What you need to open a Discover savings account
You can open a Discover savings account online in about 10 minutes. You'll need a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and an initial deposit. Discover accepts transfers from another bank account or a debit card to fund your new account. You don't need to visit a branch—the entire process happens on Discover's website or mobile app.
The initial deposit requirement varies. As of now, Discover does not require a minimum opening deposit, though you should check their current terms before starting. Once your account is open, you can deposit money by transferring from another bank account, receiving direct deposits, or mailing a check.
Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address ready. If you're opening the account from outside the United States, you'll need additional documentation. Discover will verify your identity during the signup process, which may take a few minutes.
Key Takeaways
- You can open a Discover savings account entirely online using a government ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit method.
- The signup process takes about 10 minutes and requires no branch visit or minimum opening deposit.
- You'll fund the account by transferring money from another bank, setting up direct deposit, or mailing a check.
- Discover will verify your identity during signup, and your account becomes active once verification is complete.
- You can manage your account through Discover's website or mobile app from day one.
Step-by-step process to open your account
Start by going to Discover's website or opening their mobile app. Click the button to open a new savings account. You'll be asked to enter your email address and create a password—use something you can remember but others cannot guess.
Next, enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. Discover will ask whether you're a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Answer honestly; this affects which account types you can open.
Upload or photograph your government-issued ID. Discover's system will read it automatically. If the photo is unclear, you may need to retake it. Once your ID is accepted, Discover will verify your Social Security number and run a background check—this is standard banking practice and does not affect your credit score.
Choose how you want to fund your account. If you have another bank account, select the transfer option and enter that bank's routing number and your account number. If you prefer to use a debit card, enter the card details. Discover will process the transfer, which typically takes one to three business days. Your account opens immediately, but you won't be able to withdraw money until the deposit clears.
What happens after you submit your information
Discover will send you a confirmation email within minutes. Check your inbox (and spam folder) for this message. The email contains your new account number and instructions for next steps.
Your account is active as soon as verification is complete, usually within the same day. However, if you funded it with a bank transfer, that money won't arrive for one to three business days. If you funded it with a debit card, the transfer may take slightly longer. You can log in to your account and see your balance before the money arrives.
Discover will mail you a debit card if you request one during signup. This card typically arrives within seven to ten business days. Until it arrives, you can transfer money out of your account online or set up automatic transfers to another bank account.
Identity verification and security checks
During signup, Discover runs a verification process to confirm you are who you say you are. This includes checking your ID against government databases and confirming your Social Security number. This process is required by federal banking law and protects both you and Discover from fraud.
If Discover cannot verify your information automatically, they may ask you to provide additional documents. This could include a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement showing your name and address. If this happens, Discover will email you with instructions on how to submit these documents. The process usually takes a few extra days.
Discover may also ask you security questions based on your credit history or past addresses. Answer these accurately. If you cannot remember the answers, contact Discover's customer service and they can help you complete verification by phone.
Funding your account and making your first deposit
The easiest way to fund your new account is with a bank transfer from an account you already own. You'll need your other bank's routing number and your account number at that bank. Discover's website will guide you through entering this information. The transfer typically takes one to three business days.
If you don't have another bank account or prefer not to link one, you can fund your account with a debit card. Discover accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express debit cards. Enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV. The transfer may take slightly longer than a bank transfer.
You can also mail a check to Discover. The check should be made payable to Discover Bank, and you'll include a form with your new account number. Mailed checks take one to two weeks to clear. Discover will provide you with the mailing address and form during signup.
Once your account is open, you can also receive direct deposits from your employer or other sources. Discover will provide you with your routing number and account number for this purpose. Direct deposits typically post within one to two business days of being sent.
Choosing account features and settings
When you open your account, Discover will ask whether you want a debit card. This is optional. If you choose to get one, it will arrive by mail within seven to ten business days. You can use it to withdraw money from ATMs or make purchases, though Discover charges a fee for out-of-network ATM withdrawals.
You can also set up online bill pay during signup or after your account opens. This lets you pay bills directly from your Discover savings account through their website. You'll enter the biller's information (utility company, credit card issuer, landlord, etc.) and schedule payments. Most bill payments post within one to three business days.
Enable alerts if you want Discover to notify you when your balance drops below a certain amount, when a large withdrawal occurs, or when your account is accessed from a new device. These alerts help you catch fraud early. You can customize which alerts you receive and how Discover sends them (email, text, or app notification).
What to do if verification is delayed or rejected
If Discover cannot verify your information automatically, they will email you within 24 hours asking for additional documents. Common requests include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement. These documents must show your name and current address. Scan or photograph them clearly and upload them through the link in Discover's email.
If your ID photo is rejected, retake it in good lighting with all four corners of the ID visible. Make sure your face is clearly visible and matches the photo on your ID. If you continue to have trouble, contact Discover's customer service by phone and they can verify you manually.
In rare cases, Discover may not be able to open an account for you. This can happen if you have a history of fraud, if your identity cannot be verified, or if you're on a banking exclusion list. If this occurs, Discover will explain why in writing. You can dispute the decision by contacting their customer service, but the outcome may not change. In this case, you would need to open an account with a different bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to open a Discover savings account?
The signup process takes about 10 minutes. Your account becomes active once identity verification is complete, usually within the same day. However, if you fund your account with a bank transfer, that money won't arrive for one to three business days. A debit card, if requested, takes seven to ten business days to arrive by mail.
Can I open a Discover savings account if I don't have a Social Security number?
No. Discover requires a valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open an account. This is a federal banking requirement. If you have an ITIN, you can use that instead of a Social Security number.
What if I don't have a government-issued ID?
You need a valid government ID to open an account online. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, passport, or state ID. If you don't have one of these, you may be able to complete verification by phone with Discover's customer service, though this is not may provide.
Can I open a Discover savings account on my phone?
Yes. Discover's mobile app has the same account opening process as their website. You can take photos of your ID and upload documents directly from your phone. The process works the same way and takes about 10 minutes.
Is there a fee to open a Discover savings account?
No. Discover does not charge a fee to open a savings account. However, they do charge fees for certain services, such as out-of-network ATM withdrawals and wire transfers. Check Discover's fee schedule before opening your account to understand what costs may apply to your banking habits.