Most banks let you start an account over the phone, but you'll still need to visit in person or use their app to finish
You can open a checking or savings account by calling your bank, but the process stops partway through. Banks will take your basic information — name, address, Social Security number, date of birth — over the phone and may even issue you a temporary account number. What they won't do is complete the account without seeing a government ID or verifying your identity through their app or website.
The reason is federal law. Banks must confirm you are who you say you are before they hand you access to an account. A phone call alone doesn't meet that requirement. So the phone call gets you started, but you'll need to either walk into a branch with your ID, complete verification through the bank's mobile app, or use their online identity verification tool to finish.
Some banks have made this faster than others. A few will let you upload a photo of your ID through their app when ready after the phone call, and your account opens within hours. Others require you to visit a branch in person. The time difference can matter if you need the account quickly.
Key Takeaways
- You can call a bank and provide your personal information to start the account-opening process, but federal law requires identity verification before the account becomes active.
- Most banks will let you complete verification through their mobile app by uploading a photo of your ID, which is usually faster than visiting a branch.
- Some banks finish the process in a few hours after app verification; others may take one to three business days.
- If you don't have a government ID, you may be able to use a passport, state ID, or military ID depending on the bank's rules.
- Online-only banks often have the fastest phone-to-active account process because they handle everything digitally.
How the phone call part works
When you call, the bank's representative will ask for your full name, date of birth, address, Social Security number, and sometimes your phone number and email. They may also ask about your employment or income, though this is less common for basic checking accounts. Have this information ready before you call — it speeds things up and reduces the chance of errors.
The bank will run a background check during or after the call. This check looks at ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, which are databases that track banking history. If you've had accounts closed for overdrafts or fraud, the bank may see that. Some banks will deny you on the spot; others will tell you they'll review your process and call back.
If the bank approves you, they'll give you a temporary account number and may tell you when to expect your debit card. They'll also explain what you need to do next to complete the account — usually uploading an ID through the app or visiting a branch.
Finishing the account through an app or website
This is the fastest route for most people. After the phone call, read the bank's app or log into their website using the temporary account number and a password you create. Look for a section called "Verify Identity," "Complete Your Account," or "Finish Setup."
You'll be asked to take a photo of the front and back of your government ID — usually a driver's license, state ID, or passport. Some banks also ask you to take a selfie so they can match your face to the ID photo. The app will tell you if the photo is clear enough or if you need to retake it.
Once the bank receives and approves your photos, your account becomes active. This can happen within a few hours or take up to one business day, depending on whether a person reviews it or an automated system does. The bank will send you a confirmation email or text.
Finishing the account in person at a branch
If you prefer not to use the app or if the bank requires it, you'll need to visit a branch with your government ID. Bring the ID the bank asked for during the phone call — if they said "driver's license," bring that rather than a passport, unless they said either is fine.
At the branch, a representative will look at your ID, confirm the information matches what you provided on the phone, and set up the account. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You may receive your debit card on the spot, or it will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
If you're opening an account at a bank where you already have a relationship — you've had another account there before — the process may be even faster because they already have your ID on file.
Which banks make this easiest over the phone
Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover typically have the fastest phone-to-active process because they handle everything digitally. You call, provide your information, upload your ID through the app, and the account is ready within hours. There's no branch visit option because they don't have branches.
Large national banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase let you start over the phone, but they usually require a branch visit to finish unless you use their app. The app route is available at most of them, but not all market it clearly during the phone call.
Community banks and credit unions vary widely. Some have robust app-based verification; others still require you to come in. When you call, ask directly: "Can I finish this through your app, or do I need to visit a branch?" This saves you time and tells you whether that bank is a good fit for your situation.
What to have ready before you call
Gather these items before dialing: your Social Security number, a government-issued ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport), your current address, and your phone number. If you're opening a joint account, have the other person's information too.
You may also want to know which type of account you want — checking, savings, or both — and whether you want overdraft protection. The representative can explain these options, but having thought about them beforehand makes the call shorter.
If you've been denied a bank account before, know the reason if you can. Some banks will work with you if you explain what happened; others won't. Knowing this before you call helps you decide whether to try that bank or look elsewhere.
If you don't have a government ID
Some banks will accept a passport, military ID, or tribal ID if you don't have a driver's license or state ID. Call the bank and ask what forms of ID they accept before you explore. If none of those work for you, ask whether they have an alternative verification process — a few banks will verify you through a third-party service or by mailing you a code to enter.
If you're in this situation, online-only banks may be more flexible than traditional banks because they've built their systems around remote verification. It's worth calling a few to compare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit money into the account before I finish the verification step?
No. The account isn't active until you complete identity verification, so you can't deposit money or use the account before that. Once verification is done, you can deposit money through mobile check deposit, a wire transfer, or an ACH transfer from another account.
What happens if the bank rejects my ID photo through the app?
The app will usually tell you why — the photo is blurry, the ID is cut off, or the lighting is poor. Retake the photo and resubmit. If you keep having trouble, contact the bank's customer service and ask whether you can verify in person at a branch instead.
How long does it take to get a debit card after I open the account?
Most banks mail debit cards within 7 to 10 business days after the account is active. Some branches can issue a temporary card on the spot if you visit in person. Online-only banks typically mail cards but may offer a digital wallet option so you can use the account when ready through your phone.
Can I open a joint account over the phone?
Yes, but both account holders usually need to verify their identity. The process is the same as a single account — you both provide information over the phone, and you both complete identity verification through the app or in person. Some banks require both people to be on the same phone call; others let you do it separately.
What if I'm opening an account as a minor?
Most banks require a parent or guardian to be present and provide their ID, whether you're opening over the phone or in person. Some banks have special teen accounts with different rules. Call the bank and ask about their minor account process before you start.