Yes, you can open a bank account entirely online with most banks and credit unions

Most banks and credit unions now let you open a checking or savings account from your computer or phone without visiting a branch. The process typically takes 10 to 20 minutes. You'll need a government-issued ID, a Social Security number or tax ID, proof of address (usually a recent utility bill or lease), and an initial deposit amount—which varies by institution but is often $0 to $25.

Some banks have no minimum deposit at all. Others require $100 or more. A few online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover have lower or no minimums. Traditional banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo also offer online account opening, though they may require higher deposits or have different rules depending on your state.

The main catch: you still need to verify your identity. Banks do this through a video call with a representative, by uploading photos of your ID, or by answering security questions based on your credit history. A few banks will mail you a debit card and send account details by email on the same day. Others take 3 to 5 business days to ship the card.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open most checking and savings accounts online in 10 to 20 minutes using your ID, Social Security number, proof of address, and an initial deposit.
  • Online-only banks often have lower or no minimum deposits, while traditional banks may require $100 to $500 depending on account type and state.
  • Identity verification happens through video call, ID upload, or security questions—not all banks use the same method.
  • Your debit card and account access timeline varies: some banks activate your account the same day, others take 3 to 5 business days.
  • You will need a U.S. mailing address and a valid government ID; some banks also require a U.S. phone number.

What you need before you start

Gather these documents before opening an account online. You'll need a current government-issued ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You'll also need your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Banks are required by federal law to collect this for account opening.

Have proof of your current address ready. A recent utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement works. Some banks accept a bank statement from another institution. The document usually needs to be dated within the last 60 to 90 days. If you've recently moved and don't have a utility bill yet, a lease or rental agreement signed by both you and your landlord is usually accepted.

Know your initial deposit amount. Most banks let you fund your new account by transferring money from another bank account (via ACH transfer), using a debit card, or wiring funds. A few banks accept checks mailed in. The transfer usually takes 1 to 3 business days to show up in your new account.

The online account opening process, step by step

Start on the bank's website or app and look for "Open an Account" or "New Account." You'll enter your name, date of birth, email, phone number, and the type of account you want (checking, savings, or both). The bank will ask for your Social Security number and state of residence.

Next comes identity verification. Some banks use a video call where you show your ID to a representative on screen. Others let you upload photos of the front and back of your ID. A third method is answering security questions based on your credit history—the bank pulls data from a credit bureau and asks questions only you should know the answers to (like "Which of these addresses did you live at in 2019?"). This method is fastest and requires no video or photo upload.

After verification, you'll enter your address and confirm it matches your ID. You'll set up a username and password, choose your account settings (like whether you want paper statements or digital only), and agree to the bank's terms. Then you'll fund the account. Most banks let you link an existing bank account and transfer money immediately, though it won't show up for 1 to 3 business days. Some banks let you use a debit card to fund the account instantly.

Once you submit everything, the bank will send you a confirmation email with your account number and routing number. Your debit card ships separately—this can take 3 to 10 business days depending on the bank. Some banks let you use a temporary digital card in their app while you wait for the physical card to arrive.

Differences between online-only banks and traditional banks

Online-only banks like Ally, Discover, Charles Schwab, and Chime have no physical branches. They typically have lower fees, no minimum deposits, and higher interest rates on savings accounts. The trade-off is that you can't deposit cash or checks in person—you transfer money electronically or mail in checks. Customer service is by phone, email, or chat only.

Traditional banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank have both online and branch locations. You can open an account online and still visit a branch to deposit cash or get help in person. They often have higher minimum deposits ($100 to $500) and lower interest rates on savings. Some charge monthly fees unless you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.

Credit unions are member-owned and often have lower fees than traditional banks. Many credit unions now offer online account opening. You may need to join the credit union first (sometimes by making a small deposit into a savings account) before opening a checking account. Credit unions often have no minimum deposits and competitive interest rates.

What happens if you don't have an ID or Social Security number

If you don't have a government-issued ID, some banks will accept a passport, military ID, or tribal ID. A few banks accept a state ID card even if it's expired, as long as it's recent enough to verify your identity. Call the bank's customer service line to ask what they accept before you start the online process.

If you don't have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You get an ITIN from the IRS by filing Form W-7. Some banks also accept a passport number or consular ID number in place of an SSN or ITIN. Again, call ahead—not all banks accept these alternatives, and policies vary by state.

If you have neither an ID nor an SSN/ITIN, opening an account online will be difficult. Some community banks and credit unions offer second-chance accounts or accounts for people without traditional ID, but these usually require an in-person visit. Your best option is to visit a local branch with whatever ID you do have and ask what they can do.

Timing: when you can use your account

Your account is usually active the same day you open it online. You'll receive your account number and routing number immediately via email. However, your debit card takes 3 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. Some banks offer a temporary digital card in their app so you can make purchases right away while you wait.

If you transfer money from another bank account to fund your new account, that transfer takes 1 to 3 business days. Your account is open and ready to receive transfers, but the money won't show up until the transfer clears. If you use a debit card to fund the account, the money usually appears within 24 hours.

Once your debit card arrives, you can use it at ATMs and stores. If the bank is part of a shared branching network (common with credit unions), you may be able to use other branches' ATMs without a fee. Online-only banks often reimburse ATM fees charged by other banks, so check your account terms.

Common reasons online account opening gets rejected

Your application may be declined if your identity can't be verified. This happens when the information you enter doesn't match government records, your ID is expired or damaged, or the bank can't reach you by phone to confirm details. If this happens, the bank will usually send you an email explaining why. You can call customer service to reapply or visit a branch in person.

Some banks decline applications from people with a history of fraud or unpaid accounts. If you've had accounts closed by banks in the past, or if you appear on ChexSystems (a banking history report), some banks will reject you. You can check your ChexSystems report for free at chexsystems.com. If there's an error, you can dispute it.

A few banks won't open accounts for people in certain states due to state regulations. If you're trying to open an account with an online-only bank and live in a state with strict banking rules, the bank may not serve your state. Check the bank's website to see which states it serves before you start the application.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to open an account online?

The application itself takes 10 to 20 minutes. Identity verification can be instant (if you answer security questions) or take a few minutes (if you do a video call or upload ID photos). Your account is usually active the same day, but your debit card takes 3 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.

Do I need a credit card to open a bank account online?

No. Banks don't check your credit score for checking or savings accounts. They check ChexSystems, which is a banking history report, not a credit report. You can open an account even if you have no credit history or bad credit.

Can I open an account if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, if you have an ITIN or valid passport. You'll need proof of address in the U.S. and a U.S. mailing address. Some banks have stricter rules for non-citizens, so call ahead to confirm they'll open an account for you.

What if I don't want to do a video call for identity verification?

Many banks offer alternatives. You can upload photos of your ID, or answer security questions based on your credit history. Not all banks offer all three methods, so check the bank's website or call customer service to see what options are available.

Can I open a joint account online?

Yes, but both account holders usually need to verify their identity. Some banks let one person open the account and add the second person later. Others require both people to complete the application together. Check with your bank about their process for joint accounts.