can type the information in by hand.
Next, Citizens Bank will ask for your Social Security number and will pull your credit report to verify your identity. This is a soft pull and does not affect your credit score. You will then choose how to fund your account — link a bank account for an electronic transfer, use a debit card, or choose to fund it later.
Citizens Bank will text or call you to confirm your identity. Answer the call or text back with the code they send. Once verified, your account opens immediately and you can log in to see your account number and routing number. Your physical debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
Opening an account in person at a Citizens Bank branch
Find your nearest Citizens Bank branch on their website or in the mobile app. Bring your government ID, Social Security number, and a way to make your opening deposit — a check, debit card, or cash. You do not need an appointment, though calling ahead during busy times can save you a wait.
A banker will ask the same questions as the online form: your name, address, phone, email, and Social Security number. They will verify your ID by looking at it in person. If you are funding your account with cash or a check, they will process that deposit on the spot. If you are using a debit card or linking another bank account, they will enter that information into their system.
The banker will explain the account features and fees, answer your questions, and give you a temporary debit card or card number you can use immediately. Your permanent card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You will also receive your account number and routing number before you leave, so you can set up direct deposit or transfers right away.
What happens after your account opens
Your account is active the moment it opens, whether online or in person. You can log into Citizens Bank's website or mobile app, transfer money between accounts, and set up bill pay. If you received a temporary card number in person, you can use it to make purchases or withdraw cash at an ATM.
Your permanent debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you need cash before then, you can withdraw from any Citizens Bank ATM using your account number and temporary card number, or visit a branch and ask a teller to withdraw cash from your new account.
If you want direct deposit set up — for paychecks, tax refunds, or government payments — give your employer or the paying organization your new account number and Citizens Bank's routing number. Direct deposit usually takes one to two pay cycles to start, so set it up as soon as your account opens if you want it in place before your next payment arrives.
Account types and what each one costs
Citizens Bank's basic checking account has no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit of at least $500 per month. If you do neither, the fee is $12.95 per month. There is no limit on debit card purchases or ATM withdrawals, and you get access to Citizens Bank's network of over 2,700 ATMs.
Citizens Bank also offers a premium checking account with higher fees but additional perks like higher interest rates on linked savings accounts, waived overdraft fees, and travel benefits. The monthly fee is $25 if you do not maintain a higher minimum balance.
Savings accounts at Citizens Bank earn interest, though the rate varies. You can open a savings account alone or paired with a checking account. Some savings accounts have no monthly fee; others charge $5 per month if your balance drops below $300.
Ask the banker or check Citizens Bank's website for the current fee schedule, because fees and minimum balances change. You can also call Citizens Bank at 1-800-922-9999 to ask about current account options before you open.
If you already have a Citizens Bank account and want to open another
You can open a second account online or in person using the same process. Citizens Bank allows you to have multiple checking and savings accounts. Online, log into your existing account, find the option to open a new account, and follow the same steps — you will not need to verify your identity again since Citizens Bank already has your information on file.
In person, bring your ID and go to any branch. Tell the banker you already have an account and want to open another. They will pull up your existing account, confirm your information, and open the new account in a few minutes.
Each account has its own account number, routing number, and debit card (if it is a checking account). You can transfer money between your own accounts instantly through Citizens Bank's website or app, or set up automatic transfers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Citizens Bank account if I have been denied by other banks?
Citizens Bank does not publish specific rules about past denials, but they do check your banking history through ChexSystems, a system that tracks closed accounts and fraud. If you were denied because of overdrafts or fraud, call Citizens Bank at 1-800-922-9999 and ask whether you can open an account. Some banks will work with you if you explain what happened.
What if I do not have a government ID?
Citizens Bank requires a valid government ID to open an account online or in person. If you do not have one, you will need to get a state ID or passport first. Visit your state's DMV website or the U.S. State Department website to learn how to apply.
How long does it take to receive my debit card?
Your permanent debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you open in person, the banker may give you a temporary card number you can use immediately. If you open online, you can use your account number to set up direct deposit or transfers right away, even before your card arrives.
Can I open an account for someone else?
No. The person whose name is on the account must open it themselves, either online or in person with their own ID. If you want to open a joint account, both account holders must be present in person or both must complete the online process and verify their identities.
What if I want to close my account right after opening it?
You can close your account anytime by calling Citizens Bank at 1-800-922-9999 or visiting a branch. There is no penalty for closing a new account. Make sure your account balance is zero — withdraw or transfer any remaining money before you close.