What you need to open an online bank account

You can open an online bank account entirely from your phone or computer without visiting a branch. Most banks take 5 to 10 minutes to complete the initial setup, though some require you to verify your identity through a video call or by uploading documents, which can add another day or two.

Before you start, gather: a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, your current address, and a phone number where the bank can reach you. Some banks also ask for your employment information or a second form of ID. Have a debit card or bank account ready if you plan to fund the account immediately—most online banks let you transfer money from another account to get your free guide.

The process differs slightly between banks, but the core steps are the same across all major online banks: provide personal information, verify your identity, choose your account type, and link a funding source.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid ID, Social Security number, current address, and phone number to open an online account; the whole process takes 5 to 10 minutes for most banks.
  • Identity verification happens through document upload, video call, or instant database check depending on the bank, and can take anywhere from seconds to one business day.
  • You can fund your new account by transferring money from another bank account, and most online banks waive monthly fees if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.
  • Your account is usually ready to use within one business day, though some banks activate it immediately after verification.

Step 1: Choose a bank and start the application

Go to the bank's website or download their mobile app and look for a button labeled "Open an Account," "Sign Up," or "get your free guide." You will land on a form asking for your name, date of birth, email address, and phone number. This is the fastest part—it takes 2 to 3 minutes.

At this stage, the bank may ask what type of account you want: checking, savings, or both. If you are unsure, checking is the standard choice for everyday spending and bill payments. Some banks bundle checking and savings together; others let you open them separately. You can always add a savings account later.

The bank will also ask whether you want to fund the account now or later. If you have another bank account or a debit card, you can transfer money immediately. If not, you can skip this step and fund it after your account is active.

Step 2: Provide your personal and financial information

The form will ask for your full legal name (as it appears on your ID), date of birth, Social Security number, current street address, and phone number. Enter these exactly as they appear on your documents—mismatches can slow down identity verification.

Some banks also ask for your employment status, employer name, and annual income. This information helps the bank comply with federal anti-money-laundering rules; it does not affect whether you can open the account. If you are unemployed, retired, or a student, you can select that option and leave the employer field blank.

A few banks ask for a second contact method (like an alternate phone number or email) or whether you have an existing account with them. Answer honestly—the bank is cross-checking this information against its own records and federal databases.

Step 3: Verify your identity

This is where timelines vary most. The bank will use one of three methods: instant database verification, document upload, or video call.

Instant verification is fastest. The bank checks your information against Equifax, Experian, or other data brokers and confirms your identity in seconds. You will see a message saying your account is verified and can proceed immediately.

Document upload takes longer. You will be asked to photograph your driver's license or passport (front and back) and sometimes a second document like a utility bill or lease showing your current address. Upload the images through the app or website. A bank employee reviews these within a few hours to one business day. You will receive an email when verification is complete.

Video call verification is required by some banks if instant verification fails or if you are opening certain account types. A bank representative will call you or ask you to schedule a video call. They will ask you to show your ID to the camera and answer a few questions to confirm you are who you say you are. This usually takes 5 to 10 minutes and happens within one business day of your request.

Step 4: Fund your account

Once your identity is verified, you can add money to your new account. The most common method is an ACH transfer from another bank account you own. Provide your existing bank's routing number and your account number (both appear on the bottom left of a check, or you can find them in your current bank's app). The transfer usually takes one to three business days to arrive.

Some online banks let you fund immediately with a debit card, though this method may carry a small fee (typically $0 to $5). A few banks also accept wire transfers or checks mailed to their address, but these are slower and less common.

You do not have to fund your account right away. Many banks let you open the account and fund it later, even days or weeks after opening. However, some banks close accounts that remain unfunded for 30 to 90 days, so check the bank's policy if you plan to wait.

Step 5: Set up access and review your account

After verification and funding, the bank will ask you to create a login password and set up two-factor authentication (usually a code sent to your phone or email each time you log in from a new device). Write down your password in a secure place or use a password manager—you will need it every time you access your account online or through the app.

Log in and review your account details: confirm your name, address, and phone number are correct, and check that any linked accounts or transfer settings are what you intended. Most banks show your account number and routing number in the app under "Account Details" or "Account Information"—you will need these to set up direct deposit or receive wire transfers.

Your account is now active and ready to use. You can receive direct deposits, transfer money, pay bills, and use a debit card (if the bank issues one) immediately, though the card itself may take 5 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.

What happens if verification fails

If the bank cannot verify your identity through instant database lookup, you will be asked to upload documents or schedule a video call. This is normal and does not mean you have done anything wrong—it simply means your information did not match the databases the bank checked first.

If verification fails a second time, the bank will send you a letter explaining why and what to do next. Common reasons include a name mismatch (for example, if you recently married and your ID has not been updated), an address that does not match the bank's records, or a Social Security number discrepancy. Contact the bank's customer service line to resolve the issue. You may need to provide additional documents or correct information in your application.

If you cannot verify your identity with a particular bank, you can try opening an account with a different bank. Some banks have stricter verification requirements than others, and a second bank may succeed where the first one failed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to open an online bank account?

The application itself takes 5 to 10 minutes. Identity verification can happen instantly, or take up to one business day if the bank needs to review documents or schedule a video call. Your account is usually ready to use within one business day of verification, though some banks activate it immediately.

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

Most online banks do not require a minimum deposit to open an account. However, some waive monthly fees only if you maintain a certain balance (often $500 to $2,500) or set up direct deposit. Check the bank's fee schedule before opening to understand what you need to do to avoid charges.

Can I open an online bank account if I do not have a Social Security number?

Most banks require a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have either, contact the bank directly—some have accounts for non-citizens or recent immigrants, though these may have different requirements or higher fees.

What if I do not have a government-issued ID?

A driver's license or passport is standard, but if you do not have one, call the bank before applying. Some banks accept a state ID card, tribal ID, or military ID. A few may ask for additional documents like a birth certificate or utility bill to verify your identity instead.

Can I open multiple online bank accounts at the same time?

Yes. There is no rule against opening accounts at multiple banks simultaneously. However, each bank will run a separate identity verification, so you will need to go through the process with each one. Opening many accounts in a short time may trigger fraud alerts, but this does not prevent you from opening legitimate accounts.