Yes, you can open most Bank of America accounts entirely online

Bank of America lets you open a checking or savings account from your computer or phone without visiting a branch. The process takes about 10 minutes and requires a valid government ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit (which varies by account type). You'll have a working account number and routing number the same day, though some features like debit card ordering happen after your identity is confirmed.

Not every account type is available online. Money Market accounts and some specialty products still require a branch visit or phone call. If you already have a Bank of America account, opening a second one online is faster because the system already has your identity information on file.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open a checking or savings account online at bankofamerica.com or through the mobile app in about 10 minutes.
  • You will need a valid government ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit amount that meets the account minimum.
  • Your account number and routing number are available when ready, but your debit card ships separately and arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If you do not have a Social Security number or valid ID, you will need to visit a branch or call 1-800-432-1000 to open an account.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you begin the online process. You will need a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Bank of America will ask you to photograph both sides or provide the number and issue date.

You also need your Social Security number. The system uses this to verify your identity and check your banking history. If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot open an account online; you will need to visit a branch with an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) and additional documentation.

Have your initial deposit amount ready. Checking accounts require a minimum opening deposit that varies — some have no minimum, others require $100 or $500. Savings accounts typically have a $25 minimum. You can fund the account with a debit card, another bank account, or a wire transfer during signup.

The step-by-step process on bankofamerica.com

Go to bankofamerica.com and click "Open an Account" in the top navigation. You will see options for checking, savings, and money market accounts. Select the account type you want — the page shows the monthly fee (if any), minimum balance requirements, and interest rate for that product.

Click "Open Online" for your chosen account. The system will ask you to enter your email address and create a login username and password. This becomes your online banking access, so write it down if you are not using a password manager.

Next, enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and Social Security number. Bank of America verifies this against credit bureaus and its own records. If the system cannot confirm your identity automatically, it will ask you to upload a photo of your ID or answer security questions based on your credit history.

Review the account terms and disclosures, then choose your initial deposit method. If you use a debit card, enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV. If you transfer from another bank account, provide the routing number and account number. The deposit posts when ready for debit cards; bank transfers take 1 to 3 business days.

After you submit, the system generates your account number and routing number on screen. Write these down or take a screenshot — you will need them to set up direct deposit or transfer money in. Your account is active when ready, though some features (like ordering checks or linking external accounts) may not be available until the next business day.

When your debit card arrives and what happens next

Your debit card ships separately and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can access your money through ATMs using your account number, or through online transfers to another bank account you own.

When the card arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or through the mobile app. You can then use it at any Bank of America ATM or at merchants that accept Visa (Bank of America uses Visa for its debit cards).

If you set up direct deposit during account opening, your employer can start depositing to your new account when ready using the routing number and account number you received. Direct deposits typically post on the same day they are sent if they arrive before 2 p.m. ET; later deposits post the next business day.

Accounts you cannot open online

Bank of America's Money Market accounts are not available through the online signup process. If you want a Money Market account, you must visit a branch, call 1-800-432-1000, or speak with a banker through the mobile app's chat feature.

Specialty accounts — such as those for non-U.S. residents, accounts requiring a business tax ID, or accounts tied to a trust or estate — also require a branch visit or phone call. The online system will tell you if your situation falls into this category and direct you to the right channel.

If you do not have a Social Security number or a valid U.S. government ID, you cannot complete the online process. You will need to visit a branch with an ITIN and additional identity documents (such as a passport from your country of origin). Bring a second form of ID if possible.

What happens if the system cannot verify your identity

Sometimes Bank of America's automated verification fails — this happens most often if you have a common name, a recent address change, or limited credit history. When this occurs, the system will ask you to upload a photo of your ID or answer security questions based on your credit file.

If you cannot answer the security questions (because you have no credit history or the questions reference accounts you do not recognize), you will be asked to call 1-800-432-1000 to complete the process by phone. A representative will verify your identity verbally and complete your account setup. This usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.

In rare cases, Bank of America may decline to open an account online and require you to visit a branch. This typically happens if you have a history of fraud or if your identity cannot be verified through any method. If this occurs, you will receive a message explaining the reason and instructions for next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to open an account online?

No, but you do need a valid government-issued ID and a Social Security number or ITIN. Non-citizens with an ITIN can open accounts, but the online system may not recognize an ITIN during signup — you may need to call 1-800-432-1000 to complete the process.

Can I open an account if I am under 18?

No. Bank of America requires account holders to be at least 18 years old. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must open a custodial account at a branch with you present.

What if I already have a Bank of America account?

Opening a second account online is faster because the system already has your identity verified. You can open a new checking or savings account in about 5 minutes without re-entering your ID or Social Security number.

Can I open an account on my phone?

Yes. The Bank of America mobile app has the same account opening process as the website. read the app, tap "Open an Account," and follow the same steps. The experience is identical.

What if I do not have an initial deposit right now?

Most Bank of America checking accounts require an opening deposit, but some have no minimum. If you choose an account with no minimum opening deposit, you can fund it later. Check the account details page during signup to see which accounts allow this.