What you need before you start

Bank of America requires a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit before your account opens. You can bring these in person to a branch, or start the process online and finish in the branch. Either way, the account is not active until you've completed both steps.

The initial deposit amount depends on the account type. Bank of America's basic checking account (called SafePass) requires $25 minimum to open. Their standard checking account (Advantage Banking) requires $100. If you're opening online, you can fund the account from an existing bank account or debit card; if you're opening in branch, you can deposit cash or a check.

If you don't have a government ID yet, you'll need to get one before you can open an account. A driver's license, passport, or state ID all work. Bank of America will not open an account with a utility bill or other document as your only form of ID.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a photo ID, Social Security number, and $25 to $100 in opening funds, depending on which checking account type you choose.
  • Opening online takes about 10 minutes, but you must visit a branch within 30 days to verify your identity and set up the account.
  • If you open in person at a branch, the account is usually active the same day or the next business day.
  • Bank of America charges monthly maintenance fees on most checking accounts unless you meet balance or direct deposit requirements.
  • You can open an account for someone under 18 only if a parent or guardian opens a minor account with them in person at a branch.

Opening online and finishing in branch

Start at bankofamerica.com and select "Open an Account." You'll choose your account type, enter your personal information, and provide your Social Security number. Bank of America will run a soft credit check and check ChexSystems (a banking history database) to see if you've had problems with previous accounts.

After you complete the online form, you'll fund the account by linking an existing bank account or debit card. This takes a few minutes. Bank of America will then give you a temporary account number and routing number, but the account is not yet active for spending or transfers.

Within 30 days, you must visit a Bank of America branch in person with your photo ID. A banker will verify your identity, confirm your information, and set up the account. Bring the ID you used when you opened the account online. Once activated, your debit card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days, and you can use your account number to set up direct deposit or transfers when ready.

Opening in person at a branch

Walk into any Bank of America branch with your photo ID, Social Security number, and your opening deposit. Tell the banker you want to open a checking account. They will ask which account type you want (SafePass or Advantage Banking are the most common), verify your information, and process the deposit.

The account is usually active the same day or the next business day. You'll receive a temporary debit card at the branch or by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can begin using your account number for direct deposit or transfers as soon as the banker confirms the account is open.

Opening in person takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the branch is. If you have questions about which account type fits your needs, the banker can walk you through the differences.

Account types and monthly fees

Bank of America offers two main checking accounts for most customers. SafePass Checking has a $12 monthly maintenance fee but waives it if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit of at least $250 per month. Advantage Banking Checking has a $15 monthly maintenance fee and waives it if you maintain a $1,500 minimum balance, set up direct deposit of at least $250 per month, or maintain a linked savings account with $500.

Both accounts include online and mobile banking, bill pay, and a debit card. Both allow unlimited transfers and withdrawals. The main difference is the fee structure and the balance or direct deposit requirement to avoid the monthly charge.

If you're under 18, Bank of America offers a Student Checking account with no monthly maintenance fee. A parent or guardian must open it with you in person at a branch. The account converts to a standard checking account when you turn 18.

What happens after your account opens

Once your account is active, you can use your debit card, set up direct deposit, transfer money between your own accounts, and pay bills online. Your debit card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days if you didn't receive one at the branch.

Bank of America will send you a welcome packet with your account number, routing number, and information about online banking. You can set up your online login when ready after your account opens, even if your debit card hasn't arrived yet.

Your first monthly statement will show any fees charged and your current balance. If you set up direct deposit or maintain the required balance, the monthly maintenance fee will not appear on your first statement. If you don't meet the fee waiver requirements, the fee will post on the first statement.

If you have a problem opening an account

Bank of America may decline to open an account if ChexSystems shows unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or other serious problems from a previous account. If this happens, the banker will tell you why and give you information about how to dispute the ChexSystems report if you believe it's wrong.

You can contact ChexSystems directly at 1-800-428-9623 or chexsystems.com to request a copy of your report and file a dispute. This process takes 30 to 45 days. Once the dispute is resolved, you can reapply at Bank of America.

If you were declined because of your Social Security number or identity verification, bring additional documents to the branch—such as a utility bill, lease, or tax return—to help verify who you are. The banker can escalate your process to a manager who may be able to open the account with additional documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Bank of America checking account without a Social Security number?

No. Bank of America requires a Social Security number to open any checking account. If you don't have one, you'll need to obtain one from the Social Security Administration before you can open an account.

How long does it take to open an account online?

The online process takes about 10 minutes. However, your account is not active until you visit a branch in person within 30 days to verify your identity. The in-branch verification takes 15 to 30 minutes, and the account is usually active the same day or the next business day.

What if I don't have a government-issued photo ID?

Bank of America will not open an account without a photo ID. You'll need to obtain a driver's license, passport, or state ID before you can open a checking account. Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or the U.S. State Department for information on how to get one.

Can I open an account for my child?

Yes, but only in person at a branch. You must open a Student Checking account with your child present. The account has no monthly maintenance fee and converts to a standard checking account when your child turns 18.

What if I don't meet the balance requirement to waive the monthly fee?

You can set up direct deposit of at least $250 per month to waive the fee instead. If you can't do either, the monthly maintenance fee will be charged. You can also link a savings account to your checking account to meet the balance requirement across both accounts combined.