Yes, you can open most checking accounts entirely online

Most banks and credit unions now let you open a checking account from your computer or phone without visiting a branch. You fill out an online form with your personal information, upload documents to prove who you are, and receive account details the same day or within a few business days. Some banks complete the whole process in under 10 minutes.

Not every bank offers online-only opening, and a few still require you to visit in person or mail in documents. But the major national banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank — and most online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Chime all let you start online. Credit unions vary; some have full online opening, while others require an initial in-person visit or a video call with a representative.

The main catch is that you need to prove your identity. Banks do this by asking for documents you upload, asking security questions about your past, or sometimes both. If you're new to the country or don't have a Social Security number yet, some banks have separate processes — usually involving a visit to a branch or a notarized document.

Key Takeaways

  • Most large banks and online banks let you open a checking account entirely online using your computer or phone.
  • You will need to upload a government ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and provide your Social Security number or ITIN.
  • The bank will ask security questions about your financial history to verify you are who you say you are.
  • The whole process usually takes 10 minutes to a few hours, and your account opens the same day or within one business day.
  • If you have no credit history or Social Security number, call the bank first — some have special processes that may require a branch visit or video call.

What documents you need to have ready

Before you start, gather a government-issued ID and know your Social Security number. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport all work. If you don't have a Social Security number but are authorized to work in the United States, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead — ask the bank whether they accept it before you begin, because not all do.

You'll also need your current address. The bank will ask for it on the form, and some banks ask you to upload a recent utility bill or lease to confirm it matches your ID. If you've moved recently and your ID still shows an old address, have a piece of mail with your new address handy — you may need to upload that too.

Have your phone number and email address ready. The bank will send you a code by text or email to verify you control them. If you're opening the account on your phone, you'll need a different phone number for the verification code, or you can use your email instead.

The step-by-step process

Start on the bank's website or app and look for a button that says "Open an Account" or "get your free guide." You'll fill out a form with your name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number. This usually takes 5 minutes.

Next, you'll upload your ID. Most banks let you take a photo with your phone or upload a file from your computer. The photo needs to be clear enough to read — if it's blurry, the bank will ask you to try again. Some banks also ask you to take a "selfie" holding your ID to prove it's really you.

After that, the bank will ask security questions: things like "Which of these addresses have you lived at?" or "Which of these is your correct middle name?" These questions come from your credit history, so the bank can verify you without calling you. If you have no credit history, the bank may skip this step or ask you to call them instead.

Finally, you'll choose your account type (checking, savings, or both), set up online banking login details, and review the account agreement. Once you hit submit, the bank will tell you whether your account opened right away or whether they need to review your information. Most accounts open within a few hours to one business day.

Why banks ask for so much information

Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity and check whether you have a history of fraud or unpaid bank fees. This is called Know Your Customer (KYC) verification. It protects both you and the bank — it stops criminals from opening accounts in your name and stops people with a pattern of check fraud from opening new accounts to repeat the crime.

The security questions come from your credit report, which is maintained by companies like Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. If you have no credit history — because you're new to the country, very young, or have never borrowed money — the bank may not be able to ask these questions. In that case, they'll either ask you to visit a branch in person or do a video call with a representative who can see your ID and talk to you directly.

The address verification is there because banks need to know where to send you statements and where you actually live. If your address doesn't match your ID, the bank wants to make sure you're not trying to hide something.

What happens if you don't have a Social Security number

If you're a permanent resident, refugee, or authorized to work in the United States but don't have a Social Security number yet, you can use an ITIN. Not all banks accept ITINs for checking accounts — some only accept them for savings accounts, and others don't accept them at all. Call the bank before you start the online process and ask whether they open checking accounts for people with an ITIN.

If the bank says no, ask whether they have a branch you can visit in person. Some banks will open an account in person even if they won't do it online. You'll need to bring your ITIN letter (from the IRS), your passport or other government ID from your home country, and proof of your U.S. address.

If you're not yet authorized to work in the United States and don't have an ITIN, most banks won't open a checking account for you. Some banks in areas with large immigrant communities have special programs — call ahead and ask.

If the bank denies your online process

Sometimes the bank's system can't verify you online. This might happen if your name doesn't match your credit report exactly, if you've moved recently, if you have no credit history, or if there's a flag in the system (like a report of fraud). The bank will tell you they need more information and usually give you a phone number to call.

When you call, have your ID ready and be prepared to answer more questions about your address history and financial background. The bank may ask you to mail in copies of documents, do a video call with a representative, or visit a branch in person. This process usually takes a few extra days, but it's not a rejection — it's just a slower verification.

If the bank says they can't open an account for you because of something on your record — like a history of unpaid fees or fraud — ask them to explain which bank reporting system flagged you. You can then contact that system to dispute the information if it's wrong. The main bank reporting systems are ChexSystems, Early Warning Services, and LexisNexis.

Online banks versus traditional banks

Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Chime almost always let you open an account entirely online, and they usually do it faster than traditional banks. They have no branches, so they've built their whole system around remote verification. The trade-off is that you can't deposit cash or get help in person — you deposit checks by taking a photo with your phone, and you get help by phone, email, or chat.

Traditional banks with branches — like Chase, Bank of America, or your local credit union — usually let you open online too, but some still require an in-person visit or a video call. If you need to deposit cash regularly or want to talk to someone face-to-face, a traditional bank might be better for you. If you're comfortable managing money online and rarely use cash, an online bank is usually faster and simpler.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to open an account online?

Most banks open your account the same day or within one business day. The online form itself takes 5 to 10 minutes, but the bank then spends time verifying your identity, which can take a few hours. If the bank needs to call you or review documents, it may take 2 to 5 business days.

Can I use a passport instead of a driver's license?

Yes. A U.S. passport, state ID card, or driver's license all work. If you're not a U.S. citizen, a passport from your home country usually works too — call the bank first to confirm.

What if I fail the security questions?

If you can't answer the security questions correctly, it usually means your information doesn't match the credit report the bank is using. Call the bank and explain — they can verify you by phone instead. This doesn't mean you've done anything wrong; it just means the automated system needs help.

Can I open an account if I'm under 18?

Most banks require you to be 18 to open an account on your own. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian usually has to open a joint account with you, and they may need to visit a branch in person. Some banks have special teen accounts that can be opened online with a parent's permission — ask your bank.

Do I need a minimum deposit to open the account online?

Most banks don't require a minimum deposit to open a checking account, though some ask you to deposit money within a certain number of days. A few banks offer a small bonus (like $50 or $100) if you deposit a certain amount within 30 days. Check the bank's offer before you open the account.