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, a Social Security number, and an initial deposit method. You will have a working account the same day in most cases, though some account types have different requirements.
Not every account type is available online. Money Market accounts and some specialty products require a phone call or branch visit. If you are opening an account for a minor, you will need to do that in person at a branch with the child present.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America checking and savings accounts open online in about 10 minutes using your ID, Social Security number, and a funding source.
- You will need a valid government-issued ID and a way to verify your identity — usually a Social Security number or tax ID.
- Your account becomes active the same day, but transfers from other banks can take one to three business days to arrive.
- Some account types, including Money Market accounts and accounts for minors, require a branch visit or phone call to open.
- Bank of America charges monthly maintenance fees on most accounts unless you meet balance or direct deposit requirements.
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 or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, and information about how you want to fund the account. You can fund it with a debit card, another bank account, or a wire transfer.
Have your phone number and email address ready. Bank of America will send a verification code to one or both during the signup process. If you are opening an account with someone else — a joint account — you will both need to complete the process, though only one person needs to start it online.
The step-by-step process
Go to bankofamerica.com and click "Open an Account" or use the mobile app. Select the account type you want: checking, savings, or both. Bank of America will ask you to enter your name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email.
Next, you will verify your identity. Bank of America asks for your Social Security number and runs a check against their records. If you are a new customer, they may ask additional questions about your address history or previous accounts. Answer these questions as they appear — they are part of their identity verification process.
Choose your initial deposit method. If you are funding from another bank account, you will enter the routing number and account number. Bank of America will make two small test deposits to that account within one to two business days, and you will confirm the amounts to verify you own the account. If you are using a debit card, the charge posts when ready.
Review the account terms, set up online banking login credentials, and choose whether to enroll in paperless statements. Your account opens when ready, and you can log in right away. A debit card will arrive by mail in five to seven business days.
Account types available online
Checking accounts open online in full. Bank of America offers several versions: a basic Checking account with a monthly fee unless you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit, and a Premium Checking account with higher balance requirements. Both come with a debit card and online bill pay.
Savings accounts also open online. These earn interest, though the rate varies and is typically low. You can open a regular Savings account or a Money Market Savings account, though Money Market accounts sometimes require a phone call — check the current requirements on their website before starting.
Joint accounts can be opened online if both account holders are present during the process. Bank of America will ask the second person to verify their identity as well. Both people will receive login credentials and can access the account independently.
What happens after you open the account
Your account is ready to use when ready. You can transfer money in right away using the account number and routing number, which appear in your online banking dashboard. If you are moving money from another bank, that transfer typically takes one to three business days.
Your debit card arrives in five to seven business days. Until it arrives, you can withdraw cash at any Bank of America ATM using your online banking login and a temporary digital card in the mobile app.
Bank of America will charge a monthly maintenance fee unless you meet one of their requirements: maintaining a minimum balance (usually $500 to $1,500 depending on account type), setting up direct deposit, or maintaining a linked Bank of America credit card account. Check the specific requirements for the account you opened, as they vary.
When you cannot open online
If you are under 18, you will need to open the account in person at a branch with a parent or guardian. Bank of America does not open minor accounts online.
Money Market accounts sometimes require a phone call or branch visit, depending on current availability. If the online option is not showing during signup, call 1-800-432-1000 to open one by phone.
If Bank of America cannot verify your identity during the online process — which can happen if you have no credit history, a very new address, or a name that does not match their records — they will ask you to visit a branch or call to complete the process. They will tell you this during signup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for my account to be ready to use?
Your account is active the same day you open it. You can log in when ready and see your account number and routing number. If you are funding it from another bank account, that transfer takes one to three business days to arrive. A debit card arrives by mail in five to seven business days.
Do I need a minimum deposit to open an account?
Bank of America does not require a minimum opening deposit. You can open the account with any amount, including zero, though you will need to fund it with a debit card, another bank account, or a wire transfer during signup. Some account types have monthly balance requirements to avoid fees.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
Bank of America accepts an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) in place of a Social Security number. You will enter it during the identity verification step. If you do not have either, you will need to visit a branch or call to open an account.
Can I open a joint account online if the other person is not with me?
Both account holders need to complete the identity verification process, but they do not need to be in the same location. One person can start the process, and the other can complete their portion online from anywhere. Bank of America will send a link to the second person's email.
What if my account opening is denied?
Bank of America may deny an account if they cannot verify your identity, if you have a history with ChexSystems (a banking verification system), or if they have concerns about fraud. If this happens, they will tell you during the process and direct you to call or visit a branch. You can also dispute a ChexSystems report if you believe it is incorrect.