What you need before you start

Bank of America requires a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit to open a checking account. The deposit amount varies by account type — some accounts have no minimum, while others require $100 or more. You will also need a current mailing address.

If you are opening an account online, you can complete the entire process from your computer or phone in about 10 minutes. If you go to a branch in person, bring your ID and be ready to provide your Social Security number verbally. Either way, the account opens the same day, though it may take one to two business days before you can use your debit card or move money in and out.

Bank of America offers several checking account types — SafePass, Advantage, and Preferred — each with different monthly fees, minimum balances, and rewards. The differences matter if you carry a low balance or make frequent transfers, so understanding which account fits your situation before you start saves you from switching later.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit to open any Bank of America checking account.
  • Online account opening takes about 10 minutes and the account is active the same day, though your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
  • Different account types have different monthly fees and minimum balance requirements, so choose the one that matches how you plan to use it.
  • If you do not have a Social Security number, Bank of America can open an account using an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead.

Opening an account online

Go to bankofamerica.com and select "Open an Account" from the homepage. You will be asked to choose your account type, then enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. Bank of America will ask for a phone number and email address as well.

Next, you confirm your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history — Bank of America pulls this information automatically to verify you are who you say you are. This step usually takes less than a minute. After that, you choose your initial deposit method: you can link an external bank account and transfer money, use a debit card, or wire funds.

Once you submit the process, Bank of America sends a confirmation email with your account number and temporary online banking credentials. Your account is open when ready, but you cannot use the debit card until it arrives by mail, which takes 7 to 10 business days. You can start moving money and paying bills online right away using your account number and routing number.

Opening an account at a Bank of America branch

Find your nearest branch on bankofamerica.com using the branch locator tool. Bring your government-issued photo ID and be prepared to provide your Social Security number. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and a banker will walk you through choosing an account type and setting up your initial deposit.

At the branch, you will sign documents and set up online banking access on the spot. The banker will give you a temporary debit card or a card number you can use when ready, and your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. This in-person route is useful if you have questions about which account type suits you, or if you want to deposit cash when ready.

Understanding the account types and their costs

Bank of America's SafePass checking account has no monthly maintenance fee and no minimum balance requirement. It is the simplest option if you want to avoid fees, though it does not earn interest on your balance and offers limited rewards.

The Advantage checking account costs $12 per month but waives the fee if you maintain a $1,500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit. It includes some fraud protection and limited ATM fee reimbursement. The Preferred checking account costs $25 per month but waives the fee with a $10,000 minimum balance or direct deposit of $250 or more per month. It includes higher ATM fee reimbursement and other perks.

If you do not think you can maintain a minimum balance, SafePass is the better choice. If you receive a regular paycheck via direct deposit, the Advantage account fee often disappears, making it worth considering for the extra protections it includes.

What happens after you open your account

Your account is active the same day you open it, and you can log into online banking when ready. Your routing number and account number appear in your online banking dashboard right away, so you can set up direct deposit with your employer or receive wire transfers before your debit card arrives.

Your debit card ships within one to two business days and arrives in 7 to 10 business days. When it arrives, you set up it by calling the number on the back of the card or using your online banking app. Until then, you can withdraw cash at any Bank of America ATM using your account number, or visit a branch and ask a teller to withdraw funds for you.

Bank of America sends a welcome package with your temporary checks and information about setting up bill pay, mobile banking, and other features. You do not need to do anything with these materials right away — you can set up bill pay and other services whenever you are ready through your online account.

If you do not have a Social Security number

Bank of America will open a checking account using an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead of a Social Security number. You will need to visit a branch in person and bring your ITIN documentation along with your government-issued photo ID. The process is the same as opening an account with a Social Security number, and the account works identically once it is open.

Some branches are more experienced with ITIN accounts than others, so calling ahead to confirm your local branch can handle this type of account saves you a trip. Ask to speak with a banker who has opened ITIN accounts before.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do I need to deposit to open an account?

SafePass has no minimum deposit. Advantage and Preferred accounts typically require $100 to $300 to open, though this varies by location and promotion. Check the current requirements on bankofamerica.com or ask at your branch, as Bank of America sometimes runs promotions that waive the minimum.

Can I open an account if I have been denied before?

Bank of America checks ChexSystems, a banking history database, when you open an account. If you were denied in the past, you can still open an account now — ChexSystems records are not permanent, and circumstances change. Call your local branch and ask whether your previous issue has been resolved.

What if I want to add someone else to my account?

You can add an authorized user or joint owner after your account opens. Log into your online banking account and look for the option to add a user, or visit a branch with the other person's ID and Social Security number. A joint owner has full access to the account; an authorized user can use the debit card but cannot close the account or change settings.

How long does it take to receive my debit card?

Bank of America typically mails debit cards within one to two business days of account opening, and delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need cash when ready, you can withdraw it at any Bank of America branch or ATM using your account number before your card arrives.

Can I open multiple checking accounts?

Yes, Bank of America allows you to open multiple checking accounts. You might do this to separate spending from savings, or to take advantage of different account features. Each account has its own number and debit card, and you manage them all from one online banking login.