You can open most bank accounts entirely online without visiting a branch, and most banks charge nothing to open or maintain a basic checking or savings account

The process takes 10 to 20 minutes and requires a government-issued ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number. You'll choose a bank or credit union, fill out an application on their website or app, verify your identity (usually by uploading a photo of your ID), and fund the account with an initial deposit—often as little as $1, though some banks require $25 or more. Once approved, you can use your account immediately, though it may take one to three business days for the account to be fully active for all features like transfers.

The entire process happens on your phone or computer. You don't need to visit a branch, call anyone, or wait for mail. Identity verification is instant for most banks—you upload your ID and get approved within minutes to a few hours. Your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days, but you can start using your account the same day through online transfers, bill pay, and ATM withdrawals.

Key Takeaways

  • Most online banks and credit unions charge no monthly fee for basic checking or savings accounts, and many have no minimum balance requirement.
  • You will need a government ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number to complete an online application.
  • Identity verification happens through photo upload or video call during the application, not by mail, so approval can happen the same day.
  • Your account may be ready to use immediately, but transfers and some features may not work until the next business day.
  • If you have a history of overdrafts or unpaid accounts, some banks will still open an account for you, but you may need to use a second-chance checking program.

What you need before you start

Gather these documents before opening your browser: a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), proof of your current address (a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. Some banks will accept a phone bill or credit card statement as proof of address if it shows your name and current address.

Have a way to fund your account ready—a debit card, another bank account for a transfer, or a check you can deposit through mobile check deposit once your account is open. Most banks let you start with $1, though some require $25 or $100. If you don't have any of these funding methods yet, you can deposit cash at an ATM or branch once your account is active, or ask someone to transfer money to you.

How to choose between banks and credit unions

Banks and credit unions both offer free online checking accounts, but they differ in size, fees, and how they treat customers with past banking problems. Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo process applications instantly and offer the most ATM locations nationwide. Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Chime have no physical branches but often have lower fees and higher interest rates on savings accounts.

Credit unions are member-owned and often have lower fees and friendlier policies toward people with overdraft history, but they have fewer ATMs unless they're part of a shared branching network. If you've had accounts closed or unpaid overdrafts before, a credit union or a bank's second-chance checking program (like Chime or LendingClub's Radius) may be easier to open. Check your bank's fee schedule before applying—some charge overdraft fees even if you opt out of overdraft protection, while others don't.

The step-by-step application process

Go to the bank's website or download their app and look for "Open an Account" or "Sign Up." You'll enter your name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. Then you'll provide your Social Security number and answer security questions about your financial history (previous addresses, past accounts, whether you've been denied credit). This information is checked against databases to verify your identity and flag fraud.

Next, you'll upload a photo of your ID—take it in good light, make sure all four corners are visible, and check that the image is clear before uploading. Some banks also require a photo of a recent utility bill or lease. A few banks (mainly larger ones) may ask you to verify your identity through a video call with a representative instead of uploading documents. This takes 5 to 10 minutes and happens immediately.

Once your identity is verified, you'll choose your account type (checking, savings, or both), set up online banking login credentials, and link a funding source. You can transfer money from another bank account, use a debit card, or mail a check. The application is submitted, and you'll see a confirmation screen with your new account number. Some banks activate your account instantly; others send a confirmation email within a few hours.

What happens after you submit your application

Most banks tell you within minutes whether you're approved or if they need more information. If approved, your account number appears on screen or in an email, and you can log in to your online banking portal right away. You can set up bill pay, view your balance, and receive a debit card order confirmation. The physical debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

Some features may not work until the next business day: transfers to other banks, mobile check deposit, and ATM withdrawals sometimes have a one-day delay. If you funded your account with a transfer from another bank, that money may take one to three business days to arrive, depending on whether it's an ACH transfer (standard, free, slower) or a wire transfer (faster, sometimes charged a fee). You can use your debit card for purchases and ATM withdrawals as soon as the account is active, even if the funding transfer hasn't cleared yet.

Fees to watch for and how to avoid them

Most online banks charge no monthly maintenance fee, but some traditional banks do—typically $10 to $15 per month. You can usually waive the fee by keeping a minimum balance (often $500 to $1,500), setting up direct deposit, or maintaining a linked savings account. Read the fee schedule before applying, not after.

Overdraft fees are the most common charge: if you spend more than your balance, the bank may charge $25 to $35 per transaction. Some banks let you opt out of overdraft protection, which means transactions will be declined instead of charged a fee. Others charge a fee even if you opt out. A few banks (Chime, Ally, some credit unions) charge no overdraft fees at all. ATM fees apply if you use an out-of-network ATM—typically $2 to $3 per withdrawal. Choose a bank with a large ATM network or one that reimburses out-of-network fees.

If your application is denied or delayed

Banks deny applications for a few reasons: a mismatch between the information you provided and what's in verification databases, a history of unpaid accounts or fraud, or a ChexSystems report (a banking history report similar to a credit report). If you're denied, the bank must tell you why and provide contact information for the agency that reported the problem—usually ChexSystems or Early Warning Services.

You can request a free copy of your ChexSystems report at chexsystems.com and dispute any errors. If you have a legitimate history of overdrafts or closed accounts, apply for a second-chance checking account instead. Banks like Chime, LendingClub's Radius, and many credit unions offer these accounts with lower fees and more lenient approval standards. You may also ask a family member to add you as an authorized user on their account while you rebuild your banking history.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to open an account online?

The application itself takes 10 to 20 minutes. Identity verification happens immediately for most banks—you'll know if you're approved within minutes to a few hours. Your account is usually usable the same day, though some features like transfers may not work until the next business day.

Do I need a minimum deposit to open an account?

Most online banks require $0 to $1 to open an account. Some require $25 or $100. Check the bank's website before applying. You can fund the account with a transfer from another bank, a debit card, or a check deposit once your account is active.

What if I don't have a government ID?

You need a government-issued ID to open a bank account online. If you don't have a driver's license or passport, apply for a state ID card at your local DMV. Some banks may accept a passport card or tribal ID. Call the bank before applying if you're unsure whether your ID will work.

Can I open an account if I've had problems with banks before?

Yes. If you've had overdrafts, closed accounts, or fraud issues, you may be denied by large banks but approved by credit unions or second-chance checking programs. These accounts may have higher fees or lower limits, but they let you rebuild your banking history. Check your ChexSystems report first to see what's on file.

When can I use my debit card after opening an account?

You can use your debit card for online purchases and ATM withdrawals as soon as your account is active, usually the same day. The physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you funded your account with a transfer, that money may take one to three days to arrive, but you can still use the debit card before the transfer clears.