Yes, you can open a Bank of America checking account entirely online

You can start and finish a Bank of America checking account from your computer or phone without visiting a branch. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you'll have an account number and routing number the same day. You'll need a valid government ID, a Social Security number or tax ID, and a way to fund the account — either a debit card, another bank account, or a wire transfer.

Bank of America offers several checking accounts online, each with different monthly fees and minimum balance requirements. The most common option for people new to banking is the Core Checking account, which has no monthly fee if you set up direct deposit or keep a $500 minimum balance. If neither of those works for you, other accounts have different fee structures.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid government ID, Social Security number, and proof of income or identity to open an account online.
  • Bank of America's Core Checking account has no monthly fee if you receive direct deposit or maintain a $500 minimum balance.
  • The online process takes about 10 minutes, and you'll receive your account number when ready after approval.
  • You can fund your new account with a debit card, transfer from another bank account, or a wire transfer.
  • If you're denied online, you can visit a branch in person with your documents to explore through a banker.

What documents and information you'll need

Before you start the online process, gather these items. You'll need a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You'll also need your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Bank of America will ask for your date of birth, current address, and phone number.

Have a way to fund the account ready. This can be a debit card from another bank, the routing and account numbers from an existing checking or savings account, or information about an incoming wire transfer. If you don't have any of these, you can fund the account later, but you'll need to do it within a certain timeframe to keep the account active.

The steps to open your account online

Go to the Bank of America website and select "Open an account" or "New customer." You'll be asked whether you want a checking account, savings account, or both. Choose checking account and select which type — Core Checking is the standard option.

Enter your personal information: name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. Bank of America will verify your identity using this information. Next, you'll choose how to fund the account. Select your funding method and enter the details — either your debit card number, your other bank's routing and account numbers, or wire transfer information.

Review the account terms and disclosures, then submit your process. Bank of America will tell you when ready whether you've been approved. If approved, you'll see your account number, routing number, and temporary debit card information on the screen. Write these down or take a screenshot.

When your account is approved the same day

Once approved, your account is active and you can use it right away. Your account number and routing number are available when ready for setting up direct deposit or receiving transfers. If you funded the account with a debit card or bank transfer, that money usually arrives within one to three business days.

Your physical debit card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can use your temporary card information online or request a rush card delivery at a Bank of America branch for a fee. You can also use your account number and routing number to set up bill pay or transfers before your card arrives.

If your process is denied or pending

Bank of America may deny your process if you have a history with ChexSystems — a banking history report system — that shows unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or other issues. You may also be denied if you cannot verify your identity online. If this happens, you'll see the reason on your screen.

If you're denied, you have options. You can visit a Bank of America branch in person with your ID and documents and ask a banker to open an account for you manually. Some people who are denied online are approved in person. You can also ask Bank of America to review your ChexSystems report to see what information is blocking you, and dispute any errors.

Monthly fees and how to avoid them

Bank of America's Core Checking account has a $12 monthly maintenance fee, but you can waive it in two ways. The first is to set up direct deposit — any amount counts, even a small regular transfer. The second is to maintain a minimum daily balance of $500 in the account. If you do either one, there is no monthly fee.

If you cannot meet either requirement, Bank of America offers other checking accounts with different fee structures. Some accounts have higher minimum balances but lower fees, and some are designed for students or people under 25 with no monthly fee at all. Ask about these options during your process or call customer service after you open your account.

What happens after you open your account

After approval, set up direct deposit if you have a job or regular income. This is the easiest way to waive the monthly fee and get your money faster — direct deposits usually arrive one or two days before a paper check would. You'll need to give your employer or income source your new routing number and account number.

If you don't have direct deposit, make sure your account balance stays above $500 to avoid the monthly fee. You can transfer money in from another account, or ask friends or family to send you money using your account number. Set a phone reminder on the first of each month to check your balance if this is your plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to visit a branch to open a checking account with Bank of America?

No. You can open an account entirely online from start to finish. However, if your online process is denied, you can visit a branch in person with your ID and documents to explore through a banker, and you may be approved that way.

How long does it take to open an account online?

The process itself takes about 10 minutes. You'll know whether you're approved when ready. Your account number is available right away, but your physical debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. If you don't have either, you'll need to visit a branch in person and speak with a banker about your options.

Can I open a checking account if I'm under 18?

Bank of America offers accounts for minors, but they must be opened with a parent or guardian present, either online or in person. The adult will be a co-owner of the account. You cannot open a checking account by yourself until you turn 18.

What if I don't have a debit card from another bank to fund my account?

You can fund your account with the routing and account numbers from any existing bank account, or you can arrange a wire transfer. If you have none of these, you can open the account and fund it later by visiting a branch or transferring money once you have another way to do so.