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 you can start using your account the same day in most cases. You'll need a valid government ID, a Social Security number, and a way to fund the account (a debit card, another bank account, or a wire transfer).
Not every account type is available online. Money Market accounts and some specialty products require a phone call or branch visit. If you're looking at those, you can call 1-800-432-1000 to start the process with a representative instead.
Key Takeaways
- Checking and savings accounts open online in about 10 minutes and are ready to use the same day.
- You need a valid government ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit method before you start.
- Bank of America will verify your identity during signup, which may include security questions or a temporary hold on a small deposit.
- If you already have a Bank of America account, opening a second one online is faster because the bank already has your information on file.
- Some account types, like Money Market accounts, cannot be opened online and require a phone call or branch visit.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you begin the online signup process. You'll need a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Bank of America will ask for your ID number and the expiration date. You'll also need your Social Security number, which the bank uses to check your identity and pull your credit report (this is a soft inquiry and does not affect your credit score).
You need a way to fund the account with an initial deposit. This can be a debit card from another bank, a checking or savings account at another institution (you'll provide the routing and account numbers), or a wire transfer. Bank of America does not require a minimum opening deposit, but some account types have monthly maintenance fees unless you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.
Have your phone number and email address ready. Bank of America will send a verification code to one or both during signup.
The step-by-step process
Go to bankofamerica.com and click "Open an account" or "Sign up" (the exact link location changes occasionally, but it's always on the homepage). Select the account type you want — most people choose Checking or Savings. You'll see the monthly fee, minimum balance requirements, and what you get with that account (like ATM access or interest rates).
Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. Bank of America will ask for your Social Security number and driver's license or state ID number. The system verifies this information in real time against government databases. If there's a mismatch, you'll see an error and may need to call 1-800-432-1000 to complete the account opening by phone.
Next, you'll set up login credentials — a username and password, plus security questions. Bank of America may ask you to verify your identity by answering questions about your credit history (questions like "which of these addresses have you lived at" or "which lender issued your car loan"). These are pulled from your credit file and are designed so only you can answer them correctly.
Finally, you'll choose your initial deposit method and confirm the amount. If you're funding from another bank account, you'll enter the routing number and account number. If you're using a debit card, you'll enter the card number and expiration date. Bank of America may place a temporary hold on a small amount (usually $1 to $5) to verify the account or card is real — this hold releases within a few business days.
How long it takes and when you can use the account
The signup process itself takes 5 to 15 minutes. Your account number and routing number are issued when ready, and you can see them in your online dashboard right after you finish. You can set up direct deposit or transfers to and from other accounts the same day.
Debit cards take 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. If you need to withdraw cash or make in-person deposits before the card arrives, you can visit any Bank of America branch with your ID and ask for a temporary card or use the ATM with your account number and PIN.
If you funded your account with a transfer from another bank, that money typically arrives within 1 to 3 business days, depending on the other bank's processing speed. Transfers initiated before 2 p.m. ET usually post the next business day; transfers after 2 p.m. ET post the day after that.
What happens if verification fails
Bank of America's system may not be able to verify your identity online if your information doesn't match government records exactly — for example, if you recently moved and the address in the system is outdated, or if your name has changed and the Social Security Administration hasn't updated its records yet. When this happens, you'll see a message telling you to call or visit a branch.
Call 1-800-432-1000 and have your ID and Social Security card ready. A representative will walk through the same information over the phone and can usually open the account while you're on the call. This process takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You may be asked to mail in a copy of your ID or provide additional documentation, but the account is usually opened before that arrives.
If you're opening an account as a minor (under 18), you'll need a parent or guardian to co-sign. This cannot be done entirely online — you'll need to visit a branch together or call to arrange a phone verification with both of you on the line.
Fees and what to watch for
Bank of America's checking accounts have monthly maintenance fees ranging from $0 to $15, depending on the account type. You can waive the fee by maintaining a minimum balance (usually $500 to $1,500), setting up direct deposit, or keeping a linked savings account with a certain balance. Read the fee schedule for your specific account before you finish signup — it's shown during the process.
Savings accounts typically have no monthly fee but earn a low interest rate. The current rate varies and changes with Federal Reserve decisions, so check bankofamerica.com for the current APY (annual percentage yield) before you open.
Bank of America charges overdraft fees ($35 per overdraft) if you spend more than your balance. You can turn off overdraft protection during signup or later in your account settings, which prevents overdrafts but may decline transactions instead.
Opening a second account if you already bank with Bank of America
If you have an existing Bank of America account, opening another one online is faster. Log into your current account, look for "Open another account" or "Manage accounts," and follow the prompts. Bank of America already has your verified identity on file, so you skip the verification questions. The new account opens in 2 to 5 minutes and is ready to use when ready.
You can fund the new account by transferring money from your existing Bank of America account, which posts when ready. This is the fastest way to get money into the new account on the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Bank of America account if I don't have a Social Security number?
No. Bank of America requires a Social Security number to open any account. If you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead, you'll need to call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch — the online process does not accept ITINs.
What if I don't have a government ID?
You'll need to visit a branch or call 1-800-432-1000. Bring a passport, state ID, or driver's license. If you don't have any of these, ask the representative what other documents Bank of America will accept in your state.
Can I open an account if I'm on ChexSystems or have a banking history problem?
Bank of America checks ChexSystems (a banking history database) during signup. If you're listed, the online process may decline you. Call 1-800-432-1000 to discuss your options — some branches have programs for people with banking history issues, though they may require a visit in person.
How do I know if my account is fully open and active?
Log into your Bank of America account online or in the mobile app. If you can see your account number, routing number, and balance, the account is active. You should also receive a welcome email and a confirmation letter in the mail within a few days.
Can I open a joint account online?
No. Joint accounts require both account holders to verify their identity in person or by phone with a representative. Call 1-800-432-1000 to start a joint account process, or visit a branch together with both IDs.