Yes, you can open a bank account on the phone with many banks
Many banks and credit unions will let you open a checking or savings account entirely by phone, without visiting a branch. You'll answer questions about yourself, verify your identity, and sign documents electronically — all without leaving home. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, and your account can be ready the same day or within one business day.
Not every bank offers phone-only account opening, and the ones that do may have different requirements. Online banks (banks with no physical branches) almost always let you open an account by phone or online. Traditional banks with branches vary — some allow it, others require at least one in-person visit. Credit unions also vary by institution.
The main catch is identity verification. Banks must confirm you are who you say you are before they open an account. Over the phone, they do this by asking personal questions (like your Social Security number, date of birth, and address), checking your credit report, or asking you to upload documents like a driver's license or passport.
Key Takeaways
- Online banks and many large national banks let you open an account by phone, but you should call ahead or check their website to confirm they offer this option.
- You will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and proof of identity (usually a photo ID or passport).
- The bank will verify your identity by asking personal questions, checking your credit report, or asking you to upload a photo of your ID.
- Your account can be open and ready to use the same day or within one business day, though some banks may take longer if they need additional verification.
- You may not be able to deposit cash or checks when ready if you don't have a debit card yet, but you can set up direct deposit or transfers from another account.
What you need to have ready before you call
Gather these items before you dial. You'll move faster and won't have to call back for missing information.
Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address ready. The bank will ask for these to identify you and check whether you have had problems with banks in the past (they use a system called ChexSystems that tracks closed accounts and fraud). You'll also need a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Some banks ask you to read the number aloud; others ask you to upload a photo of it.
If you want to fund the account right away, have the routing and account number of another bank account ready. This lets you transfer money by phone without waiting for a check to clear. If you're opening the account to receive a paycheck, you can set up direct deposit later — you don't need to do it during the call.
How the phone verification process works
When you call, the bank's representative will ask you a series of personal questions to confirm your identity. These are usually questions only you would know the answer to: your Social Security number, date of birth, mother's maiden name, previous addresses, or details from your credit report (like the amount of a car loan or the name of a creditor).
The bank may also pull your credit report during the call. This is a "soft inquiry" — it doesn't hurt your credit score. They're checking whether the information you gave matches what's on file and whether you have a history of unpaid debts or fraud.
If the bank can't verify you over the phone, they may ask you to upload a photo of your ID using their website or app. You take a picture of the front and back of your driver's license or passport and send it to them. This usually takes a few minutes, and the bank reviews it within hours or the next business day.
What happens after you open the account
Once your account is open, the bank will give you an account number and routing number by phone or email. You can use these to set up direct deposit with your employer or to transfer money from another account. However, you won't have a debit card yet.
The bank will mail you a debit card, which usually arrives within 5 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can still use your account — you can receive money through direct deposit or transfers, and you can pay bills online if the bank's website lets you. You just can't withdraw cash or swipe the card in a store.
If you need cash before the card arrives, you have a few options. Some banks let you pick up a temporary card at a branch. Others let you withdraw cash at an ATM using a temporary number they give you. Ask the representative what your bank offers.
Banks and credit unions that let you open accounts by phone
Most online banks — Ally, Charles Schwab, Discover, and others — let you open an account by phone or online with no branch visit. If you already have a relationship with a bank (like a credit card or another account), calling that bank is often the fastest route because they already have some of your information on file.
Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank vary in their policies. Some branches let you open an account by phone; others require you to visit in person. The best approach is to call the customer service number on the back of a card (if you have one) or search the bank's website for "open an account by phone" to see what they offer.
Credit unions also vary. If you're a member of a credit union or work for an employer that has a credit union partnership, call and ask whether they offer phone account opening. If you're not a member yet, some credit unions let you open a membership and account by phone; others require an in-person visit.
When you might need to visit a branch instead
A few situations may require you to go to a branch in person. If the bank can't verify your identity over the phone or through document upload — for example, if you're new to the country or don't have a Social Security number yet — they may ask you to come in. Bring your passport and any other government-issued ID you have.
Some banks also require an in-person visit if you want to open certain types of accounts, like a business account or a joint account with someone else. Ask the representative whether your situation requires a branch visit before you hang up.
If you're opening an account at a credit union and you're not yet a member, some unions require you to visit in person to complete the membership process. However, many now let you complete membership by phone or online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Social Security number to open an account by phone?
Most banks require a Social Security number because they use it to verify your identity and check your banking history. If you don't have one, ask the bank whether they accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Some banks do; others require an in-person visit with a passport.
What if the bank says they can't verify me over the phone?
Ask what additional information or documents they need. Many banks will accept a photo of your driver's license or passport uploaded through their website or app. If they still can't verify you, you may need to visit a branch in person with your ID and proof of address (like a utility bill or lease).
Can I deposit cash into an account I opened by phone before my debit card arrives?
Not when ready. You'll need a debit card or to visit an ATM to deposit cash. Some banks let you pick up a temporary card at a branch while you wait for the permanent one. Others offer ATM access with a temporary number. Call your bank and ask what options they have.
How long does it take to open an account by phone?
The call itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Your account is often active the same day or within one business day. If the bank needs to verify your identity through documents, it may take a few extra hours or until the next business day.
Will opening an account by phone hurt my credit score?
No. Banks do a soft credit inquiry, which doesn't affect your credit score. A soft inquiry shows up on your credit report but doesn't lower your score the way a hard inquiry (like explore for a loan) does.