Opening a Varo account takes about 10 minutes on your phone or computer
You can open a Varo account entirely online without visiting a branch. The process requires a valid government ID, your Social Security number, and a way to fund your account — either a debit card or bank transfer. Varo will verify your identity in real time, and you'll have a working account and routing number within minutes.
The account opens with zero dollars. You decide when and how much to deposit. There is no minimum balance requirement and no monthly fee, so you can open the account and leave it empty if you want to set it up before you're ready to use it.
Key Takeaways
- You need a valid government-issued ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address to open an account.
- The entire process happens on the Varo mobile app or website and takes about 10 minutes from start to finish.
- Varo will verify your identity instantly using information from credit bureaus and public records, not by mailing you a code.
- You can fund your account immediately with a debit card or link a bank account for transfers, or skip funding entirely and add money later.
- Your account number and routing number are ready to use as soon as the account opens, so you can set up direct deposit right away.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you open the app or website. You'll need them all at once, and the process won't let you pause and come back.
A valid government ID is required — a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. It must not be expired. Varo will ask you to photograph the front and back, so make sure the text is clear and readable.
Your Social Security number in full. Varo uses this to verify your identity against credit bureaus and public records.
Proof of your current address — Varo will ask for a street address and verify it matches public records. If you moved recently and your ID still shows an old address, have a utility bill, lease, or recent mail from your current address ready. You may not need to upload it, but Varo may ask for it if the address doesn't match.
A way to fund the account, though this is optional. You can link a debit card for immediate deposits or connect a bank account for transfers. If you don't want to fund it right away, you can skip this step and add money later.
The step-by-step process
Step 1: Download the app or go to the website. Varo's mobile app is available on iOS and Android. You can also open an account at varo.com on a computer, though the app is faster because it can access your phone's camera for ID photos.
Step 2: Tap "Open an Account" and enter your email. Use an email address you check regularly — Varo will send you confirmation and account information there. You'll also create a password for your login.
Step 3: Photograph your ID. The app will guide you to take a photo of the front of your ID, then the back. Make sure the entire card is visible and the text is sharp. If the photo is blurry, the app will ask you to retake it.
Step 4: Enter your personal information. You'll type in your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. This information must match what's on your ID and in public records.
Step 5: Verify your identity. Varo checks your information against credit bureaus and public records in real time. This usually takes less than a minute. If Varo can't verify you automatically, it may ask follow-up questions about your credit history or previous addresses.
Step 6: Fund your account (optional). You can add money now or skip this and fund it later. If you fund now, you can use a debit card for an instant deposit or link a bank account for a transfer that takes one to two business days.
Step 7: Review and confirm. Varo will show you a summary of the account details. Confirm everything is correct, and your account is open.
What happens if identity verification fails
If Varo can't verify your identity automatically, you'll see a message asking you to provide more information. This usually means your address doesn't match public records or your information doesn't line up with what's in the credit bureaus.
Varo may ask you to confirm previous addresses you've lived at, answer questions about accounts you've opened, or upload a photo of a utility bill or lease showing your current address. Answer these questions as accurately as you can — they're designed to confirm you are who you say you are, not to reject you.
If verification still fails after these steps, contact Varo's support team through the app or at 1-833-VARO-NOW (1-833-827-6669). They can review your application manually and may ask for additional documents like a lease or recent mail.
Funding your account after it opens
You don't have to fund your account during signup. Your account number and routing number are active as soon as the account opens, so you can set up direct deposit from your employer or another source without depositing money first.
When you're ready to add funds, open the Varo app, tap the deposit or transfer option, and choose your method. A debit card deposit is instant. A bank transfer takes one to two business days. You can also have your paycheck deposited directly — Varo will give you the routing number and your account number to provide to your employer.
What to do if you can't open an account
Varo requires you to be at least 18 years old and a U.S. resident with a valid Social Security number. If you don't meet these requirements, you cannot open a Varo account.
If you meet the requirements but the app or website won't let you open an account, the most common reason is that your identity can't be verified. This can happen if you recently moved and public records haven't updated yet, if your name appears differently on your ID than in credit records, or if there's a mismatch between your address and your ID.
Contact Varo support and explain the issue. They can often resolve it by reviewing your information manually or asking for documents that confirm your identity and address. Be prepared to provide a lease, utility bill, or recent mail showing your current address.
Your account is ready to use immediately
Once your account opens, you have a full checking account with a routing number and account number. You can set up direct deposit, receive transfers from other people, pay bills online, or use your Varo debit card to make purchases and withdraw cash at ATMs.
Varo accounts have no monthly fee, no minimum balance, and no overdraft fees. You can close the account anytime by contacting support, though there's no penalty for keeping it open unused.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to open a Varo account?
The entire process takes about 10 minutes from the moment you open the app to the moment your account is active. Identity verification happens in real time. If Varo needs to ask follow-up questions, it may take a few extra minutes, but the account still opens on the same day.
Can I open a Varo account if I don't have a credit history?
Yes. Varo doesn't require a credit score or credit history to open an account. It verifies your identity using your government ID, Social Security number, and public records. Your credit history doesn't affect whether you can open the account.
What if my ID is expired?
Varo requires a valid, non-expired government ID. If your driver's license or passport is expired, renew it before opening an account. You can renew at your state's DMV or the passport office, depending on which ID you're using.
Can I open a Varo account on a computer instead of the app?
Yes, you can open an account at varo.com on any web browser. The process is the same, but you'll need to photograph your ID using your computer's camera or upload photos from your phone. The mobile app is usually faster because it can access your phone's camera directly.
Do I have to fund my account right away?
No. You can open the account and leave it empty. Your account number and routing number are active immediately, so you can set up direct deposit or receive transfers without depositing money first. Add funds whenever you're ready.