Yes, you can open a bank account online in Colombia, but the process depends on which bank you choose and whether you are a Colombian citizen or foreign resident
Most major Colombian banks—including Bancolombia, Banco de Bogotá, BBVA Colombia, and Scotiabank—offer online account opening for checking and savings accounts. The process typically takes 10 to 30 minutes and can be completed entirely through their website or mobile app. However, not all banks accept non-residents, and some require an in-person visit to verify your identity even after you complete the online form.
The key difference between banks is whether they use video verification, require a visit to a branch, or need you to have a Colombian ID number (cédula). If you are a Colombian citizen with a cédula, most banks will let you finish the entire process online. If you are a foreign resident or do not yet have a cédula, your options narrow, and you may need to visit a branch in person or use a bank that specializes in non-resident accounts.
Key Takeaways
- Colombian banks like Bancolombia and Banco de Bogotá allow online account opening for citizens with a cédula, but the process varies by bank and account type.
- Foreign residents and non-citizens often must visit a branch in person or provide additional documentation, even if the bank offers online opening.
- You will need a valid ID (cédula for citizens, passport for foreigners), proof of address, and sometimes proof of income or employment.
- Online accounts are usually active within one to three business days, but some banks hold funds or limit transactions until they complete additional verification.
- Digital banks and fintech platforms operating in Colombia may offer faster online opening but often have lower transaction limits or fewer services than traditional banks.
What Colombian banks require to open an account online
The documents you need depend on your nationality and the bank's rules. Colombian citizens typically need a valid cédula (national ID), proof of address (a recent utility bill or bank statement), and sometimes proof of income. Foreign residents usually need a passport, a cédula de extranjería (foreigner ID) if they have one, proof of address in Colombia, and sometimes a letter from their employer or proof of legal residency status.
Some banks ask for a phone number and email address during the online process, then send a verification code to confirm you control both. Others require you to upload photos of your ID and proof of address through their app. A few banks—particularly those targeting expats—accept a notarized copy of your passport instead of a cédula, but this adds time and cost to the process.
Proof of address can be tricky if you just arrived in Colombia. Utility bills, internet bills, and rental contracts all work. If you do not have any of these yet, some banks accept a letter from your landlord or employer on letterhead, or a bank statement from your home country showing your name and address. Call the bank's customer service line before you start the online form to confirm what they will accept in your situation.
Which banks accept online opening for non-citizens and foreign residents
Bancolombia and Banco de Bogotá both allow non-residents to open accounts online, but Bancolombia's process is faster and more straightforward for foreigners. Bancolombia uses video verification for some accounts, meaning you can complete the entire process without visiting a branch. Banco de Bogotá often requires an in-person visit even after you complete the online form, which defeats the purpose of opening online.
BBVA Colombia and Scotiabank also accept non-residents, but both typically require a branch visit for final verification. Banco Caja Social (now Banco Compartir) has a reputation for being more flexible with foreign residents and may complete the process entirely online if you provide clear documentation.
If you want to avoid a branch visit altogether, look for digital banks and fintech platforms operating in Colombia, such as Nequi, Daviplata, or Nubank. These platforms are designed for online-only opening and accept foreigners with a passport. However, they usually offer basic checking and savings only, with lower daily transaction limits (often 5 to 10 million Colombian pesos per day) and fewer services like loans or credit cards. They work well for receiving salary payments or making everyday transfers, but not as a full replacement for a traditional bank account.
The timeline from application to your first transaction
If you are a Colombian citizen with a cédula and the bank uses video verification, you can usually complete the online form in 15 to 30 minutes and have an active account within 24 hours. Some banks activate your account immediately after verification, and you can transfer money or pay bills the same day.
If you are a foreign resident or the bank requires additional verification, add 3 to 7 business days. The bank may place a hold on your account during this time, meaning you can see your account number and routing information but cannot make transactions until verification is complete. A few banks require you to visit a branch to sign documents in person, which adds however long it takes you to get to the nearest branch.
Digital banks and fintech platforms are usually faster—often 5 to 15 minutes to open and active within a few hours—but they may limit your first transaction to a small amount (such as 100,000 pesos) until you verify your identity further.
How to start the online opening process
Go to the bank's official website or download their mobile app. Look for a button labeled "Abrir Cuenta" (Open Account) or "Crear Cuenta" (Create Account). You will be asked to choose the type of account—usually a checking account (cuenta corriente) or savings account (cuenta de ahorros)—and whether you want a debit card.
Fill in your personal information: full name, ID number (cédula or passport), date of birth, phone number, and email address. The bank will send a verification code to your phone or email; enter it to confirm you control that contact information. Upload photos of your ID and proof of address as instructed. Some banks ask you to take a selfie holding your ID; others use video verification where you speak briefly with a bank representative.
Review the account terms and conditions, then sign electronically. The bank will tell you whether your account is approved immediately or whether they need to review your documents further. If approved, you will receive your account number, routing number (código bancario), and SWIFT code via email within a few minutes to a few hours.
What happens if the bank rejects your application or asks for more information
Banks sometimes reject online applications because the photo of your ID is blurry, the proof of address does not clearly show your name, or the system cannot verify your identity through its automated checks. If this happens, the bank will send you an email explaining what went wrong and what to do next.
Your options are usually to resubmit clearer photos, visit a branch in person with your original documents, or contact customer service to ask what additional information they need. Some banks allow you to resubmit documents through their app; others require you to email them or visit a branch. This process can add 5 to 14 days to your timeline.
If the bank denies your application outright, they will tell you the reason—often that you do not meet their minimum income requirements, have a negative banking history, or do not have a valid Colombian address. You can ask the bank to reconsider or try a different bank, but you cannot force them to open an account for you. Digital banks and fintech platforms have lower barriers and may accept you even if a traditional bank does not.
Fees and minimum balance requirements
Most Colombian banks do not charge a monthly fee for basic checking or savings accounts opened online, but they may charge for specific services: wire transfers (usually 5,000 to 15,000 pesos), international transfers (varies widely), overdrafts, or ATM withdrawals outside their network. Some banks waive fees if you maintain a minimum balance, typically 500,000 to 2 million pesos, or if you receive a direct deposit each month.
Digital banks and fintech platforms usually have no monthly fees and no minimum balance, but they charge per transaction or have lower daily limits instead. For example, Nequi charges nothing for transfers within Nequi but charges 2,450 pesos for transfers to other banks. Daviplata charges nothing for most transactions but limits you to 10 million pesos per day.
Ask the bank about their fee structure before you open the account, because fees can add up quickly if you make frequent transfers or use ATMs outside their network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Colombian bank account online if I do not have a Colombian address yet?
Most banks require proof of a Colombian address, but some accept a letter from your employer or landlord on official letterhead instead of a utility bill. A few banks accept your home country address temporarily and let you update it once you have a Colombian address. Contact the bank's customer service before starting the application to confirm what they will accept.
Do I need a Colombian tax ID (NIT) to open a bank account online?
No. A cédula (for citizens) or passport (for foreigners) is sufficient. A NIT is only required if you are opening a business account or if the bank specifically asks for one, which is rare for personal accounts.
What if my online application is approved but I cannot access my account?
Check your email for login credentials and activation instructions. Some banks send these separately from the approval email. If you still cannot log in, call the bank's customer service line (usually found on their website) and ask them to resend your credentials or troubleshoot the login issue. This usually takes 15 to 30 minutes to resolve.
Can I open a Colombian bank account online from outside Colombia?
Yes, if you are a Colombian citizen or have a valid cédula de extranjería. Most banks allow you to complete the online form from anywhere, but some require you to visit a branch in person within 30 days to verify your identity and sign documents. If you cannot visit Colombia soon, ask the bank whether they will accept video verification or a notarized copy of your documents instead.
Which online bank account is best for receiving international wire transfers?
Traditional banks like Bancolombia, Banco de Bogotá, and BBVA Colombia are better for international transfers because they have established relationships with foreign banks and lower wire fees. Digital banks like Nequi and Daviplata can receive international transfers, but the fees are higher and the process is slower. If you expect frequent international transfers, open an account with a traditional bank even if it requires a branch visit.