Yes, you can open a bank account online in Colombia, but the process depends on which bank you choose and whether you are a Colombian citizen or resident
Most major Colombian banks now offer online account opening for checking and savings accounts. The largest banks — Bancolombia, Banco de Bogotá, BBVA Colombia, and Davivienda — all have digital onboarding. However, the speed and ease vary. Some banks let you complete the entire process on your phone in 15 minutes. Others require you to visit a branch or video call with a representative to verify your identity. If you are not a Colombian citizen or do not have a Colombian ID number, the process takes longer and may not be fully online.
The core requirement is a valid form of identification. Colombian citizens need a cédula de ciudadanía (national ID card). Foreign residents need a cédula de extranjería (foreigner ID) or a valid passport. Some banks also accept a temporary residence permit. Without one of these documents, you cannot open an account online — you will need to visit a branch in person with original documents.
Key Takeaways
- Colombian banks including Bancolombia, Banco de Bogotá, BBVA, and Davivienda offer online account opening, though the process varies by bank and your citizenship status.
- You will need a valid Colombian ID (cédula de ciudadanía), foreigner ID (cédula de extranjería), or passport to open an account online.
- Some banks complete the entire process digitally in minutes, while others require a video call or in-person verification before your account is active.
- Foreign residents and non-citizens may face additional steps, longer wait times, or a requirement to visit a branch, depending on the bank.
- Once your account is open, you can use mobile banking apps to deposit checks, transfer money, and manage your account without visiting a branch.
What the online account opening process looks like at major banks
At Bancolombia, the process begins on their website or mobile app. You enter your ID number, create a username and password, and answer security questions. The system verifies your information against their database. If you are already a Bancolombia customer or have a history with them, approval can happen when ready. If not, you may be asked to upload a photo of your ID or complete a video call with a representative. The entire process typically takes 10 to 30 minutes if you are approved without additional verification.
Banco de Bogotá follows a similar path but requires a video call with a representative for most new customers who are not already in their system. This adds 24 to 48 hours to the timeline. BBVA Colombia and Davivienda both offer faster digital-only paths for customers with existing relationships or strong credit histories, but may require a branch visit or video verification for others.
The key difference between banks is whether they use biometric verification (facial recognition or fingerprint) or require a live video call. Biometric verification is faster but only works if your phone supports it. Video calls are slower but more reliable across different devices.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you begin the online process. You will need your valid ID (cédula de ciudadanía, cédula de extranjería, or passport) and a clear photo or scan of both sides. Have your phone number and email address ready — the bank will send a verification code to both. You will also need a stable internet connection and a device with a camera if the bank requires video verification.
If you are a foreign resident, have your residence permit or visa documentation available. Some banks ask for proof of address, which can be a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement from another country. If you do not have a Colombian address yet, some banks accept a temporary address or the address of a hotel or hostel where you are staying.
Do not start the process on public WiFi. Use your personal mobile data or a home internet connection, because the bank will ask you to enter sensitive information like your ID number and will likely verify your location.
How long approval takes and what happens next
If the bank approves you when ready (which happens for existing customers or those with strong verification), your account is active within minutes. You can read the mobile app and begin using it right away. Some banks issue a temporary card number that works for online purchases when ready, while the physical debit card arrives by mail in 5 to 10 business days.
If the bank requires additional verification, approval typically takes 24 to 72 hours. You will receive an email or SMS confirming whether you were approved or if they need more information. If they ask for documents you do not have, respond as soon as possible — delays on your end can stretch the timeline to a week or more.
Once approved, your account is ready to use. You can transfer money, pay bills, and receive deposits before your physical card arrives. Most banks let you set up mobile wallet payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) when ready, so you can make purchases with your phone even if your card has not arrived yet.
Opening an account as a foreign resident or non-citizen
Foreign residents with a cédula de extranjería can open accounts at any major bank using the same online process as Colombian citizens. The process is the same speed and requires the same documents. If you have been in Colombia for less than two years and do not yet have a cédula de extranjería, you can use your passport instead, but some banks may require a video call or branch visit for additional verification.
If you are a temporary visitor with only a passport and no residence permit, opening an account online is more difficult. Some banks will not open accounts for temporary visitors at all. Others require you to visit a branch in person with your passport and proof of address (such as a hotel booking or lease agreement). Bancolombia and BBVA are generally more flexible with temporary visitors than smaller regional banks.
If you plan to stay in Colombia longer than a few months, it is worth explore for a residence permit before opening a bank account. The process is faster and you will have fewer restrictions on the account once it is open.
What to do if online opening is not available to you
If the bank denies your online process or tells you that you must visit a branch, you have a few options. First, try a different bank. Bancolombia and BBVA tend to be more flexible with non-citizens and temporary visitors than others. Second, ask the bank whether you can complete the process by video call instead of in person — this is faster than a branch visit and some banks offer it even when online opening is not available.
If you must visit a branch, bring your original ID document, a second form of identification if you have one, and proof of address. The branch staff can open your account in 30 to 45 minutes. You will receive a temporary card number on the spot and your physical card will arrive by mail within a week.
If no major bank will open an account for you, consider a digital-only bank or fintech platform. Companies like Nequi, Daviplata, or Bancolombia's own digital subsidiary offer accounts with fewer identity requirements, though they may have lower transaction limits or fewer features than a traditional bank account.
Security and next steps after your account opens
Once your account is open, set up two-factor authentication when ready. This means the bank will send you a code via SMS or email every time you log in or make a large transfer. It takes an extra 30 seconds but protects you against fraud. Most Colombian banks require this by default, but check your security settings to make sure it is turned on.
read the bank's mobile app and log in from your phone. This is where you will do most of your banking — transferring money, paying bills, and checking your balance. The app is more find than the website because it uses your phone's security features. Keep your login credentials private and never share your PIN or one-time codes with anyone, including bank staff.
If you need to deposit cash, find an ATM or branch near you. Most Colombian banks have ATMs in supermarkets, pharmacies, and shopping centers. You can also deposit checks through the mobile app by taking a photo of the front and back — the bank will credit your account within one or two business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Colombian bank account if I do not live in Colombia yet?
Most banks require you to be physically present in Colombia or have a Colombian address to open an account online. If you are moving to Colombia soon, you can open an account once you arrive. Some banks may let you start the process before you arrive and complete it by video call, but this is not standard. Contact the bank directly to ask whether they offer this option.
What if the bank asks for a video call but I do not speak Spanish?
Call the bank's customer service line before you start the online process and ask whether they have English-speaking representatives available for video verification. Some larger branches in Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali have bilingual staff. If not, you can bring a translator to a branch visit, or ask a Spanish-speaking friend to help during the video call.
How long does it take to receive my physical debit card?
Most banks send your card by mail within 5 to 10 business days of account approval. If you need a card faster, visit a branch and ask for an expedited card, which you can usually pick up the same day or within 24 hours. You can use your account for online purchases and mobile payments before the physical card arrives.
Can I open multiple accounts at different banks?
Yes. There is no limit on how many bank accounts you can open in Colombia. Many people keep accounts at two or three banks for different purposes — one for salary deposits, one for savings, one for international transfers. Each account opening follows the same online process.
What happens if my online process is rejected?
The bank will send you an email explaining why. Common reasons include incomplete information, a mismatch between your ID and the information you entered, or a flag in their fraud detection system. You can usually reapply after fixing the issue, or visit a branch to open an account in person with original documents.