Yes, you can open a checking account entirely online, but not with every bank
Most large banks and many smaller ones let you open a checking account from your computer or phone without visiting a branch. The process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. You will need a valid government ID, a Social Security number, proof of address, and an initial deposit (which varies by bank—some require $0, others $25 or more).
The catch: some banks still require you to verify your identity in person or by video call, and a few regional banks do not offer online opening at all. If you are under 18, have no credit history, or are opening an account from outside the United States, the process gets more complicated and may require a branch visit or a co-signer.
The banks most likely to let you open online without extra steps are the large national ones—Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank—and online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Chime. Credit unions vary widely; some open accounts online, others do not.
Key Takeaways
- Most national banks and online-only banks let you open a checking account online in 10 to 20 minutes with an ID, Social Security number, and proof of address.
- Some banks require video verification of your identity or a branch visit, even if they advertise online opening.
- Initial deposit requirements range from $0 to $500 depending on the bank and account type.
- If you are under 18, have no credit history, or live outside the US, you may need to visit a branch or have a co-signer.
- Credit unions and smaller regional banks are less likely to offer online opening; call ahead to confirm.
What you need to have ready before you start
Gather these items before you begin the online process. You will need them to complete the process without stopping:
- A valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card)
- Your Social Security number
- Proof of your current address (a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days)
- A debit card or bank account to make the initial deposit (if the bank requires one)
- Your phone number and email address
Some banks will ask for your employment information or annual income. This is not a credit check—they are verifying your identity and assessing risk. You do not need a job to open an account, but you may need to list "unemployed" or "student" as your status.
If you do not have a proof-of-address document, some banks will accept a cell phone bill, insurance statement, or government letter. Call the bank's customer service line before you explore to ask what they accept; this saves you from starting the process and hitting a dead end.
The actual steps: what happens from start to finish
The online process follows roughly the same path at most banks, though the exact screens and questions vary.
- Go to the bank's website or app and look for "Open an Account" or "New Checking Account." Do not use a third-party comparison site; go directly to the bank.
- Enter your personal information: name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number. The bank runs this against fraud databases and credit bureaus (a soft pull that does not affect your credit score).
- Verify your identity. Most banks ask you to photograph your ID using your phone camera. Some also ask you to take a selfie to match against the ID photo. A few banks skip this and send a verification code to your email or phone instead.
- Provide proof of address. You may upload a photo of a utility bill or lease, or the bank may verify it using third-party data (like your address on file with the IRS or a utility company).
- Choose your account type and settings: checking only, or checking plus savings; overdraft protection on or off; paperless statements or mailed statements.
- Make an initial deposit (if required). You will provide your debit card or bank account number. The bank transfers the money when ready or within one business day.
- Review and sign. You will see the account agreement and fee schedule. You sign electronically (usually by typing your name or clicking "I agree"). This is a legal signature.
- Receive your account number. The bank shows you your new account number, routing number, and temporary debit card information on screen. You can use these to set up direct deposit or transfers right away.
From step 1 to step 8 usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Some banks issue a temporary card number you can use online when ready.
When the bank asks for a video call or branch visit
If the bank cannot verify your identity through the photo upload, it will ask you to do a video call with a representative. This is not a rejection—it is a standard step for some applicants. The call takes 5 to 10 minutes and happens the same day or the next business day.
During the video call, the representative will ask you to show your ID again, confirm your address, and sometimes ask basic questions about your banking history. They are confirming that you are who you say you are and that you are not opening the account for fraud or money laundering.
A few banks require a branch visit if you cannot complete the video call or if you are under 18. If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or guardian to co-sign the account. Some banks let the co-signer sign online; others require both of you to visit in person.
Banks that make online opening difficult or impossible
Not all banks offer online opening, and some that advertise it have strict limits on who can use it.
Credit unions vary widely. Some, like Connexus Credit Union and Pentagon Federal Credit Union, open accounts online. Others require you to visit a branch or mail in a paper process. If you are interested in a specific credit union, call their main number and ask whether you can open online; do not assume based on their website.
Regional and community banks often do not offer online opening. If you want to bank locally and the bank's website does not have an "Open Online" button, call and ask. Many will mail you an process or schedule a branch appointment.
Banks with strict identity verification may require a video call even for straightforward applications. This is more common at banks that focus on fraud prevention or that serve high-risk customers. The process still happens online, but you cannot skip the video step.
Banks that serve non-US residents are rare. Most US banks require you to have a US address and a US Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). If you are not a US citizen or resident, call ahead; some banks have special processes, but many will turn you away.
What happens if the bank rejects your process
A bank can deny your online process for several reasons: a mismatch between the name on your ID and the name you entered, a fraud flag, or a ChexSystems report (a banking history database that tracks closed accounts and disputes).
If your process is rejected, the bank will send you a letter explaining why. If it is a ChexSystems issue, you have the right to see your report and dispute inaccuracies. You can request your ChexSystems report for free at chexsystems.com.
If you were rejected because of identity verification, you can usually reapply after fixing the issue—for example, if your address did not match, update it and try again. If you were rejected for fraud concerns, you may need to visit a branch in person and bring additional documents like a utility bill or recent tax return.
If one bank rejects you, try another. Online-only banks and credit unions sometimes have different standards. Chime and Varo, for example, are known for opening accounts for people with thin credit histories or ChexSystems records.
Fees and what to watch for
Most banks that let you open online do not charge a monthly fee for basic checking, but some do. Before you finish the process, read the fee schedule. Look for:
- Monthly maintenance fee: usually $0 to $15. Some banks waive it if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.
- Overdraft fees: typically $25 to $35 per overdraft. Some banks let you turn off overdraft protection so you cannot overdraw; others charge a fee if you do.
- Out-of-network ATM fees: usually $2 to $3 per withdrawal. Online banks often reimburse these; traditional banks do not.
- Wire transfer fees: typically $15 to $30 to send money out of state. Receiving wire transfers is usually free.
The fee schedule is part of the account agreement you sign. You can review it before you finish the process and change your mind if the fees are too high.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a checking account online if I do not have a Social Security number?
If you are a US citizen without a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. If you are not a US citizen or resident, most banks will not open an account for you online. Some banks have special processes for non-residents; call ahead to ask.
How long does it take to use my new account after I open it online?
You can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or transfers when ready after you finish the process. Your physical debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Most banks issue a temporary card number you can use for online purchases right away.
What if I make a mistake on my process?
If you catch the mistake before you submit, go back and fix it. If you submit and then notice an error, contact the bank's customer service line right away. Small errors like a typo in your address are usually straightforward to fix. Larger errors like the wrong Social Security number may require you to close the account and start over.
Do I need a minimum deposit to open a checking account online?
It depends on the bank. Many banks, including Ally, Chime, and Charles Schwab, require $0 to open. Others, like Chase and Bank of America, require $25 to $100. Check the bank's website before you explore; the minimum is usually listed on the account details page.
Can I open a checking account online if I have been rejected by a bank before?
Yes. A rejection from one bank does not prevent you from opening at another. If you were rejected because of a ChexSystems record, you can still open at banks that do not use ChexSystems or that have more lenient policies. Chime, Varo, and some credit unions are known for opening accounts for people with banking history issues.