Most banks will not open a checking account entirely over the phone, but some offer a partial phone process
You cannot complete a full checking account opening with only a phone call at most major banks. Banks need to verify your identity in ways that require documents or in-person presence, and federal anti-money-laundering rules require them to see certain information directly. However, some banks let you start the process by phone and finish online or in a branch, and a few smaller banks or credit unions may allow phone-only opening if you meet specific conditions.
The reason is straightforward: banks must confirm you are who you say you are before they hand you access to a deposit account. A phone conversation alone does not meet that standard under the Bank Secrecy Act and Know Your Customer (KYC) rules. Even if a bank wanted to open an account by phone, federal regulators would not allow it.
Key Takeaways
- Federal law requires banks to verify your identity using documents or in-person methods, so phone-only account opening is not legally possible at banks that take deposits.
- Many banks let you start an process by phone and complete it online through their website or mobile app, which takes 10 to 15 minutes after the phone call.
- Some credit unions and smaller regional banks may open accounts by phone if you are an existing member or have a referral, but this is rare and varies by institution.
- If you cannot visit a branch or complete an online process, ask the bank whether they offer video verification, which some larger banks now use as an alternative to in-person visits.
What happens when you call a bank to open an account
When you call a bank's customer service line and ask to open a checking account, the representative will usually gather basic information: your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and employment status. They may also ask about your reason for opening the account and whether you have any existing accounts at that bank. This part takes 5 to 10 minutes.
After collecting that information, the bank will tell you what comes next. Most will direct you to finish the process online through their website or mobile app, where you will upload or photograph your ID and verify your identity electronically. Some banks will mail you a form to sign and return. A few will schedule an appointment at a branch location. The bank cannot legally complete the account opening without one of these steps.
If you refuse to do any of those steps, the bank will not open the account. There is no workaround that keeps everything on the phone.
Banks that allow online completion after a phone start
Most large national banks—Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and others—follow this model: phone call to gather information, then online verification to finish. The online part usually takes 10 to 15 minutes and happens the same day or within 24 hours. You will need a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) to photograph or upload during the online step.
Regional banks and online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover often skip the phone call entirely and let you open an account completely online, which can be faster than the phone-plus-online route. If you are comfortable with a computer or phone, this is often the simplest path.
Credit unions vary widely. Some credit unions let members open accounts by phone if they are already members in good standing. Others require a branch visit or online completion. Call your credit union directly to ask what they allow.
Video verification as an alternative to in-person visits
A growing number of banks now offer video verification, where you have a brief video call with a bank representative who watches you show your ID and answer identity questions. This counts as in-person verification under federal rules, even though you are not physically in a branch. Banks including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and some regional institutions have added this option.
Video verification usually takes 5 to 10 minutes and can happen the same day you call. You will need a valid ID, a quiet space, and a device with a camera and internet connection. If you cannot visit a branch and do not want to upload documents online, ask the bank whether they offer video verification before you assume you are stuck.
What you need to have ready before you call
Gather these items before you dial: your Social Security number, a current address, your date of birth, and information about your employment (employer name and job title, or that you are retired or unemployed). Have your government-issued ID nearby even if you will not need it during the phone call, because the bank may ask you to describe it or you may need it for the next step.
If you are opening an account at a bank where you already have a relationship—you have a savings account there, or a credit card—tell the representative that. Some banks move faster or require fewer verification steps for existing customers. If you are opening your first account anywhere, the process will take slightly longer because the bank has no prior record of you.
Why some banks will not open accounts by phone
Banks that operate only by phone or mail—a very small category—still cannot open accounts without identity verification. Even if a bank has no physical branches, federal law requires them to confirm who you are before you can deposit money. This is why even phone-only banks direct you to upload an ID online or mail in a signed form.
Some banks also refuse to open accounts by phone because they want to sell you additional products during the visit. A branch representative can discuss credit cards, savings accounts, or investment services while you are there. A phone representative cannot do that as effectively, so the bank steers you toward a branch or online process where they can present those options.
If you cannot complete the online or in-person step
If you have no access to a computer or smartphone to complete online verification, ask the bank whether they will mail you a form to sign and return. This takes longer—usually 7 to 14 days for the form to arrive, you to sign it, mail it back, and the bank to process it—but it is a legal path to account opening. Some banks will waive this option and require a branch visit instead.
If you cannot visit a branch and cannot use online verification or video verification, call the bank's customer service line and explain your situation. Ask specifically whether they have any other options. Some banks have accommodations for people with disabilities or limited technology access, though these are not may provide and vary by institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a checking account by phone at a credit union?
Some credit unions allow phone-only opening for existing members, but most require you to visit a branch or complete an online process. Call your credit union and ask directly. If they say no, ask whether they offer video verification or mail-in forms as alternatives.
What if the bank asks me to come to a branch and I live far away?
Ask the bank whether they offer video verification or online completion instead. If they refuse both and require a branch visit, you may need to open an account at a different bank that offers remote options. Online-only banks like Ally or Discover have no branches and complete all openings online.
Do I need to have money to deposit when I open the account by phone?
No. You can open a checking account without making a deposit during the phone call. You can fund it later by transferring money from another account, having your employer deposit a paycheck, or visiting a branch to deposit cash.
How long does it take to open an account if I start by phone?
The phone call itself takes 10 to 15 minutes. If you complete the online verification step the same day, the account is usually open within 24 hours. If you mail in a form, add 7 to 14 days for mail delivery and processing.
Will the bank run a credit check when I open a checking account by phone?
Most banks do not run a credit check for checking accounts. They may check ChexSystems, which is a banking history report, to see whether you have had problems with previous accounts. This is not a credit check and does not affect your credit score.