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

Most banks and credit unions now let you open a checking or savings account from your computer or phone. You do not need to walk into a physical location. The process typically takes 10 to 20 minutes, and you can fund the account when ready if you have another bank account to transfer from.

The catch is that banks verify your identity differently depending on what you already have. If you have a driver's license or passport, the process is straightforward. If you do not have a government ID, or if you are opening an account for the first time, some banks will require you to visit a branch or mail in documents.

Key Takeaways

  • Most online banks and traditional banks with online options let you open an account in 10 to 20 minutes using a computer or phone.
  • You will need a valid government ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) to complete the process remotely at most institutions.
  • Banks verify your identity by asking questions about your credit history, checking your Social Security number against government records, or asking you to take a photo of your ID.
  • Some banks require an initial deposit before the account is active, while others let you open the account first and deposit money later.
  • If you do not have a government ID or have no banking history, you may need to visit a branch in person or mail documents to the bank.

What you need to open an account online

Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address ready. Banks use these to verify your identity against government records and check whether you have unpaid debts or fraud flags in your history.

You will also need a valid government-issued ID. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport works at nearly all banks. Some banks let you upload a photo of the ID; others ask you to take a selfie holding the ID so they can confirm it matches your face.

If you want to fund the account when ready, have the routing and account number of another bank account ready. This lets you transfer money electronically the same day. If you do not have another account, you can usually open the account empty and deposit money later by mail, direct deposit, or in person.

How banks verify your identity online

Banks use one of three main methods to confirm you are who you say you are. The method depends on what information you already have on file with credit bureaus and government agencies.

Knowledge-based verification is the most common. The bank asks you questions about your financial history that only you would know: previous addresses you have lived at, the name of a creditor you have borrowed from, or the amount of a past loan. You answer multiple-choice questions, and if you get them right, the bank confirms your identity. This usually takes a few minutes and happens when ready.

Document verification requires you to photograph or scan your ID and sometimes a second document like a utility bill or bank statement. You upload the images through the bank's website or app. A person or automated system reviews them to confirm the document is real and matches the information you entered. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to 24 hours.

Video verification is less common but used by some banks and credit unions. You schedule a brief video call with a bank employee, show them your ID, and answer questions about your identity. This usually happens within a few hours of your request.

Banks that let you open accounts fully online

Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, and Discover Bank handle the entire process on their website or app. They do not have physical branches, so they have streamlined their online verification to work for most people. These banks typically approve accounts in minutes if you have a government ID and pass identity verification.

Traditional banks with branches—Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and most regional banks—also offer online account opening. The process is similar, but some require you to visit a branch within 30 days to verify your identity in person, depending on the type of account and the amount of money you plan to deposit.

Credit unions vary widely. Some let you open accounts entirely online; others require you to visit a branch or have a current member sponsor you. Check your specific credit union's website or call them to ask whether online opening is available.

When you will need to visit a branch in person

If you do not have a government-issued ID, most banks will not open an account for you online. You will need to visit a branch with whatever ID you do have—a passport card, a tribal ID, a consular ID, or a state ID from your home country—and let a bank employee verify it in person.

If you have no banking history and no credit file, some banks cannot verify your identity through their automated systems. They may ask you to come to a branch or mail in copies of documents like a utility bill, lease, or government letter with your name and address.

If you are opening an account for someone else (a minor, a dependent, or someone with power of attorney), most banks require at least one person to visit a branch in person, even if the account holder themselves could open it online.

How long it takes from start to funding

If your identity verifies when ready and you transfer money from another account, you can have a working account in 15 to 30 minutes. The money itself usually arrives within one business day if you transfer from another bank at the same institution (same-day for internal transfers), or one to three business days if you transfer from a different bank.

If the bank needs to review documents you upload, add 24 hours to the timeline. If the bank asks you to mail in documents, add five to ten business days for mail delivery plus processing time.

Once your account is open, you can usually use it when ready to receive deposits or set up bill payments, even if you have not yet deposited your own money. Some banks place a hold on your account until the first deposit clears, which means you cannot withdraw money, but you can still receive transfers and direct deposits.

What happens if verification fails

If you answer knowledge-based questions incorrectly, the bank will usually let you try again or ask you to submit documents instead. If documents you upload are unclear or do not match the information you provided, the bank will ask you to resubmit them or visit a branch.

If the bank cannot verify your identity after multiple attempts, they will deny the account. This is rare, but it happens when someone has a common name that matches fraud flags, or when their information does not match government records. If this happens, call the bank's customer service line and ask why the account was denied. You may be able to visit a branch and open an account in person with additional documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most banks require a Social Security number to open an account online. If you do not have one, you will likely need to visit a branch in person. Bring your passport, visa, or other government ID, and ask whether the bank can open an account using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Some banks and credit unions do this; others do not.

Do I have to deposit money right away when I open an account online?

No. You can open the account and leave it empty. You can deposit money later by transferring from another account, setting up direct deposit, or depositing a check through the bank's mobile app. Some banks charge a monthly fee if you do not maintain a minimum balance, so check the account terms before opening.

How do I know if my online account opening was successful?

The bank will send you an email or text message confirming that your account is open and providing your account number. You can also log into the bank's website or app using the username and password you created during signup. If you do not receive confirmation within a few hours, contact the bank's customer service to check the status.

Can I open a joint account online?

Most banks let you open a joint account online if both account holders have government IDs and can complete identity verification. Some banks require one person to visit a branch or require both people to verify their identity through video call. Check with your specific bank about their joint account process.

What if the bank asks me to visit a branch after I open my account online?

Some banks ask you to visit a branch within 30 days to confirm your identity in person, especially for accounts with higher initial deposits or certain account types. This is normal and does not mean anything is wrong. You can visit any branch of that bank, bring your ID, and a bank employee will complete the verification in a few minutes.