Which banks let you open a checking account entirely online

Most large national banks now let you start a checking account online without visiting a branch. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank all have online account opening. So do most regional banks and nearly all online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, Discover, and Chime. Credit unions vary — some let you open online, others require you to visit in person or mail in a form.

The process is usually the same across banks: you provide your name, address, Social Security number, and initial deposit information, then verify your identity through a video call or by answering security questions based on your credit history. Most accounts are active within one to three business days. Some banks let you use the account when ready with a temporary debit card number while your physical card arrives.

The real difference is not whether you can open online, but what the account costs, what it pays you, and what it requires. A bank that lets you open online but charges monthly fees or requires a minimum balance may cost you more than one that does not.

Key Takeaways

  • All major national banks and most regional banks now let you open a checking account online without visiting a branch in person.
  • Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Chime typically have lower fees and no minimum balance requirements than traditional banks.
  • Credit unions vary widely — some allow full online opening, while others require an in-person visit or mailed paperwork to complete the process.
  • The fastest accounts are usually active within one to three business days, though some banks let you start using the account when ready with a temporary card number.
  • Monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and interest rates differ significantly between banks, so comparing those details matters more than which bank offers online opening.

National banks with full online account opening

Chase lets you open most checking accounts online in about 10 minutes. You need a Social Security number, a valid ID, and an initial deposit (usually $25 minimum, though some accounts require more). Chase verifies your identity by asking questions based on your credit report. Your account is typically ready to use within one business day, and you can use a temporary card number when ready.

Bank of America requires an initial deposit of $100 for most checking accounts and takes you through a similar online process. Identity verification happens through security questions or a video call. Your account opens within one to two business days. Bank of America charges a $12 monthly maintenance fee on most accounts unless you meet balance or direct deposit requirements.

Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank all offer online opening with similar timelines and verification methods. Wells Fargo requires a $25 minimum deposit. Citibank requires $100. US Bank varies by account type. All three charge monthly fees unless you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.

Online-only banks with no branches

Online-only banks have no physical locations, so they open accounts entirely through their websites or apps. Ally Bank has no monthly fees, no minimum balance, and pays interest on checking balances. Opening takes about 10 minutes. Charles Schwab also has no fees or minimums and reimburses ATM fees worldwide, which matters if you travel or live far from ATMs. Discover Bank offers similar terms — no fees, no minimums, and interest on your balance.

Chime and Varo are fintech accounts that work like checking accounts but are technically held at partner banks. Both have no fees, no minimums, and let you access your paycheck up to two days early if you set up direct deposit. Opening is fast — usually when ready or within hours. Both issue debit cards that arrive within one to two weeks.

The trade-off with online-only banks is that you cannot deposit cash in person. You deposit by transferring from another bank account, using mobile check deposit, or having your paycheck deposited directly. If you need to deposit cash regularly, a traditional bank or credit union with branches is more practical.

Credit unions and how their online opening works

Credit unions are member-owned and often have stricter membership rules than banks. Some let you open a checking account online if you meet their membership criteria (which might be living in a certain county, working for a certain employer, or belonging to a certain organization). Others require you to visit a branch in person or mail in a membership process before you can open an account.

The best way to find out is to search for credit unions in your area using CO-OP Network or Shared Branch locators, which show you which credit unions you can join. Once you know which ones accept you, visit their websites to see if they offer online account opening. Many do, but the process varies. Some credit unions open accounts when ready online; others mail you a form to sign and return.

Credit unions typically have lower fees and higher interest rates on savings than banks, but they may have fewer ATMs and branches. If you already belong to a credit union, opening a checking account there is usually simpler than switching to a bank.

What you need to have ready before you start

Most banks ask for the same information during online opening. Have your Social Security number, a valid government-issued ID (driver's license or passport), your current address, and your phone number ready. Some banks also ask for your employment information and income level, though this is optional on most accounts.

You will also need to decide on your initial deposit amount and how you want to fund it. Most banks let you transfer money from another bank account, which takes one to three business days. Some let you mail a check or use a debit card to fund the account when ready. A few let you start with zero dollars and deposit later, though this is less common.

If you do not have a government-issued ID or Social Security number, some banks have alternative processes, but they usually require an in-person visit. Call the bank's customer service line before you start to ask what documents you can use instead.

How long it actually takes from start to finish

The online process itself takes 10 to 20 minutes. Identity verification — whether through security questions, a video call, or a credit report check — usually happens when ready or within a few hours. Your account number and routing number are typically available within one business day, which means you can set up direct deposit or transfers right away.

Your physical debit card takes longer. Most banks mail cards within one to two weeks. Some banks (Chase, Bank of America, Ally) let you use a temporary card number for online purchases or ATM withdrawals while you wait for the physical card. A few banks (Chime, Varo) let you order a card through their app and have it arrive faster.

If you need to deposit cash before your card arrives, you will need access to a branch (for traditional banks) or a partner ATM (for online banks). Plan for this if you are switching banks and need when ready access to cash.

Banks that make it harder: fees, minimums, and requirements

Not all online checking accounts are equal. Bank of America charges $12 per month unless you maintain a $1,500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit of at least $250 per month. Wells Fargo charges $10 per month under similar conditions. Citibank charges $10 per month unless you maintain a $1,500 balance or have a linked savings account with $5,000.

These fees add up. If you cannot meet the balance or direct deposit requirement, you will pay $120 to $144 per year just to keep the account open. Online-only banks like Ally, Discover, and Charles Schwab have zero monthly fees and zero minimums, which makes them cheaper if you do not maintain a large balance.

Some banks also charge fees for things like overdrafts, out-of-network ATM use, or paper statements. Before you open an account, look at the fee schedule on the bank's website. The cheapest account to open is not always the cheapest account to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most banks require a Social Security number for identity verification and tax reporting. If you do not have one, call the bank before you start. Some banks accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, but you will likely need to visit a branch in person or mail in additional documents to verify your identity.

What happens if the bank rejects my online process?

Banks usually reject applications because of identity verification issues, a history of unpaid bank fees, or a ChexSystems report (a banking history database). If your process is rejected, the bank will tell you why. You can dispute inaccurate information on your ChexSystems report or try a different bank that has less strict approval standards, like an online-only bank or credit union.

Do I need an existing bank account to open a new one online?

No. You can fund your new account by mailing a check or using a debit card from another financial institution. Some banks let you start with zero dollars and deposit later. If you have no other way to fund the account, visit a branch in person and ask if they can help you deposit cash to open the account.

Can I use a temporary address or PO box when opening an account online?

Banks require a physical street address for verification and mailing your debit card. A PO box will not work. If you do not have a permanent address, some banks accept a shelter address or a relative's address. Call the bank's customer service line to ask what they accept in your situation.

Which online bank is fastest to open?

Chime and Varo are typically the fastest — your account can be open and usable within minutes. Charles Schwab and Ally are also very fast, usually within a few hours. Traditional banks like Chase and Bank of America take one to two business days because they do more thorough identity verification.