Which banks let you open a checking account online

Most large banks and many smaller ones now let you open a checking account entirely online. The process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes and requires an email address, Social Security number, and a way to verify your identity—typically a government ID photo and a quick video call, or answers to questions based on your credit history.

The banks that offer full online account opening include Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, US Bank, and Capital One 360. Regional banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover also handle the entire process online. Credit unions vary widely—some let you open online, others require you to visit a branch or mail in documents, so you'll need to check your specific credit union's process.

The main difference between banks is not whether they offer online opening, but what they require to verify you and what they charge afterward. Some banks waive monthly fees if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Others charge a monthly fee regardless. A few have no monthly fee at all.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, US Bank, Capital One 360, Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover all allow you to open a checking account online from start to finish.
  • Online account opening typically requires a government-issued ID, your Social Security number, and either a video call or answers to identity verification questions.
  • The entire process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes, and your account number arrives by email or in the app within hours or the next business day.
  • Monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and direct deposit incentives vary by bank, so comparing fee structures matters more than the speed of opening.
  • Credit unions do not all offer online opening—contact yours directly to learn whether you can open online or must visit a branch.

What you need to have ready before you start

Before you begin the online process, gather a government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You'll also need your Social Security number and a current email address. Some banks ask for a phone number as well.

Have your employment information available if the bank asks for it, though most do not require this during the initial opening. If you plan to set up direct deposit right away, you'll want your employer's routing number or your pay stub handy, but you can add direct deposit after the account opens.

If you're opening the account on a mobile phone, make sure your device has a working camera for the video verification step. If you're on a computer, you may be able to use your phone's camera instead. Check your internet connection before you start—a weak connection can interrupt the process.

The identity verification step and how it works

Banks verify your identity in one of two ways: a live video call with a representative, or automated questions based on your credit history. The video call method is faster and more straightforward. You'll hold your ID up to the camera, the representative checks it matches your face, and you're done in a few minutes.

The automated method asks you questions like "Which of these addresses have you lived at?" or "Which car have you owned?" based on public records and credit bureau data. You answer multiple-choice questions, usually 5 to 10 of them. This method takes longer—sometimes 10 to 15 minutes—but requires no phone call.

If you fail the automated verification, most banks offer a second chance with a video call instead. If you pass, the bank sends your account number and login credentials to your email within minutes or by the next business day. You can usually start using the account when ready through the mobile app or online banking portal, even if your debit card hasn't arrived yet.

Banks with no monthly fees versus those that charge

Capital One 360, Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover offer checking accounts with no monthly maintenance fee, no minimum balance requirement, and no strings attached. These are genuinely free accounts. The trade-off is that these banks have no physical branches—all banking happens online or through ATM networks.

Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank charge a monthly fee (typically $12 to $15) unless you meet one of their conditions. Common ways to waive the fee include setting up direct deposit of at least $500 per month, maintaining a minimum balance (usually $1,500 to $2,500), or keeping a linked savings account open. Some banks waive the fee for students or people under 25.

Before you open an account, read the fee schedule on the bank's website. The monthly fee matters more than the speed of opening—a free account you keep for years saves more money than a quick opening at a bank that charges $15 every month.

How long it takes to use your new account

Once you complete the online process and pass identity verification, you can usually access your account within hours. Most banks send your account number and temporary login credentials to your email when ready or within a few hours. You can log into the mobile app or website right away and see your account balance (which starts at zero).

Transferring money into your new account takes longer. If you transfer from another bank account you own, the transfer usually takes 1 to 3 business days. If you set up direct deposit from your employer, the first deposit arrives on your next regular pay date. If you want to deposit a check, you can use mobile check deposit through the app, which takes 1 to 2 business days to clear.

Your physical debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Most banks let you use a temporary digital card in Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay while you wait for the physical card. Some banks also let you request an expedited card for a small fee, usually $10 to $15.

What happens if the bank declines your online process

Banks decline online applications for a few reasons: identity verification fails, your Social Security number doesn't match public records, or you have a history with ChexSystems (a banking history report that flags closed accounts with unpaid fees or fraud). If this happens, the bank usually sends you an email explaining why and offering next steps.

Some banks let you reapply with a video call instead of automated verification. Others require you to visit a branch in person with your ID and Social Security card. A few banks will not open an account for you at all if you're flagged in ChexSystems, though you can request a copy of your ChexSystems report and dispute errors.

If one bank declines you, try another. Different banks use different verification methods and have different policies about ChexSystems flags. A bank that declined you might accept you if you reapply after 30 days, or a different bank might accept you when ready.

Comparing online banks versus traditional banks with branches

Online-only banks (Ally, Capital One 360, Charles Schwab, Discover) have no monthly fees and often pay higher interest on savings accounts. The downside is no physical branch—you cannot walk in to deposit cash or speak to someone in person. You deposit checks through your phone camera and withdraw cash at ATMs.

Traditional banks with branches (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo) charge monthly fees unless you meet their conditions, but you can visit a branch to deposit cash, get a cashier's check, or speak to someone face-to-face. Some people value this convenience enough to pay the monthly fee. Others find they never use the branch and switch to an online bank to save money.

A middle ground exists: some regional banks and credit unions offer online account opening, no monthly fees, and a few physical locations. These vary by region, so search for "banks near me" or ask your current bank whether they offer online opening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a checking account online if I don't have a government ID?

Most banks require a government-issued photo ID to open an account online. If you don't have one, you'll need to visit a branch in person with alternative documents like a passport, state ID, or tribal ID. Some banks accept a combination of documents, so call ahead before you visit.

What if I fail the identity verification video call?

If the bank cannot verify your identity on the video call, they usually offer a second attempt or ask you to visit a branch in person. Bring your ID and Social Security card to the branch. The in-person verification is more thorough but takes longer.

Do I need direct deposit to open an account online?

No. Direct deposit is optional. You can open an account online without it and transfer money from another bank account, deposit checks through your phone, or deposit cash at an ATM. Direct deposit is useful for waiving monthly fees at some banks, but it's not required to open the account.

Can I open multiple checking accounts at the same bank online?

Yes, most banks let you open multiple accounts online once you have one account open. You can usually do this through your online banking portal without repeating the full identity verification process. Some banks limit the number of accounts you can open in a certain time period, so check their policy.

How do I know if my credit union allows online account opening?

Visit your credit union's website and look for "open an account" or "membership" information. If the website doesn't clearly state whether you can open online, call the credit union directly. Many credit unions still require you to visit a branch or mail in documents, even if they have a website.