Documents and information Bank of America requires at account opening
Bank of America asks for a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit before you can open a checking or savings account. The specific documents and amounts vary slightly depending on which account type you choose and whether you open in person, online, or by phone.
You will also need a current mailing address and a phone number. If you are opening an account online or by phone, Bank of America will verify your identity using information from your credit report — they do not need you to upload documents, but they do need your permission to pull that report.
If you cannot provide a Social Security number, Bank of America offers accounts for non-U.S. citizens using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, though availability varies by state and branch.
Key Takeaways
- You need a government photo ID, Social Security number or ITIN, current address, and phone number to open any Bank of America account.
- The minimum opening deposit ranges from $0 to $25 depending on the account type — some accounts have no minimum, others require $25.
- Online and phone account openings use your credit report to verify your identity, so Bank of America will pull a soft inquiry that does not affect your credit score.
- If you open in person at a branch, bring your ID and Social Security card or ITIN documentation; the teller will verify your information directly.
- Bank of America can place a hold on your account if they cannot verify your identity through their standard process, which usually takes one business day to resolve.
Minimum deposit amounts by account type
Bank of America's checking accounts — Advantage SafePass, Advantage Plus, and Premium Rewards — each have a $0 minimum opening deposit. You can open these accounts and fund them later, though you will not be able to use the account until money is in it.
Savings accounts also have a $0 minimum opening deposit. Money Market accounts require a $25 minimum deposit to open. If you are opening a CD (Certificate of Deposit), the minimum is typically $1,000, though this can vary by term length and current promotional offers.
The minimum opening deposit is different from the minimum balance required to avoid monthly fees. Some accounts charge a monthly maintenance fee unless you maintain a certain balance or set up direct deposit — read the fee schedule for the specific account before you open it.
How to open an account online
Bank of America's online account opening process takes about 10 minutes. Go to bankofamerica.com, select the account type you want, and enter your name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. You will create a username and password at this step.
Bank of America will then ask permission to pull your credit report to verify your identity. This is a soft inquiry and does not lower your credit score. If the verification is successful, you will see a confirmation screen when ready, and your account number will appear in your online banking dashboard within minutes.
If Bank of America cannot verify you through the credit report, they will ask you to visit a branch in person with your ID, or they may call you to verify information by phone. This usually happens within one business day.
Opening an account in person at a branch
Bring your government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and your Social Security card or ITIN documentation to any Bank of America branch. The teller will copy your ID, record your Social Security number, and verify your address and phone number verbally.
The entire process takes 10 to 15 minutes. You can fund the account when ready at the branch with cash, a check, or a transfer from another bank account if you have your routing and account number available. If you do not have funds with you, the account will still open with a $0 balance.
If you are opening a Money Market account or CD in person, you will need to bring the minimum deposit with you or arrange a transfer before the account is fully activated.
Opening an account by phone
Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 to open an account over the phone. Have your government ID, Social Security number, address, and phone number ready. A representative will walk you through the account selection and identity verification process.
Phone verification typically takes 15 to 20 minutes. Bank of America will ask security questions based on your credit report to confirm your identity. Once verified, you will receive your account number when ready and can begin using online banking within a few hours.
You will need to fund the account separately — the representative can provide instructions for transferring money from another bank account or depositing a check by mail.
What happens if Bank of America cannot verify your identity
If the credit report verification fails during online or phone account opening, Bank of America will place a temporary hold on the account. You will receive a call or email asking you to visit a branch in person with your ID to complete verification manually.
This usually happens when your credit report information does not match what you entered, or when Bank of America cannot access your credit report for some reason. Bringing your ID to a branch and speaking with a teller resolves this within the same day in most cases.
Until verification is complete, you cannot use the account to send or receive money. The hold does not cost you anything and does not appear on your credit report.
Special situations: non-U.S. citizens and minors
Non-U.S. citizens can open Bank of America accounts using an ITIN instead of a Social Security number. You will need your ITIN documentation, a government-issued photo ID (passport or national ID card), and proof of your U.S. address. Not all branches offer ITIN accounts, so call ahead or check bankofamerica.com to find a participating location.
Minors (under 18) cannot open accounts independently. A parent or legal guardian must open a custodial account on their behalf. The adult will need their own ID and Social Security number, plus the minor's Social Security number and birth certificate. Some Bank of America branches require the minor to be present at account opening.
Once a minor turns 18, the account can be converted to a standard account in their name alone, though this usually requires a visit to a branch or a call to customer service.
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). You will need your ITIN documentation, a government photo ID, and proof of your U.S. address. Not all branches offer ITIN accounts, so contact your local branch or call 1-800-432-1000 to confirm availability in your area.
How long does it take to open an account and start using it?
Online and phone account openings are complete within minutes, and you can begin using online banking within a few hours. In-person openings at a branch are finished in 10 to 15 minutes. If Bank of America needs to verify your identity further, the process may take one business day.
Do I need to bring anything if I open an account online?
No physical documents are required for online account opening. Bank of America verifies your identity using information from your credit report. You will need your Social Security number, address, phone number, and email address to complete the process online.
What if I do not have a government-issued photo ID?
Bank of America requires a government photo ID for in-person account opening. If you do not have one, you may be able to open an account online or by phone instead, since those methods use credit report verification. Contact Bank of America directly at 1-800-432-1000 to discuss your options.
Can I open an account for someone else?
No, except for minors. A parent or legal guardian can open a custodial account for a child under 18. For adults, each person must open their own account using their own ID and Social Security number, either in person, online, or by phone.