Yes, you can open a US Bank account online, but not all account types are available that way
US Bank lets you open a checking or savings account through their website or mobile app without visiting a branch. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes and you can fund the account when ready. However, some account products—like certain business accounts, trust accounts, or accounts requiring a safe deposit box—still require a branch visit or phone call to complete.
The online path works best if you already have a Social Security number, a valid government ID, and a way to verify your identity through their system. If you're opening an account as a minor, a non-citizen, or with a co-owner, the process changes and may require additional steps or documents.
Key Takeaways
- US Bank's online account opening works for standard checking and savings accounts and takes 10 to 15 minutes from start to funding.
- You will need a Social Security number, valid government ID, and a current mailing address to open an account online.
- Identity verification happens through US Bank's system in real time, so you should have your ID ready and be prepared to answer security questions.
- If you don't have a Social Security number or need a joint account with someone who doesn't, you will need to call or visit a branch instead.
- Your account is usually active and ready to use the same day, though transfers from other banks may take one to three business days to arrive.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before opening your browser: a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number, and your current mailing address. US Bank will ask you to confirm your date of birth, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and details from your ID during the verification step.
If you're opening an account online for the first time with US Bank, have your phone nearby. The system may send a one-time code to verify your identity, or it may ask you to answer security questions based on your credit history. This usually takes two to five minutes.
If you're under 18, you cannot open an account online by yourself. A parent or legal guardian must open a custodial account at a branch or by phone, and they will be the account owner until you reach the age of majority in your state (usually 18).
The actual steps to open an account online
Go to usbank.com and look for the "Open an Account" or "New Accounts" link, usually in the top navigation or under a "Products" menu. Click through to the account type you want—checking, savings, or money market. US Bank will ask you to choose a specific product within that category, such as "US Bank Standard Checking" or "US Bank Savings Account," each with different fees and minimum balance requirements.
Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, mailing address, phone number, and email. US Bank will verify this information against their records and may pull a soft credit check (which does not affect your credit score). If the system cannot verify you automatically, it will ask follow-up questions about your credit history or past addresses.
Once verified, you'll set up login credentials—a username and password—and choose security options like a PIN or security questions. Then you'll review the account terms and disclosures, sign electronically, and fund the account. You can link a bank account you already own and transfer money, or you can skip funding for now and add money later through a transfer or deposit.
Your account number and routing number will appear on screen when ready after approval. Write these down or take a screenshot, because you'll need them if you want to set up direct deposit or transfer money from another bank.
Identity verification and what happens if it fails
US Bank uses automated verification to confirm you are who you say you are. The system checks your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address against databases they have access to. If everything matches, you move forward. This usually takes seconds to a few minutes.
If the automated system cannot verify you—because your information doesn't match their records, your address is too new, or your credit history is thin—US Bank will ask you to answer security questions instead. These questions pull from your credit file and ask things like "Which of these addresses did you live at in 2019?" or "Which lender issued your auto loan?" You don't need to know the exact answer; you just need to pick the closest one from the choices given.
If you fail verification after multiple attempts, the online process will stop and you'll be told to call US Bank at 1-800-872-2657 or visit a branch in person. A representative can verify you manually using additional documents, like a utility bill or recent tax return. This usually takes one business day.
When you cannot open an account online
If you don't have a Social Security number—because you're a non-citizen without an ITIN, or for another reason—you cannot complete the online process. US Bank requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for all account holders. You'll need to visit a branch or call to discuss options, which may include opening an account with an ITIN if you have one.
If you want to open a joint account with someone else, you can start online, but both account owners must verify their identity. If the co-owner is not present or cannot verify online, you'll need to complete the account at a branch or by phone with both people present (or with notarized authorization in some cases).
Business accounts, trust accounts, and accounts with special features like safe deposit boxes cannot be opened online. You'll need to visit a branch or call 1-800-872-2657 to set these up.
How long it takes and when you can use your account
Your account is usually active the same day you open it online. You'll receive your account number when ready and can set up direct deposit or internal transfers right away. However, transfers from other banks typically take one to three business days to arrive, depending on the sending bank and the time of day you initiate the transfer.
If you ordered a debit card during account opening, it will arrive by mail in five to seven business days. You can request expedited shipping in some cases, but there may be a fee. Until your card arrives, you can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit, or you can transfer money from another account you own.
If your account requires additional verification or manual review, approval may take one to two business days. US Bank will contact you by phone or email if this happens.
Fees and minimum balances
US Bank's checking and savings accounts have different fee structures depending on the product. Some accounts charge a monthly maintenance fee (typically $6 to $15) unless you meet a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Others waive the fee if you maintain a certain balance, usually $500 to $1,500.
Review the fee schedule and account terms before you finish opening the account. US Bank displays this information on the account selection page and again before you sign. If you don't meet the minimum balance or direct deposit requirement, the fee will appear on your statement each month.
Some accounts offer benefits like no overdraft fees, no foreign transaction fees, or interest on your balance. These vary by account type, so compare the options before you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a US citizen to open an account online?
No, but you need a Social Security number or ITIN. Non-citizens with an ITIN can open an account, but the online process may not work for you. Call 1-800-872-2657 or visit a branch to confirm what documents you'll need.
What if I don't have a government ID?
You cannot open an account online without a valid government-issued ID. Visit a branch with your ID and other documents, or call to discuss alternatives. Some branches may accept a passport or consular ID if you don't have a US driver's license or state ID.
Can I open an account if I'm on ChexSystems or have a banking history issue?
ChexSystems is a checking account verification system that banks use to check your history. If you're listed, the online system may decline you, but you can still visit a branch or call to discuss options. Some US Bank branches may open an account for you even if ChexSystems shows a history of overdrafts or closed accounts.
What happens if I start opening an account online but don't finish?
Your process will be saved for a limited time (usually 24 to 48 hours). You can log back in and complete it, or you can start over. If you abandon the process, no account is created and no money is charged.
Can I open multiple accounts online at the same time?
Yes, you can open a checking account and a savings account in the same session. However, if you're opening accounts for different purposes (like a business account), you may need to do those separately or at a branch.