The accounts with the lowest barriers are online-only banks, not branches
Online-only banks have the fewest requirements to open a checking account because they do not maintain physical locations and can process applications entirely through their website or app. Most require only a Social Security number, a government-issued ID, proof of address, and an initial deposit—often as little as $0 to $25. The entire process takes 10 to 15 minutes, and your account is usually active the same day or within 24 hours.
The easiest accounts to open are those at banks that do not run ChexSystems checks, a banking history report that flags closed accounts and overdrafts. If you have been denied a checking account before, or if you have unpaid overdraft fees at another bank, ChexSystems can block you. Some online banks skip this check entirely, which removes a major barrier.
Speed and simplicity vary by bank. Some require you to verify your identity through a video call with a representative; others use when ready verification through your phone or a third-party service. The fastest accounts open without any phone call at all.
Key Takeaways
- Online-only banks typically require only a Social Security number, ID, proof of address, and a small opening deposit—sometimes $0—and can open your account in minutes.
- Banks that do not run ChexSystems checks are your best option if you have been denied a checking account or have unpaid overdraft fees elsewhere.
- Verification methods vary: some banks use when ready digital verification, while others require a video call with a representative.
- Your account is usually active the same day, and you can receive a debit card within 7 to 10 business days or use a temporary digital card when ready.
Online banks that skip ChexSystems entirely
Chime, LendingClub, and Varo do not run ChexSystems checks at all. This makes them the first choice if you have been denied elsewhere or have a history of overdrafts. All three open accounts in under 10 minutes through their app, require no minimum deposit, and issue a temporary digital debit card you can use when ready.
Chime requires a Social Security number and a government ID. LendingClub and Varo have the same requirements. All three verify your identity when ready through your phone—no video call needed. Your physical debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days, but you can spend money the same day using the digital card in Apple Pay, Google Pay, or your phone's wallet.
These three also do not charge overdraft fees, which removes another reason people get stuck with ChexSystems marks. If you overdraw your account, the transaction is straightforward declined rather than charged a fee.
Banks that run ChexSystems but have low requirements
If you have a clean banking history, traditional online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover have minimal requirements and open accounts just as fast. All three require a Social Security number, ID, and proof of address. Ally and Discover require a $0 opening deposit; Charles Schwab requires $0 as well. All three verify your identity when ready and set up your account within 24 hours.
These banks do run ChexSystems checks, so if you have been denied before, you will not be able to open an account with them. But if you have not been denied, they are reliable choices with no monthly fees and no minimum balance requirements.
Charles Schwab is unusual because it also offers a brokerage account and investment tools alongside checking. If you think you might want to invest later, opening with Schwab gives you both services in one place.
What you actually need to bring
Every online bank requires the same core documents: a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement—anything dated within the last 60 days with your name and address on it.
Some banks ask for your phone number and email address during signup. A few ask whether you have had a checking account before and whether you have any outstanding overdraft fees. Answer honestly; banks can verify this information through ChexSystems or other banking databases.
You do not need to bring anything in person. You upload your ID and proof of address through the bank's app or website. Most banks photograph your ID on your phone's camera; some use a third-party verification service that checks your documents automatically.
How identity verification actually works
Most online banks use one of three methods to verify who you are. The fastest is when ready digital verification: you answer a few questions about your credit history or past addresses, and the bank confirms your identity in seconds. This method does not require a credit check and does not affect your credit score.
The second method is document verification: you photograph your ID and proof of address, and the bank's system reads the documents automatically. This takes a few minutes and is usually complete within an hour.
The third method is a video call with a representative. The representative asks you to show your ID to your phone's camera and asks a few questions to confirm your identity. This takes 5 to 10 minutes and is usually offered as a backup if the other methods do not work. A few banks, like Charles Schwab, offer video verification as the primary method.
Accounts that open without a Social Security number
If you do not have a Social Security number—because you are not a U.S. citizen or have not yet received one—your options are limited but they exist. Some banks accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Wise, a money transfer service that also offers checking accounts, accepts ITINs and opens accounts online.
A few traditional banks also accept ITINs, but they are not widely advertised. Call the bank's customer service line and ask whether they accept ITIN holders before you start the process. If they say no, do not explore; a rejected process can show up on your banking record.
If you have a Social Security number but have not yet received your card, you can use your Social Security number itself during the process. You do not need the physical card.
What happens after you open the account
Once your account is open, you receive a temporary digital debit card when ready—usually within minutes. You can use this card to spend money online or in Apple Pay and Google Pay at any store that accepts contactless payments. Your physical debit card ships within 7 to 10 business days.
You can also set up direct deposit right away. Your employer or benefits provider will need your account number and routing number, which you can find in the app or on your first statement. Direct deposit usually takes one to two pay cycles to set up, so your first deposit may not arrive until your second paycheck.
If you need to deposit cash or checks, online banks handle this differently. Some partner with ATM networks and let you deposit checks through their app by photographing the front and back. Others have no way to deposit cash at all and are best for people who receive direct deposit or transfers from other accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a checking account online if I have been denied before?
Yes, but only at banks that do not run ChexSystems checks. Chime, LendingClub, and Varo are your best options. Banks that run ChexSystems—including most traditional online banks—will deny you if you have unpaid overdraft fees or a closed account on your record. The ChexSystems mark usually clears after five years.
Do I need a minimum deposit to open an account?
Most online banks require $0 to open. Chime, LendingClub, Varo, Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover all have no minimum opening deposit. A few regional online banks may require $25 to $100, but the major players do not.
How long does it take to get a debit card?
Your digital debit card is ready to use within minutes of opening the account. Your physical card ships within 7 to 10 business days. Some banks offer expedited shipping for a fee, usually $5 to $15, if you need the card faster.
What if I do not have a government ID?
Most online banks require a government-issued ID because they are legally required to verify your identity. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, you can obtain a state ID from your local DMV. Some banks may accept a passport from another country, but this varies. Call the bank's customer service line to ask before you explore.
Can I use a temporary address or PO box?
No. Banks require proof of a physical residential address—a street address where you actually live. A PO box or a temporary address will not work. If you are homeless or living in a shelter, some banks may accept a shelter address or a mail forwarding service address, but you will need to call and ask first.