Yes, you can open many bank accounts entirely online without visiting a branch

Most banks and credit unions now let you start an account from your computer or phone. You upload a photo of your ID, answer questions about yourself, and link a funding source — usually a debit card or another bank account. The whole process typically takes 10 to 20 minutes. Your account number and routing number arrive by email or text, often within hours, though some banks take one to two business days to fully set up your account.

Online-only banks (sometimes called digital banks) like Chime, Ally, and Marcus exist only on the internet and have no physical branches. Traditional banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo also let you open accounts online, even if they have branches near you. Credit unions vary — some let you open online, others require you to visit in person or mail in paperwork. The easiest way to know is to visit the bank's website and look for an "Open an Account" button.

Key Takeaways

  • Most banks let you open a checking or savings account online using a computer or phone, with your account ready to use within hours or a few business days.
  • You will need a valid government ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of your address, and a way to fund the account (a debit card or another bank account).
  • Online-only banks have no physical locations but often charge fewer fees; traditional banks with branches let you deposit cash and speak to someone in person.
  • Some banks verify your identity when ready using your Social Security number and address, while others may ask you to upload photos or wait for a verification call.
  • If you do not have an ID or a prior bank account, you may need to visit a branch or use a second-chance banking program instead.

What documents and information you need before you start

Have these ready before you begin: a valid government-issued ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number, your current address, and a phone number. Banks use this information to verify who you are and check you against fraud databases.

You also need a way to fund your new account — either a debit card from another bank or an existing bank account you can transfer money from. Some banks let you mail in a check instead, but that takes longer. A few banks will let you start with zero dollars and fund it later, but most want to see at least a small deposit right away (often $25 or less).

The step-by-step process for opening online

Go to the bank's website or read their mobile app. Look for a button that says "Open an Account," "get your free guide," or "New Customer." Click it and choose the type of account — usually checking, savings, or both.

Enter your personal information: name, date of birth, address, phone number, and Social Security number. The bank will ask why you are opening the account (personal use, business, etc.) and whether you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Answer honestly — banks are required to ask these questions by federal law.

Next comes identity verification. Some banks do this when ready by checking your information against databases they subscribe to. Others ask you to take a photo of your ID with your phone camera and upload it. A few may call you or send a verification code to your phone. This step usually takes a few minutes to a few hours.

Then you fund the account. Enter your debit card number or your other bank's routing and account numbers. The bank transfers money from that source into your new account. Some banks send you two small test deposits (usually under $1 each) to your other account and ask you to confirm the amounts — this proves you actually own that account.

Once the bank confirms everything, you get your new account number and routing number. You can usually start using your account right away, though some banks hold transfers for one to two business days before the money is fully available.

Online banks versus banks with physical branches

Online-only banks exist only on the internet. They have no branches, no tellers, and no way to deposit cash in person. But they usually charge fewer fees, pay higher interest on savings accounts, and have lower minimum balances. They are good if you mostly use your phone or computer to manage money and do not need to deposit cash often. If you do need to deposit cash, some online banks partner with ATM networks or let you deposit checks by phone camera.

Traditional banks with branches let you open online but also have physical locations where you can walk in. You can deposit cash, talk to a person, and get a debit card right away. They may charge more in monthly fees and offer lower interest rates, but the in-person option matters if you are not comfortable with digital banking yet or need to deposit cash regularly.

Credit unions are member-owned financial institutions. Some let you open online; others require you to visit a branch or mail in an process. Credit unions often have lower fees and friendlier terms for people new to banking, but they may have fewer ATMs and branches than big banks. Call or visit the credit union's website to ask whether they let you open online.

What happens if you do not have an ID or prior bank account

Most banks require a government-issued ID to open an account online. If you do not have one, you will need to visit a branch in person with whatever ID you do have — a passport, a state ID, a tribal ID, or even a letter from a government agency. Bring proof of your address too, like a utility bill or lease.

If you have never had a bank account before and are worried about being turned down, look for a second-chance banking program. These are accounts designed for people with no banking history or a negative history with ChexSystems (a database banks use to check whether you have had problems with accounts before). Many credit unions and some traditional banks offer them. You may not be able to open these online — you might need to visit a branch — but they are easier to open than a standard account.

How long it takes and when you can start using your account

The process itself takes 10 to 20 minutes. Identity verification can be when ready or take a few hours, depending on the bank's method. Once verification is done, you usually get your account number and routing number right away by email or text.

Using your account is different from having it fully set up. Many banks let you start transferring money and paying bills within hours. But if you are transferring money from another bank, that transfer may take one to two business days to show up. Debit cards usually arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, though some banks offer a temporary digital card you can use on your phone when ready.

If the bank needs to verify your identity by mail (sending you a code or documents to sign), the whole process can take one to two weeks. Ask the bank for a timeline when you explore.

Common reasons an online process gets declined

Banks decline online applications for a few main reasons. The most common is a mismatch between the information you entered and what the bank's verification system found — for example, your address does not match what is on file with the Social Security Administration. If this happens, the bank usually tells you and asks you to correct it or visit a branch with documents.

A second reason is a negative ChexSystems report. If you have unpaid overdraft fees, closed an account with a balance owed, or had fraud on a past account, ChexSystems records it. Some banks will still open an account for you; others will not. If you are declined, ask the bank why and whether they have a second-chance program.

A third reason is that the bank cannot verify your identity — for example, if you recently moved and your address is not in their databases yet. In this case, visiting a branch with documents usually solves the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an account online if I do not have a Social Security number?

Most banks require a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, ask the bank whether they accept ITINs. Some do; many do not. A few banks and credit unions have accounts for immigrants without a Social Security number, but you may need to visit in person.

Do I need a credit card to open a bank account online?

No. You need a debit card from another bank or access to another bank account to fund your new account. A credit card does not work because the bank needs to transfer money from an account you own, not borrow from. If you do not have either, you can usually mail in a check or visit a branch.

What if the bank asks me to verify my identity with a video call?

Some banks use video calls to verify your identity instead of uploading a photo of your ID. You will be asked to show your ID to the camera and answer a few questions. Have your ID ready and make sure you are in a quiet place with good lighting. The call usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.

Can I open a joint account online with someone else?

Most banks let you open a joint account online, but both people usually need to complete the process separately and verify their identity. Some banks require one person to open the account first and then add the other person later. Check the bank's website or call to ask about their process for joint accounts.

What if I want to open an account but I am worried about my credit?

Bank accounts do not require a credit check. Banks check ChexSystems (a banking history database) and verify your identity, but they do not look at your credit score. You can open a bank account even if you have bad credit or no credit history.