Which banks let you open a checking account online
Most large national banks and many regional banks now let you open a checking account entirely online without visiting a branch. The process typically takes 10 to 20 minutes and requires a valid ID, Social Security number, and proof of address. Banks that offer full online account opening include Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, TD Bank, PNC, Capital One 360, Ally Bank, Charles Schwab, and Discover Bank.
Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, Discover, and E-TRADE Bank have no physical branches at all, so opening online is your only option. Regional banks vary by location—some allow full online opening while others require an in-person visit or initial deposit by mail. Credit unions often have stricter requirements and may require you to live or work in their service area before opening online.
The specific documents you need and the verification steps differ slightly between banks. Some use video verification where you show your ID to a camera; others use knowledge-based questions about your credit history; still others mail a verification code to your address. Check the bank's website before starting to see which method they use.
Key Takeaways
- Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and most other major national banks let you open a checking account online in 10 to 20 minutes with an ID and Social Security number.
- Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover have no branches, so opening online is the only way to start an account with them.
- Verification methods vary: some banks use video ID verification, others use security questions, and some mail a code to your address.
- Regional banks and credit unions may have geographic restrictions or require an in-person visit, so check before you start the process.
- You can usually link an existing bank account during signup to fund your new checking account immediately.
National banks with full online account opening
The largest U.S. banks all support online checking account opening. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank each handle thousands of online applications daily. The process is straightforward: you enter your personal information, verify your identity (usually through video or security questions), and receive account details within minutes or hours. Some banks place a temporary hold on the account while they mail you a debit card, but you can use the account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or transfers right away.
TD Bank, PNC, and U.S. Bank also offer online opening for most account types. These banks typically require a minimum opening deposit of $25 to $100, which you can transfer from another bank account. If you do not have an existing bank account to link, some will mail you a deposit envelope or let you set up direct deposit first and fund the account that way.
Capital One 360 (formerly ING Direct) is a hybrid: it has no physical branches, but it is owned by Capital One and offers FDIC insurance and standard checking features. Opening takes about 15 minutes online, and you can start using the account within one business day.
Online-only banks with no branches
Banks that exist only online often have lower fees and higher interest rates on savings because they have no branch overhead. Ally Bank, Charles Schwab Bank, Discover Bank, and E-TRADE Bank all let you open a checking account online in one session. These banks have no physical locations, so you cannot deposit cash in person—you deposit by transfer from another bank, direct deposit, or mobile check deposit (if offered).
Charles Schwab is popular among people who travel or move frequently because it reimburses ATM fees nationwide and internationally. Ally and Discover typically charge no monthly fees and no minimum balance. E-TRADE Bank is owned by Morgan Stanley and offers checking alongside investment accounts.
Online-only banks are FDIC insured just like traditional banks, so your money is protected up to $250,000 per account type. The main trade-off is that you cannot walk into a location to resolve problems in person, though most offer phone and chat support 24/7.
Regional and community banks with online opening
Hundreds of regional banks now offer online account opening, but the availability depends on your state and the bank's service area. Banks like USAA (for military members and their families), Ally, and Schwab operate across all states. Others like Umpqua Bank (Pacific Northwest), Zions Bank (Mountain West), and Frost Bank (Texas) serve specific regions but allow online opening within their territory.
To find regional banks in your area that offer online opening, search "[your state] banks online account opening" or check your state's banking regulator website. Many community banks have added online opening in recent years to compete with national banks, but some still require an in-person visit or a mailed check to fund the account initially.
Regional banks often offer personalized service and local decision-making that national banks do not. They may also have lower fees or better rates on savings accounts, though you should compare their checking account terms directly.
Credit unions and membership requirements
Credit unions typically have stricter membership rules than banks. Most require you to live, work, or study in a specific geographic area, or belong to a particular employer or organization. Some credit unions have opened their membership to anyone in the United States, but they are the exception.
If you are a member of a credit union or meet their membership criteria, many now offer online account opening. Navy Federal Credit Union, for example, serves active-duty military, veterans, and their families and allows online opening. Pentagon Federal Credit Union has similar membership rules. Alliant Credit Union and Connexus Credit Union accept members nationwide regardless of location.
Before you start the online process with a credit union, confirm that you meet their membership requirements. If you do not, you may be able to join through a family member or by opening a membership savings account first, which some credit unions allow online.
What you need to open an account online
Every bank requires a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement. Some banks accept a government document with your address printed on it.
You will also need to choose how to verify your identity. Video verification is the fastest: you show your ID to a camera and the bank confirms it matches your face. Knowledge-based verification asks you questions about your credit history (like "which of these addresses did you live at in 2015?"). Address verification by mail takes longer but requires no video or security questions—the bank mails a code to your address, you enter it online, and your account is confirmed.
If you want to fund the account immediately, have another bank account number and routing number ready. Most banks let you link an external account during signup. If you do not have another account, you can set up direct deposit or wait for the bank to mail you deposit instructions.
Timeline from application to first use
Online account opening itself takes 10 to 20 minutes. Identity verification happens in real time if you use video or knowledge-based questions, so your account is usually confirmed within hours. If you choose mail verification, add 5 to 10 business days for the code to arrive and be processed.
Once your account is open, you can use the account number and routing number immediately to set up direct deposit or receive transfers. Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Some banks offer a temporary digital card you can use in Apple Pay or Google Pay while you wait for the physical card.
If you need to deposit cash before your debit card arrives, you cannot do so at an online-only bank. At banks with branches, you can visit a location and deposit cash to your new account. At online-only banks, you must wait for your debit card or use a mobile check deposit feature if the bank offers it.
Fees and minimum balance requirements
Monthly maintenance fees range from $0 to $15 depending on the bank and account type. Many banks waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance (often $500 to $1,500), set up direct deposit, or meet other conditions. Online-only banks like Ally and Discover typically charge no monthly fee and have no minimum balance.
Overdraft fees, ATM fees, and wire transfer fees vary widely. Some banks charge $35 per overdraft; others charge $0 if you link a savings account for overdraft protection. ATM fees range from $0 (if the bank reimburses all ATM fees) to $3 to $5 per out-of-network withdrawal. Check the bank's fee schedule before opening to understand the full cost.
Many banks offer a welcome bonus for opening online—typically $50 to $300 if you meet conditions like setting up direct deposit or maintaining a minimum balance for 90 days. These bonuses are real money, but read the terms carefully to confirm you can meet the requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a checking account online if I do not have a Social Security number?
Most banks require a Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) for account opening. Some banks accept an ITIN if you are a non-citizen. Call the bank directly to ask whether they accept ITINs before you start the online process, as this varies by institution.
What if the bank rejects my online application?
Banks may reject applications due to ChexSystems records (a banking history report), unpaid overdrafts at other banks, or identity verification issues. If rejected, ask the bank why. You can then visit a branch in person, bring additional ID, or try a different bank. Some banks that specialize in second-chance checking have looser approval standards.
Can I open an account online if I do not have a current address?
Most banks require proof of a current address. If you are homeless or between addresses, some banks accept a shelter address, a PO box, or a care-of address at a friend's or family member's home. Call ahead to ask what the bank will accept before you start the application.
Do I need an existing bank account to open a new one online?
You do not need an existing account, but having one makes funding faster. If you do not have another account, you can set up direct deposit, mail a check, or wait for the bank to send you deposit instructions. Some banks also accept wire transfers or ACH transfers from employers or other sources.
How long does it take to receive my debit card after opening online?
Debit cards typically arrive in 7 to 10 business days. Some banks offer a temporary digital card for Apple Pay or Google Pay while you wait. If you need a card urgently, visit a branch in person to request expedited shipping or a temporary card issued on the spot.