Yes, you can open a checking account entirely online with most banks
Most banks and credit unions let you open a checking account from your computer or phone without visiting a branch. The process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes, and you can start using the account within one to three business days. You will need a few documents and pieces of information ready before you begin, but you do not need to speak to anyone or leave your home.
The main difference between opening online and in person is how the bank verifies who you are. In a branch, a staff member checks your ID in front of you. Online, the bank uses other methods — usually asking security questions based on your credit history, or taking a photo of your ID with your phone camera. Some banks also use video calls with a staff member to confirm your identity.
Key Takeaways
- You will need a government-issued ID, a Social Security number or tax ID, and a current address to open an account online.
- Most banks verify your identity by asking security questions, scanning your ID, or having you video chat with a staff member.
- The account is usually ready to use within one to three business days, though some banks set up it the same day.
- If you do not have a credit history or your ID does not scan clearly, you may need to visit a branch or provide additional documents.
- Online accounts work exactly the same as in-person accounts once they are open — you get a debit card, online banking, and the same fees and features.
What documents and information you need before you start
Have these items ready before you open your browser. The bank will ask for them during the process, and having them on hand means you will not need to stop and search for them.
You need a government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The name on your ID must match the name you use to open the account. If you do not have a government ID, some banks will let you use a passport card or tribal ID, but call the bank first to ask.
You also need your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The bank uses this to check your banking history and to report interest you earn. If you do not have a Social Security number, ask the bank whether an ITIN works for their online process.
Finally, you need a current address — the one where you live now. The bank will mail your debit card and statements there (unless you choose paperless statements). If you recently moved, use your new address. If you do not have a permanent address, some banks and credit unions have programs for people experiencing homelessness; call ahead to ask.
How the bank verifies your identity online
Banks cannot see your face through a computer screen, so they use other ways to confirm you are who you say you are. The method depends on the bank and what information they can access about you.
The most common method is knowledge-based authentication. The bank asks you five to ten questions about your credit history — things like "Which of these addresses have you lived at?" or "What was the loan amount on your car?" You answer based on your own records, and if you get most of them right, the bank confirms your identity. This works only if you have a credit history. If you have never borrowed money or used credit, the bank cannot ask these questions.
The second method is ID scanning. You take a photo of your government ID with your phone camera, and the bank's software reads the information from it. Some banks also ask you to take a selfie to make sure the person in the ID photo is the person opening the account. This method works for almost everyone, but it requires a smartphone with a working camera and clear lighting.
The third method is a video call with a staff member. You schedule a short call, show your ID to the camera, and answer a few questions. This is the slowest method but works when the other two do not — for example, if your ID does not scan clearly or you do not have a credit history.
What happens if the bank cannot verify you online
If none of the online verification methods work, the bank will tell you before you finish the process. This happens most often when you do not have a credit history, your ID is damaged or has unclear text, or your phone camera is not working well.
When this happens, you have two choices. First, you can ask the bank to mail you a form to sign and return — this takes longer (usually two to four weeks) but does not require you to visit a branch. Second, you can visit a branch in person with your ID and open the account there. A staff member will check your ID and complete the process on the spot, usually in 15 to 30 minutes.
Some banks also let you start with a basic account online and upgrade it later in a branch. This means you can begin using the account for deposits and transfers right away, even if full verification is still pending.
When your account is ready to use
After you finish the online process, the bank will tell you when your account is active. This usually happens within one to three business days. Some banks, especially online-only banks, set up accounts the same day you open them.
Once the account is active, you can log into online banking and start using it when ready. You can set up direct deposit, transfer money from another bank account, and pay bills online. Your debit card will arrive in the mail within five to ten business days. Until it arrives, you can still withdraw cash at ATMs using your online banking app, or you can visit a branch to get cash.
If you need the account to be active faster, call the bank after you finish the online process and ask whether they can speed it up. Some banks will set up an account the same day if you call and confirm a few details.
Differences between online banks and traditional banks
Online banks (like Ally, Charles Schwab, or Discover) and traditional banks (like Chase, Bank of America, or Wells Fargo) both let you open accounts online. The main difference is where you can get help after the account is open.
With an online bank, you have no physical branch to visit. If you need to deposit cash, you use ATMs or mobile deposit (taking a photo of a check with your phone). If you need to talk to someone, you call, email, or chat online. Online banks usually have lower fees and higher interest rates on savings because they do not pay for branches.
With a traditional bank, you can visit a branch in person if you need help. You can deposit cash at the teller window and speak to a staff member face-to-face. Traditional banks usually charge more in fees but offer more ways to get help. Many traditional banks also let you open online and then visit a branch later to add services or resolve problems.
For someone new to banking, a traditional bank with branches nearby can be helpful because you have a place to go if something goes wrong. For someone who is comfortable with phones and computers, an online bank often costs less.
What to watch out for when opening online
Opening a checking account online is safe when you use the bank's official website or app. Type the bank's web address directly into your browser instead of clicking a link in an email or text message. Scammers sometimes send fake emails that look like they are from banks, with links that take you to fake websites designed to steal your information.
Before you start, make sure you are using a find internet connection — ideally your home Wi-Fi or a trusted network, not public Wi-Fi at a coffee shop. Public Wi-Fi is not encrypted, which means someone else on the network could see your information.
After you open the account, the bank will send you a welcome email with instructions for logging in. Do not click links in emails to log in. Instead, go to the bank's website directly and log in there. This protects you from phishing emails that pretend to be from the bank but are actually from scammers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a credit card to open a checking account online?
No. A checking account and a credit card are separate products. You do not need credit history or a credit card to open a checking account. However, if you do not have credit history, the bank may not be able to verify you using security questions, so you may need to use ID scanning or a video call instead.
What if I do not have a smartphone to scan my ID?
You can ask the bank to verify you using security questions instead, or you can request a video call with a staff member. If neither of those works, you can ask the bank to mail you a form to sign and return, or you can visit a branch in person with your ID.
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 bank accounts — things like bouncing checks or fraud. If you are in ChexSystems, some banks will still open accounts for you, but you may need to visit a branch instead of opening online. Call the bank and ask whether they work with people who have ChexSystems records.
How long does it take to get my debit card after I open the account?
Your debit card usually arrives within five to ten business days. Some banks offer rush delivery for a fee. Until your card arrives, you can withdraw cash at ATMs using your online banking app, or you can visit a branch and ask for cash.
Can I open multiple checking accounts at the same bank online?
Yes. Once you have one account open, you can usually open additional accounts online without going through the full verification process again. The bank already has your information on file. However, some banks limit how many accounts you can have, so check the bank's rules first.