You can open a checking account over the phone, but most banks require you to finish in person or online

Some banks let you start the process by phone — you can answer questions about what type of account you want and provide basic information. But nearly all banks will ask you to verify your identity in person at a branch, through a video call, or by uploading documents online before the account becomes active. A few online-only banks complete the entire process over the phone using a video call, but these are less common than banks that use a mix of phone and online steps.

The reason banks do this is legal: they must confirm you are who you say you are before opening an account. A phone conversation alone is not enough proof under federal law. This protects both you and the bank from fraud.

Key Takeaways

  • Most banks require at least one in-person visit or a video call to verify your identity, even if you start by phone.
  • Online-only banks often complete the entire process through a phone call with video verification, without requiring a branch visit.
  • You will need a government-issued ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number or tax ID for any opening method.
  • Some banks let you start by phone but finish online through their website or app, which can be faster than waiting for a branch appointment.

What happens when you call a bank to open an account

When you phone a bank's customer service line, a representative will ask you basic questions: your name, address, date of birth, and what type of account you want. They may also ask about your employment and income, though this varies by bank. This conversation usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

At the end of the call, the bank will tell you what comes next. Some will say "we'll send you a link to finish online," others will say "you'll need to visit a branch with your ID," and a few will schedule a video call with you. The bank will not set up your account until you complete that next step.

Banks that complete the full process by phone

A small number of online-only banks — such as Ally, Charles Schwab, and some credit unions — can open your account entirely through a phone call that includes a video component. During the video call, you show your ID to the camera, and the bank's system scans and verifies it. Once that is done, your account is usually active within hours or by the next business day.

These banks do not have physical branches, so they have built their systems to work entirely remotely. If you are comfortable with video calls and do not need to deposit cash at a physical location, this route is often the fastest. You can start the process on their website or by calling their phone number, and they will guide you to the video step.

Banks that use phone plus online or in-person

Most traditional banks — like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and local or regional banks — let you start by phone but require you to either visit a branch or finish online. If you choose to finish online, the bank will email you a link after your phone call. You log in, upload a photo of your ID and proof of address (usually a utility bill or lease), and the bank verifies these documents. This usually takes one to three business days.

If you choose to finish in person, you will need to visit a branch with your government-issued ID. The teller will verify your identity, answer any remaining questions, and set up your account on the spot. You can usually open the account the same day.

What documents and information you need

No matter which method you use, have these items ready before you call:

  • A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID card, or tribal ID)
  • Your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
  • Proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days
  • Your phone number and email address

Some banks also ask about your employment and income, though this is not required to open a basic checking account. If you do not have a Social Security number, ask the bank whether they accept an ITIN — many do, though some require you to visit a branch in person to verify it.

How long the process takes from start to finish

If you use a video call with an online-only bank, your account can be active the same day or by the next business day. If you finish online after a phone call, expect one to three business days for the bank to verify your documents and set up the account. If you finish in person at a branch, your account is usually active when ready.

The slowest part is usually not the phone call itself — that takes 10 to 15 minutes — but the verification step that follows. Banks process document uploads and video verifications during business hours, so if you submit documents on a Friday evening, you may not see your account active until Monday or Tuesday.

When you cannot open an account by phone

Some banks will not open an account by phone if you do not have a U.S. address, a Social Security number, or a government-issued ID. If you are new to the country or do not have these documents yet, you will likely need to visit a branch in person. Bring whatever ID you do have — a passport, consulate ID, or national ID from your home country — and ask the bank what else they need.

A few banks also require an in-person visit if you have had fraud or overdraft issues with other banks. This is less common, but if a bank tells you they cannot open an account by phone, ask why. The answer will tell you whether you need to visit a branch, provide more documents, or try a different bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a checking account by phone if I do not have a Social Security number?

Many banks accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Call the bank and ask whether they accept ITINs. Some banks require you to verify an ITIN in person at a branch, so ask about that too before you visit.

What if I do not have a government-issued ID?

You will almost certainly need to visit a branch in person. Bring whatever ID you have — a passport, national ID, or consulate document — and ask the bank what other proof of identity they will accept. Some banks can work with alternative documents, but this varies widely.

Can I deposit cash into an account I opened by phone?

If you opened the account with an online-only bank that has no branches, you cannot deposit cash directly. You can transfer money from another bank account, have your employer deposit your paycheck, or use ATMs that the bank partners with. If you opened the account with a traditional bank that has branches, you can deposit cash at any branch.

How do I know if a bank will let me open an account entirely by phone?

Call the bank's main customer service number and ask: "Can I open a checking account entirely by phone, or do I need to visit a branch or go online?" They will tell you exactly what steps are required. Online-only banks usually advertise this on their website.

What if the bank rejects my documents when I upload them?

The bank will email you and explain what was wrong — usually that the photo was blurry, the document was expired, or the address was not clear. You can resubmit a clearer photo. If you keep having trouble, call the bank and ask whether you can finish in person at a branch instead.