Yes, you can open most U.S. bank accounts entirely online, but the process depends on whether you're a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or a non-citizen with a visa

Most major U.S. banks and many online-only banks let you start an account from your computer or phone without visiting a branch. You'll need a valid government ID, a Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), a U.S. address, and an initial deposit (which varies by bank—some have no minimum). The whole process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes, and your account opens the same day or within one business day.

The catch: if you don't have a Social Security Number or ITIN, or if you're not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, the process gets narrower. Some banks will open accounts for people on valid visas (like H-1B or F-1 students), but they require extra steps—usually a video call with a banker or a visit to a physical branch. A few banks specialize in serving non-citizens, but they're less common.

Key Takeaways

  • U.S. citizens and permanent residents with a Social Security Number can open most bank accounts online in under 20 minutes with just an ID and initial deposit.
  • Non-citizens on valid U.S. visas can open accounts at many banks, but most require a video call or in-person visit to verify identity.
  • You'll need either a Social Security Number or an ITIN; banks cannot open accounts without one of these.
  • Online banks (like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Chime) often have faster online processes than traditional banks, though may be able to access rules are similar.
  • Some banks charge monthly fees; others waive fees if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.

What you need before you start

Have these items ready before you begin: a valid government-issued photo ID (a U.S. driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security Number or ITIN, a current U.S. mailing address, and your initial deposit amount (usually $25 to $100, though some banks have no minimum). If you're opening the account on behalf of a minor, you'll also need the child's Social Security Number and proof of your relationship to them.

If you don't have a Social Security Number yet, you can explore for an ITIN through the IRS if you're a non-citizen who needs a tax identification number. The process takes several weeks, so plan ahead. Some banks will hold your process while you wait for your ITIN to arrive, but most will not.

Online banks versus traditional banks

Online-only banks (Ally, Charles Schwab, Chime, Marcus by Goldman Sachs) typically have the fastest and simplest online signup. They don't have physical branches, so they've built their entire process around digital verification. Most let you open an account in 10 to 15 minutes using just your ID and a quick video or photo upload. They often have no monthly fees and no minimum balance requirements.

Traditional banks with online options (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank) let you start the process online, but some require you to visit a branch within a certain timeframe to verify your identity in person, or they may ask for a video call with a banker. This adds a few days to a week to the timeline. These banks often have monthly maintenance fees unless you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.

If you're a non-citizen on a visa, online banks are usually your faster route because they handle visa verification more routinely. Traditional banks sometimes flag visa holders for manual review, which can delay approval by several days.

The step-by-step process for U.S. citizens and permanent residents

Go to the bank's website or read their mobile app and select "Open an Account" or "New Customer." You'll enter your name, date of birth, Social Security Number, and current address. The bank will ask for your ID—most let you upload a photo of your driver's license or passport, or take a live photo of yourself holding your ID. This usually takes 30 seconds.

Next, you'll choose your account type (checking, savings, or both) and review the terms and fees. The bank will ask how you plan to fund the account and may run a soft credit check (which doesn't affect your credit score). Once you confirm everything, the account opens when ready or within one business day. You'll receive a confirmation email with your account number, and you can usually start using the account right away—either by transferring money from another bank, depositing a check through the app, or setting up direct deposit.

How the process changes for non-citizens on visas

If you're on an H-1B, F-1, L-1, or other valid U.S. visa, many banks will open an account for you, but they handle you differently. Instead of when ready online approval, the bank will ask for your passport number, visa type, and visa expiration date. Some banks then require a video call with a banker to verify your identity and visa status—this usually happens within 24 hours and takes 5 to 10 minutes. A few banks ask you to visit a branch in person instead.

Chase, Bank of America, and Citibank all serve visa holders, but their timelines vary. Online banks like Charles Schwab and Ally also accept visa holders, though they sometimes require a video call. Before you start, call the bank's customer service line or check their website for "non-citizen" or "visa holder" information—this tells you upfront whether they'll work with your visa type and what extra steps you'll need.

If you're in the U.S. on a visa but don't yet have an ITIN or Social Security Number, some banks will let you use your passport number and visa information instead, but this is rare. Most will ask you to get an ITIN first. The IRS issues ITINs to non-citizens who need to file taxes; the process takes 4 to 6 weeks by mail.

Banks that specialize in serving non-citizens

A handful of banks have built their processes specifically for non-citizens and visa holders. Charles Schwab accepts most visa types and has a straightforward online process with a video call option. Ally Bank serves visa holders and has no monthly fees. Wise (formerly TransferWise) is designed for international customers and people on visas; it's not a full bank, but it offers checking-like accounts and is easier to open if you don't have a U.S. address yet.

Some credit unions also serve non-citizens more readily than large banks, especially if you have a connection to the community (you work for a member employer, live in the area, or have a family member who's a member). Call your local credit union and ask whether they serve visa holders.

What happens after your account opens

Once your account is open, you can deposit money by transferring from another bank account (usually takes 1 to 3 business days), depositing a check through the mobile app (2 to 5 business days), or setting up direct deposit from your employer (1 to 2 pay cycles). You'll receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days, though most banks let you use your account number to make online purchases or pay bills before the card arrives.

If you opened the account at a traditional bank and were asked to visit a branch to verify your identity, do that within the timeframe they gave you—usually 30 days. If you don't, the bank may freeze or close your account. If you opened at an online bank, there's no branch visit needed.

Common reasons your online process might be delayed or denied

Banks use automated systems to verify your identity and check for fraud. Your process may be flagged if your name doesn't match your ID exactly, if your address can't be verified, if you have a history of fraud or unpaid accounts, or if the bank can't verify your Social Security Number or ITIN. If this happens, the bank will send you an email asking for additional documents—usually a utility bill or lease to confirm your address, or a copy of your ID.

If you're a non-citizen, delays are more common because the bank has to verify your visa status with the Department of Homeland Security. This can take a few extra days. If your visa is expiring soon, some banks may deny your process because they won't be able to maintain a relationship with you after you leave the country. In that case, you may need to explore at a bank that specializes in temporary residents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a U.S. address to open an account online?

Yes. Banks require a current U.S. mailing address for account statements and regulatory mail. If you're moving to the U.S. soon but don't have an address yet, some banks let you use a temporary address (like your employer's office or a friend's address) and update it later. Call the bank before you explore to ask whether they'll accept a temporary address.

What if I don't have a Social Security Number yet?

You'll need either a Social Security Number or an ITIN. If you're a non-citizen, you can explore for an ITIN through the IRS using Form W-7; the process takes 4 to 6 weeks by mail. Some banks will hold your process while you wait, but most will not. Plan ahead if you're expecting an ITIN.

Can I open an account if I have bad credit or a history of unpaid accounts?

Yes. Banks use ChexSystems (a checking account verification system) to check your history, not your credit score. If you've had accounts closed due to fraud or unpaid overdrafts, the bank may deny you or ask for extra verification. If you're denied, ask the bank which ChexSystems report they used and request a copy to see what's on file—you can dispute errors.

How long does it take to receive my debit card?

Most banks mail debit cards within 7 to 10 business days. You can usually start using your account before the card arrives by transferring money, paying bills online, or using your account number for online purchases. Some banks offer when ready digital cards you can use when ready in Apple Pay or Google Pay.

What if the bank asks me to visit a branch even though I applied online?

Some traditional banks require an in-person visit to verify your identity, especially if you're a non-citizen or if the automated system flagged your process. The bank will tell you in your confirmation email whether a branch visit is required and how long you have to complete it. If you can't visit a branch, ask whether the bank offers a video call option instead.