You can open most checking accounts entirely online in 10 to 20 minutes, without visiting a branch
Online checking accounts work the same way as branch accounts — you deposit money, write checks, use a debit card, and pay bills. The difference is that you never set foot in a physical location. Banks and credit unions both offer this option, and the process is nearly identical: you fill out forms on their website, prove who you are with documents you already have, and your account opens while you wait or within one business day.
The speed depends on how quickly you can gather what the bank needs. Most banks ask for your Social Security number, a government ID, proof of your current address, and your initial deposit information. Some banks verify your identity when ready using data they already have on file; others send a code to your phone or email. A few still require you to mail in a copy of your ID, which adds a week or more.
The main catch is that you cannot deposit cash online. You will need to transfer money from another account, mail a check, or use a partner ATM network to add cash later. If you have no other account to transfer from, you may need to visit a branch or use a mobile check deposit once your account is open.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks and credit unions let you open a checking account on their website in under 20 minutes using your phone or computer.
- You will need a government ID, your Social Security number, proof of your address, and a way to make your first deposit — usually a transfer from another bank account.
- Identity verification happens when ready for some banks and takes a few hours to a few days for others, depending on the bank's process.
- You cannot deposit physical cash during the online opening process, but you can add cash later through ATMs, partner locations, or by visiting a branch.
- Some banks have minimum opening deposits (often $0 to $25), while others have none; check the bank's website before you start.
What documents and information you need before you start
Gather these items before you open your browser. Having them ready cuts the process from 20 minutes to 10.
Government-issued ID: A driver's license, passport, or state ID. The bank will ask you to enter the number and expiration date, and some banks photograph it or ask you to upload an image. Make sure the ID is current — expired IDs are usually rejected.
Social Security number: Banks use this to check your credit history and comply with federal law. You will type it in during the process.
Proof of address: A recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your name and current address. It usually needs to be from the last 60 to 90 days. Some banks skip this step if they can verify your address another way.
Initial deposit information: If you are transferring money from another bank account, you will need the routing number and account number from that account. If you are mailing a check, the bank will give you a deposit address after your account opens. Some banks waive the opening deposit entirely.
Your phone number and email: Banks use these to send verification codes and account information. Make sure you have access to both during the process.
The step-by-step process at most banks
The exact order varies slightly by bank, but the flow is almost always the same.
Step 1: Go to the bank's website and find the "Open an Account" button. This is usually on the homepage or under a menu labeled "Accounts" or "Products." Some banks have a separate link for online-only accounts versus branch accounts — read the label carefully, because the requirements can differ.
Step 2: Choose your account type. Most banks offer a basic checking account and may also offer premium versions with higher fees but more perks. Pick the one that matches what you need. You can always change later.
Step 3: Enter your personal information. Name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. The bank will ask you to create a username and password for online banking. Write these down or use a password manager — you will need them when ready after opening.
Step 4: Verify your identity. This is where the process splits depending on the bank. Some banks use when ready verification: they check your information against databases they subscribe to and tell you within seconds whether you passed. Others send a code to your phone or email that you type back in. A small number of banks ask you to upload a photo of your ID or mail in a copy. Ask which method the bank uses before you start, especially if you do not have a phone that receives texts.
Step 5: Set up your initial deposit. If you are transferring from another account, enter the routing and account numbers. If you are mailing a check, the bank will show you the address after you finish. If you are not depositing anything yet, skip this step — you can add money later.
Step 6: Review and confirm. Read through everything you entered. Banks show you a summary page before the account is created. Check that your name, address, and account type are correct. Once you hit "confirm" or "submit," the account is usually created when ready or within one business day.
Step 7: Set up online banking and your debit card. After your account opens, you will receive an email with instructions to log in. Your debit card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Some banks offer a temporary digital card you can use when ready in the app.
How long identity verification takes and what can slow it down
Identity verification is the only step that varies widely. At banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and most online-only banks, verification is when ready — you enter your information and within 30 seconds you know whether you passed. At traditional banks like Chase and Bank of America, verification usually takes a few hours to a few days because they use additional checks.
Verification can stall if your information does not match what the bank's databases show. Common reasons include a recent move (your address on file is old), a recent name change, or a typo in your Social Security number. If verification fails, the bank will tell you and usually offer a backup method — uploading your ID, mailing a copy, or calling a phone number to verify by voice.
If you are under 18, verification takes longer because banks have extra legal requirements. Some banks do not open accounts for minors online at all and require a parent or guardian to visit a branch. Check the bank's website first if this applies to you.
When you cannot deposit cash and what to do instead
The biggest limitation of opening online is that you cannot hand over cash during the process. Your options for adding cash depend on the bank.
Transfer from another account: If you have a savings account, another checking account, or an account at a different bank, you can transfer money online. This is the fastest and most common method. The transfer usually takes one to three business days.
Mobile check deposit: Once your account is open, you can photograph a check with your phone and deposit it through the bank's app. This works for checks made out to you. The check must be endorsed on the back, and the bank will hold it for a few days before the money is available.
ATM deposits: Some banks have ATMs that accept cash deposits. If the bank is part of a network like Allpoint or MoneyPass, you may be able to deposit at partner ATMs. Check the bank's website to see whether this option is available and where the nearest ATM is.
Visit a branch: If the bank has physical locations, you can walk in with cash and deposit it after your account is open. This defeats the purpose of opening online, but it is an option if you need cash in your account when ready.
Mail a check: The bank will give you a mailing address during the opening process. You can mail a check, but it takes 7 to 14 days to clear.
Which banks let you open online and what to compare
Nearly every bank and credit union now offers online account opening. The differences are in speed, minimum deposits, and fees.
| Bank Type | Identity Verification Speed | Typical Minimum Deposit | Monthly Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online-only banks (Ally, Charles Schwab, Discover) | when ready (30 seconds to 5 minutes) | $0 to $25 | $0 to $10 | Fast opening, low fees, no branch visits |
| Traditional banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo) | A few hours to a few days | $0 to $100 | $10 to $15 | Branch access, familiar name, more services |
| Credit unions | A few hours to a few days | $0 to $50 | $0 to $10 | Lower fees, member-owned, community focus |
Before you choose, check whether the bank charges a monthly fee and what you need to do to waive it. Many banks waive fees if you keep a minimum balance (often $500 to $1,500) or set up direct deposit. If you cannot meet those conditions, look for a bank that charges no fee at all.
Also check the bank's ATM network. If you travel or live far from branches, a large ATM network or fee reimbursement for out-of-network ATMs matters more than it sounds.
What happens after your account opens
Your account is live, but you are not done yet. Here is what to expect in the days after opening.
You can log in when ready. After your account is created, you will receive an email with instructions to log in to online banking. You can check your balance, set up bill pay, and transfer money right away. Do not wait for your debit card to arrive.
Your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. The bank will mail it to the address you provided. Some banks offer a temporary digital card in their app that you can use to make purchases online or in stores while you wait for the physical card.
Set up direct deposit if you have it. If your employer or a government agency deposits money into your account, you will need to provide your new account and routing numbers. This usually takes one pay period to start working.
Link other accounts if you want to. You can connect external accounts (savings, investment, or accounts at other banks) to move money between them. The bank will ask you to verify the external account by depositing small amounts or entering information. This takes a few days.
set up your debit card when it arrives. Most banks require you to set up the card through the app or a phone number before you can use it. The bank will send instructions with the card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a checking account online if I have bad credit?
Yes. Banks do not check your credit score to open a checking account. They may check ChexSystems, a banking history database, to see whether you have unpaid overdrafts or fraud on past accounts. If you have a history of overdrafts, some banks will decline you, but many will not. Ask the bank whether they use ChexSystems before you start.
What if the bank rejects my identity verification?
The bank will tell you why and offer an alternative method. Common reasons are a recent move, a typo, or a name mismatch. You can usually upload a photo of your ID, mail in a copy, or call to verify by phone. This adds a few days to a week, but you will still open online — you just will not be when ready.
Do I need a minimum deposit to open an account online?
Most banks do not require a minimum deposit anymore, but some ask for $25 to $100. Check the bank's website before you start. If you cannot make a deposit right away, look for a bank that says "no minimum deposit required."
Can I use a temporary ID or expired ID to open an account?
Most banks require a current, unexpired government ID. A temporary ID issued by your state usually works, but an expired ID does not. If your ID is expired, renew it before you start the process.
What if I do not have a phone number to receive verification codes?
Call the bank before you start and ask whether they offer an email-only verification option or a backup method. Some banks will verify you by mailing a code or calling you instead of texting.