What you need to open a Discover checking account

Discover lets you open a checking account online without visiting a branch. You'll need a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and a way to fund the account—either a debit card, bank account, or wire transfer. The whole process takes about 10 minutes.

Discover requires you to be at least 18 years old and a U.S. resident with a valid address. If you're opening an account for the first time anywhere, have had banking problems in the past, or are on ChexSystems (a banking history report), Discover may still open your account, but they do check these records during signup.

You don't need a minimum deposit to open the account, though you will need to fund it with at least $0.01 to set up it. Many people link an existing bank account and transfer money that way, which is usually the fastest method.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open a Discover checking account entirely online using your ID, Social Security number, and an existing bank account or debit card to fund it.
  • The account opens when ready after you complete the signup steps, but you must deposit at least $0.01 to set up it for use.
  • Discover checks ChexSystems and banking history during signup, but a past banking problem does not automatically disqualify you.
  • Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days, so plan ahead if you need it quickly.
  • You can start using the account for transfers and bill pay before your physical card arrives by using your account number and routing number.

Step-by-step: opening your account online

Go to Discover's website and click "Open an Account" or "Open Checking." You'll be taken to a form that asks for your name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. Enter the information exactly as it appears on your ID—mismatches can slow down verification.

Next, you'll enter your Social Security number. Discover uses this to verify your identity and check your banking history. You'll also choose a username and password for online banking. Make the password strong (at least 8 characters, with numbers and symbols) because you'll use it to access your money.

Discover will ask how you want to fund the account. If you have another bank account, choose "Link Bank Account" and enter your routing number and account number—you can find these on a check or in your other bank's app. If you're using a debit card, enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV. Either way, Discover will process a small test deposit (usually $0.01 to $0.99) to confirm the account is real.

Review the account agreement and fee schedule, then submit. Discover will tell you when ready whether your account is open. You'll receive a confirmation email with your account number and routing number. Save this email—you'll need the routing number to set up direct deposit or transfers.

When your account is active and what you can do when ready

Your checking account is ready to use as soon as you finish signup, even though your physical debit card won't arrive for 7 to 10 business days. You can log into your account online or through the Discover mobile app right away and start moving money.

Before your card arrives, you can set up direct deposit using your account number and routing number (your employer or benefits administrator will need both). You can also transfer money from another bank account, receive wire transfers, or pay bills through Discover's bill pay feature. Some employers and government agencies can deposit directly to your account within 1 to 2 business days once you provide them your account details.

You cannot withdraw cash or make purchases in stores until your debit card arrives. If you need cash before then, you can transfer money to another bank account you own and withdraw from there, or ask Discover about their early card delivery options (some regions offer this for a fee).

Your debit card and setting up access

Discover mails your debit card to the address you provided during signup. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. When it arrives, you'll need to set up it before you can use it—Discover will prompt you to do this through the app or website, or you can call the number on the back of the card.

Once activated, your card works at any ATM that displays the Discover logo or Pulse network symbol. Discover does not charge you to use their own ATMs, but other banks' ATMs may charge a fee (usually $1 to $3). You can also use your card to make purchases anywhere Discover is accepted, which is most places in the U.S., though some smaller merchants may not take it.

Set up a PIN (personal identification number) when you set up your card. You'll use this PIN at ATMs and sometimes in stores. Keep it private and don't write it down anywhere someone could find it.

Fees and what to watch for

Discover's checking account has no monthly maintenance fee, no minimum balance requirement, and no overdraft fees. This is one of the main reasons people choose Discover—the account costs nothing to keep open.

You will pay a fee if you overdraw your account (spend more than you have). Discover's overdraft policy allows you to go negative, but they charge $35 per overdraft transaction. You can turn off overdraft protection in your account settings if you want transactions to be declined instead of going through and charging a fee.

Other fees to know about: wire transfers out of your account cost $15, and some ATM networks charge you directly (not Discover) when you use their machines. There are no fees for transfers between your own accounts, bill pay, or receiving deposits.

What happens if your account is denied

Discover may deny your account if you provide false information, if you're on the ChexSystems list for fraud or repeated overdrafts, or if you're under 18. If your account is denied, Discover will send you a letter explaining why. You have the right to request a copy of your ChexSystems report for free by visiting www.chexsystems.com or calling 1-800-428-9623.

If you were denied because of ChexSystems, you can dispute inaccurate information on your report. This process takes 30 to 45 days. Once the dispute is resolved, you can reapply to Discover. If you were denied for another reason, you can contact Discover's customer service to ask whether you can reapply after a certain period.

If Discover denies you, other banks and credit unions may have different standards. Some institutions focus on current banking behavior rather than past history, so being denied by one does not mean you cannot open an account elsewhere.

Linking your Discover account to other banks

After your account is open, you can link it to other bank accounts you own. This lets you transfer money between them without waiting for a wire transfer. Go to the Transfers section of your Discover app or website, select "Link Account," and enter the routing number and account number of the other bank.

Discover will send two small test deposits (usually $0.01 each) to the other account. You'll need to log into that account and confirm the amounts to complete the link. This process takes 1 to 3 business days. Once linked, transfers between accounts usually post within 1 business day.

You can also set up automatic transfers on a schedule—for example, moving money to savings every payday. This is useful if you want to build a habit of saving without having to remember to transfer manually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Discover checking account if I've been denied by other banks?

Discover does check ChexSystems and banking history, but a past denial does not automatically disqualify you. Each bank has different standards. If you were denied because of old overdrafts or a closed account, Discover may still open your account. If you were denied for fraud, your chances are lower. Contact Discover directly to ask about your specific situation.

How long does it take to receive my debit card?

Standard delivery is 7 to 10 business days from the day your account opens. Discover does not offer expedited shipping for debit cards in most areas. If you need cash before your card arrives, you can transfer money to another bank account and withdraw there.

What's the routing number for Discover Bank?

Discover's routing number is 011000015. You'll need this if you're setting up direct deposit from your employer or receiving transfers from another bank. You can also find it in your account details or on any check Discover sends you.

Can I use my Discover checking account for direct deposit?

Yes. Once your account is open, you can provide your employer or benefits administrator with your account number and Discover's routing number (011000015). Direct deposits usually post within 1 to 2 business days, though some employers process deposits on different schedules.

What happens if I don't use my Discover checking account?

Discover will not close your account for inactivity. You can leave it open with a zero balance indefinitely at no cost. However, if your account goes negative and stays that way, Discover may eventually close it. If you plan to stop using the account, you can straightforward leave it open or close it through your online banking settings.