Yes, you can open most Bank of America accounts online, but not all of them
Bank of America lets you open a checking account, savings account, or money market account entirely online without visiting a branch. The process takes about 10 minutes if your information is ready. You will need a valid government ID, a Social Security number, and a way to verify your identity — usually a phone number or email address Bank of America can confirm.
Some account types — like certain investment accounts or accounts tied to specific products — still require a branch visit or a phone call to complete. If you are looking at a specific account type and the online option does not appear, that is why.
Your new account will be active for basic transactions within one business day in most cases, though full access to all features can take up to five business days. You can start using your debit card and online banking when ready after approval, but transfers and bill pay may have a 24-hour hold.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America checking, savings, and money market accounts can be opened online with a valid ID, Social Security number, and a phone or email address for identity verification.
- The online process takes about 10 minutes and you will receive approval or a decision within minutes in most cases.
- Your account becomes active for basic use within one business day, though some features like bill pay may have a 24-hour waiting period.
- You do not need an existing Bank of America account to open a new one online, but you will need to set up online banking access during the process.
- If the account type you want does not appear as an online option, contact Bank of America directly to confirm whether it requires a branch visit.
What documents and information you need before you start
Gather these items before you begin the online process. Having them ready cuts the time to completion and reduces the chance you will need to restart:
- A valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card)
- Your Social Security number
- Your date of birth
- A phone number or email address where Bank of America can reach you for verification
- Your current address
- Employment information (optional for most accounts, but some account types request it)
If you are opening an account with a co-owner, both people will need to provide ID and Social Security numbers. Bank of America will verify both identities separately during the process.
You do not need an existing Bank of America account, a minimum deposit amount, or a bank routing number to start the process. You will choose how much to deposit (if anything) during the process.
The step-by-step process for opening an account online
Go to the Bank of America website and select "Open an account" or "New customer." You will be asked to choose the account type you want — checking, savings, or money market. Each has different features and fee structures, so review the details before you proceed.
Enter your personal information: name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. Bank of America will ask you to create a username and password for online banking at this stage. Write these down or save them in a password manager — you will need them to access your account after approval.
Bank of America will then verify your identity. This usually happens in one of two ways: they send a code to your phone or email that you enter to confirm, or they ask security questions based on your credit history. The verification step takes 2 to 5 minutes. If Bank of America cannot verify you automatically, they may ask you to upload a photo of your ID or call you to confirm your identity by phone.
Review the account terms and disclosures, then choose your initial deposit method. You can link an external bank account, use a debit card, or wire funds. If you link an external account, Bank of America will send two small deposits to that account within 1 to 2 business days — you will need to verify the amounts to confirm you own the account.
Submit your process. You will receive a decision within minutes in most cases. If approved, you will see your account number and routing number when ready. If Bank of America needs more information, they will contact you by phone or email within one business day.
When your account is active and what you can do with it
Your account is active for basic transactions — deposits, withdrawals, transfers between your own accounts — within one business day. You can log into online banking and the Bank of America mobile app as soon as your process is approved, even if your account is not fully active yet.
A debit card will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can request expedited delivery in some cases, but there is usually a fee. Until your card arrives, you can withdraw cash at any Bank of America ATM using your online banking login or by calling customer service.
Bill pay and external transfers (moving money to accounts at other banks) may have a 24-hour hold on your first transaction as a fraud prevention measure. After that, they work when ready. If you need to move money urgently on your first day, call Bank of America customer service and they can often override the hold.
Some features — like explore for a credit card or a line of credit linked to your account — may not be available until your account has been open for 30 days. This is a standard fraud prevention practice across the industry.
Reasons the online process might be declined or delayed
Bank of America will decline your process if they cannot verify your identity, if there is a problem with your Social Security number, or if you have a history of fraud or unpaid overdrafts at Bank of America. If your process is declined, you will receive a letter in the mail explaining the reason within 5 to 7 business days.
If you are declined, you can call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and ask whether you can reapply or whether a branch visit might resolve the issue. Some people who are declined online are able to open an account in person with additional documentation.
Your process may be delayed if Bank of America cannot reach you for identity verification. Check your phone and email for messages from them. If you miss a verification call or email, you can restart the process or call customer service to complete the verification by phone.
If you have a very common name or if there are errors in your Social Security number or date of birth, verification can take longer. Double-check these details before you submit — a typo can trigger a manual review that adds 1 to 3 business days.
Opening an account if you do not have a Social Security number
Bank of America requires a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open an account online. If you do not have either, you will need to visit a branch in person. Bring your passport or other government-issued ID and proof of your address (a utility bill or lease).
Some branches can issue an ITIN process form (Form W-7) on the spot, though you will still need to file it with the IRS separately. The branch can also help you understand what documentation you will need to bring back once your ITIN is issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my debit card after I open an account online?
Bank of America mails debit cards within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your online banking login to withdraw cash at any Bank of America ATM while you wait. Some branches offer rush delivery for a fee, usually $15 to $25, which cuts the time to 2 to 3 business days.
Can I open a joint account online with someone else?
Yes. Both account owners will need to provide their own ID, Social Security number, and verify their identity separately during the process. Bank of America will send the account number and routing number to both owners once the account is approved.
What if I already have a Bank of America account and want to open a second one?
You can open additional accounts online using your existing online banking login. Log in, select "Open an account," and follow the same process. Your new account will be linked to your existing online banking profile automatically.
Do I have to make a minimum deposit to open an account online?
No. Bank of America does not require a minimum deposit to open a checking or savings account online. You can open an account with $0 and deposit money later. Some promotional offers may require a minimum deposit, but the standard accounts do not.
What happens if Bank of America cannot verify my identity online?
Bank of America will ask you to upload a photo of your ID or call you to verify by phone. If you cannot complete verification online, you can finish the process at a branch or by calling 1-800-432-1000. The entire process usually takes 1 to 2 business days once you provide the additional information.