What you need to bring and the steps to take

Bank of America lets you open a checking account in person at a branch, online through their website, or by phone. The fastest route is usually online if you have the documents ready—you can finish in about 10 minutes. In-person at a branch takes longer but lets you ask questions and handle complications on the spot. Phone applications take 20 to 30 minutes and require you to verify your identity by answering security questions.

You will need a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and a current mailing address. If you are opening the account online or by phone, you will also need an initial deposit amount—Bank of America requires a minimum of $25 to $100 depending on the account type, though many people deposit more. If you open in person, you can sometimes waive the minimum deposit or deposit cash directly.

Bank of America offers several checking account types: the Basic Checking account (no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit), the Advantage Checking account (monthly fee waived with direct deposit or a $1,500 balance), and the Premium Checking account for customers with higher balances. The account type you choose affects monthly fees and what services come included.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open a Bank of America checking account online in about 10 minutes, in person at a branch, or by phone with a valid ID and Social Security number.
  • Most accounts require a minimum opening deposit of $25 to $100, though some in-person applications can waive this requirement.
  • Online and phone applications require you to set up a username and password when ready and verify your identity through security questions.
  • Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use your account number to set up direct deposit or transfers before the card arrives.
  • Monthly fees range from $0 to $15 depending on the account type and whether you maintain a minimum balance or receive direct deposit.

Opening an account online through Bank of America's website

Go to bankofamerica.com and look for the "Open an Account" button, usually near the top of the page. You will select the checking account type you want, then enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, phone number, and email. Bank of America will ask whether you want paperless statements (email only) or paper statements mailed to your address.

Next, you choose your initial deposit method. You can transfer money from another bank account, use a debit card, or (in some cases) deposit a check through their mobile app once your account is open. Bank of America will verify your identity by asking security questions based on your credit history—questions like "Which of these addresses have you lived at?" or "Which lender issued your auto loan?" Answer these correctly and your account opens when ready.

Once approved, you will create your online banking username and password, set up security questions for future logins, and choose whether to enroll in alerts (text or email notifications when your balance drops below a certain amount, for example). Your debit card ships within 7 to 10 business days. You can start using your account number and routing number right away to set up direct deposit or transfer money in from another bank.

Opening an account in person at a Bank of America branch

Find your nearest branch using the Bank of America branch locator on their website or in their mobile app. Bring your valid ID, Social Security number, and proof of your current address (a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement). Walk in during business hours—no appointment is usually needed, though you may wait 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the branch is.

A banker will walk you through the account options and help you choose the right checking account for your situation. They will enter your information into their system, verify your identity, and process your opening deposit. If you do not have the minimum deposit amount with you, ask whether the branch can waive it—policies vary by location and the banker's discretion. Some branches will open the account with $0 if you commit to setting up direct deposit within 30 days.

Before you leave, the banker will give you a temporary debit card number (sometimes called a virtual card) that you can use online or over the phone right away, and your permanent card will arrive by mail. You will also receive your account number and routing number, which you need if you want to set up direct deposit with your employer or transfer money from another bank before your physical card arrives.

Opening an account by phone

Call Bank of America's customer service line at 1-800-432-1000 and say you want to open a checking account. A representative will guide you through the process, which takes 20 to 30 minutes. You will provide your name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, and phone number. The representative will ask security questions to verify your identity—answer based on your actual credit history and past addresses.

You will choose your account type and your initial deposit method. If you want to transfer money from another bank, have that account number and routing number ready. The representative will set up your username and password over the phone and explain how to log in once the call ends. Your debit card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and you can use your account number when ready for direct deposit or transfers.

What happens after your account opens

Your account is active when ready, but your physical debit card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. While you wait, you can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit with your employer, transfer money from another bank account, or pay bills online through Bank of America's bill pay service. You can also use a temporary card number (if the branch or phone representative issued one) for online purchases.

Once your debit card arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back of the card or through your Bank of America mobile app. You will set a PIN (personal identification number) for ATM withdrawals. Bank of America has over 16,000 ATMs nationwide, so you can withdraw cash without fees at most locations. If you use an ATM outside the Bank of America network, you will pay a fee—usually $2 to $3 per transaction.

Set up online banking and the mobile app as soon as your account opens. Log in at bankofamerica.com or read the Bank of America app, and you can check your balance, transfer money between accounts, pay bills, and deposit checks by taking a photo. Many people set up account alerts so they get a text or email if their balance drops below a certain amount or if a large transaction posts.

Monthly fees and how to avoid them

Bank of America's Basic Checking account has no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit. If you do neither, you pay $12 per month. The Advantage Checking account costs $15 per month unless you maintain a $1,500 balance or receive direct deposit. The Premium Checking account is designed for customers with higher balances and has different fee structures.

Direct deposit is the easiest way to avoid fees. Ask your employer's payroll department to set up direct deposit to your Bank of America account—you will need to provide your account number and routing number (both appear on your checks or in your online banking portal). Once direct deposit is active, your monthly fee is waived regardless of your balance. If you do not receive a paycheck, you can also set up automatic transfers from another account to meet the balance requirement.

Common issues and what to do

If your online process is denied, Bank of America will tell you why—usually because of a mismatch between the information you entered and what appears in their verification system, or because of a previous banking issue (like unpaid overdrafts at another bank). Call 1-800-432-1000 and ask to speak with someone who can review your process. Sometimes a banker can override a denial or help you correct the information that caused the problem.

If your debit card does not arrive within 10 business days, log into your online banking account and check the status under "Card Services" or call 1-800-432-1000. If the card was lost or damaged in the mail, the representative can reorder it or issue a temporary card number when ready. If you need cash before your card arrives, you can withdraw from any Bank of America branch using your ID and account number.

If you are denied because of ChexSystems (a banking history report), you have the right to dispute the information. Contact ChexSystems directly at 1-800-428-9623 or chexsystems.com to request a copy of your report and file a dispute if information is wrong. Bank of America will reconsider your process once the dispute is resolved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Bank of America checking account if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. Bank of America requires a valid Social Security number to open any account. If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, you may be able to open an account using an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), but policies vary. Call 1-800-432-1000 and ask whether your situation qualifies.

What is the minimum deposit to open a checking account?

The minimum opening deposit is usually $25 to $100, depending on the account type and how you open it. Online and phone applications typically require $100. In-person at a branch, you may be able to waive the minimum if you commit to setting up direct deposit within 30 days. Ask the banker directly.

How long does it take to open an account?

Online takes about 10 minutes. In person at a branch takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy it is. By phone takes 20 to 30 minutes. Your account is active when ready, but your physical debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

Can I use my account before my debit card arrives?

Yes. You can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit, transfer money from another bank, or pay bills online. If you opened in person or by phone, you may have received a temporary card number you can use for online purchases. Once your physical card arrives, set up it and you can use it at ATMs and stores.

What if I want to close my account after opening it?

You can close your Bank of America checking account anytime by calling 1-800-432-1000, visiting a branch, or logging into your online banking account. Make sure your balance is zero or transfer any remaining money out first. The bank will send you a confirmation letter, and any pending transactions will post to the account before it fully closes.