Yes, you can open a Bank of America checking account entirely online

Bank of America lets you start a checking account from your computer or phone without visiting a branch. The process takes about 10 minutes and requires a few pieces of information: your Social Security number, a valid ID, your address, and a way to fund the account (a debit card, another bank account, or a wire transfer). You will need to be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

The account opens when ready in most cases, though Bank of America may ask you to verify your identity by phone or through their mobile app before you can use it fully. Once approved, you can start using your account right away — you will get a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open a checking account on Bank of America's website or mobile app without going to a branch.
  • The process requires your Social Security number, a valid ID, proof of address, and an initial deposit method.
  • Your account opens when ready in most cases, but Bank of America may ask you to verify your identity before full access.
  • Your physical debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use a temporary digital card right away.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you begin the online process. You will need a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Bank of America will ask you to provide your Social Security number, which they use to check your identity and your banking history. Have your current address ready, and be prepared to show proof of it if Bank of America asks (a utility bill, lease, or government letter dated within the last 60 days works).

You will also need a way to fund your new account. This can be a debit card from another bank, a checking or savings account at another bank (you will provide the routing and account numbers), or a wire transfer. Bank of America does not require a minimum opening deposit, but you do need to put some money in to set up the account.

The step-by-step online process

Go to bankofamerica.com and look for the "Open an Account" button, usually near the top of the page. Click it and select "Checking" as the account type. Bank of America will ask you to choose which checking product you want — most people start with their basic checking account, though they offer other versions with different features and fees.

Enter your personal information: name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. Bank of America will verify your identity using this information. Next, you will choose how to fund the account. Select your method (debit card, another bank account, or wire), enter those details, and confirm the amount you want to deposit.

Review the account terms and disclosures, then sign electronically. Bank of America will show you your new account number and routing number when ready. At this point, your account is open, though you may need to complete an identity verification step before you can use it fully — Bank of America may call you or send a verification code to your phone or email.

When Bank of America asks you to verify your identity

After you submit your process, Bank of America's system checks your information against databases to confirm who you are. Most of the time this happens automatically and you will not notice. Sometimes Bank of America needs you to take an extra step.

If they ask for verification, they will contact you by phone, email, or through your Bank of America app. They may ask you to answer security questions, provide a photo of your ID, or confirm recent transactions from another account. This usually takes a few minutes and happens the same day you explore. Until you complete this step, you may not be able to transfer money or use your debit card, though your account is still open.

Your debit card and accessing your money

Bank of America sends your physical debit card by mail, which takes 7 to 10 business days. While you wait, you can use a temporary digital card right away — this is a card number you can use to make online purchases or add to your phone's digital wallet for contactless payments. You can see this number in your Bank of America app or online account as soon as your account is fully verified.

You can also withdraw cash or deposit checks at any Bank of America ATM or branch before your physical card arrives. If you need cash when ready, you can visit a branch with your ID and ask them to help you withdraw from your new account.

What happens if your process is declined

Bank of America may decline your process if they cannot verify your identity, if you have a history of overdrafts or fraud at another bank, or if you appear on certain government lists. If this happens, Bank of America will tell you why — either in an email or by phone.

If your process was declined because of information in your banking history, you can ask Bank of America to reconsider or try explore again after some time has passed. If it was declined because of identity verification, you can visit a branch in person with your ID and explore there instead — a banker can verify you face-to-face, which sometimes succeeds when the online process does not.

Fees and account requirements

Bank of America's basic checking account has no monthly fee if you keep a minimum balance (the amount varies, but is often $500) or set up direct deposit. If you do not meet these conditions, there is a monthly maintenance fee. You can see the exact fee for the account you are opening before you finish your process.

Other fees explore if you overdraw your account, use an out-of-network ATM, or request a paper statement. Bank of America discloses all of these in the account terms you review before you open the account. Read these carefully so you understand what costs you might face.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Bank of America requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open an account. If you have an ITIN but not a Social Security number, you may be able to open an account, but you should call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 to confirm before you start the online process.

What if I do not have a valid ID?

Bank of America requires a government-issued ID to open an account online. If you do not have one, you can visit a Bank of America branch in person with whatever ID you do have — a banker can help you determine whether you can open an account and what documents you might need to bring.

How long does it take to use my new account?

Your account opens when ready and you can see your account number right away. If Bank of America needs to verify your identity, that usually takes a few minutes to a few hours. Your temporary digital card is ready to use as soon as verification is complete, and your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

Can I open an account on my phone?

Yes, Bank of America's mobile app has an "Open an Account" option that works the same way as the website. The process is identical and takes about 10 minutes.

What if I already have a Bank of America account?

You can open a second checking account online using the same process. Log into your existing account first, then look for the option to open an additional account — this is usually faster because Bank of America already has your information on file.