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. You will need a Social Security number, a valid government ID, and a way to fund the account — either a debit card, another bank account, or a transfer from an existing Bank of America account.

Not every account type is available online. Money Market accounts and some specialty products require a phone call or branch visit. But the two accounts most people want — Advantage Checking and Advantage Savings — can be opened entirely through the website or mobile app.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open Advantage Checking or Advantage Savings online in about 10 minutes using a computer or phone.
  • You will need a Social Security number, a valid ID, and a way to fund the account on the same day you open it.
  • The account becomes active when ready after you complete the online process, though transfers from other banks take one to three business days to arrive.
  • Some account types, including 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 process. You will enter information from each one, and Bank of America will verify it in real time.

A valid government-issued ID is required — a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. The name on the ID must match the name you use to open the account. If you have recently changed your name, bring documentation of the change to a branch later, or call Bank of America to update it before opening the account online.

Your Social Security number is used for identity verification and tax reporting. Bank of America will run a check against Social Security Administration records to confirm it matches your name and date of birth.

A funding source is required on the day you open the account. This can be a debit card from another bank, a checking or savings account number and routing number from another bank, or an existing Bank of America account. You do not have to fund the account with a large amount — $25 is the minimum for most accounts — but the transfer must happen during the opening process.

The step-by-step process

Go to bankofamerica.com or open the Bank of America mobile app. Look for "Open an account" or "New customer" on the homepage. You will be asked to choose between checking and savings, or a combination of both.

Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. Bank of America will ask whether you are a U.S. citizen and whether you have had a Bank of America account before. Answer honestly — if you had an account that was closed for cause (fraud, repeated overdrafts, or other violations), you may be declined.

Upload or photograph your ID. The app or website will guide you through this. Take the photo in good light, make sure all four corners of the ID are visible, and keep your face visible if it appears on the ID. The system reads the ID automatically and fills in some of your information.

Answer security questions. Bank of America asks questions about your credit history and past addresses to verify your identity. These questions are based on data from credit bureaus, so the answers must be exact. If you are unsure of an answer, select "I don't know" rather than guessing — too many wrong answers will pause the process.

Choose your account type and add-ons. Decide whether you want checking, savings, or both. You can also add a money market account at this stage, though some money market products still require a phone call. Review the fee schedule and monthly maintenance requirements for the account you chose.

Link your funding source. Enter the debit card number or the routing and account number from another bank. If you are funding from an existing Bank of America account, select it from a dropdown. Bank of America will ask how much you want to transfer — the minimum is usually $25.

Review and sign. Read the account agreement and deposit account terms. You will sign electronically. This is a legal document, so take time to read it or read it for later.

Your account is now open. You will see your new account number and routing number on the screen. Write these down or screenshot them. If you funded the account from another bank, the transfer will arrive in one to three business days. If you funded it from a debit card or another Bank of America account, the money is usually available when ready.

When the online process gets stuck

If Bank of America cannot verify your identity during the online process, you will be asked to call or visit a branch. This happens most often when your address does not match what is on file with credit bureaus, when you have recently moved, or when you have a thin credit history.

If you are declined, Bank of America will tell you why in writing within a few days. Common reasons include a closed account with a negative history, fraud flags, or identity verification failure. You can dispute the decision by calling the number on the letter or visiting a branch with your ID.

If you are asked to call, have your ID and Social Security number ready. The phone representative will walk through the same questions the online system asked, but they can make judgment calls that the automated system cannot. A phone call usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.

What happens after you open the account

Your debit card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can transfer money out of the account online or use the mobile app to pay bills. You cannot withdraw cash at an ATM or in a branch without the card, unless you visit a branch with your ID and ask a teller to help you.

Set up online banking and mobile app access during the account opening process or when ready after. You will create a username and password. Bank of America will send a code to your phone or email to confirm the setup. This code expires after 24 hours, so complete this step the same day you open the account.

If you opened only a checking account and later want to add savings, you can do that online without opening a new account. Go to "Accounts" in online banking, select "Open an account," and choose savings. The process takes about 5 minutes.

Account types you cannot open online

Money Market accounts require a phone call or branch visit. These accounts pay higher interest on larger balances but have withdrawal limits and higher minimum balances than checking or savings accounts. Call 1-800-432-1000 to open one, or visit a branch.

CDs (certificates of deposit) also require a phone call or branch visit. A CD locks your money for a set time — usually 3 months to 5 years — in exchange for a fixed interest rate. You cannot open one online, but you can set one up by phone in about 10 minutes.

Business accounts cannot be opened online. If you need a business checking account, you will need to visit a branch with your business license, EIN, and personal ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for money to show up after I open the account?

If you fund the account with a debit card or transfer from another Bank of America account, the money is usually available when ready or within a few hours. If you transfer from another bank, it takes one to three business days. Transfers that arrive on a weekend or holiday are posted the next business day.

Can I open an account if I don't have a Social Security number?

No. Bank of America requires a Social Security number for all personal accounts. If you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead, you will need to visit a branch or call to open an account, and the process is more involved.

What if I don't have a valid ID?

You cannot open an account online without a government-issued ID. If you do not have one, visit your state's DMV or passport office to get one. Once you have it, you can open the account online. If you are in an urgent situation, visit a Bank of America branch with whatever ID you do have and ask whether they can help.

Can I open an account with a temporary address?

Yes, but Bank of America will ask for a permanent address as well. If you are homeless or between addresses, you can use a shelter address, a trusted friend's address, or a PO box as your mailing address. You will need to update it once you have a permanent address.

What if I already have a Bank of America account and want to open another one?

You can open a second account online using the same process. Log into your existing account, go to "Accounts," and select "Open an account." You can fund the new account from your existing Bank of America account, which makes the process when ready.