Yes, you can open most types of bank accounts entirely online, but the process and what you'll need varies by bank and account type
Most banks now let you start a checking or savings account from your computer or phone without visiting a branch. You'll provide personal information, verify your identity, and fund the account—all without leaving home. The whole process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes, though some banks take longer to verify your identity or process your initial deposit.
Not every account type works online. Business accounts, certain investment accounts, and accounts at smaller regional banks may require a branch visit or a phone call. If you're opening an account at a bank where you already have a relationship, the process is often faster because they already have your information on file.
Key Takeaways
- Most major banks let you open checking and savings accounts online using a computer or smartphone, with the account ready to use within minutes to a few business days.
- You will need a government-issued ID, a Social Security number or ITIN, proof of address, and an initial deposit amount (which varies by bank, sometimes as low as $0).
- The bank will verify your identity during signup, usually by asking security questions or sending a code to your phone or email.
- Some banks complete the process when ready; others hold your account for one to three business days while they confirm your identity through additional channels.
- Business accounts, certain savings products, and accounts at credit unions or smaller banks may require you to visit a branch or speak with someone by phone.
What you need to have ready before you start
Gather these items before you begin: a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Some banks accept a recent bank statement or credit card statement instead.
You will also need a way to fund the account. Most banks let you link an existing bank account and transfer money, use a debit card, or deposit a check by photo. A few banks require an initial deposit before they set up your account; others let you open it with zero dollars and add money later. Check the specific bank's requirements before you start—this information is usually on their account opening page.
Have your phone or email nearby. Banks use these to send verification codes or links during the signup process, and you'll need to respond quickly to complete your identity check.
The actual steps to open an account online
Go to the bank's website or read their mobile app and look for a button labeled "Open an Account," "get your free guide," or "Sign Up." You will enter your name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. The bank will ask for your Social Security number or ITIN at this stage.
Next comes identity verification. The bank will either ask you security questions (based on your credit history), ask you to photograph your ID, or send a code to your phone or email that you enter to confirm you control that number. Some banks do all three. This step usually takes a few minutes, though a few banks send you a code by mail and ask you to enter it within a week.
You will then choose your account type (checking, savings, or both), set a PIN or password, and review the account terms. At this point, most banks let you fund the account by linking an existing bank account, entering a debit card, or uploading a check image. Some banks skip this step and let you fund it later.
Once you submit, the bank will show you your account number and routing number. You can usually start using the account when ready for transfers and bill pay, though some banks hold new accounts for one to three business days before allowing you to withdraw money or use a debit card.
How long it actually takes from start to finish
The signup itself—filling out forms and verifying your identity—takes 10 to 20 minutes for most people. After that, timing depends on the bank and the verification method they use.
If the bank verifies you when ready using security questions or a code sent to your phone, your account is usually ready within minutes. You can see your account number right away and start moving money. A few banks (often online-only banks) complete the entire process this way.
If the bank uses a photo of your ID or sends a code by mail, expect one to three business days. During this time, your account exists but may be restricted—you can see your account number and set up transfers, but you may not be able to withdraw money or use a debit card until the bank confirms your identity. Some banks lift these restrictions as soon as they verify you; others wait until the next business day.
If you're opening an account at a bank where you already have a relationship, the process is usually faster because the bank already has your information and can verify you more quickly.
What banks require different amounts of information
| Bank Type | What They Usually Need | Typical Verification Method | Time to set up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large national banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo) | ID, SSN, address, phone, email | Security questions or ID photo | Minutes to 1 business day |
| Online-only banks (Ally, Charles Schwab, Discover) | ID, SSN, address, phone, email | Security questions or code by phone | Minutes to a few hours |
| Credit unions | ID, SSN, address, proof of membership or residence | Varies; some require a branch visit or phone call | 1 to 3 business days or longer |
| Regional or smaller banks | ID, SSN, address, sometimes employer info | Varies; some require phone verification | 1 to 3 business days |
When you cannot open an account online and what to do instead
Business accounts almost always require a phone call or branch visit because the bank needs to verify the business structure, ownership, and tax ID. If you're opening a business account, call the bank's business banking line and ask what documents they need (usually an EIN letter, articles of incorporation, and ID for the owner).
Some credit unions and smaller regional banks do not offer full online account opening. If the bank's website does not have an "Open an Account" button, call their main number and ask whether you can open an account by phone or whether you need to visit a branch. Many will walk you through the process over the phone and mail you a card and checks afterward.
If you do not have a government-issued ID, some banks will accept a passport card, tribal ID, or military ID. If you do not have any of these, you will need to visit a branch in person. Bring whatever ID you do have—the bank may be able to work with you.
If you cannot verify your identity online (for example, if your name does not match credit records or if you have no credit history), the bank will usually ask you to visit a branch or provide additional documents by mail. This adds one to two weeks to the process.
What happens if the bank rejects your process
Banks can reject an account opening for several reasons: a mismatch between the name on your ID and the name in their system, a history of overdrafts or fraud at other banks (visible through ChexSystems, a banking history report), or an address that does not match their records.
If your process is rejected, the bank will usually send you a letter explaining why. If it is a name mismatch, you can call the bank and provide additional documents (like a marriage certificate or court order) to prove the name change. If it is a ChexSystems issue, you can request a copy of your report from ChexSystems and dispute any errors.
If one bank rejects you, try another. Online-only banks and credit unions sometimes have different standards than large national banks. Some banks specialize in accounts for people with banking history issues—search for "second chance banking" or "ChexSystems-free banks" to find options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to go to a branch at all, or can I do everything online?
For most checking and savings accounts at major banks, you can do everything online—open the account, verify your identity, and fund it without visiting a branch. Business accounts and some specialty accounts require a phone call or branch visit, but basic personal accounts do not.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
If you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), most banks will accept it instead of a Social Security number. If you do not have either, you will need to visit a branch in person and bring your passport or other government ID. Some banks can still open an account for you, but the process takes longer.
Can I use a temporary or expired ID to open an account online?
Most banks require a current, non-expired government-issued ID. A temporary ID usually does not work. If your ID is expired, renew it first—you can often do this online through your state's DMV website and receive a temporary digital ID while you wait for the physical one.
What if the bank asks me to verify my identity by mail and I need the account right away?
Call the bank and ask whether they can verify you by phone instead, or whether you can visit a branch to speed up the process. Some banks will do this if you explain the urgency. If not, you may need to open an account at a different bank that verifies you when ready.
Can I open an account if I have been rejected by ChexSystems before?
Yes. Request your ChexSystems report and dispute any errors. Even with a negative history, you can open an account at banks that do not use ChexSystems or that specialize in second-chance banking. Online-only banks and some credit unions are more flexible than large national banks.