Yes, you can open some bank accounts entirely by phone, but not all banks offer it
Many online banks and some traditional banks let you open a checking or savings account by phone without visiting a branch. The process typically takes 10 to 20 minutes. You will need a government-issued ID, a Social Security number, and proof of address — usually a recent utility bill or lease. The bank verifies your identity by asking security questions, checking your credit report, and sometimes requesting you to upload photos of your documents through their app or website after the call.
However, not every bank does this. Most large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo still require you to visit a branch in person or complete the account setup online through their website, even if you start the process by phone. Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Chime are more likely to handle the entire process over the phone. Credit unions vary — some allow phone openings, others do not.
If a bank says you must come in person, there is no workaround. The bank is following federal anti-money-laundering rules that require them to verify your identity in a specific way, and some choose to do that only face-to-face.
Key Takeaways
- Online banks and some regional banks complete account openings entirely by phone, while most large national banks require you to visit a branch or finish the process online.
- You will need a government ID, Social Security number, and proof of address; the bank will ask security questions and may request document photos.
- The phone call itself takes 10 to 20 minutes, but funding the account and receiving your debit card can take several business days.
- If a bank requires in-person verification, federal law allows them to do so and there is no way around it.
- Some banks let you open an account by phone but require you to verify your identity in person before you can withdraw money or use the card.
What happens during a phone account opening
When you call to open an account, the bank representative will ask for your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. They will run a background check through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services — databases that track banking history and fraud. They will also ask security questions based on your credit report, such as "What was the name of your first pet?" or "Which of these addresses have you lived at?" These questions verify that you are who you say you are.
After the security questions, the bank will explain the account terms — monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, interest rates — and ask you to agree. Some banks will ask you to create a PIN or password during the call. Others will send you a temporary password by email or text and ask you to change it later through their app or website.
At the end of the call, the bank will usually ask you to upload a photo of your ID and proof of address through their mobile app or website within a day or two. This is the step that most often causes delays. If you do not upload these documents, the bank may freeze the account or close it after a set period, usually 10 to 30 days.
Timeline from phone call to usable account
The phone call itself is fast — 10 to 20 minutes. But the full process takes longer. After you hang up, the bank needs time to process your documents and fund the account. Here is what to expect:
| Step | Timing |
|---|---|
| Phone call and security questions | 10–20 minutes |
| Upload ID and proof of address | Same day or next day |
| Bank reviews documents | 1–3 business days |
| Account activated and ready to use | 1–5 business days after approval |
| Debit card arrives by mail | 5–10 business days |
| Direct deposit or transfers available | Same day or next business day |
Some online banks let you use a temporary debit card number in their app immediately after approval, so you can make purchases online before the physical card arrives. Others require you to wait for the card. Ask the bank during the call whether this option is available.
Banks that commonly allow phone account openings
Online banks almost always complete the process by phone: Ally Bank, Charles Schwab Bank, Chime, LendingClub, Discover Bank, and Marcus by Goldman Sachs all do this. These banks have no physical branches, so phone and online are their only options.
Regional and mid-size banks vary. Some, like USAA (for military members and families) and Alliant Credit Union, do phone openings. Others, like PNC and TD Bank, require you to start online or in person. Call the bank's main number or check their website under "Open an Account" to see whether phone opening is listed as an option.
Large national banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank — typically do not complete phone openings. They may let you start the process by phone, but you will finish online or in a branch. If you want to avoid leaving home, an online bank is your faster option.
What you need before you call
Have these items ready before you dial:
- A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID)
- Your Social Security number
- Proof of your current address — a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days
- A phone number and email address where the bank can reach you
- Information about how you want to fund the account (direct deposit, transfer from another bank, or mailing a check)
If you do not have a Social Security number — for example, if you are a non-citizen — some banks will accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Call ahead to confirm the bank accepts ITIN before you apply.
Have your ID and proof of address physically in front of you during the call. The representative may ask you to read specific information from them to confirm your identity. After the call, you will need to photograph or scan these documents and upload them, so make sure they are legible and show your full name and current address.
When the bank requires in-person verification
Some banks allow you to open an account by phone but require you to verify your identity in person before you can withdraw cash or use the debit card. This is called in-person verification or in-branch verification. The bank will tell you this during the call or in a follow-up email.
If this applies to you, you will need to visit a branch with your ID within a set timeframe — usually 30 to 90 days. Once you do, the bank will remove the restriction and your account becomes fully active. Until then, you can receive deposits and make online transfers, but you cannot withdraw money at an ATM or use your debit card in a store.
This requirement exists because federal law requires banks to verify identity in a way that satisfies anti-money-laundering rules. Some banks choose to do this by phone and document review. Others require face-to-face verification. If you cannot visit a branch, ask the bank whether they will waive this requirement or extend the deadline.
What can go wrong and how to fix it
The most common problem is a failed identity verification. This happens when the security questions do not match your credit report, or when your documents do not upload clearly. If this occurs, the bank will send you an email or call you to ask for more information. Respond quickly — if you do not, the bank may close the account after 10 to 30 days.
Another issue is a ChexSystems or Early Warning Services report that flags you as high-risk. This can happen if you have unpaid overdrafts, fraud claims, or a history of bounced checks at other banks. Some banks will still open an account for you but may require a higher minimum balance or restrict certain features. Others will deny the account. If you are denied, you have the right to request a copy of your ChexSystems report and dispute any errors.
Occasionally, a bank will say your address cannot be verified. This happens most often if you recently moved, live in a rural area, or your address does not match government records. If this occurs, ask the bank what proof of address they will accept — sometimes a lease, a recent credit card statement, or a letter from your employer works when a utility bill does not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account by phone if I do not have a Social Security number?
Some banks accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number. Call the bank before you apply to confirm. You will still need a government ID and proof of address. If the bank you want does not accept ITIN, try an online bank or credit union that specializes in serving non-citizens.
What if I do not have proof of address?
Most banks accept a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have any of these, ask the bank what alternatives they accept — some will take a credit card statement, a letter from your employer, or a bank statement from another institution. A few banks will waive the requirement if you can verify your address through other means.
How long does it take to receive my debit card?
Physical debit cards usually arrive 5 to 10 business days after your account is activated. Some online banks offer a temporary card number in their app that you can use immediately for online purchases. Ask during the phone call whether this option is available.
Can I deposit cash into an account I opened by phone?
Not immediately. Most banks that allow phone openings do not have branches where you can deposit cash. You can receive direct deposits or transfer money from another bank account. If you need to deposit cash, ask the bank whether they partner with ATM networks like Allpoint or MoneyPass, or whether they offer mobile check deposit through their app.
What if the bank denies my account?
The bank will tell you the reason — usually a ChexSystems report, fraud concerns, or an address that cannot be verified. You have the right to request a copy of your ChexSystems report and dispute any errors. If the denial is based on an error, you can ask the bank to reconsider. If it is based on a legitimate issue, try a different bank or a credit union, which sometimes have more flexible policies.