What you need to open a Discover checking account

You can open a Discover checking account entirely online in about 10 minutes. Discover does not have physical branches, so everything happens through their website or mobile app. You will need a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and an initial deposit—though Discover does not require a minimum opening deposit for most checking accounts.

The process is straightforward because Discover verifies your identity electronically rather than requiring you to visit a branch or mail in documents. You will create a username and password during signup, and Discover will ask for your contact information, employment details, and funding source for the initial deposit.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open a Discover checking account online without visiting a branch or mailing documents, and there is no minimum opening deposit required.
  • The signup process takes about 10 minutes and requires a valid ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit method (debit card, bank transfer, or wire).
  • Discover verifies your identity electronically during signup, so you will know immediately whether your account is approved.
  • Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days, but you can use your account for transfers and bill pay before the card shows up.

Step-by-step signup process

Start by going to Discover's website and clicking the button to open a checking account. You will enter your email address and create a password. Discover will then ask for your full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and Social Security number. This information is used to verify your identity and check for fraud.

Next, you will answer questions about your employment and income. Discover uses this to comply with banking regulations, not to judge whether you can have an account. After that, you will choose how to fund your new account. You can transfer money from another bank account, deposit from a debit card, or wire funds. The minimum initial deposit is $0 for most Discover checking accounts, though you may want to deposit enough to cover your first month of expenses.

Once you submit your information, Discover verifies your identity electronically. If everything checks out, your account opens immediately and you can start using it for transfers and bill pay right away. Your physical debit card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if verification fails

If Discover cannot verify your identity electronically, you will receive an email explaining what went wrong. Common reasons include a mismatch between the name on your ID and the name you entered, an incorrect Social Security number, or an address that does not match Discover's records. You can contact Discover's customer service to correct the information and resubmit.

In rare cases, Discover may ask you to mail in a copy of your ID to complete verification. If this happens, the email will include instructions on what to send and where to send it. This process typically takes an additional 5 to 10 business days.

Using your account before your debit card arrives

Your Discover checking account is fully functional as soon as it opens, even though your physical debit card is still in the mail. You can set up direct deposit, transfer money to and from other accounts, pay bills online, and receive wire transfers. You can also request a temporary digital card number through the Discover app to use for online purchases while you wait for your physical card.

Once your debit card arrives, you can use it at ATMs and stores. Discover's network includes over 60,000 ATMs nationwide, and you can withdraw cash without a fee at any of them. Out-of-network ATM withdrawals typically cost $1.50 per transaction.

Fees and account features

Discover checking accounts have no monthly maintenance fee, no minimum balance requirement, and no overdraft fees. If you overdraw your account, Discover will decline the transaction rather than charging you a fee. This means you cannot spend money you do not have, which protects you from surprise charges.

The account comes with online bill pay, mobile check deposit, and access to Discover's customer service by phone, email, or chat. Discover also offers a small cash back reward on debit card purchases at certain merchants, though the percentage varies and is not may provide on all purchases.

Funding your account after opening

After your account is open, you can add money in several ways. Direct deposit is the most common—you can provide your Discover account and routing number to your employer or any organization that sends you regular payments. Transfers from another bank account take 1 to 3 business days. You can also deposit checks by taking a photo with the Discover mobile app, and the funds typically appear within 1 to 2 business days.

If you need cash immediately, you can withdraw from any Discover ATM at no charge. Wire transfers are also available if someone wants to send you money directly, though the sender's bank may charge a fee for sending the wire.

Closing or changing your account

If you decide Discover checking is not right for you, you can close the account anytime with no penalty. Contact Discover and let them know you want to close. They will ask you to move any remaining balance to another account. Once the balance is zero, the account closes. There is no waiting period and no fee for closing.

If you want to keep the account but change something—like your address, phone number, or linked accounts—you can update that information anytime through the Discover app or website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Discover checking account if I have been denied by other banks?

Discover does not use ChexSystems or other checking account verification systems that flag you for past banking problems. However, Discover does check for fraud and verifies your identity. If you were denied because of fraud or identity theft, you may still be denied. Contact Discover directly to ask about your specific situation.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

Discover requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open an account. This is a federal banking requirement, not a Discover policy. If you have an ITIN, you can use that instead of a Social Security number.

How long does it take to receive my debit card?

Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date your account opens. Discover does not offer expedited card delivery. You can use your account for transfers, bill pay, and digital purchases before the card arrives.

Can I open an account for someone else?

No. Each person must open their own account using their own identity and Social Security number. Parents cannot open accounts for minor children through Discover's standard checking account process.

What is Discover's routing number?

Discover's routing number is 011000015. You will need this number to set up direct deposit or receive wire transfers. You can also find it in the Discover app or by calling customer service.