Yes, you can open a Bank of America checking account entirely online
Bank of America lets you open most of their checking accounts through their website or mobile app without visiting a branch. The process takes about 10 minutes if you have the right documents ready, and you can start using a temporary debit card number within minutes of approval. However, not every account type is available online, and a few requirements will stop you cold if you don't meet them.
The real constraint is not the online process itself—it is what Bank of America needs to verify who you are. You will need a Social Security number, a valid government ID, and a current mailing address. If you do not have these, you cannot open an account online and will need to visit a branch in person instead.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America checking accounts can be opened online through their website or mobile app in about 10 minutes if you have your Social Security number and a valid ID ready.
- You must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a valid government-issued ID to open an account online.
- Some checking account types, like accounts for minors or certain specialty accounts, cannot be opened online and require a branch visit.
- Your account becomes active when ready after approval, though physical debit cards typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days.
- If you do not have a Social Security number or valid ID, you will need to open your account at a physical Bank of America branch instead.
What documents and information you need before you start
Gather these items before you begin the online process. Bank of America will ask for them in a specific order, and having them ready means you will not get stuck halfway through.
You need a valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Bank of America will ask you to take a photo of the front and back, so make sure the text is readable and the ID is not expired. You also need your Social Security number and your current mailing address. If you have moved recently, use the address where you actually receive mail, not an old one.
Have your phone number and email address ready as well. Bank of America uses these to send you confirmation codes during the sign-up process and to contact you about your account later. If you want to link an existing Bank of America account or transfer money from another bank, have that account number and routing number available—but this is optional and you can skip it if you do not have another account yet.
The actual steps to open your account online
The process differs slightly depending on whether you use the website or the mobile app, but the information you provide is the same.
On the Bank of America website: Go to bankofamerica.com, click "Open an Account" (usually in the top navigation), and select "Checking" from the account type menu. You will be asked to choose which checking account you want—Bank of America offers several, including eChecking (no monthly fee if you use online statements) and Advantage Checking (includes a debit card and ATM access). Read the fee structure for each before you choose, because some have monthly maintenance fees that others do not.
Next, enter your personal information: name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. Bank of America will ask you to take photos of your ID using your computer's camera or by uploading files. The photos need to be clear enough that Bank of America can read the ID number and expiration date. After that, you will create a username and password for your online banking login, and Bank of America will send a confirmation code to your phone or email to verify you control that number.
On the Bank of America mobile app: Open the app, tap "Open an Account," and follow the same steps. The app uses your phone's camera to photograph your ID, which is often faster than uploading files on a computer.
Once you submit everything, Bank of America reviews your information. Most approvals happen within minutes, though some applications are flagged for manual review and can take up to 24 hours. You will receive an email or text message confirming whether your account is open.
What happens when ready after approval
Your checking account becomes active as soon as Bank of America approves your process. You can log into online banking right away and see your account number and routing number. Bank of America will issue you a temporary debit card number that you can use for online purchases and contactless payments through your phone when ready—you do not have to wait for a physical card to arrive.
Your physical debit card will be mailed to the address you provided during sign-up. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need the card faster, some Bank of America branches can issue a temporary card in person, but you would have to visit a branch to do that.
You can also set up direct deposit right away. Your employer or benefits provider will need your account number and routing number, which you can find in your online banking dashboard or by calling the number on the back of your temporary debit card.
Account types you cannot open online
Bank of America does not allow you to open certain accounts through their website or app. If you need one of these, you will have to visit a branch in person.
Accounts for minors (anyone under 18) must be opened at a branch with a parent or guardian present. Bank of America also requires a branch visit for some specialty accounts, like accounts for businesses, non-profits, or accounts that need special features like a power of attorney or guardianship arrangement. If you are not sure whether your situation requires a branch visit, call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 before you try to open an account online.
Why your process might be denied or delayed
Bank of America will deny your process if you do not meet their basic requirements: you must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and have a valid Social Security number. If your ID is expired, your photos are too blurry to read, or your personal information does not match what Bank of America finds in their verification systems, your process will be flagged for manual review or denied.
Bank of America also checks ChexSystems, a banking history database that tracks closed accounts and disputes. If you have unpaid fees from a previous bank account, a history of overdrafts you did not pay back, or fraud on your record, Bank of America may deny you. This is not a credit check—it does not affect your credit score—but it does mean Bank of America sees a risk in opening an account for you.
If your process is denied, Bank of America will send you a letter explaining why. You can dispute the information in ChexSystems if you believe it is wrong, but that process takes time. Your other option is to visit a Bank of America branch in person and ask whether they will open an account for you despite the ChexSystems flag—some branches have discretion to override automated denials, though this is not may provide.
Opening an account if you do not have a Social Security number
If you are a non-citizen without a Social Security number, you cannot open a Bank of America checking account online. You will need to visit a branch in person with your passport or other government-issued ID and an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you have one. Some branches will open an account with just a passport, but policies vary by location, so call ahead to confirm what your nearest branch will accept.
If you are a permanent resident or have a work visa, you should have a Social Security number or be able to get one. Contact the Social Security Administration if you need to explore for one before you open a bank account.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved after I submit my process?
Most applications are approved within minutes. Some are flagged for manual review and take up to 24 hours. You will receive an email or text message confirming approval. If you do not hear back within 24 hours, contact Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 to check the status.
Can I use my account before my physical debit card arrives?
Yes. You get a temporary debit card number when ready after approval that works for online shopping and mobile payments. You can also set up direct deposit or transfer money from another bank account using your routing and account number. You just cannot withdraw cash at an ATM or pay in person at a store until your physical card arrives.
What if Bank of America denies my process?
Bank of America will mail you a letter explaining why. Common reasons are a ChexSystems flag (unpaid fees or fraud at another bank), an expired ID, or not meeting age or citizenship requirements. You can dispute ChexSystems information or visit a branch in person to ask whether they will override the denial, but there is no may provide they will.
Do I need an existing Bank of America account to open a new one online?
No. You can open your first Bank of America account entirely online. You do not need to be a current customer or have any relationship with the bank already.
Can I open a joint checking account online?
No. Joint accounts require both account holders to be present, either in person at a branch or through a specific joint account process process that Bank of America handles by mail. Call 1-800-432-1000 to ask about their current process for opening joint accounts online, as this can change.