Banks and credit unions that let you open checking accounts entirely online
You can open a free checking account online at most national banks, many regional banks, and most credit unions without visiting a branch. The major national banks offering this are Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank. Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, Discover, and E-TRADE Bank also offer free checking with no branch visits required.
Credit unions often have lower fees and higher savings rates than national banks, though you may need to meet membership requirements. Connexus Credit Union, Alliant Credit Union, and Pentagon Federal Credit Union all allow online account opening and have no monthly fees. Your employer, union, or professional association may also run a credit union you can join.
Regional banks vary by location. If you live in the Northeast, TD Bank and Santander offer online checking. In the South and Midwest, Regions Bank, Fifth Third Bank, and Huntington Bank have online options. Search "[your state] banks online checking" to find regional options near you.
Key Takeaways
- National banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo let you open checking accounts online without visiting a branch.
- Online-only banks such as Ally and Charles Schwab have no physical locations but typically charge no monthly fees and offer the fastest account setup.
- Credit unions often have lower fees than national banks and allow online account opening, though membership requirements vary by institution.
- You will need a valid government ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit amount (which varies from $0 to $25 depending on the bank) to complete the process online.
- Account setup typically takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete, though it may take 1 to 3 business days for your account to become fully active for transfers and payments.
What you need to have ready before you start
Gather these items before you begin the online application. You will need a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number, and your current address. Most banks will ask you to verify your identity by uploading a photo of your ID or by answering security questions based on your credit history.
Have your initial deposit amount ready. Most free checking accounts require no minimum deposit to open, but some banks ask for $25 to $100. You can fund the account using a debit card, another bank account, or a wire transfer. If you are transferring money from another bank, you will need that account's routing number and account number.
The entire online application usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. Your account number and routing number are typically available immediately after you finish, though the account itself may not be fully active for transfers and bill payments for 1 to 3 business days.
Differences between national banks, online-only banks, and credit unions
| Type | Monthly Fee | Minimum Deposit | ATM Access | Customer Service |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Banks (Chase, Bank of America) | $0 with direct deposit or $500+ balance | $0 to $25 | Thousands of branches and ATMs nationwide | Phone, chat, branch, app |
| Online-Only Banks (Ally, Charles Schwab) | $0 | $0 to $25 | ATM network or reimbursement program | Phone, chat, email, app |
| Credit Unions (Connexus, Alliant) | $0 | $0 to $25 | Shared branching network or ATM co-op | Phone, chat, app, some branches |
National banks charge monthly fees only if you fail to meet conditions like maintaining a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit. Online-only banks have no monthly fees and no balance requirements, but you cannot walk into a physical location if you need in-person help. Credit unions typically have no monthly fees and offer personal service, but membership may be able to access depends on your employer, location, or other factors.
How to compare free checking accounts before you open one
Before opening an account, check three things: whether the bank reimburses ATM fees, what the overdraft policy is, and whether you get interest on your balance. Most free checking accounts pay no interest, but some online banks like Ally and Charles Schwab pay a small amount (currently around 0.01% to 0.04% annually, though rates change). ATM reimbursement matters if you travel or live far from branches — online banks often reimburse all out-of-network ATM fees, while national banks may charge $2 to $3 per withdrawal.
Check the overdraft policy. Some banks charge $30 to $35 per overdraft, while others like Charles Schwab do not charge overdraft fees at all. Read the bank's fee schedule on their website — it is usually labeled "Pricing" or "Fees and Charges" — to see the full list of charges for things like wire transfers, stop payments, and account closures.
Look at the bank's mobile app reviews on the App Store or Google Play. A low rating often means the app crashes frequently or is hard to navigate. Read recent reviews to see if customers report problems with deposits, transfers, or customer service.
Steps to open an account online
Start by going to the bank's website and clicking the button for "Open an Account" or "get your free guide." You will be asked to choose the type of account (checking, savings, or both) and enter your personal information: name, date of birth, address, phone number, and Social Security number. This step takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
Next, verify your identity. Most banks ask you to upload a photo of your driver's license or passport using your phone or computer camera. Some banks instead ask security questions based on your credit history — you will answer questions like "Which of these addresses have you lived at?" or "Which of these is your correct middle name?" This verification usually takes 1 to 5 minutes and happens instantly.
Then you will choose your account settings: username, password, and security questions. Some banks let you set up two-factor authentication (a code sent to your phone when you log in from a new device) at this stage. Finally, you will fund the account by entering a debit card number, another bank account's routing and account numbers, or arranging a wire transfer. Your account number and routing number appear on screen immediately after you finish.
What happens after you open the account
Your account is usually ready to receive deposits and transfers within 1 to 3 business days. During this time, the bank is verifying your identity with the government and checking your banking history. You can log in to your account and see your account number and routing number right away, but you may not be able to make bill payments or send money to other banks until the account is fully activated.
Once the account is active, you can set up direct deposit with your employer using your routing number and account number. You can also transfer money from another bank account using the bank's transfer tool, which usually takes 1 to 3 business days. If you need a debit card, most banks mail it within 5 to 10 business days, though some offer instant digital debit cards you can use in your phone's wallet immediately.
Check your email and the bank's app for any messages during the first few days. Some banks send a confirmation email or ask you to complete additional verification steps. If you do not hear from the bank within 3 business days, log into your account and check the status, or call customer service to confirm your account is active.
If you cannot open an account online
Some people are turned down for online accounts because of banking history issues — unpaid overdrafts, fraud reports, or accounts closed for cause. If this happens, you have a few options. First, check your ChexSystems report, which is a banking history record similar to a credit report. You can request a free copy at www.chexsystems.com. If there is an error, you can dispute it directly on the site.
Second, look for banks that do not use ChexSystems or that have second-chance checking programs. Chime, LendingClub, and GoBank are known for opening accounts for people with banking problems. These accounts may have higher fees or lower ATM access, but they are easier to open. Some local credit unions also have second-chance programs — call your nearest credit union and ask if they offer one.
Third, if you have an unpaid overdraft or negative balance from a previous account, pay it off before applying elsewhere. Banks share this information through ChexSystems, and most will not open a new account until the debt is resolved. Once you pay it, wait 30 days before applying again, as the information takes time to update.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a minimum deposit to open a free checking account online?
Most banks require no minimum deposit to open a free checking account online. Some banks ask for $25 to $100 as an initial deposit, but you can withdraw it immediately after the account opens. Check the specific bank's requirements on their website before you start the application.
How long does it take to open a checking account online?
The application itself takes 5 to 10 minutes. Your account number and routing number are available immediately. However, the account may not be fully active for transfers and bill payments for 1 to 3 business days while the bank verifies your identity and checks your banking history.
Can I use my account before my debit card arrives?
Yes. You can set up direct deposit, transfer money between accounts, and pay bills online using your account number and routing number as soon as your account is active. Your physical debit card usually arrives within 5 to 10 business days, though some banks offer instant digital cards in your phone's wallet.
What if the bank asks me to visit a branch to open an account?
This usually means the bank does not offer full online account opening. You can either visit a branch in person or choose a different bank that allows online-only opening. Online-only banks like Ally and Charles Schwab have no branches, so they always allow online opening.
Can I open a checking account if I do not have a Social Security number?
Most banks require a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open an account. If you do not have either, call the bank's customer service line and ask if they have alternative verification methods. Some banks may ask for additional documents like a passport or visa.