Yes, you can open most bank accounts entirely online, but you'll need specific documents and a working phone number

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 answer questions about yourself, provide a government ID, and verify your identity through your phone or email. Some banks fund your account the same day; others take one to three business days.

Not every account type is available online. Money market accounts, certain investment accounts, and accounts requiring a co-signer usually need a branch visit or a phone call with a banker. If you're opening an account for a minor or a business, online-only options are limited.

The catch: banks verify your identity differently, and some require more documents than others. A few still ask you to mail in a photo ID or visit a branch to finish the process, even though they advertise "online opening." Reading the fine print before you start matters.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid government-issued photo ID, a Social Security number or ITIN, a current phone number, and an email address to open an account online at most banks.
  • Identity verification happens through your phone or email in real time; some banks use video calls with a banker, while others use automated systems that read your ID.
  • Account funding can happen the same day through transfers from another bank, or take one to three business days if you mail a check or use ACH.
  • Online-only accounts are usually checking and savings; joint accounts, business accounts, and accounts for minors often require a branch visit or phone call.
  • Banks pull a ChexSystems report on you during signup, which can reject you if you have unpaid overdrafts or fraud flags from another bank.

What documents and information you need before you start

Have these ready before you open your browser: a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number or ITIN, your current phone number, and a working email address. Some banks also ask for your employment status and annual income, though they don't verify these figures during signup.

If you're opening a joint account, both account holders need their own ID and Social Security number. The bank will verify both of you separately, and both will need to consent to the account terms. If one person doesn't have a Social Security number, some banks offer accounts for non-citizens with an ITIN, but not all do.

Have your current address ready, including your ZIP code. Banks use this to check against fraud databases. If you've moved recently, some banks ask for your previous address as well. If you're homeless or living at a shelter, call the bank's customer service line before you start—many have workarounds, but you won't find them on the online form.

How identity verification works during online signup

Banks verify who you are in one of three ways. The most common is automated ID verification: you photograph your driver's license or passport with your phone or computer, and the bank's software reads it, checks it against databases, and approves you in seconds. This works if your ID is current and the photo is clear.

The second method is knowledge-based verification. The bank asks you questions only you should know the answer to—details from your credit report, past addresses, or previous loans. You answer five to ten questions, and if you get most of them right, you're verified. This takes a few minutes and works even if your ID photo is blurry.

The third method is a video call with a banker. You schedule a time, call in or use the bank's app, and a person watches you hold up your ID and answer questions. This is slower—it can take a day or two to schedule—but it's the most thorough. Some banks use this only if the automated methods fail.

If verification fails, the bank will tell you why and usually offer a second chance. Common reasons: your ID is expired, the photo doesn't match your face, or your address doesn't match their records. You can usually fix this by calling customer service or visiting a branch with your ID in hand.

Banks that let you open accounts fully online without a branch visit

Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all offer online checking and savings accounts. Credit unions like Alliant, Charles Schwab Bank, and Ally Bank operate entirely online and have no physical branches—all account opening is digital. Online-only banks like Chime, Revolut, and LendingClub also open accounts in minutes.

The trade-off: online-only banks have no branch where you can deposit cash or speak to someone in person. If you need to deposit checks or cash regularly, a bank with branches or a credit union with shared branching networks (which let you use other credit unions' branches) may be better. National banks have branches everywhere but often charge monthly fees; online banks usually don't.

Credit unions often have lower fees and better rates on savings, but you have to live or work in their service area to join. Some credit unions are open to anyone in the country; others serve only a specific employer or region. Check the credit union's website to see if you're in their field of membership before you start the online process.

What happens if ChexSystems rejects you

ChexSystems is a banking history database that most banks check when you open an account. If you have unpaid overdrafts, a history of bounced checks, or fraud flags from another bank, ChexSystems will flag you and the bank may deny your application. You won't see this coming—the bank will simply tell you they can't open the account.

If this happens, you have the right to see your ChexSystems report for free. Go to chexsystems.com and request your report. If there's an error—a closed account still showing as open, or a fraud claim that wasn't yours—you can dispute it. ChexSystems has 30 days to investigate and correct it.

If the information is accurate, you have options. Some banks specialize in second-chance accounts for people with ChexSystems records. These accounts often have higher fees and lower limits, but they're real accounts that build your banking history. Credit unions are sometimes more lenient than national banks. Call ahead and ask if they work with people who have ChexSystems issues before you apply online.

Funding your new account after it opens

Once your account is open, you need to deposit money into it. The fastest way is to transfer money from another bank account you already have. This is called an ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House). You give the new bank your old bank's routing number and your account number, and the money moves in one to three business days. Most banks let you transfer up to $10,000 on the first day, though limits vary.

You can also mail a check to the bank's address, but this takes five to ten business days. Some banks let you deposit checks by photographing them with your phone and uploading the image through their app—this is faster than mailing and takes one to three business days to clear.

If you need cash in the account right away and have no other bank account to transfer from, you can visit a branch in person with cash, or use a money transfer service like Western Union or MoneyGram to send money to your new account. These services charge fees and take a few hours to a day.

Why some banks still require a branch visit even though they advertise online opening

A few banks say "open online" but then ask you to mail in documents or visit a branch to finish. This usually happens if identity verification fails or if you're opening a joint account and the second person can't verify online. Some banks also require a branch visit if you're opening a business account or an account for someone under 18.

Before you start the online process, scroll to the bottom of the bank's website and look for the fine print that says "requirements" or "how to open." If it mentions mailing documents or visiting a branch, you know there's a second step. This doesn't mean you shouldn't apply online—it just means the process isn't fully digital.

If you're rejected for online opening and offered a branch visit instead, you can usually complete the account opening in 15 minutes at any branch location. Bring your ID, Social Security card, and proof of address (a utility bill or lease works). The banker will verify your identity in person and activate your account on the spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account online if I don't have a Social Security number?

Some banks accept an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead of a Social Security number. Credit unions and smaller regional banks are more likely to offer this option than large national banks. Call the bank's customer service line before you start the online process to confirm they accept ITINs.

How long does it take to open an account online?

The online form itself takes 10 to 20 minutes. Identity verification happens immediately if you use automated ID scanning, or within a day or two if you need a video call with a banker. Your account is usually active the same day, though transfers from other banks take one to three business days to arrive.

What if I fail identity verification online?

The bank will tell you why—usually an expired ID, a blurry photo, or an address mismatch. You can try again, call customer service to verify by phone, or visit a branch in person with your ID. Most banks give you multiple chances before closing your application.

Can I open a joint account online?

Yes, but both account holders need to verify their identity separately. One person starts the application online, and the bank sends a link to the second person's email. Both people must complete identity verification before the account opens. Some banks require both people to be present during a video call instead.

Do I need a minimum deposit to open an account online?

Most banks that let you open online have no minimum deposit requirement. You can open the account with zero dollars and fund it later. A few banks require a small deposit (usually $25 or less) before the account is active, but this is rare among online and credit union banks.