Yes, you can open most Bank of America accounts online from start to finish
Bank of America lets you open a checking or savings account entirely through their website or mobile app without visiting a branch. The process takes about 10 minutes and you can start using your account the same day in most cases. You will need a valid government ID, a Social Security number, and a way to fund your account — either a debit card, another bank account, or a transfer code.
Not every account type is available online. If you want a specialized account like a CDs (certificates of deposit) or certain investment accounts, you may need to call or visit a branch. But for the standard checking and savings accounts most people need, online opening works fine.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America's online account opening takes about 10 minutes and you can use your account the same day.
- You will need a valid government ID, Social Security number, and either a debit card or another bank account to fund your new account.
- Checking and savings accounts open online, but some specialty accounts require a phone call or branch visit.
- Bank of America will verify your identity during the process, which may include answering security questions about your credit history.
- If you do not have a Social Security number, you can visit a branch in person with an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you begin: a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number, and your current address. Bank of America will ask you to verify all of this during the process.
You also need a way to fund your 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 code. You do not have to fund it when ready — some people open the account and add money later — but Bank of America may close accounts that stay empty for a long time.
If you are opening an account in person instead, bring your ID and Social Security card or ITIN letter. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your ITIN documentation and a second form of ID.
The step-by-step process on Bank of America's website
Go to bankofamerica.com and look for the "Open an Account" button, usually near the top of the page. Click it and choose whether you want a checking account, savings account, or both. Bank of America will ask you to select which type of checking account — they offer several versions with different fees and features.
Next, 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 run a check against ChexSystems, which is a banking history database. This is not a credit check — it just shows whether you have had problems with bank accounts in the past.
Bank of America will then ask you to verify your identity. This usually means answering questions about your credit history — things like "which of these addresses have you lived at" or "which of these credit cards do you own." You do not need perfect credit to pass this step; Bank of America is just confirming you are who you say you are.
Finally, choose how you want to fund the account and enter that information. If you are using a debit card, enter the card number and expiration date. If you are using another bank account, enter the routing number and account number. Bank of America will process the transfer, which usually takes one to two business days.
What happens after you open your account
Your account number and routing number appear on screen when ready after you finish. You can use these right away to set up direct deposit or receive wire transfers. Your debit card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days, though you can request expedited shipping for a fee.
Bank of America will send you a welcome email with your account details and a link to set up online banking. You can log in and transfer money between accounts, pay bills, or check your balance as soon as your account is open. If you funded your account with a transfer from another bank, that money will show up once the transfer clears — usually one to two business days.
Some Bank of America accounts have monthly fees, while others waive fees if you meet certain conditions (like keeping a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit). Check the account details before you finish opening to understand what fees explore to the account you chose.
When you cannot open an account online
Bank of America requires you to be at least 18 years old to open an account online. If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to open a joint account with you at a branch in person.
If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot complete the online process. You will need to visit a Bank of America branch with your ITIN documentation and a second form of ID. The branch staff can open your account in person and help you set up online access afterward.
If Bank of America cannot verify your identity through their automated questions, they may ask you to call or visit a branch. This sometimes happens if you have limited credit history or if your information does not match their databases. Bank of America will tell you this during the process and give you next steps.
Using your new account right away
Once your account is open, you can log into Bank of America's website or app and start using it when ready. You can transfer money from another account, set up direct deposit, or pay bills online. Your debit card will not arrive for about a week, but you can request a temporary card number in the app to use for online purchases while you wait.
If you need to deposit a check before your debit card arrives, you can use Bank of America's mobile check deposit feature in the app. Take a photo of the front and back of the check, and the bank will deposit it into your account. This usually clears within one to two business days.
If you have questions after your account opens, you can call Bank of America's customer service line, visit a branch, or use the chat feature in their app. Most branches are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some locations have Saturday hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to open a Bank of America account online?
The entire process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Your account opens when ready and you can use it the same day. If you fund it with a transfer from another bank, that money takes one to two business days to arrive.
Do I need a minimum deposit to open an account?
No minimum deposit is required to open most Bank of America checking or savings accounts online. However, some accounts waive monthly fees only if you keep a certain balance or set up direct deposit. Check the account details before you finish opening.
What if I do not pass the identity verification questions?
If Bank of America cannot verify your identity online, they will ask you to call their customer service line or visit a branch in person. Bring your ID and Social Security card or ITIN documentation. A staff member can verify your identity and open your account for you.
Can I open a joint account online?
Yes, you can open a joint account online if both account holders are at least 18 years old and have Social Security numbers. Both people will need to complete the identity verification process. Bank of America will send account details to both email addresses provided.
What if I want to close my account later?
You can close a Bank of America account online through the app or website, or by calling customer service. Make sure you have withdrawn all your money and paid any outstanding fees or overdrafts before closing. The bank will send you a confirmation once the account is closed.