You can open certain US Bank accounts online, but not all of them
US Bank lets you open a checking or savings account through their website or mobile app without visiting a branch. The process takes about 10 minutes and you can fund the account immediately. However, some account types—particularly those requiring a credit decision or involving business structures—still require a phone call or in-person visit.
The accounts you can open online are the basic consumer products: US Bank Checking, US Bank Savings, and US Bank Money Market accounts. You will need a Social Security number, a valid government ID, a current address, and a funding source (debit card, another bank account, or wire transfer). US Bank will verify your identity using information from credit bureaus and public records, a process that usually completes in seconds but can take up to 24 hours.
Key Takeaways
- Checking and savings accounts can be opened entirely online through the US Bank website or app, with funding available the same day.
- You will need a Social Security number, valid ID, current address, and a way to fund the account before you start.
- Identity verification happens automatically using credit bureau data and public records, and usually takes seconds to a few minutes.
- Business accounts, credit products, and some specialty accounts require a phone call or branch visit and cannot be opened online.
- Once your account is open, you can set up direct deposit, bill pay, and transfers to other banks immediately through the app or website.
What you need before you start the online application
Gather these items before opening your browser: a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, your current street address, and a phone number. US Bank will text or call this number as part of identity verification.
You will also need a way to fund your new account. US Bank accepts debit cards, checking or savings accounts at other banks (via ACH transfer), and wire transfers. If you use a debit card, the charge appears immediately and the funds land in your new account within one business day. ACH transfers from another bank take three to five business days. Have one of these ready before you begin, because you cannot complete the application without funding the account.
How the online application and identity verification work
Start at usbank.com or open the US Bank mobile app and select "Open an Account." You will enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. US Bank then asks which account type you want (checking, savings, or money market) and whether you want any optional features like overdraft protection.
After you submit this information, US Bank's system checks your identity against credit bureau records and public databases. This verification usually completes in seconds. If the system cannot verify you automatically—which can happen if you have no credit history, recently moved, or have a common name—US Bank will ask you to answer security questions based on your credit file, or may call you to confirm details by phone.
Once you pass verification, you will see your new account number and routing number on screen. You then choose your funding method and complete the transfer. The account is active immediately, though the funds themselves may take one to five business days to arrive depending on the method you chose.
What happens if identity verification fails or takes longer
If US Bank cannot verify you automatically, you will receive an email or phone call within one business day asking you to provide additional information. This might be a copy of your ID, proof of address (a recent utility bill or lease), or answers to security questions. You can upload documents through your online account or provide them over the phone.
In rare cases, US Bank may ask you to visit a branch in person or complete a video call with a representative. This typically happens when there are fraud concerns, when your identity cannot be confirmed through standard channels, or when you are opening an account as a minor or with a power of attorney. If this occurs, US Bank will tell you which branch to visit or will schedule the video call for you.
Accounts you cannot open online
US Bank requires a phone call or branch visit for business checking accounts, joint accounts with someone who is not present, accounts for minors (under 18), and accounts opened with power of attorney. Credit products like credit cards and lines of credit also cannot be opened through the online account-opening process, though you can apply for them separately after your deposit account is open.
If you need a joint account, both account holders must be present during the application—either both online at the same time (if US Bank offers this option in your state) or both in person at a branch. Call US Bank at 1-800-872-2657 to ask whether joint online opening is available where you live, or to schedule a branch appointment.
What you can do immediately after your account opens
Your account is ready to use as soon as verification completes. You can set up direct deposit right away using your new routing number and account number—your employer or benefits provider can begin depositing to this account on your next pay cycle. You can also set up bill pay to send money to creditors, transfer funds to other banks you own, and receive money from other people through US Bank's peer transfer feature.
Debit card orders begin processing immediately, though the physical card takes five to seven business days to arrive. You can request a temporary digital card through the app while you wait, which you can use for online purchases and contactless payments through your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to open an account online?
The application itself takes about 10 minutes. Identity verification usually completes in seconds to a few minutes. If verification requires additional steps like security questions or document upload, the process may take up to 24 hours, though most accounts are approved within a few hours.
Can I open an account if I do not have a credit history?
Yes. US Bank does not require a credit score to open a checking or savings account. However, if you have no credit history, the automatic identity verification may fail, and US Bank will ask you to answer security questions or provide additional documents like a passport and proof of address.
What if I do not have a debit card to fund my account?
You can fund your account using a checking or savings account at another bank (ACH transfer takes three to five business days) or by wire transfer (same day, but may have a fee). You cannot complete the online application without choosing a funding method, so have one of these options ready before you start.
Can I open a business account online?
No. US Bank requires business account holders to call 1-800-872-2657 or visit a branch. You will need your business tax ID, articles of incorporation or formation, and identification for the owner or authorized representative.
What if I am opening an account as a minor?
Minors cannot open accounts online. A parent or guardian must visit a US Bank branch in person with the minor's birth certificate or passport and their own ID. Some US Bank branches offer teen checking accounts with limited features and parental controls.