Ally Bank does not require an opening deposit for its checking account

You can open an Ally Bank checking account with zero dollars. There is no minimum deposit required at account creation, and you do not need to fund the account when ready after opening it. You can open the account online, leave it empty, and deposit money later whenever you are ready.

This is different from many traditional banks, which often require $25 to $500 at opening. Ally's no-deposit requirement makes it possible to set up the account during a financial pause or to test the service before moving money into it.

The account itself is free to maintain. There are no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirements, and no inactivity fees if you open it and do not use it for a while.

Key Takeaways

  • Ally Bank checking accounts have no opening deposit requirement and no minimum balance to keep the account open.
  • You can open an account online in minutes and fund it later, or not at all if you change your mind.
  • The account carries no monthly maintenance fee, overdraft fees, or charges for inactivity.
  • You will need a Social Security number, valid ID, and a way to verify your identity during the online signup process.
  • Deposits made after account opening arrive on different timelines depending on whether you transfer from another bank or deposit a check.

How to open an Ally checking account with no money upfront

Go to Ally's website and select the option to open a checking account. You will provide your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number. Ally will ask you to verify your identity, usually by answering questions about your credit history or by uploading a photo of your ID.

Once your identity is verified, your account opens when ready. You do not need to transfer money or make a deposit at this step. Your account number and routing number are assigned right away, and you can use them to receive deposits from your employer or other sources.

If you want to fund the account yourself, you can link an external bank account and transfer money, or you can deposit a check using Ally's mobile app. Neither of these steps is required to complete the account opening.

What happens if you never deposit money

An empty Ally checking account will remain open indefinitely. Ally does not close accounts for inactivity, and there are no fees for keeping the account dormant. You can open it, leave it untouched for months or years, and return to it whenever you need it.

The account will still have an active account number and routing number. If you receive a direct deposit from an employer or a government agency, it will land in the account even if you have not logged in since opening it. You can access the account through Ally's website or mobile app whenever you choose.

Funding the account after opening

Once your account is open, you have several ways to add money. The most common method is an ACH transfer from another bank account you own. This is free and typically takes one to two business days. You link your external account through Ally's website, enter the amount, and the money moves automatically.

You can also deposit a check using Ally's mobile app. Take a photo of the front and back of the check, and Ally deposits it into your account. Mobile check deposits usually clear within one to two business days, though Ally may hold the funds for longer on your first deposit.

Direct deposit from an employer or government benefit is another option. You provide your Ally account number and routing number to your employer's payroll department, and the money arrives on your regular pay schedule.

Wire transfers are possible but cost money — Ally charges a fee to receive a wire transfer, so this is not the cheapest way to fund the account if you have other options.

Fees and costs you should know about

Ally's checking account has no monthly maintenance fee, no minimum balance fee, and no inactivity fee. There are also no fees for transfers between your Ally accounts, for ACH transfers to other banks, or for using Ally's ATM network (which includes over 55,000 ATMs through the Allpoint network).

You will be charged an overdraft fee if you spend more money than you have in the account. Ally charges $25 per overdraft transaction, and you can have multiple overdrafts in a single day. You can turn off overdraft protection to prevent this, which means transactions will be declined if you do not have enough money.

Out-of-network ATM withdrawals are not charged by Ally, but the ATM operator may charge you a fee. Some ATMs charge $2 to $3 per withdrawal.

What you need to open the account

You will need a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card). You will also need your Social Security number and a current mailing address. Ally will verify your identity during signup, which usually takes a few minutes.

You do not need an existing bank account to open an Ally checking account, though having one makes it easier to fund the new account later. You do not need a minimum credit score, and Ally does not run a hard credit inquiry when you open a checking account.

You will need access to email and a phone number to complete the signup process. Ally may send a verification code to your phone or email as part of identity verification.

Timing: how long the account opening takes

The entire process takes about 10 to 15 minutes if your identity verifies when ready. You answer questions about your personal information, Ally checks your identity, and your account opens. Your account number and routing number are available to use as soon as the account is created.

In some cases, identity verification takes longer. If Ally cannot verify you automatically, you may be asked to upload a photo of your ID or answer additional security questions. This can add 5 to 10 minutes to the process, or in rare cases, Ally may need to review your process manually, which can take up to one business day.

Once the account is open, any money you transfer or deposit will arrive on its own timeline. ACH transfers take one to two business days. Check deposits take one to two business days. Direct deposits arrive on your employer's regular pay schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an Ally checking account if I have been denied a bank account before?

Ally does not use ChexSystems or other banking history reports to decide whether to open a checking account. Your past banking history does not disqualify you. However, Ally will still verify your identity and may decline your process if it cannot confirm who you are or if there are fraud concerns.

What if I want to close the account after opening it with no deposit?

You can close an Ally checking account at any time through the website or by calling customer service. If the account has a zero balance, the closure is when ready. If there is money in the account, you will need to withdraw or transfer it first, or Ally will send you a check for the remaining balance.

Do I need a debit card to open the account?

No. Your checking account opens without a debit card. Ally will mail you a debit card after the account is created, which usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can use the account and make transfers before the card arrives.

Can I open multiple Ally checking accounts?

Ally allows you to open more than one checking account under the same person's name. Each account has its own account number and can be used separately. There are no fees for having multiple accounts.

What interest rate does the Ally checking account earn?

Ally's checking account does not earn interest on your balance. The account is designed for everyday spending and bill payments, not for saving. If you want to earn interest, Ally offers a separate savings account with a higher rate.