Yes, you can open most bank accounts entirely online, but the process and what you 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. The process typically takes 10 to 20 minutes. You'll provide personal information, verify your identity, and link a funding source — usually a debit card or another bank account to make your first deposit.

Not every account type works online. Some banks still require you to visit a branch for certain products, like business accounts or accounts for minors. And some banks won't open an account for you at all if you don't pass their verification checks or if you have a history with ChexSystems, a banking record system that tracks closed accounts and fraud.

Key Takeaways

  • Most major banks and many smaller ones let you open a checking or savings account online in under 20 minutes using a computer or phone.
  • You will need a government-issued ID, a Social Security number or ITIN, proof of your current address, and a way to fund the account (debit card or existing bank account).
  • The bank will verify your identity during signup, usually by asking security questions or sending a code to your phone or email.
  • Some account types — business accounts, accounts for people under 18, and accounts requiring a minimum deposit — may still require a branch visit or phone call.
  • If a bank rejects you, it may be because of ChexSystems, a record of unpaid fees or fraud, or because you don't meet the bank's minimum requirements.

What you need to have ready before you start

Gather these items before you begin the online signup. You'll need a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The name on your ID must match the name you use to open the account.

You'll also need your Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). The bank uses this to check your identity and to report interest earned on the account to the IRS. Have your current address ready — the one on your ID if it's current, or your actual address if you've moved recently. Some banks ask for both.

Finally, prepare a way to fund the account. This is usually a debit card from another bank, a credit card, or an account number and routing number from an existing bank account. Some banks let you skip this step and fund the account later, but most want to see money move into the new account right away to confirm it's real.

The actual steps: from start to account number

Go to the bank's website or open their mobile app and look for a button that says "Open an Account" or "Sign Up." This takes you to their online form. You'll enter your name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email address. The form usually asks what type of account you want — checking, savings, or both.

Next comes identity verification. The bank will ask you to upload a photo of your ID or take a photo of yourself holding it. Some banks use software that compares your face to your ID photo. Others ask security questions based on your credit history — things like "Which of these addresses have you lived at?" or "Which car have you owned?" Answer honestly. Wrong answers trigger a manual review that can delay your account opening by a day or two.

Once the bank confirms your identity, you'll set up login credentials — usually a username and password, sometimes with a PIN. Then you'll link your funding source. If you're using a debit card, enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV. If you're using another bank account, enter the routing number and account number. The bank will make a small deposit (usually $0.01 to $1.00) to that account to confirm you own it. You may need to log into that account and confirm the deposit amount to complete the link.

After funding is confirmed, your account opens. You'll see your new account number, routing number, and other details on screen. Write these down or take a screenshot. Some banks email this information, but not always when ready.

Timeline: when your account is actually usable

Your account number appears on screen the moment you finish signup, but "usable" depends on what you want to do. If you want to receive a direct deposit or wire transfer, you can give out your account number and routing number right away — most deposits land within one to two business days.

If you want to order a debit card, that usually takes 5 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. Some banks offer a temporary digital card you can use when ready in Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay while you wait for the physical card.

Writing checks is slower. You can request a checkbook during signup, but it takes 7 to 14 business days to arrive. Some banks let you order checks from a third party (like Deluxe or Costco) and have them arrive faster.

If you funded the account with a debit card, that money usually appears within one business day. If you linked another bank account, the transfer takes 1 to 3 business days depending on both banks' processing speeds.

Banks that make online account opening straightforward versus those that don't

Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all let you open checking and savings accounts online. The process is straightforward, and identity verification usually happens in real time. You'll have an account number within minutes.

Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover are built for online signup — it's their only option. These banks often have no monthly fees and higher interest rates on savings, but they have no physical branches if you need to deposit cash or talk to someone in person.

Credit unions vary. Some, like Connexus and Connexus-affiliated credit unions, let you open accounts online. Others require you to visit a branch or be a member of a specific employer or organization first. Check your credit union's website or call them to ask.

Community banks and smaller regional banks are split. Some have built online signup. Others haven't and still require a branch visit. Call ahead or check their website before you try.

Why a bank might reject you online and what to do next

If the bank denies your online process, they usually give a reason — or at least a category. The most common reason is ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking history. If you left a previous bank with unpaid fees, wrote bad checks, or had fraud on an account, ChexSystems records it. Some banks won't open an account for anyone in ChexSystems. Others will, but only after a waiting period or with a higher minimum deposit.

You can check your own ChexSystems report for free at chexsystems.com. If there's an error, you can dispute it. If the record is accurate, you may need to wait — most negative items fall off after five years — or look for a bank that accepts ChexSystems applicants. Some banks specifically market themselves as "second chance" banks and will work with you even if you have a ChexSystems record.

Other rejection reasons include a mismatch between your ID and the information you entered, an address that doesn't verify, or a Social Security number that doesn't match government records. If this happens, try again with exact information, or call the bank's customer service line to ask what went wrong. They can sometimes override the system or walk you through a manual process.

If you can't open an account at a traditional bank, look into second chance banking programs or prepaid cards. Prepaid cards don't require a bank account and don't use ChexSystems. They work like debit cards but are funded upfront. They're not the same as a bank account — you don't earn interest and you may pay monthly fees — but they let you receive direct deposits and pay bills online.

What happens if you need to verify your identity in person

Some banks require you to verify your identity at a branch even if you started online. This usually happens if the bank's automated checks can't confirm who you are — for example, if your address doesn't match government records or if you're opening an account for the first time and have no credit history.

If this is required, the bank will tell you during signup. You'll need to visit a branch with your government ID and sometimes a second form of ID or proof of address. Bring a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement as proof of address. The process takes about 10 minutes. After the branch verifies you, your account fully activates.

Some banks let you schedule an appointment online. Others have you just walk in. Check the bank's website or call the branch to ask what they need before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account online if I don't have a Social Security number?

Yes, if you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). ITINs are issued by the IRS to people who don't have a Social Security number but need to file taxes or open financial accounts. You'll need to provide your ITIN instead of a Social Security number during signup. Not all banks accept ITINs, so call ahead to confirm.

Do I have to fund the account when ready when I open it online?

Most banks require you to make an initial deposit during signup, but some let you open the account and fund it later. Check the bank's website or the signup form to see if funding is optional. If it is, you can usually fund the account within a few days without penalty.

What if I'm under 18 — can I open an account online?

Some banks let minors open accounts online with a parent or guardian, but many still require a branch visit. The adult usually has to be present or sign documents. Check the bank's website for their policy on minor accounts, or call customer service to ask whether you can start online.

How long does it take to get a debit card after I open my account online?

Physical debit cards usually arrive in 5 to 10 business days by mail. Many banks now offer a digital card you can add to your phone when ready and use to pay online or in stores while you wait for the physical card.

Can I open multiple accounts at the same bank online?

Yes. Once your first account is open and verified, you can usually open additional accounts (checking, savings, money market) online without going through full identity verification again. Log into your account and look for an option to "Add Account" or "Open Another Account."