You cannot open a Post Office Savings Account entirely online
Post Office Savings Accounts in the United States require you to visit a physical Post Office location in person to open the account. You cannot complete the entire process online, though you can prepare some of your paperwork beforehand and research which account type suits you before you go.
The in-person requirement exists because Post Office staff must verify your identity using a government-issued photo ID and confirm your Social Security number. This is a federal requirement for any savings account opened through the Postal Service.
However, once your account is open, you can manage it online through the Post Office's website or mobile app — you can check your balance, transfer money between accounts, and set up automatic deposits or withdrawals without returning to a branch.
Key Takeaways
- Opening a Post Office Savings Account requires an in-person visit to your local Post Office with a valid government photo ID and proof of your Social Security number.
- You can research account types and gather required documents online before you visit, which speeds up the opening process.
- After your account opens, you can manage it entirely online through the Post Office website or app.
- The Post Office offers three main savings account types: the Statement Savings Account, the Certificate of Deposit (CD), and the Money Market Account, each with different interest rates and minimum balances.
What documents and ID you need to bring
Bring one government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID all work. The Post Office will not accept expired IDs, so check the expiration date before you go.
You also need to provide your Social Security number. The Post Office will verify it during the opening process. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, though availability varies by location.
Bring a small amount of money to fund the account — the minimum opening deposit varies by account type, ranging from $25 to $500. Check the Post Office website or call your local branch ahead of time to confirm the exact minimum for the account you want.
The three Post Office Savings Account types
The Statement Savings Account is the most basic option. It has a low minimum opening deposit (typically $25), no monthly maintenance fee, and you can withdraw money anytime without penalty. Interest rates are modest and change based on market conditions.
The Certificate of Deposit (CD) requires you to lock your money away for a set period — usually 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. In exchange, you earn a higher interest rate than a regular savings account. If you withdraw money before the term ends, you pay a penalty. The minimum opening deposit is usually $500.
The Money Market Account sits between the two. It offers higher interest rates than a Statement Savings Account but lower than a CD, and you can withdraw money without penalty. Minimum opening deposits are typically $2,500, and some accounts limit the number of withdrawals you can make per month.
How to prepare before you visit
Visit the Post Office website and look up your nearest location and its hours. Not all Post Offices offer savings accounts — only those with a retail window and a postal employee trained to open accounts. Call ahead to confirm the branch you plan to visit handles account openings.
Review the current interest rates for each account type on the Post Office website. Rates change regularly, so knowing what to expect helps you decide which account fits your needs. The website also lists the exact minimum opening deposit for each account type at your location.
Gather your photo ID and write down your Social Security number. Bring a checkbook or recent bank statement if you want to set up automatic deposits from another account — this is optional but speeds up the process if you plan to do it.
What happens during your in-person visit
A postal employee will ask you to complete a signature card and provide your identification and Social Security number. They will verify your identity and run a check against the ChexSystems database, which tracks banking history. This usually takes a few minutes.
You will then choose your account type and make your opening deposit. The employee will explain the terms — particularly important if you are opening a CD, since you need to understand the withdrawal penalty and the maturity date.
You will receive a temporary account number on the spot. Your debit card and checks (if you ordered them) arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can start using your account online immediately, even before your card arrives.
Managing your account after opening
Log into the Post Office website or download the mobile app using your account number and the PIN you created during your visit. You can check your balance, view transaction history, and transfer money between your Post Office accounts.
You can set up direct deposit from your employer or Social Security by providing your account and routing number to the paying organization. You can also transfer money from another bank account to fund your Post Office account, though this takes 1 to 3 business days.
If you need to make changes — like updating your address or phone number — you can do some of this online, but major changes like closing an account or adjusting CD terms require a phone call to Post Office customer service or another visit to your branch.
What to do if your local Post Office does not offer savings accounts
Not every Post Office location provides savings account services. If yours does not, search the Post Office locator tool on the USPS website and filter for locations that offer "savings products." This shows you the nearest branches that handle account openings.
You may need to travel to a larger Post Office in your area, often in a city center or a main retail location. Call ahead to confirm they are open and have staff available — some branches have limited hours for account services.
If no Post Office near you offers savings accounts, you have other options: traditional banks, credit unions, and online banks all offer savings accounts with similar or better interest rates. The Post Office is convenient if you already visit regularly, but it is not your only choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Post Office Savings Account if I do not have a Social Security number?
You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, but not all Post Offices accept them. Call your local branch first to confirm they will open an account with an ITIN before you visit.
How long does it take to open a Post Office Savings Account?
The in-person process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Your account is active immediately, though your debit card and any checks you order arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
What is the interest rate on a Post Office Savings Account?
Interest rates vary by account type and change regularly based on market conditions. Check the Post Office website for current rates before you visit, or ask the employee when you open your account.
Can I close my Post Office Savings Account online?
No, you must close an account by phone or in person at your Post Office branch. Call Post Office customer service or visit your local branch with your account number and ID.
What happens if I withdraw money from a CD before it matures?
You pay an early withdrawal penalty, which reduces the amount you receive. The penalty amount depends on the CD term — longer terms have larger penalties. Ask the postal employee for the exact penalty before you open the account.