What you need to open a Varo account

Opening a Varo account takes about five minutes on your phone or computer. You will need a valid government-issued ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number, and a way to fund the account — either a debit card from another bank or a bank transfer routing number. Varo does not require a minimum deposit to open the account, though you will need to add money before you can use it.

The process is entirely online. You do not visit a branch or mail anything in. Varo uses automated identity verification, which means the system checks your ID against public records in real time. If the verification passes, your account opens when ready. If it does not pass on the first try, Varo will ask you to submit a photo of your ID and sometimes a selfie for manual review, which usually takes one business day.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid government ID, your Social Security number, and a way to fund the account — either a debit card or bank routing number.
  • The entire signup process happens on the Varo app or website and takes about five minutes if your identity verifies automatically.
  • If automatic verification fails, Varo will ask for a photo of your ID and sometimes a selfie, which takes about one business day to review.
  • Your account opens when ready after verification, but you cannot use it until you deposit money.
  • Varo does not charge monthly fees, overdraft fees, or minimum balance fees, so there are no ongoing costs once the account is open.

Step-by-step: the signup process

Start by downloading the Varo app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, or go to varo.com on your computer. Tap "Open Account" or the equivalent button on the website. You will be asked for your email address and a password — use something you can remember, as you will need it to log in later.

Next, enter your full legal name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Varo will ask for your current address and phone number. Then you will upload a photo of your ID — hold it flat under good lighting and make sure all four corners are visible. The app will guide you through this.

Varo will then attempt to verify your identity automatically using the information you provided. If it succeeds, you will see a confirmation screen and your account will be open. If automatic verification fails, the app will ask you to take a selfie and may request additional documents. This manual review usually completes within one business day, and Varo will notify you by email when it is done.

How to fund your new account

After your account opens, you need to add money before you can use it. Varo offers two ways to do this: transfer from another bank account, or transfer from a debit card.

To transfer from another bank, go to the "Move Money" or "Transfer" section of the Varo app. Select "Add Money" and choose "Bank Transfer." Varo will show you its routing number and your new account number. Log into your other bank's app or website, set up a transfer to Varo using those numbers, and send the money. This usually takes one to three business days to arrive, depending on your other bank.

To transfer from a debit card, select "Debit Card" instead of "Bank Transfer" in the Move Money section. Enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV. Varo will charge your card when ready, and the money appears in your Varo account right away. Varo allows debit card transfers up to a certain limit per day and per month — check the app for current limits, as they change.

What happens after verification fails

If Varo's automatic system cannot verify your identity, you will receive an email explaining what went wrong. Common reasons include a mismatch between the name on your ID and the name you entered, an address that does not match public records, or a photo that is too blurry or cut off.

Varo will ask you to resubmit your ID photo and take a selfie. Make sure your ID is well-lit, all corners are visible, and your name is legible. For the selfie, look directly at the camera with a neutral expression and make sure your face is clearly visible. Submit these through the app and wait for manual review, which typically takes one business day. If this second attempt also fails, contact Varo's support team through the app — they can sometimes resolve the issue by phone or may ask for additional documents like a utility bill to confirm your address.

Varo's identity verification requirements

Varo is required by federal law to verify the identity of everyone who opens a bank account. This is called Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance, and every bank does it. Varo uses a third-party verification service to check your information against government databases, credit bureaus, and other records.

The system is designed to catch fraud and prevent money laundering, but it also means that if your information does not match what is on file elsewhere, verification can fail even if you are who you say you are. This happens most often to people who have recently moved, changed their name, or have limited credit history. If you fall into one of these categories, have your ID and a recent utility bill or lease ready before you start the signup process — you may need to submit them for manual review.

What you can do with your account once it is open

Once your account is funded, you can use it like any other checking account. Varo will send you a debit card in the mail, which usually arrives within five to seven business days. While you wait for the card, you can transfer money out of your account to another bank, pay bills through the Varo app, or use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit from your employer.

Varo also offers features beyond basic checking: you can set savings goals within the app, earn interest on money in a savings pocket (rates vary), and use Varo's budgeting tools to track spending. These are optional — you do not have to use them. Your account works as a straightforward checking account if you prefer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to open a Varo account?

If your identity verifies automatically, your account opens in about five minutes. If Varo needs to review your ID and selfie manually, it usually takes one business day. In rare cases where additional documents are needed, it may take longer — contact Varo's support team through the app for an update.

Can I open a Varo account if I do not have a government ID?

No. Varo requires a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. This is a federal requirement for all banks. If you do not have one, you will need to get one before opening an account.

What if I do not have another bank account to transfer money from?

You can fund your Varo account with a debit card instead. The money appears when ready. If you do not have a debit card, you may be able to use a prepaid card, though Varo's limits on debit card transfers explore. Contact Varo support to ask about other funding options.

Does Varo charge a fee to open an account?

No. Varo does not charge a fee to open an account, and there is no monthly maintenance fee. Varo makes money from other sources, so your checking account is free to use.

Can I open a Varo account if I have been denied a bank account before?

It depends on why you were denied. If you were denied because of ChexSystems (a banking history report), Varo may still open an account for you — Varo does not always use ChexSystems. Contact Varo support before you explore to ask whether your situation disqualifies you.