What you can and cannot do over the phone
You cannot open a bank account entirely over the phone. Banks require at least one in-person visit or a video call with identity verification before they will create an account. However, some banks let you start the process by phone, complete paperwork online, and finish verification through video — which means you never step into a branch.
The constraint is not the phone itself; it is identity verification. Federal law requires banks to confirm who you are using government-issued ID. A teller cannot do this over a voice call alone. Most banks use one of three methods: an in-branch visit where they scan your ID, a video call where they watch you hold up your ID to the camera, or a combination where you upload a photo of your ID and answer security questions.
The fastest route depends on which bank you choose and whether you already have an account there. If you are an existing customer, some banks will let you open a second account by phone or online with no additional verification. If you are new to the bank, expect to spend 15 to 30 minutes on a video call or make one trip to a branch.
Key Takeaways
- Banks require identity verification before opening an account, which means you must either visit a branch in person or complete a video call with a teller who watches you present your ID.
- Some banks let you start an application by phone, fill out forms online, and finish verification through video — so you never enter a physical location.
- If you already bank at the institution, opening a second account often requires only a phone call and no additional ID verification.
- Online-only banks typically use video verification and can complete the entire process in one call, though some require you to upload ID photos instead.
- You will need your Social Security number, proof of address, and a government-issued ID ready before you call, regardless of which bank you choose.
Banks that let you start by phone
Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo allow you to call and begin an account application. A representative will ask for your name, address, Social Security number, and employment information. They will then either schedule a video call for identity verification or direct you to complete the application online and upload your ID.
Chase offers phone applications for checking and savings accounts, but you must complete identity verification through their mobile app or at a branch within 30 days. Bank of America lets you start by phone and finish verification by video or in-branch. Wells Fargo requires an in-branch visit or video call to complete the process, though you can gather information by phone first.
Credit unions often have more flexible phone policies because they serve a smaller membership base. Many will open an account by phone if you are already a member or if you live in their service area. Call your local credit union to ask whether they offer phone applications; the answer varies by institution.
Online banks and video verification
Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover typically complete the entire account opening over video or through uploaded documents. You download their app, start the application, and when you reach the identity verification step, you either schedule a video call or upload a photo of your ID and a selfie.
Video verification usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. A system or representative will ask you to hold your ID up to the camera, confirm your name and address, and answer a few security questions. Once verified, your account opens immediately or within one business day. Some online banks skip the video call entirely and use only ID photos and security questions, which means the entire process happens on your phone without speaking to anyone.
Online banks are fastest if you have a smartphone and a clear photo of your ID. They are slower if you prefer to speak to a person or if you do not have a camera-enabled device. Check the bank's website to see whether they offer phone support during the application process; many do not.
What documents and information you need ready
Before you call any bank, gather these items: a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number, your current address, and proof of address if your ID is outdated. Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government letter — anything dated within the last 60 days with your name and address on it.
Have your employment information available, including your employer's name and your job title. Some banks ask for your annual income; others do not. If you want to link an external bank account for transfers, have your routing number and account number ready, though you can add this after the account opens.
If you do not have a government-issued ID, most banks cannot open an account for you over the phone. You will need to visit a branch in person with alternative ID (passport card, tribal ID, military ID, or consular ID) and proof of address. Call ahead to confirm the branch accepts your specific form of ID.
Timeline from phone call to usable account
If you call a bank and complete video verification the same day, your account usually opens within one business day. You can deposit money and make transfers immediately, though some banks hold deposits for one to three business days before the money is available to spend.
If you call to start the application but schedule video verification for later, the timeline stretches. Most banks give you 7 to 30 days to complete verification; if you miss the window, you must start over. Once verification is done, the account opens within 24 hours.
If you choose to visit a branch instead of doing video, the account usually opens the same day. You walk out with a debit card (or it arrives by mail within 5 to 10 business days), and you can start using the account immediately.
Existing customers opening a second account
If you already have a checking or savings account at a bank, opening a second account at the same bank is much simpler by phone. The bank already has your identity verified, so they skip that step. A representative will ask which type of account you want, confirm your address, and open it on the spot.
Some banks charge a fee to open a second account; others do not. Ask about monthly maintenance fees, minimum balance requirements, and whether the new account qualifies for any promotional interest rates. Many banks offer higher rates on new accounts for the first few months.
You can usually access the new account through your existing online banking login within minutes. A debit card arrives by mail in 5 to 10 business days, though you can use the account for transfers and bill payments before the card arrives.
What happens if you cannot verify your identity
If your ID is expired, most banks will still accept it as long as it is not more than a few years old and the photo is clearly you. If your ID is severely damaged or the photo is unrecognizable, the bank may ask for a second form of ID or require you to visit a branch in person.
If you do not have a government-issued photo ID, you have limited options by phone. Some banks accept a combination of documents — a passport card plus a utility bill, or a tribal ID plus a bank statement — but this varies. Your best option is to call the bank's customer service line and ask what alternative documents they accept, then visit a branch with those documents in hand.
If you have a history of fraud or your name does not match your ID exactly, the bank may flag your application for manual review. This can add one to three business days to the process. The bank will contact you by phone to resolve the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account by phone without a video call?
Some online banks let you upload ID photos and a selfie instead of doing a video call, so you never speak to anyone. Traditional banks usually require either a video call or an in-branch visit. Call the bank you want and ask which verification method they offer.
What if I do not have a smartphone for video verification?
You can use a computer with a webcam instead. If you have neither, visit a branch in person or ask the bank whether they accept ID photos you upload from a library computer or a friend's device. Some banks will mail you a form to sign and return, though this adds one to two weeks.
Do I need to make a deposit when I open the account by phone?
No. Most banks let you open an account with zero dollars and deposit money later. However, some accounts have minimum balance requirements to avoid monthly fees, so check the terms before you open. You can always deposit money after the account is active.
How long does a bank account stay open if I do not use it?
Banks close inactive accounts after 12 to 24 months of no deposits, withdrawals, or transfers. If your account is closed, the bank mails any remaining balance to your address on file. To keep an account active, make at least one transaction every few months.
Can I open a business account by phone?
Business accounts require more documentation than personal accounts — usually a business license, EIN, and proof of business address. Most banks require you to visit a branch in person for a business account, though some let you start the application by phone and finish in-branch.