Most banks let you open an account without an appointment, but showing up with one saves time and guarantees a banker will be available

Whether you need an appointment depends on the bank and the type of account. Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo typically allow walk-ins during business hours, but you may wait 20 minutes to an hour if no banker is free. Credit unions and smaller regional banks vary — some take walk-ins, others require appointments. Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Marcus have no branches, so you open accounts entirely through their website or app, which takes 10 to 20 minutes from your phone.

The practical difference: an appointment guarantees a banker will be sitting at a desk when you arrive, ready to verify your documents and complete the account setup in one visit. Without an appointment, you might arrive during a busy lunch hour or Friday afternoon and be told to come back or wait. If you have limited time or need to complete the account the same day, calling ahead or booking online takes two minutes and removes the uncertainty.

Key Takeaways

  • National banks accept walk-ins but may require a 30-minute to one-hour wait during peak hours; an appointment eliminates the wait.
  • Credit unions and community banks have different policies — call the branch directly to ask whether they take walk-ins or require appointments.
  • Online banks have no branches and process all account openings through their website or mobile app, with no appointment needed.
  • Bringing the right documents (ID, proof of address, Social Security number or ITIN) matters more than whether you have an appointment.
  • If you call ahead, ask whether the banker can pre-fill any forms so the in-person visit is faster.

How to book an appointment at a traditional bank branch

Most large banks offer three ways to schedule: call the branch directly, book online through their website, or use their mobile app. For Chase, go to chase.com, select "Appointments," enter your zip code, and choose a branch and time slot. Bank of America uses a similar system on bankofamerica.com. Wells Fargo appointments can be booked at wellsfargo.com or by calling 1-800-869-3557. The online booking systems usually show available slots for the next two to four weeks, and you can often choose a specific time down to the 15-minute window.

When you call the branch directly, have your zip code ready and tell the banker you want to open a new account. They will ask what type of account (checking, savings, or both) and may ask whether you are a new customer or already have an account with them. The call takes three to five minutes. If the branch is busy, they may offer you a time slot the same day or the next business day. Some branches also let you book through their Facebook page or by texting a number listed on their website.

Walk-in hours and wait times at major banks

Chase branches are typically open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and closed Sunday. Bank of America hours are similar but vary by location — most open at 9 a.m. on weekdays and close between 4 and 6 p.m. Wells Fargo branches usually open at 9 a.m. weekdays and close at 5 or 6 p.m. Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at most locations. These times vary by branch, so check the specific location's hours on the bank's website before you go.

Wait times depend on the day and time. Monday through Wednesday mornings are usually quieter. Friday afternoons, lunch hours (11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.), and the first and last days of the month tend to be busiest. If you walk in without an appointment during a busy time, expect to wait 30 to 60 minutes. Some banks have a digital check-in system where you scan a code or tell a greeter your name, and they text you when a banker is ready. This lets you wait in the lobby or outside instead of standing at a desk.

Credit unions and community banks: appointment policies vary

Credit unions do not have a single policy. Some, like Navy Federal and Alliant Credit Union, accept walk-ins at all branches. Others require an appointment or have limited walk-in hours. The best approach is to call the branch or check their website. If you are opening an account as a new member, many credit unions ask you to come in person to verify your identity and sign documents, so they may prefer to schedule you rather than have you wait.

Community banks and regional banks (like Umpqua, Mechanics Bank, or Glacier Bank) also vary. Some have a single banker on duty and require appointments to avoid long waits. Others have multiple staff and take walk-ins freely. Call the branch directly — the banker can tell you whether an appointment is needed and how long the process takes. If you are moving to a new area and want to open an account with a local bank, calling ahead is the safest bet.

Opening an account online: no appointment, no branch visit

Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, Marcus, and Discover have no physical branches. You open an account entirely through their website or app. The process takes 10 to 20 minutes and requires your Social Security number or ITIN, a government-issued ID (driver's license or passport), proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease), and your initial deposit information. You upload photos of your documents or answer security questions to verify your identity. Some online banks use video verification, where you hold your ID up to your phone camera and a person confirms it matches your face.

The advantage is speed and convenience — you can open an account at 11 p.m. on a Sunday. The trade-off is that you cannot deposit cash in person and cannot speak to a banker face-to-face if something goes wrong. Most online banks let you deposit checks by photographing them with your phone, and they reimburse ATM fees if you use out-of-network machines. If you need to deposit cash, you can transfer it from another bank account or use a partner bank's ATM.

What documents to bring, with or without an appointment

Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card). Bring proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement with your name and address. Bring your Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). If you do not have a Social Security number, ask the bank whether they accept an ITIN; most do, but some require a Social Security number for certain account types.

Bring your initial deposit if you are funding the account in person. This can be a check, cash, or a transfer from another bank account. Some banks require a minimum opening deposit (often $25 to $100 for checking, $0 to $500 for savings), though many have eliminated minimums. If you are unsure what the bank requires, call ahead or check their website. Bring a list of any direct deposits or automatic payments you want to set up, including the routing and account numbers if you have them.

What happens during the account opening visit

The banker will verify your identity by checking your ID against your face and asking security questions (your address, date of birth, last four digits of your Social Security number). They will explain the account features: interest rates, monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and overdraft policies. They will ask whether you want online banking, a debit card, and checks. They will show you how to set up your username and password for online banking and may give you a temporary debit card or order one to be mailed to you.

The entire process takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have all your documents and know what type of account you want. If you are unsure about account features or have questions about fees, the banker will walk you through the options. At the end, you will sign documents (usually on a tablet or paper), receive your account number, and be ready to use your account. If you set up direct deposit, the banker will give you the routing and account number to provide to your employer or benefit provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account online and then visit a branch later?

Yes. You can open most checking and savings accounts online, and your account will be active within one to three business days. You can then visit a branch to order a debit card, set up a safe deposit box, or ask questions about other services. Some banks let you order a debit card through the app, so a branch visit is not necessary unless you want one.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can open an account with an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). Not all banks accept ITINs, so call the branch first to confirm. You will need your ITIN letter from the IRS, a government-issued ID, and proof of address. Some banks may require additional documentation or limit the account features available to ITIN holders.

Do I need an appointment if I am opening a joint account?

Both account holders should be present to sign the documents. An appointment is helpful because the banker needs time to verify both people's identities and explain the account rules. You can walk in without an appointment, but you may wait longer. Call ahead to book a time that works for both of you.

How long does it take to open an account if I have an appointment?

With an appointment and all your documents ready, the process takes 15 to 30 minutes. Without an appointment, add 30 to 60 minutes for the wait, depending on how busy the branch is. Online account opening takes 10 to 20 minutes and can be done anytime.

Can I open an account by phone or mail?

Most banks require you to open an account in person or online. Some credit unions and smaller banks may mail you an application, but you will still need to verify your identity, usually by uploading documents or visiting a branch. Phone-only account opening is rare. Online is the fastest alternative if you want to avoid a branch visit.