Most banks will not open a full account over the phone alone

You can start the process over the phone with many banks, but you will need to verify your identity in person or through their app before the account becomes active. Some banks let you complete the entire process by phone and video call, but this is less common. The fastest route depends on whether you already bank with them, whether you have a government ID, and which bank you are calling.

If you cannot visit a branch, your realistic options are limited to banks that offer video verification or those where you already have an existing relationship. Traditional banks that require in-person visits will not budge on this, even if you have a good reason for not coming in.

Key Takeaways

  • Most banks require at least one in-person visit or video verification to open an account, even if you complete the process by phone.
  • Online-only banks and some credit unions can open accounts entirely by phone and app, but they verify identity through document upload and digital checks rather than face-to-face meetings.
  • Banks need to see a government-issued ID and proof of address before they will set up your account, whether in person or remotely.
  • If you already have an account at a bank, opening a second account at the same bank is often faster and may require only a phone call.
  • Video call verification is becoming more common but is not yet standard at all banks—call ahead to ask whether your bank offers it.

What banks can do over the phone

A bank representative can take your personal information, Social Security number, and income details over the phone. They can explain account types, fees, and features. They can also tell you what documents you will need to bring or upload. What they cannot do is verify that you are actually the person you claim to be without seeing identification or using a video call.

Some banks will mail you a temporary debit card or checks while your account is pending, but the account itself will not be fully functional until identity verification is complete. You will not be able to deposit checks, transfer money, or set up direct deposit until that step is done.

Banks that can open accounts without a branch visit

Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover have no physical branches, so they open all accounts remotely. They verify your identity by asking you to upload photos of your driver's license or passport and proof of address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement). The process takes a few minutes to a few hours, and your account is usually active the same day.

Credit unions vary widely. Some require membership before you can open an account, and membership itself may require an in-person visit or a sponsor who is already a member. Others let you join and open an account entirely online or by phone. Call your local credit union to ask whether they offer phone or video account opening.

Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo are moving toward video verification but do not yet offer it everywhere. Some branches have video tellers, and some customers can complete the process through the bank's app. Call the specific branch you want to use and ask whether they offer video account opening or whether you must visit in person.

Community banks and smaller regional banks almost always require an in-person visit. They do this partly for security and partly because they do not have the technology infrastructure that larger banks have built.

Documents you will need, whether by phone or video

Every bank will ask for the same core information, regardless of how you open the account. Have these ready before you call:

  • A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card)
  • Your Social Security number
  • Proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement dated within the last 60 days)
  • Your employment status and income (if asked)
  • A phone number and email address where the bank can reach you

If you do not have a government ID, opening an account becomes much harder. Some banks will accept a passport card or a state ID, but a few require a driver's license specifically. If you do not have any of these, ask the bank whether they accept an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead, or whether they have an alternative process.

How video verification works

When a bank offers video verification, you schedule a call with a bank representative who can see you on camera. They ask you to hold up your ID so they can see it clearly, and they may ask you to show proof of address as well. The call usually lasts 5 to 10 minutes. Once they confirm your identity, your account is activated, often within the same day.

Video verification is not the same as a video call with a branch employee. It is usually handled by a specialized team at the bank's main office, not by your local branch. The process is standardized and faster than an in-person visit, but it requires you to have a working camera and microphone on your phone or computer.

If you already bank somewhere

If you already have a checking or savings account at a bank, opening a second account at the same bank is usually much simpler. Many banks let you do this entirely over the phone or through their app, because they have already verified your identity. You may not need to provide documents again or speak to anyone—just log into your app, select "Open a New Account," and choose the type you want.

This is one of the fastest routes if you are trying to avoid a branch visit. Even if the bank normally requires in-person verification for new customers, existing customers often get an exception.

What happens if you cannot visit in person and video is not available

If your bank requires an in-person visit and does not offer video verification, you have a few options. You can ask whether a family member or trusted person can visit the branch on your behalf with a power of attorney document, though many banks will not accept this. You can ask whether the bank will mail you documents to sign and return, though this is slow and not all banks offer it. Or you can switch to a bank that does offer phone or video account opening.

If you are housebound or unable to travel, switching to an online-only bank is usually your most practical option. These banks are designed for people who cannot visit a branch, and the entire process takes place on your phone or computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account over the phone without a video call?

Only if you already have an account at that bank or if the bank is willing to mail you documents to sign and return. Most banks require either a video call or an in-person visit to verify your identity before they will set up a new account. Online-only banks can do this through document upload instead of video.

What if I do not have a government ID?

Some banks will accept a passport, passport card, or state ID card instead of a driver's license. A few banks accept an ITIN if you do not have a Social Security number. Call the bank directly and ask what forms of ID they accept before you try to open an account. If no traditional bank will work, credit unions sometimes have more flexible policies.

How long does it take to open an account by phone?

The phone call itself takes 10 to 20 minutes. If the bank uses video verification, add another 5 to 10 minutes for that call. Your account is usually active within a few hours to one business day. If the bank mails documents, add 5 to 10 business days for mail delivery and processing.

Can I deposit money into an account that is not fully open yet?

No. You cannot deposit, transfer money, or use the account in any way until identity verification is complete and the account is fully activated. Some banks will let you set up direct deposit before the account is active, so your employer can start sending paychecks once it opens, but you cannot move your own money in until then.

Is it safe to give my Social Security number over the phone?

Yes, if you called the bank directly using the number on their official website or your debit card. Do not give your Social Security number to someone who called you first, even if they claim to be from your bank. Banks do not call customers to open accounts—customers call them.