Most banks will not open a full checking or savings account entirely by phone
You can start the process over the phone and answer questions, but nearly every bank requires you to verify your identity in person, by mail, or through their app before the account becomes active. Some banks let you open an account online instead, which is faster than phone-only. A few banks will mail you a temporary debit card and let you deposit checks by photo, but you still cannot withdraw cash or use the account fully until identity verification is complete.
The reason is federal law: banks must verify your identity under the Bank Secrecy Act and Know Your Customer rules. A phone call alone does not meet that standard. The bank needs to see a government ID, confirm your address, and sometimes run a background check. How they do that varies by bank and by what you are opening.
Key Takeaways
- Phone-only account opening is not available at most traditional banks; you will need to complete identity verification in person, by mail, or through a mobile app.
- Online account opening (through a bank's website or app) is usually faster than phone and meets the same legal requirements without a branch visit.
- Some online banks and credit unions offer faster verification through video call or instant ID scanning, but still require more than a phone conversation.
- If you cannot visit a branch or use an app, ask the bank whether they accept mail-in verification or video identity confirmation before calling.
- Prepaid cards and money transfer services can be opened by phone, but they are not bank accounts and do not offer the same protections or features.
What banks actually require to open an account
You will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and a government-issued photo ID. The bank will also check ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, which are banking history databases that flag accounts closed for fraud or unpaid overdrafts. Some banks run a credit check; others do not.
The bank must see the ID itself—not just hear you read the number over the phone. This is where phone-only falls short. They need to confirm the photo matches your face and the ID is not expired or forged. A phone call cannot do that reliably, which is why banks built other routes: in-person at a branch, by mailing a copy of your ID, or by uploading it through their app or website.
Online account opening is usually faster than calling
Most major banks—Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank—let you open a checking or savings account on their website or app in 10 to 15 minutes. You upload a photo of your ID, confirm your address, and answer security questions. The account opens immediately, and you can set up direct deposit or transfers right away. You receive a debit card in the mail within 5 to 10 business days.
Online opening meets the same legal requirements as in-person or phone verification. The bank's system captures your ID image, runs it through identity verification software, and flags anything that does not match. If the software cannot confirm your identity automatically, the bank may call you or ask you to visit a branch. But most of the time, online is faster and requires no phone call at all.
Video identity verification and mobile-first banks
Some banks and credit unions now offer video call verification, where you show your ID to a person or camera during a scheduled call. This is faster than mailing an ID copy and more thorough than uploading a photo. Banks like Chime, Ally, and some credit unions use this method. The video call usually takes 5 to 10 minutes, and your account opens the same day or within 24 hours.
Online banks (Ally, Charles Schwab, Discover) and neobanks (Chime, Revolut, N26) often have the fastest verification because they have no branches and built their systems around remote opening. They still require identity verification—they cannot skip it—but they have optimized the process to happen without a visit. If speed matters to you and you are comfortable with technology, these banks are worth comparing.
What you can do by phone if you already have an account
Once your account is open, you can call the bank to add a savings account, open a money market account, or request a credit card. The bank already has your identity on file, so phone verification is sufficient. You can also call to ask questions, report fraud, or dispute a transaction. But opening your first account with a bank by phone alone is not an option at any major institution.
If you are calling to open a second account at a bank where you already have an account, the process is much simpler. The bank can verify you through your existing account number and security questions. This usually takes 5 to 10 minutes, and the new account opens immediately.
Prepaid cards and money transfer services are not bank accounts
If you need something that works over the phone right now, prepaid cards and money transfer services like MoneyGram or Western Union can be set up by phone or in person at a retail location. But these are not bank accounts. They do not offer FDIC insurance, which means your money is not protected if the company fails. They charge monthly fees, and you cannot write checks or set up automatic bill payments the way you can with a bank account.
A prepaid card is useful for receiving paychecks or transfers if you do not have a bank account yet. But it is a temporary solution, not a replacement. Once you have time to open a real account—online, by mail, or in person—you should do that.
If you cannot visit a branch or use an app
Call the bank before you try to open an account and ask what options they have for people who cannot visit a branch. Some banks will mail you a form to sign and return with a copy of your ID. Others offer video verification. A few will accept a notarized copy of your ID mailed to them. The answer depends on the bank and the type of account.
Credit unions sometimes have more flexibility than large banks, especially if you are a member of a group they serve (your employer, a union, a community organization). Ask your credit union whether they can open an account by mail or video call. If you have no ID at all, that is a separate problem—you will need to get a state ID or passport first, which requires visiting a government office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account by phone without visiting a branch?
Not entirely by phone, but you can open one online through the bank's website or app without visiting a branch. Online opening usually takes 10 to 15 minutes and meets all legal requirements. If you cannot use the internet, ask the bank whether they accept mail-in verification or video identity confirmation.
How long does it take to open an account online?
Most online accounts open in 10 to 15 minutes, and you can use them immediately for transfers and bill pay. Your debit card arrives in the mail within 5 to 10 business days. Some banks that use video verification can open an account in 24 hours or less.
What if I do not have a government ID?
You cannot open a bank account without a government-issued photo ID. You will need to get a state ID, driver's license, or passport first. These require an in-person visit to a government office and take several weeks to arrive.
Can I open a second account at my bank by phone?
Yes. If you already have an account at the bank, you can call to open a savings account, money market account, or other product. The bank verifies you through your existing account, and the new account usually opens the same day.
Is a prepaid card the same as a bank account?
No. Prepaid cards can be opened by phone or at a store, but they do not offer FDIC insurance and charge monthly fees. They are useful temporarily, but a real bank account offers better protections and lower costs.