What you need to open an account online

Most banks let you open a checking or savings account entirely online without visiting a branch. You will need a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and a way to verify your identity—usually a phone number or email address the bank can reach you at. Some banks also ask for proof of address, like a recent utility bill or lease.

The process takes 10 to 20 minutes from start to finish. You fill out the application on the bank's website or app, answer security questions to confirm your identity, and then fund the account. Most banks let you link an existing bank account to transfer money in, or you can deposit a check by photo if the bank offers mobile deposit.

Not all banks offer full online account opening. Credit unions and smaller regional banks sometimes require you to visit in person or mail in documents. If you do not have a government ID or Social Security number yet, you will need to contact the bank directly to ask about alternative verification methods.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a valid government ID, Social Security number, and a phone number or email for identity verification.
  • The entire process typically takes 10 to 20 minutes and happens on the bank's website or mobile app.
  • You must fund the account by linking an existing bank account or depositing a check by photo.
  • Some banks require a minimum opening deposit or minimum balance to keep the account open; check the bank's terms before you start.
  • If you do not have a Social Security number or government ID, call the bank to ask what documents they will accept instead.

Step-by-step process for opening an account

Start by visiting the bank's website or downloading their mobile app. Look for a button that says "Open an Account" or "New Customer." Click it and select the type of account you want—checking, savings, or both. The bank will ask you to enter your name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email.

Next, you will provide your Social Security number. The bank uses this to run a background check through ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking history and fraud. This check does not affect your credit score. After you submit your Social Security number, the bank will ask security questions based on your credit history to confirm you are who you say you are. These questions might ask about past addresses, loan amounts, or credit card accounts.

Once you pass identity verification, you will review the account terms and agree to them. Then you fund the account. If you have another bank account, you can link it and transfer money in—this usually takes one to three business days. If you do not have another account, you can deposit a check by taking a photo of the front and back with your phone, or you can wait for the bank to mail you a debit card and deposit cash at an ATM.

What happens after you submit your application

Most banks approve or deny your application within minutes. If approved, your account opens immediately and you can start using it right away—you can set up direct deposit, pay bills online, or transfer money to other accounts. Your debit card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days, though many banks let you use a temporary digital card in their app while you wait.

If the bank denies your application, they will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include a negative ChexSystems report (a history of unpaid overdrafts or fraud at another bank), too many recent account openings, or a mismatch between the information you provided and what the bank found during verification. If you are denied, you can ask the bank what went wrong and whether you can reapply later.

Some banks place a hold on your account for the first 24 to 48 hours while they complete their verification. During this time, you cannot withdraw money, but you can still set up direct deposit or transfers. This is normal and does not mean anything is wrong.

Minimum deposits and account fees

Many banks do not require a minimum opening deposit—you can open the account with zero dollars and add money later. However, some banks require you to deposit at least $25 to $100 to activate the account. A few banks require a higher minimum balance to keep the account open without paying a monthly fee, typically $500 to $1,500. Check the bank's fee schedule before you apply so you know what to expect.

Monthly maintenance fees vary widely. Some banks charge nothing. Others charge $5 to $15 per month but waive the fee if you keep a minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or use their debit card a certain number of times. Online banks tend to have lower or no fees because they do not operate physical branches. Traditional banks with branches often charge more but offer in-person customer service.

Identity verification and ChexSystems

When you apply online, the bank runs your information through ChexSystems, a third-party company that maintains records of banking activity. ChexSystems tracks overdrafts, closed accounts, fraud reports, and other banking history. This check is not the same as a credit check—it does not look at your credit score or credit history, only your banking behavior.

If you have a negative ChexSystems record, the bank may deny your application or require you to call and speak with a representative. You can request your own ChexSystems report for free once per year at chexsystems.com. If there is an error on your report, you can dispute it directly with ChexSystems.

Some banks use alternative verification services instead of ChexSystems, or they use both. The bank will tell you which service they use during the application process.

What to do if your application is denied

If a bank denies your application, ask them in writing why. They are required to tell you the reason. If it is because of ChexSystems, request your ChexSystems report and look for errors. If you find a mistake, dispute it with ChexSystems in writing—include documentation that proves the error, like a bank statement or letter from your previous bank.

If you were denied because of too many recent account openings, wait at least 30 days before applying elsewhere. Banks see multiple applications in a short time as a red flag for fraud. If you were denied for a low balance or overdraft history, some banks offer second-chance checking accounts designed for people with past banking problems. These accounts usually have higher fees but are easier to open.

You can also try a credit union instead of a bank. Credit unions often have more flexible approval standards and may open an account for you even if a bank would not. To join a credit union, you usually need to live or work in a certain area or belong to a specific group, but many credit unions have expanded their membership rules.

Funding your new account

After your account opens, you need to add money to it. The fastest way is to link an existing bank account and transfer money electronically. This takes one to three business days. You can also deposit a check by taking a photo with your phone if the bank offers mobile deposit—this usually clears within one to two business days.

If you do not have another bank account or a check to deposit, you can wait for your debit card to arrive and withdraw cash from an ATM, or you can visit a branch in person to deposit cash. Some banks also let you set up direct deposit from your employer before you have any money in the account—your first paycheck will fund it.

Do not leave your account empty for too long. Some banks close accounts that have had no activity for 12 months or more. If your account is closed, you may have trouble opening another one at the same bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account online if I do not have a Social Security number?

No, most banks require a Social Security number to open an account. However, some banks and credit unions accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Call the bank before you apply and ask whether they accept ITINs. If they do not, try a credit union or a bank that specializes in serving immigrants.

How long does it take to open an account online?

The application itself takes 10 to 20 minutes. Most banks approve or deny you within minutes. Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use a digital card in the app immediately. If you need to fund the account by transferring money from another bank, that transfer takes one to three business days.

What if I fail the identity verification questions?

If you cannot answer the security questions correctly, the bank will ask you to call a representative or visit a branch in person with your ID. Bring your government-issued ID and proof of address. The representative will verify your identity manually and may be able to open the account for you over the phone or in person.

Can I open multiple bank accounts at the same time?

Yes, but opening more than two or three accounts within a short time period can trigger fraud alerts and cause banks to deny your applications. Wait at least a few weeks between opening accounts at different banks. Banks share information through ChexSystems, so they will see all your recent applications.

What is the difference between opening an account online versus in person?

Online accounts open faster and you do not have to visit a branch. In-person accounts let you speak with a representative who can answer questions and help if you have trouble with identity verification. Both methods result in the same account. If you prefer to speak with someone, you can start the application online and finish it in a branch.