Yes, you can open most bank accounts entirely online
Many banks and credit unions now let you open a checking or savings account from home using your computer or phone. You will not need to visit a branch in person. The process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes, and you can start using your account the same day or within one business day.
The catch is that you need certain documents ready before you start, and not every bank offers online account opening. Some banks still require you to come in person, especially if you have no banking history or a complicated financial situation. Credit unions — which are member-owned financial institutions similar to banks — often have stricter rules about who can open accounts online.
The fastest way to learn about you can open an account online is to visit the bank's website and look for "open an account" or "new customer". If the option exists, you will see it right away. If it does not appear, you will need to call or visit a branch.
Key Takeaways
- Most large banks and many smaller ones let you open a checking or savings account online without visiting a branch.
- You will need a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address to complete the process.
- Online account opening usually takes 10 to 20 minutes and your account may be ready to use the same day.
- Some banks and credit unions still require an in-person visit, so check the bank's website first to confirm they offer online opening.
- If you have no banking history or a complicated financial background, a bank may ask you to visit in person instead.
What documents you need to have ready
Before you start the online process, gather these items. You will need to upload images or enter information from them:
- A government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. The ID must not be expired.
- Your Social Security number.
- Proof of your current address — usually a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Some banks accept a bank statement or credit card statement instead.
If you do not have a Social Security number, some banks will open an account using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, but this is less common. Call the bank first to ask.
If you do not have proof of address in your name, ask the bank what they will accept. Some will take a letter from a shelter, a lease with a co-signer's name, or a statement showing a PO box. Rules vary by bank.
How the online process usually works
Most banks follow the same basic steps. You start on their website or app, click "open an account," and choose the type of account you want — usually checking, savings, or both.
You then enter your personal information: name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. The bank will ask for your Social Security number and will run a background check. This check does not hurt your credit score. It is called a ChexSystems check, and banks use it to see if you have had problems with bank accounts in the past.
Next, you upload photos of your ID and proof of address. Most banks let you take photos with your phone camera. The image needs to be clear enough to read — if it is blurry, the bank will ask you to try again.
Finally, you review the account terms, agree to them, and submit. The bank will send you a confirmation email. Your account number and routing number usually appear right away, though you may not be able to use your debit card for a few days while it is being made.
Banks that commonly offer online account opening
Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all offer online account opening for checking and savings accounts. Many online-only banks — such as Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, and Discover Bank — were built around online banking and have streamlined the process.
Smaller regional banks vary. Some offer full online opening; others require you to visit a branch or at least speak to someone by phone. Your best move is to search "[bank name] open account online" or visit their website directly.
Credit unions are less consistent. Many require you to visit in person or have a sponsor who is already a member. However, some credit unions, especially larger ones, now offer online opening. If you are interested in a specific credit union, call them or check their website.
What happens if the bank asks you to come in person
Some banks will start your online process but then ask you to finish it in a branch. This usually happens if the bank's system flags something — perhaps your address could not be verified, or your ID image was unclear. The bank will send you an email or call you to explain what they need.
If you cannot visit a branch easily, call the bank and ask if they can resolve the issue over the phone or by mail. Some banks will send you a form to sign and return, or they will accept a video call where you show your ID to a staff member.
If a bank absolutely requires an in-person visit and that is not possible for you, try a different bank. Many others offer fully online opening with no in-person step required.
How long it takes to use your new account
Once you submit your process, the bank usually confirms your account within a few minutes to a few hours. You will receive an email with your account number and routing number — the numbers you need to set up direct deposit or receive wire transfers.
Your debit card takes longer. Most banks mail it to you, which takes 5 to 10 business days. Some banks offer a temporary digital card you can use right away in your phone's wallet, or they let you order a card to be picked up at a branch.
If you need to deposit money before your debit card arrives, ask the bank about their options. Many let you transfer money from another bank account, deposit a check by taking a photo of it with the bank's app, or visit an ATM that belongs to the bank's network.
Why some banks still require a branch visit
Banks that require in-person account opening usually do so because they want to verify your identity face-to-face, especially if you have no banking history. This is partly a legal requirement — banks must follow rules called Know Your Customer (KYC) rules that require them to verify who you are.
Some banks also use the in-person visit as a chance to explain their products and services, or to sell you additional services like credit cards or investment accounts. Smaller banks and credit unions sometimes lack the technology to verify identity online, so they stick with the in-person method.
If you are new to banking or have had problems with banks in the past, you may find that more banks require you to visit in person. This is not permanent — once you have a good account history, you will likely be able to open accounts online at other banks in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a minimum deposit to open an account online?
It depends on the bank. Many banks let you open an account with zero dollars and deposit money later. Others require a minimum opening deposit, usually between $25 and $100. Check the bank's website or call them before you start the process to confirm.
What if I do not have a current address or I live in a shelter?
Call the bank before you explore. Some banks will accept a shelter address as proof of residence, or they will let you use a PO box or a trusted friend's address if you can provide a letter explaining your situation. Rules vary, so asking first saves time.
Can I open an account if I have been denied by ChexSystems before?
Yes. ChexSystems is a reporting system, not a decision-maker. A bank may still open an account for you even if ChexSystems shows past problems. Some banks specialize in second-chance accounts for people with banking history issues. Call the bank's customer service line and ask if they work with customers in your situation.
How do I know if my ID photo is clear enough?
Your ID should be well-lit, in focus, and show your full face and the entire ID card. Avoid shadows and glare. If the bank's system rejects your photo, it will tell you why and let you try again. You can take multiple photos until one is accepted.
Can someone else open an account for me if I cannot do it myself?
No. Banks require the account holder to complete the process themselves. If you need help understanding the process, you can ask a trusted friend or family member to sit with you while you do it, but you must be the one entering the information and submitting the process.