Yes, you can open a checking account entirely online from your home
Most banks and credit unions now let you open a checking account without visiting a branch. You can do it on a computer or phone, usually in 10 to 20 minutes. The bank will ask for your Social Security number, a government ID, your address, and sometimes your income — then they verify this information electronically and send you a debit card in the mail.
Online-only banks (sometimes called digital banks) exist only on the internet and often have no physical locations at all. Traditional banks with branches also offer online account opening. Credit unions, which are member-owned financial institutions, increasingly do too. The process is the same regardless: you provide information, the bank checks it, and your account opens within hours or days.
The main difference between opening online and in person is speed and convenience — not what you get. An account opened online works exactly like one opened at a branch.
Key Takeaways
- You will need a government-issued ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address to open an account online.
- Most banks verify your information electronically and open your account the same day or within 24 hours.
- Online-only banks have no branches but often charge no monthly fees; traditional banks with branches let you deposit cash in person.
- You can start using your account before your debit card arrives by setting up transfers or using your account number for direct deposit.
- Some banks and credit unions still require an in-person visit if you cannot verify your identity electronically.
What documents and information you will need
Have these items ready before you start: a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number, your current address, and a phone number. Some banks also ask for your employment information or annual income, though this is not always required for a basic checking account.
If you are opening an account at a bank where you already have a relationship — for example, you have a savings account there — the process is usually faster because the bank already has some of your information on file. If you are new to the bank, expect to provide more details.
You will also need access to email and a phone number where the bank can reach you. The bank uses these to send you account details and to verify your identity during the process.
How the identity verification process works
When you submit your information online, the bank runs it through verification services that check your ID against government records and credit bureaus. This happens in real time or within a few hours. If everything matches, your account opens automatically.
Some banks use an extra step called knowledge-based verification, where they ask you questions only you would know — like the name of the street you lived on five years ago or the amount of a past loan. You answer these questions on the screen, and if you get them right, the bank confirms your identity.
A few banks and credit unions still cannot verify you electronically if you have no credit history, a very recent address change, or if your information does not match their databases clearly. In these cases, they may ask you to visit a branch in person or to send a photo of your ID by mail. This is rare but can happen.
Online-only banks versus banks with branches
Online-only banks have no physical locations. You cannot walk in to deposit cash, speak to someone face-to-face, or get a cashier's check. But they usually charge no monthly fees, pay higher interest on savings, and have lower minimum balances. Examples include Ally Bank, Charles Schwab Bank, and Chime. These work well if you are comfortable managing money on your phone or computer and rarely need to deposit cash.
Traditional banks with branch locations let you open online but also let you visit a branch to deposit cash, get a cashier's check, or talk to someone in person. They may charge monthly fees unless you meet certain requirements (like keeping a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit). Examples include Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo.
Credit unions are member-owned, not-for-profit institutions. Many now offer online account opening. They often have lower fees than traditional banks and may offer better rates on loans. You usually have to live or work in a certain area or belong to a particular group to join. Credit unions are insured the same way banks are, through the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).
What happens after you open your account online
Once your account opens, the bank will send you a debit card by mail, which usually arrives within 5 to 10 business days. You can start using your account before the card arrives. You can set up direct deposit using your account number and routing number (the bank provides both when ready). You can also transfer money from another bank account you own, or receive transfers from other people.
Some banks let you use a temporary digital card on your phone right away, so you can make purchases online or in stores while you wait for your physical card. Others require you to wait for the card to arrive. Check what your specific bank offers.
Once your card arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or using the bank's app. Then you can withdraw cash from ATMs and make purchases anywhere the card is accepted.
When you might need to open an account in person instead
If you have no credit history, no Social Security number, or if you are under 18, some banks will not let you open an account online. In these cases, you will need to visit a branch with an adult (if you are a minor) or with documents that prove your identity and address.
If you are new to the country and do not yet have a Social Security number, some banks will open an account using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, but not all. Call ahead to ask. Credit unions are sometimes more flexible with this than large national banks.
If the bank's verification system cannot match your information — for example, if your address is very new or if there is a name mismatch — the bank may ask you to come in person or to send a photo of your ID. This is not common, but it can happen.
Fees and features to compare
Before you open an account, look at the monthly maintenance fee (many banks charge none), overdraft fees (what you pay if you spend more than you have), and ATM fees (what you pay to withdraw cash from machines not owned by your bank). Online-only banks typically have lower fees across the board.
Also check whether the bank offers direct deposit, which lets your employer or benefits provider send money straight to your account. Many banks waive monthly fees if you set up direct deposit. Look at whether you can deposit checks using your phone (called mobile check deposit) or whether you have to mail them in or visit a branch.
If you plan to keep a savings account at the same bank, check the interest rate it pays. Online-only banks often pay more interest on savings than traditional banks do.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to open an account online?
The process itself takes 10 to 20 minutes. Most banks verify your information and open your account within 24 hours. Some open it when ready. Your debit card arrives by mail in 5 to 10 business days, but you can use your account before the card arrives.
Do I need a minimum balance to open an account online?
Most banks do not require a minimum balance to open an account. Some waive monthly fees if you keep a certain balance (often $500 or more) or set up direct deposit. Check the specific bank's requirements before you open.
Is it safe to give my Social Security number online?
Banks use encryption to protect your information, and they are required by law to keep it find. Giving your Social Security number to a legitimate bank website is safe. Make sure you are on the real bank's website (check the URL carefully) and not a fake site.
Can I open an account if I have been denied a bank account before?
Yes. Banks use a system called ChexSystems to track people who have had problems with accounts (like unpaid overdrafts or fraud). If you are in ChexSystems, some banks will still open an account for you, though they may charge higher fees or require a larger deposit. Ask the bank directly whether they work with people in ChexSystems.
What if I do not have a government ID?
You will need some form of government-issued ID to open an account. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, you can get a state ID card from your local DMV. If you are new to the country, bring your passport and ask whether the bank accepts it.