Yes, you can open a US bank account online, but the process and what you'll need depends on which bank you choose and what type of account you want
Most major US banks now let you start an account from your computer or phone without visiting a branch. You'll typically need an email address, a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), a government-issued ID, and a way to verify your identity — usually a video call or uploading a photo of your ID. Some banks finish the whole process in minutes. Others ask you to mail in documents or visit a branch to complete it.
The catch is that banks have different rules. Some will open an account for anyone with a valid ID. Others use background check systems that may decline you if you've had banking problems before, even if those problems are years old. A few banks specifically work with people who are new to the US banking system or have had trouble with other banks.
Key Takeaways
- Most major banks let you open a checking or savings account online, but you will need a government ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and a way to verify your identity through video or photo upload.
- The entire process can take anywhere from a few minutes to several days, depending on whether the bank needs to verify your information or run a background check.
- Some banks use ChexSystems or Early Warning Services to check your banking history, and a record of unpaid fees or closed accounts may result in a decline.
- If you are new to banking or have been declined before, community banks and credit unions sometimes have more flexible requirements than large national banks.
- Once your account is open, you can usually get a debit card mailed to you or pick one up at a branch, and start using the account within a few business days.
What documents and information you'll need to start
Before you begin, gather these items: a valid government-issued ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number or ITIN, and your email address. You'll also need a phone number where the bank can reach you, and sometimes a current address.
If you don't have a Social Security number, an ITIN is the alternative. You can get an ITIN from the IRS even if you are not a US citizen. The process takes several weeks, so if you don't have one yet, you may need to open your account in person at a branch or wait until your ITIN arrives.
Some banks also ask for proof of address — a recent utility bill, lease, or government letter with your name and current address. If you don't have these yet, call the bank before you start the online process to ask whether you can provide them later or use an alternative.
How banks verify your identity online
Banks use a few different methods to confirm you are who you say you are. The most common is a video call with a bank employee, where you show your ID to the camera and answer questions about yourself. This usually takes 5 to 10 minutes and happens right away — sometimes while you're still on the bank's website.
Some banks instead ask you to upload a photo of both sides of your ID and a selfie. The bank's system checks that the photo matches the ID, and a person reviews it to make sure it looks real. This method is faster but can take a few hours or a day for the bank to finish reviewing.
A smaller number of banks still require you to visit a branch in person or mail in copies of your documents. If the bank you want uses this method, the website will tell you during the sign-up process, so you won't waste time starting an process you can't finish online.
Banking history checks and why you might be declined
Most banks use a system called ChexSystems or Early Warning Services to look up your banking history. These systems keep records of closed accounts, unpaid fees, and fraud reports. If you have a record in one of these systems, the bank may decline your process — even if the problem happened years ago.
Common reasons for a decline include owing money to a previous bank, having an account closed for suspicious activity, or multiple accounts closed for low balance. Some banks are stricter than others. A large national bank might decline you, while a community bank or credit union might approve you for the same history.
If you are declined, you have the right to know why. The bank must tell you which system reported the information and give you contact details so you can check your own record and dispute anything that's wrong. You can also ask the bank whether it has a second-chance account designed for people with banking history issues.
How long it takes from start to usable account
If the bank approves you right away and you don't need to mail in documents, you may be able to use your account within minutes — some banks let you start moving money the same day. More commonly, the bank takes 1 to 3 business days to finish its checks and send you a confirmation email.
Your debit card usually arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can still use your account online to transfer money, set up direct deposit, or pay bills. Some banks let you request a temporary digital card that works when ready with your phone's payment app.
If the bank asks you to mail in documents or visit a branch, add another 5 to 10 business days to the timeline. Plan ahead if you need the account to work by a specific date — for example, if you're setting up direct deposit for a new job.
Banks that work with people new to US banking
If you are new to the US banking system or have been declined by other banks, some institutions are designed to work with you. Chime, LendingClub, and Varo are online banks that often approve people with limited or damaged banking history. They typically have lower or no monthly fees and don't use ChexSystems the same way traditional banks do.
Community banks and credit unions in your area may also be more flexible. Credit unions are member-owned and sometimes have looser requirements than national banks. To find a credit union near you, visit the CO-OP Network or Alliant Credit Union websites, which let you search by location.
If you are an immigrant or don't have a Social Security number yet, some banks specifically serve these customers. Banco Latinoamericano and certain community development financial institutions (CDFIs) work with people who are building US credit for the first time. Your local nonprofit or community organization may also know which banks in your area are most welcoming.
What happens after your account opens
Once the bank confirms your account is open, you'll receive a welcome email with your account number and login details. Log in to the bank's website or app to see your account balance (usually $0 to start) and set up additional features like bill pay, transfers, or alerts.
If you're setting up direct deposit for a paycheck, you'll need your account number and routing number. Your bank will show you both in the account details section. Give these to your employer's payroll department, and the deposit should start within one or two pay cycles.
Your debit card will arrive separately by mail. When it does, you'll need to set up it — usually by calling a number on the card or using the bank's app. After that, you can use it to withdraw cash from ATMs, make purchases, and check your balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a US address to open an account online?
Most banks require a current US address, but some will accept a temporary address like a shelter, a friend's address, or a PO box if you explain your situation. Call the bank before you start the process and ask what address options they accept. If you don't have a permanent address yet, a community bank or credit union may be more flexible than a large national bank.
What if I don't have a government ID?
You will need some form of government-issued ID to open an account online — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you don't have one yet, you'll need to visit a branch in person or wait until you get an ID. Your state's DMV or passport office can tell you what documents you need to get one.
Can I open an account if I've been declined before?
Yes. Try a different bank, especially a community bank, credit union, or online bank designed for people with banking history issues. You can also check your ChexSystems record to see why you were declined and dispute any errors before you explore again. Some banks have second-chance accounts specifically for people in this situation.
How much money do I need to open an account?
Most banks let you open an account with $0 — you don't need an opening deposit. However, some banks require a minimum balance to avoid a monthly fee, and that minimum is usually $25 to $500. The bank will tell you this before you finish the process.
Can I use a video call if I'm not comfortable on camera?
If the bank you want uses video verification and you're not comfortable with it, ask whether they offer photo upload instead or whether you can visit a branch. Not all banks offer every verification method, but many have options. Call the bank's customer service line before you start the process to ask what's available.