What you need to start a Bank of America account
Bank of America requires you to bring a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit before you can open an account. The deposit amount depends on the account type — checking accounts typically start at $0, but some premium accounts require $500 or more. You can open an account in person at a branch, by phone, or online, and the process takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bank of America will verify your identity through their system, which means they will check your name, address, and financial history against existing records. This verification usually completes when ready, but occasionally takes up to one business day.
You will also need to choose whether you want a checking account, savings account, or both. Checking accounts let you write checks and use a debit card. Savings accounts earn interest but limit how many withdrawals you can make per month. Many people open both at the same time.
Key Takeaways
- You need a government photo ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and an opening deposit to start a Bank of America account.
- You can open an account online, by phone, or in person at a branch, and the process takes 10 to 15 minutes.
- Bank of America offers checking, savings, and money market accounts with different features and minimum deposit requirements.
- Your account becomes active when ready after verification, though some features like debit card delivery may take several business days.
Opening an account online
The online route is the fastest if you have a computer or phone and a valid ID. Go to bankofamerica.com, click "Open an Account," and select the account type you want. Bank of America will ask for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and email address. You will also need to create a username and password for online banking.
After you enter your information, Bank of America verifies your identity using data from credit bureaus and public records. If verification succeeds, you can fund the account when ready using a debit card, wire transfer, or ACH transfer from another bank account. The account opens right away, though your debit card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If verification fails online, Bank of America will tell you to visit a branch in person or call 1-800-432-1000 to complete the process. This usually happens when your address does not match what is on file with credit bureaus, or when you have a very limited credit history.
Opening an account at a Bank of America branch
Walking into a branch takes longer than online but works if you prefer to speak with someone or if online verification did not work. Bring your photo ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and your opening deposit. A banker will fill out the account process with you, verify your identity in person, and set up the account on the spot.
You can fund the account with cash, a check, or a debit card during your visit. If you bring cash, the banker will count it and deposit it when ready. If you bring a check, it will be deposited but may take one to two business days to clear. Your debit card will still arrive by mail unless you ask for a temporary card at the branch.
Branch hours vary by location. Most branches are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some open on Saturday mornings. You can find your nearest branch and its hours on bankofamerica.com or by calling 1-800-432-1000.
Opening an account by phone
You can also open an account by calling Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000. A representative will walk you through the same questions as the online form — name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and account type. The call usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.
Over the phone, you will need to fund the account using a debit card or by arranging an ACH transfer from another bank. Bank of America cannot accept cash or checks by phone. After the call ends, your account is active, and you can log into online banking when ready using the username and password you created during the call.
Phone lines are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., all times Eastern. Wait times are usually shorter early in the morning or on weekday afternoons.
Account types and what they cost
Bank of America offers several checking and savings accounts, each with different features and monthly fees. The Checking Account has no monthly fee if you keep a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Without either, the fee is $12 per month. This account includes a debit card, online banking, and the ability to write checks.
The Savings Account earns interest and has no monthly fee if you keep a $300 minimum balance. It limits you to six withdrawals per month — after that, you pay $10 per withdrawal. The interest rate changes based on the Federal Reserve's decisions and is typically very low, usually less than 0.1% per year.
Bank of America also offers Money Market Accounts, which combine features of checking and savings accounts, and CDs (Certificates of Deposit), which lock your money away for a set time in exchange for a higher interest rate. Each has its own fee structure and minimum balance requirements. You can compare all options on bankofamerica.com or ask a banker at a branch.
What happens after you open your account
Your account is active when ready after verification, but some features take time to arrive. Your debit card will be mailed to the address you provided and usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can withdraw cash at any Bank of America ATM using your temporary card number, which the bank provides online or by phone.
You can start using online banking and mobile banking right away. read the Bank of America mobile app or log in at bankofamerica.com using the username and password you created. From there, you can transfer money, pay bills, deposit checks by phone camera, and set up alerts.
If you set up direct deposit — having your employer send your paycheck directly to your account — it usually takes one to two pay periods to start. You will need to give your employer your account number and routing number, which you can find in online banking or on a check.
If you already have a Bank of America account elsewhere
If you have a Bank of America account in another state or country, you can open a new account in your current location without closing the old one. Both accounts will be linked under your Social Security number, and you can transfer money between them when ready online.
Some people keep multiple accounts to separate spending from savings, or to maintain accounts in different states. Bank of America does not charge extra for this, though you will pay monthly fees on each account that does not meet the minimum balance or direct deposit requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Bank of America account without a Social Security number?
Yes. If you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), Bank of America will accept it instead. You will still need a government photo ID and an opening deposit. If you have neither a Social Security number nor an ITIN, you will need to visit a branch in person and speak with a banker about other options.
How much money do I need to open an account?
Most checking accounts require $0 to open, though some premium accounts require $500 or more. Savings accounts typically require $300 to avoid monthly fees. You can fund the account with cash, check, debit card, or transfer from another bank, depending on whether you open online, by phone, or in person.
What if online verification fails?
If Bank of America cannot verify your identity online, you will be directed to visit a branch or call 1-800-432-1000. Bring your photo ID and Social Security number. A banker can verify you in person using additional documents like a utility bill or lease agreement.
When will my debit card arrive?
Debit cards usually arrive within 7 to 10 business days of account opening. Until it arrives, you can withdraw cash at Bank of America ATMs using your temporary card number, which appears in online banking. You can also request a temporary card at a branch if you opened in person.
Can I open an account for someone else?
No. The person whose name is on the account must open it themselves, either online, by phone, or in person. Parents can open custodial accounts for children under 18, which requires the parent's ID and the child's Social Security number, but the parent must be present or authorize the opening.