You can open a Bank of America account in about 10 minutes online, or visit a branch in person with an ID and Social Security number
Bank of America offers two main routes: opening online through their website or mobile app, or walking into a branch with your documents. The online route is faster and works from home. The in-person route lets you ask questions and sometimes get when ready debit card set up. Both paths lead to the same result — a working account within one business day in most cases.
Which route you choose depends on whether you want speed or face-to-face help. Online takes 10 to 15 minutes. In-person takes longer but you leave with answers to specific questions about your account type or banking needs.
Key Takeaways
- You need a valid government ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit amount (varies by account type, typically $25 to $100) to open an account.
- Online account opening through bankofamerica.com or the mobile app completes in 10 to 15 minutes and your account is usually active the next business day.
- In-person opening at any Bank of America branch takes 20 to 30 minutes and you can walk out with a debit card activated on the spot.
- Bank of America offers different account types with different fees and minimum balances — checking, savings, and money market accounts each have different rules.
- You can link an existing bank account during opening to fund your new account when ready, or deposit cash or a check at a branch.
What documents and information you need before you start
Have these items ready before you begin, whether online or in-person: a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Bank of America will verify your identity against these documents.
You also need a way to fund the account. This can be an existing bank account at another bank (you'll provide the routing and account number), a debit card, or cash if you're opening in person. Some account types require a minimum opening deposit — typically $25 for a basic checking account, though this varies. Check the specific account type you're interested in before you start.
If you're opening online, have your phone or email address ready because Bank of America will send a verification code to confirm it's really you. If you're opening in person, bring the ID itself — they will not accept a photo or copy.
Opening an account online through the website or app
Go to bankofamerica.com and click "Open an Account," or use the Bank of America mobile app and select the account type you want. The site will walk you through choosing between checking, savings, or money market accounts. Read the fee structure and minimum balance requirements for each — they differ, and some accounts waive monthly fees if you maintain a certain balance or set up direct deposit.
Enter your personal information: name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, phone number, and email. Bank of America will run a soft credit check and verify your identity. You'll receive a code by text or email — enter it to confirm your phone number and email are real.
Choose how to fund the account. If you link an existing bank account, provide the routing number and account number from that bank. The transfer usually takes one to two business days. If you use a debit card, the charge posts when ready. Then review the account agreement, sign electronically, and submit.
Your account number and routing number appear on screen when ready, but your debit card ships to your address and arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You can use your account for transfers and bill pay before the card arrives. Your account is active for online and mobile banking the next business day.
Opening an account in person at a Bank of America branch
Walk into any Bank of America branch with your ID, Social Security number, and the initial deposit amount or a way to fund the account. Tell a representative you want to open an account. They will ask which type — checking, savings, or money market — and explain the fees and features of each.
The representative will enter your information into their system, verify your identity against your ID, and run the same soft credit check as the online process. You'll sign the account agreement in person. This takes 20 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the branch is.
If you fund the account with cash or a check, the representative processes it on the spot. If you link an existing bank account, the transfer begins when ready but takes one to two business days to complete. You can request a debit card right there — the representative can set up it when ready so you can use it the same day, or you can wait for one to ship to your address.
Ask the representative about any account features or fees you don't understand before you leave. This is the main advantage of opening in person — you get answers to specific questions without having to call customer service later.
Account types and what each one costs
Bank of America's main checking account is the Checking Account, which has a $12 monthly maintenance fee that is waived if you maintain a $500 minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or keep a linked savings account with $500. There is no minimum opening deposit.
The Savings Account has a $5 monthly maintenance fee waived if you maintain a $500 minimum balance. Interest rates on savings accounts change based on the Federal Reserve rate, so check the current rate on bankofamerica.com before opening.
The Money Market Account combines checking and savings features, has higher interest rates than regular savings, but requires a higher minimum balance — typically $2,500 to $10,000 depending on the tier. Monthly fees also vary by tier.
Bank of America also offers accounts for students and accounts for seniors with different fee structures. Compare the account types on their website to find the one that matches how you plan to use the account.
What happens after your account opens
Your account is active for online and mobile banking the next business day. You can log in to bankofamerica.com or the app using your username and password, transfer money between accounts, set up bill pay, and receive direct deposits. Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days if you didn't get one in person.
When your debit card arrives, you'll need to set up it. You can do this through the app, the website, or by calling the number on the back of the card. Once activated, you can use it at ATMs and stores. Bank of America has over 16,000 ATMs nationwide, so you can withdraw cash without a fee at most locations.
Set up online banking security features right away: a strong password, two-factor authentication through the app, and alerts for large transactions. This protects your account from unauthorized access.
If you already have a Bank of America account and want to open another
You can open additional accounts online or in person using the same process. If you open online, log into your existing account and select "Open Another Account" — the system will use your existing verified information and move faster. If you open in person, bring your existing Bank of America debit card along with your ID; the representative can link the new account to your existing one when ready.
Multiple accounts are useful if you want to separate spending, savings, and bill pay into different accounts. Bank of America does not charge extra for multiple accounts, though each account has its own monthly maintenance fee unless you meet the waiver requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to open an account?
Online opening takes 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish. Your account is active for online banking the next business day. In-person opening takes 20 to 30 minutes at the branch, and your account is active when ready for in-branch transactions.
Do I need a minimum opening deposit?
Most Bank of America checking accounts have no minimum opening deposit, but you do need to fund the account with at least some amount. Savings and money market accounts may have higher minimums. Check the specific account type before you start.
Can I open an account if I don't have a Social Security number?
Bank of America requires a Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) to open an account. If you have an ITIN, you can open an account in person at a branch with your ITIN, passport, and other ID.
What if I don't have a government ID?
You need a valid government-issued ID to open an account. This can be a driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID. Bank of America will not open an account without one. If you don't have an ID, you'll need to obtain one first.
Can I use someone else's bank account to fund my new account?
No. The bank account you link to fund your new account must be in your name. If you don't have an existing account, bring cash or a check to a branch, or ask a family member to transfer money to you after your account opens.