Yes, you can open a Discover Bank account entirely online
Discover Bank lets you open a checking or savings account from your computer or phone without visiting a branch. The process takes about 10 minutes and requires an email address, Social Security number, and a valid government ID. You'll need to fund the account with an initial deposit, which you can do by linking an existing bank account or using a debit card.
Discover has no monthly maintenance fees on either account type, and you can manage everything through their website or mobile app after opening. The bank does not charge overdraft fees, though it will decline transactions that would overdraw your account rather than covering them.
Key Takeaways
- You can complete the entire account opening process online in about 10 minutes using your email, Social Security number, and a valid ID.
- Discover requires an initial deposit to fund your new account, which you can transfer from another bank or add with a debit card.
- Both checking and savings accounts have no monthly fees, and Discover does not charge overdraft fees on either type.
- After opening, you can deposit checks by photographing them through the app, and you can withdraw cash at MoneyPass ATMs nationwide at no charge.
What you need before you start
Have your Social Security number and a government-issued ID ready—a driver's license, passport, or state ID all work. Discover will verify your identity during the signup process, and the ID must match the name and date of birth you provide.
You'll also need an email address and a way to fund the account. If you're transferring money from another bank, have your routing number and account number handy. If you're using a debit card, have that card available. Discover accepts transfers from most U.S. banks and credit unions.
The step-by-step opening process
Go to Discover's website and select the account type you want—checking or savings. Enter your email address and create a password. On the next screen, provide your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address. Discover will ask whether you're a U.S. citizen and whether you have a Discover credit card (having one does not change the process, but the bank tracks this).
Next, you'll verify your identity. Discover uses a third-party verification service that checks your information against public records. If verification is instant, you'll move forward immediately. If it's not instant, Discover will send you an email with next steps, which usually means uploading a photo of your ID or answering security questions based on your credit history.
Once verified, you'll choose your account type and set up your initial deposit. Select whether you want to transfer from another bank account or use a debit card. If you transfer from a bank account, you'll enter the routing and account numbers; Discover will make two small test deposits (usually under $1 each) to confirm the account is yours, and you'll verify those amounts to complete the link. If you use a debit card, the charge posts immediately.
How long until you can use your account
Your account is active as soon as you finish the verification step, but the timing of when you can actually spend money depends on how you fund it. If you use a debit card, the deposit is available right away. If you transfer from another bank, the money typically arrives within one to two business days, though some transfers take up to five business days depending on your other bank.
Discover will issue you a debit card by mail, which usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can still access your money through ATM withdrawals at MoneyPass locations or by transferring it back to another account. You can also set up direct deposit of paychecks or other income immediately after opening, and those deposits will post on their normal schedule.
ATM access and cash withdrawals
Discover does not operate its own ATM network, but it partners with MoneyPass, a nationwide network of over 60,000 ATMs. You can withdraw cash at any MoneyPass ATM for free using your Discover debit card. If you use an ATM outside the MoneyPass network, Discover charges a $2.50 fee per transaction, and the ATM operator may charge an additional fee.
To find a MoneyPass ATM near you, use the ATM locator on Discover's website or app. Most convenience stores, grocery stores, and gas stations participate in the network. If you live in an area with few MoneyPass locations, this is worth checking before opening the account.
Depositing checks without a branch
Discover lets you deposit checks by taking a photo through the mobile app—you photograph the front and back of the check, and the money is usually available within one business day. There is no limit on how many checks you can deposit this way per month, though Discover reserves the right to hold checks for longer if it suspects fraud.
You can also mail checks to Discover, though this takes longer. The address for mailed deposits is provided in your account settings. For large checks or if you're uncomfortable with mobile deposit, mailing is an option, but expect the money to take 5 to 10 business days to post.
What happens if verification fails
If Discover cannot verify your identity instantly, you'll receive an email within a few hours asking you to upload a photo of your government ID or answer security questions. Upload a clear photo of both sides of your ID—make sure your face is visible and the document is not expired. Discover typically completes this verification within 24 hours.
If you cannot provide the documents Discover requests or if your information does not match their records, your account opening will be denied. This is rare, but it can happen if you've recently moved, changed your name, or if there's a discrepancy in public records. If this occurs, contact Discover's customer service to understand why and whether you can reapply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Discover credit card to open a bank account?
No. Discover Bank accounts are separate from Discover credit cards. You can open a bank account whether or not you have a credit card with Discover. The bank will ask if you have a card during signup, but having one is not required.
What if I don't have a government ID?
You need a valid government-issued ID to open an account. A driver's license, passport, or state ID all work. If you don't have one, you'll need to obtain one before opening the account. Discover cannot proceed without it.
Can I open an account if I'm not a U.S. citizen?
Discover requires you to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to open an account. During signup, you'll confirm your citizenship status. If you're not a citizen or permanent resident, you will not be able to open an account with Discover Bank.
What's the minimum deposit to open an account?
Discover does not publish a specific minimum deposit amount. In practice, you can open an account with as little as $1, though most people deposit more. Check Discover's current terms on their website, as this can change.
Can I open multiple accounts?
Yes. You can open more than one checking account or savings account with Discover, or one of each. Each account will have its own debit card and routing number. This is useful if you want to separate money for different purposes.