What you need to bring and how long it takes

You can open a Bank of America checking account in person at a branch, online through their website, or by phone. In-person is fastest if you have your documents ready — you'll walk out with a debit card the same day in most cases. Online and phone openings take one to three business days before your account is active and you can use it.

Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and your Social Security number. If you're opening an account for someone under 18, a parent or guardian must be present with their own ID. You'll also need an initial deposit — the minimum varies by account type, but Bank of America checking accounts typically require $25 to $100 to open, though some have no minimum.

Have a current mailing address ready. If you're moving soon, use the address where you'll receive mail, not a temporary one. Bank of America will mail your debit card and PIN to that address, and it usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a photo ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit of $25 to $100 for most Bank of America checking accounts.
  • Opening in person at a branch is fastest — your account is active when ready and you get a debit card the same day.
  • Online and phone openings take one to three business days, and your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 days.
  • Bank of America offers different checking account types with different fees and minimum balance requirements, so compare them before you open.
  • You can set up direct deposit and online bill pay as soon as your account is open, even before your debit card arrives.

Opening in person at a Bank of America branch

Walk into any Bank of America branch during business hours with your ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit. Tell the representative you want to open a checking account. They'll ask which type of account you want — most people choose the basic Advantage SafePass Checking or Advantage Plus Checking. The difference is the monthly fee and whether you get fee waivers for direct deposit or maintaining a minimum balance.

The representative will verify your identity, run a background check through ChexSystems (a banking history database), and ask for your initial deposit. You can deposit cash, a check, or transfer from another bank account if you have one. Once everything is approved, your account opens when ready. You'll receive a temporary debit card on the spot or within a few minutes, and your permanent card arrives by mail.

The whole process takes 15 to 30 minutes. Before you leave, ask the representative to set up online banking access so you can log in from home. They'll give you a temporary password you'll change on first login.

Opening online through Bank of America's website

Go to bankofamerica.com and look for the "Open an Account" button, usually on the homepage. You'll answer questions about account type, initial deposit amount, and personal information. Have your ID and Social Security number ready — you may need to upload a photo of your ID or answer security questions to verify your identity.

The online process takes 10 to 15 minutes. Once you submit, Bank of America reviews your process and sends a confirmation email within one to three business days. Your account number and routing number appear in that email, so you can set up direct deposit or transfers when ready. Your debit card ships separately and arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

One limitation: if you don't already have a Bank of America account, you may not be able to make your initial deposit online. You'll either need to transfer from another bank, mail a check, or go to a branch to deposit cash. Check the online form — it will tell you which deposit methods are available.

Opening by phone with Bank of America customer service

Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and say you want to open a checking account. A representative will walk you through the same questions as the online process: account type, initial deposit, and personal details. Have your ID and Social Security number ready. The call takes 15 to 20 minutes.

Like the online route, approval takes one to three business days. You'll receive an email with your account number and routing number, and your debit card arrives by mail. Phone opening is useful if you have questions during the process or if you prefer talking to a person, but it's not faster than opening in person.

Comparing Bank of America checking account types

Bank of America offers several checking accounts. The two most common are Advantage SafePass Checking and Advantage Plus Checking. SafePass has a $12 monthly fee but waives it if you set up direct deposit or maintain a $1,500 minimum balance. Advantage Plus has a $15 monthly fee and waives it with direct deposit or a $2,500 minimum balance.

Both accounts include online and mobile banking, bill pay, and access to Bank of America's ATM network nationwide. Both also offer overdraft protection, which links your checking account to a savings account or credit line so you don't bounce checks — though overdraft transfers do incur a fee.

If you're under 25, Bank of America offers Advantage Student Checking, which has no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement. It's the same account as SafePass but without the fees, as long as you stay enrolled in school and update your status annually.

What happens after your account opens

Your account is active when ready if you opened in person, or within one to three business days if you opened online or by phone. You can log into online banking and set up direct deposit, bill pay, or transfers right away — you don't have to wait for your debit card to arrive.

Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. When it arrives, you'll need to set up it by calling the number on the back or using the Bank of America mobile app. Until you set up it, you can't use it at stores or ATMs, but your account itself is fully functional.

Set up online banking as soon as your account opens. You'll need your account number (from your confirmation email or first statement) and a username and password. From there, you can monitor your balance, set up alerts for low balances or large transactions, and manage your account from your phone or computer.

If Bank of America declines your process

Bank of America may decline your process if you have a negative banking history — specifically, if ChexSystems shows unpaid overdrafts, bounced checks, or fraud on previous accounts. You can request a copy of your ChexSystems report for free at chexsystems.com to see what's on file.

If you're declined, ask Bank of America why. Sometimes it's a mistake in the ChexSystems database, and you can dispute it. If the decline is accurate, you have two options: wait six months to a year for the negative item to age off your report, or look for a second-chance checking account at a smaller bank or credit union that doesn't use ChexSystems.

Some regional banks and online banks have second-chance checking programs specifically for people with banking history issues. These accounts usually have higher fees and lower limits, but they're a way to rebuild your banking record.

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 or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open any account. If you don't have either, you'll need to get one before you can open an account. An ITIN is available through the IRS even if you're not a U.S. citizen.

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

You'll need one to open an account in person. For online or phone openings, Bank of America may accept other forms of identity verification, such as a passport card or state ID. Call 1-800-432-1000 to ask what documents they'll accept for your specific situation.

Can I open a joint checking account with someone else?

Yes. Both account holders must be present in person with their own IDs and Social Security numbers, or you can open jointly online if you're both explore at the same time. Each person has full access to the account and can withdraw money or close it without the other person's permission.

Do I have to keep a minimum balance to avoid fees?

It depends on the account type. Advantage SafePass requires $1,500 to waive the monthly fee, or you can waive it with direct deposit. Advantage Plus requires $2,500 or direct deposit. Student Checking has no minimum and no monthly fee. Check which account you're opening to know what applies to you.

Can I use my Bank of America account at other banks' ATMs?

Bank of America has its own ATM network, and you can use those for free. For ATMs outside the Bank of America network, you'll typically pay a fee — usually $2 to $3 per transaction. Some checking accounts include a limited number of out-of-network ATM fee waivers per month, so check your account details.