Yes, you can open most bank accounts entirely online, but the process and what you need depends on the bank and the account type
Most banks now let you start a checking or savings account from your computer or phone without visiting a branch. You fill out an process, 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 who you are.
Not every account type works online. Business accounts, trust accounts, and accounts for minors typically require a visit to a branch or a phone call with a banker. If you need a basic personal checking or savings account, online is almost always an option.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks let you open checking and savings accounts online using your computer or phone, with verification happening the same day or within 24 hours.
- You will need a valid government ID, a Social Security number or tax ID, and proof of your current address to complete the process.
- Banks verify your identity by asking security questions about your credit history, by video call, or by sending a code to your phone—the method varies by bank.
- Funding your new account can happen when ready if you link an existing bank account, or take several business days if you mail a check or use a wire transfer.
- Some banks charge monthly fees or require a minimum balance; reading the fee schedule before you finish the process saves frustration later.
What you need before you start
Have these items ready before you open your browser: a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number, and a current address. The bank will ask for your address during the process, and some banks verify it by checking public records or asking you to confirm details about your current or past addresses.
If you do not have a Social Security number, some banks accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Call the bank's customer service line before you start the process to confirm they accept ITIN, because not all do.
You will also need a way to fund the account. The fastest method is linking an existing bank account so the bank can move money electronically. If you do not have another account, you can mail a check, use a wire transfer, or deposit cash at an ATM if the bank has one near you.
How banks verify your identity online
Banks cannot hand you a form and take your word for it, so they verify who you are before opening the account. The method depends on the bank. Some ask security questions based on your credit history—questions like "Which of these addresses did you live at in 2019?" or "Which lender issued your auto loan?" You answer from multiple choice options, and if you get most of them right, the bank knows it is really you.
Other banks use video verification: you take a photo of your ID, hold it up to your camera, and a person or automated system checks that the photo matches your face. A few banks send a code to your phone or email and ask you to enter it into the process.
If the bank cannot verify you online—because your credit history is too thin, or because you moved recently and records have not caught up—they may ask you to visit a branch, mail in a copy of your ID, or call a banker to finish the process by phone. This usually adds a few days.
The process itself: what the bank asks
The online form asks for your name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number. You will also see questions about your employment (whether you work, and if so, what you do), your annual income range, and whether you have had accounts closed by a bank before. These questions help the bank assess risk, but answering them does not disqualify you from opening the account.
You will also choose which account type you want—checking, savings, or both—and review the fee schedule. This is the moment to read what the bank charges: monthly maintenance fees (usually $0 to $15), overdraft fees (usually $25 to $35 per overdraft), and whether there is a minimum balance requirement. If the fees are too high, close the browser and try a different bank instead of discovering them after the account is open.
At the end, you will see the account agreement and privacy policy. You do not need to read every word, but skim the sections on fees, overdrafts, and how the bank handles your data. Clicking "agree" means you have read it.
From process to usable account: the timeline
Once you submit the process, the bank verifies your identity. If you pass the security questions or video verification when ready, the account opens the same day. You can usually see the account number and routing number within minutes, which means you can set up direct deposit or link the account to other services right away.
Funding the account is separate from opening it. If you link an existing bank account and transfer money, the transfer usually clears within one to three business days. If you mail a check, it takes five to ten business days. If you use a wire transfer, it can arrive the same day or the next business day, but wire transfers usually cost $15 to $25.
Some banks issue a debit card automatically, but it arrives by mail in five to ten business days. If you need to spend money before the card arrives, you can use the account number to set up online bill pay, or use your phone's mobile wallet if the bank supports it.
Banks that make online account opening straightforward
Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all let you open checking and savings accounts online. Credit unions often do too, though some require you to visit a branch or have a sponsor who is already a member. Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, and Discover Bank were built for online account opening and have no branches at all.
The differences between them matter: national banks often charge monthly fees ($12 to $15) unless you meet balance or direct deposit requirements. Online-only banks usually charge no monthly fee. Credit unions sometimes charge fees too, but often waive them if you maintain a small balance or set up direct deposit.
If you are comparing banks, check whether they charge a monthly fee, what the overdraft fee is, and whether they offer a debit card with no annual fee. These three things affect how much the account costs you over a year.
What happens if the bank cannot verify you online
If the bank's security questions do not match your credit history, or if you are new to the country and have no U.S. credit file, the online process will stop and ask you to verify yourself another way. The bank will usually offer three options: visit a branch in person, mail a copy of your ID and proof of address, or call a banker to complete the process by phone.
Visiting a branch is fastest—you bring your ID and proof of address, and the banker opens the account while you wait. Mailing documents takes five to ten business days. Calling a banker usually takes a few days to schedule, but the banker can often open the account during the call and mail your debit card afterward.
If you cannot do any of these, some banks will close your process. If that happens, try a different bank—not all banks use the same verification system, and one that cannot verify you might be able to verify you at another bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an existing bank account to open one online?
No. You can fund a new account by mailing a check, using a wire transfer, or depositing cash at an ATM. Linking an existing account is the fastest method, but not required. If you have no other account, tell the bank during the process and they will show you other funding options.
Can I open a business account online?
Most banks require you to visit a branch or speak with a banker by phone to open a business account, because they need to verify the business exists and that you are authorized to open the account. Some online-only banks offer business accounts online, but they are less common than personal accounts.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
Some banks accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Call the bank before you start the process to confirm they accept ITIN. If they do not, try a credit union or a different bank—policies vary.
How long does it take to get a debit card after I open the account?
Most banks mail the debit card within five to ten business days. Some banks let you use a temporary card number in their app while you wait for the physical card. Check whether the bank offers this before you open the account if you need to spend money when ready.
Can I open an account if I have been denied before?
Yes. Banks check whether you have had accounts closed due to fraud or unpaid fees, but a past closure does not automatically disqualify you. Different banks have different policies. If one bank denies you, try another—some are more willing to work with people who have had problems before.