You can open most bank accounts entirely online without visiting a branch

Most banks and credit unions now let you open a checking or savings account from your computer or phone in 15 to 30 minutes. You provide your personal information, verify your identity, and fund the account—all without stepping into a physical location. The account is usually active within one business day, though some banks make funds available immediately.

The process is nearly identical across banks: you enter your name, address, Social Security number, and employment information; the bank checks your identity against government records; you choose your account type and initial deposit method; and you sign the account agreement electronically. What changes is the speed, the deposit options available to you, and whether the bank requires a minimum opening deposit.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a valid government ID, Social Security number, and a way to fund the account—either a debit card, another bank account, or a wire transfer.
  • Identity verification happens automatically through a third-party service that checks your information against government records; you do not need to upload documents unless verification fails.
  • Most online accounts are active within one business day, though some banks offer same-day access to deposit funds.
  • If you do not have a Social Security number, some banks and credit unions will open accounts using an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead.
  • Minimum opening deposits range from zero to $25 depending on the bank; many online-only banks have no minimum.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you begin: a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, your current address, and your employment information. Have your phone nearby—most banks text or call you during the verification step to confirm you are the person applying.

You will also need a way to fund the account. Most banks accept a debit card, a credit card, or a transfer from another bank account you already own. Some online-only banks also accept wire transfers or ACH transfers from an employer. If you do not have any of these, call the bank before you start—a few will let you mail in a check or deposit cash at a partner location, but this is less common for online accounts.

If you do not have a Social Security number, check whether the bank accepts an ITIN. Many do, but not all. Credit unions are often more flexible than large national banks on this point.

Step 1: Choose your account type and bank

Decide whether you want a checking account, a savings account, or both. Checking accounts are for everyday spending and bill payments. Savings accounts are for money you want to set aside and earn interest on. Many people open both at the same bank.

Then choose the bank. Online-only banks (like Ally, Charles Schwab, or Discover) typically have no monthly fees and no minimum deposits. Traditional banks with online options (like Chase, Bank of America, or Wells Fargo) may charge monthly fees unless you meet balance or deposit requirements. Credit unions often have lower fees and better interest rates but may have membership requirements or geographic limits. Compare the monthly fees, interest rates, and ATM access before you decide.

Step 2: Start the application on the bank's website or app

Go to the bank's website or download their mobile app and look for "Open an Account" or "Sign Up." You will land on a page asking you to choose your account type (checking, savings, or both) and sometimes your state of residence. Some banks ask you to create a username and password before you fill in your personal details; others do that at the end.

Enter your full legal name, date of birth, current address, phone number, and email address exactly as they appear on your government ID. Any mismatch—a middle initial you usually skip, a nickname instead of your legal name, an old address—can cause the verification step to fail. If you have moved recently, use your current address, not the one on your ID.

Step 3: Provide your Social Security number and employment information

The bank will ask for your Social Security number. This is required by federal law for all bank accounts and is used to verify your identity and check for fraud. Enter it carefully—a single digit wrong will cause verification to fail.

You will also enter your employment status (employed, self-employed, retired, student, or unemployed) and, if employed, your employer's name. Some banks ask for your job title or industry. This information is used for fraud detection and to comply with anti-money-laundering rules. You do not need to provide pay stubs or tax returns at this stage.

Step 4: Verify your identity

The bank sends your information to a third-party verification service (usually Experian, Equifax, or another credit bureau) that checks it against government records. This usually takes seconds to a few minutes. If verification succeeds, you move to the next step. If it fails, the bank will ask you to upload a photo of your ID or answer security questions based on your credit history.

If you are asked to upload your ID, take a clear photo of both the front and back of your driver's license, passport, or state ID. Make sure your face is visible and the text is readable. Upload the images through the bank's secure portal. Verification usually completes within a few hours, though it can take up to one business day.

If you are asked security questions, answer them based on your actual credit history—questions like "Which of these addresses did you live at in 2019?" or "Which lender issued your auto loan?" The bank is checking that you know your own financial history.

Step 5: Fund your account and review the agreement

Choose how you want to deposit money. Most banks let you link a debit card or another bank account and transfer funds immediately. Enter the card number or the routing and account number of the other bank account. The bank may place a small temporary hold on the funds while it verifies the connection—this usually clears within one business day.

Some banks require a minimum opening deposit (usually $25 or $100); others have no minimum. If you do not have funds to deposit right now, check whether the bank will let you open the account with zero dollars and deposit later. Many online-only banks do.

Review the account agreement and fee schedule. This is a legal document that explains the bank's policies on overdrafts, monthly fees, interest rates, and your rights. You will sign it electronically by clicking a checkbox or typing your name. Do not skip this step—you are agreeing to the terms, and you need to know what they are.

What happens after you submit

The bank sends you a confirmation email with your account number and routing number. Your account is usually active within one business day. Some banks (like Charles Schwab and Ally) make it active immediately, so you can start using your debit card or setting up transfers right away. Others (like Chase) may take one to three business days to issue a debit card and activate online access.

You will receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can transfer money out of the account using your routing and account number, or you can use a temporary digital card if the bank offers one through its app.

Log into your online banking portal or app to set up bill pay, link external accounts, or turn on fraud alerts. Most banks let you do all of this immediately after opening the account.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to open an account online?

The application itself takes 15 to 30 minutes. Identity verification is usually instant, but can take up to one business day if you need to upload your ID. Your account is typically active within one business day, though some banks activate it immediately. Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

What if identity verification fails?

The bank will ask you to upload a photo of your government ID or answer security questions about your credit history. If you do not have a credit history, some banks will let you verify by phone or video call instead. If verification still fails, call the bank's customer service line—they can sometimes override the automated check if you can answer additional questions about your identity.

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

Some banks and credit unions will open accounts using an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. Call the bank before you start to confirm they accept ITINs. Credit unions are often more flexible than national banks on this.

Do I have to deposit money right now?

Many online-only banks have no minimum opening deposit, so you can open the account with zero dollars and deposit later. Traditional banks often require a minimum deposit of $25 to $100 to open. Check the bank's requirements before you start the application.

Can I open an account on my phone?

Yes. Most banks have mobile apps that let you open an account entirely on your phone. The process is identical to opening on a computer. Make sure you have good lighting if you need to upload a photo of your ID.