Yes, you can open most bank accounts entirely online, but not all banks offer it and some require a visit or a video call

Most major banks and many smaller ones let you start an account from your computer or phone without stepping into a branch. You upload an ID, provide your Social Security number, and fund the account—often within minutes. But some banks still require an in-person visit or a video verification call before they'll set up your account, and a few won't open accounts online at all. The process varies by bank and account type, so you need to check the specific bank's requirements before you start.

Online-only banks (sometimes called neobanks) almost always let you open accounts entirely online. Traditional banks with physical branches usually do too, though they may have stricter identity verification steps. Credit unions vary widely—some have full online opening, others require you to be a member of their field of membership first, and some still want you in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Most major banks including Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank let you open checking or savings accounts online with just an ID and Social Security number.
  • Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, and Chime typically have the fastest online opening process with no branch visit required.
  • Some banks require a video call with an employee or a visit to a branch before they'll set up your account, so confirm the bank's process before you start.
  • You'll need a valid government-issued ID, your Social Security number, and proof of address (usually a utility bill or lease) to open an account online.
  • The entire process usually takes 5 to 15 minutes if the bank approves you when ready, though some banks may take 24 to 48 hours to verify your information.

What you need before you start

Have these documents ready before you begin: a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Proof of address is usually a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your name and address on it. Some banks will accept a government document like a voter registration card instead.

You'll also need access to email and a phone number where the bank can reach you. Some banks send a verification code to your phone or email during the opening process, so make sure you can receive texts or check email when ready. If you're opening an account with a minor, the adult will need their own ID and Social Security number as well.

Banks that let you open accounts fully online

Online-only banks have the simplest process. Ally Bank, Charles Schwab Bank, Chime, Discover Bank, and LendingClub Bank all let you open checking and savings accounts online with no branch visit. The process is usually: upload your ID, enter your Social Security number, provide your address, and fund the account. Most approve you within minutes and your account is ready to use when ready.

Major national banks with branches also offer online opening for most account types. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank all let you open checking and savings accounts online. The process is similar to online-only banks, though some may require a video call with an employee if they can't verify your identity through their system. A few accounts—like some business accounts or accounts for people with no credit history—may still require a branch visit.

Regional and community banks vary. Some, like PNC Bank and TD Bank, let you open accounts online. Others require you to visit a branch or call to complete the process. Check the specific bank's website before you start, because the rules differ by institution.

Banks that require a video call or branch visit

Some banks use a video call as part of their identity verification. The bank will schedule a call with an employee who watches you show your ID and answer security questions. This usually takes 5 to 10 minutes and happens the same day you explore. Banks like Capital One 360 and some regional credit unions use this method. It's not a barrier—just an extra step—and you can usually schedule it at a time that works for you.

A smaller number of banks still require you to visit a branch in person to open an account. This is less common now, but some smaller credit unions and a few community banks do it. If the bank's website doesn't clearly say you can open online, call their customer service line to ask before you waste time trying.

The actual steps to open an account online

The process is nearly identical across banks, though the exact wording and order may differ. Start on the bank's website or app and look for a button that says "Open an Account" or "get your free guide." You'll be asked to choose the type of account (checking, savings, or both) and whether you want it for yourself or with another person.

Next, you'll enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. The bank will ask for your phone number and email. Then you'll upload a photo of your ID—usually both the front and back. Some banks let you take a photo with your phone; others require you to scan it. Make sure the image is clear and all four corners of the ID are visible.

The bank will verify your identity using the information you provided. If you pass, you'll see a confirmation screen. Some banks ask you to fund the account when ready by linking a bank account or debit card; others let you do that later. If the bank needs a video call, they'll tell you at this point and let you schedule it. Once everything is complete, your account number and routing number appear on screen, and you can start using the account right away or within 24 hours.

Why a bank might reject your online process

Banks use automated systems to check your identity and run background checks. If something doesn't match—your name spelled differently on your ID than in their system, an address that doesn't match public records, or a Social Security number that doesn't verify—the system may flag your process for manual review. This usually adds 24 to 48 hours.

A few situations will likely require a branch visit or a call to customer service. If you have no credit history or Social Security number, if you're opening an account for the first time in the United States, or if you're under 18, the bank may need to verify you in person or by phone. If you've been flagged by the bank's fraud system—sometimes because of a recent move or a data breach affecting your information—they may ask for additional documents or a video call.

Timeline from start to usable account

If the bank approves you when ready, you'll have an account number and routing number within 5 to 15 minutes. You can usually start using the account right away for transfers and bill pay. If the bank needs to mail you a debit card, that typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days, though some banks offer a temporary digital card you can use when ready in the app.

If the bank flags your process for manual review, add 24 to 48 hours. If they ask for additional documents or a video call, add another 24 hours after you provide what they need. In the worst case—if you need to visit a branch—you're looking at however long it takes you to get there, plus a few minutes in the branch itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an account if I don't have a Social Security number?

Most banks require a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you're not a U.S. citizen or don't have a Social Security number, some banks will open an account with an ITIN instead. Call the bank directly to ask, because policies vary. Online-only banks are sometimes more flexible than traditional banks.

What if the bank rejects my online process?

The bank will tell you why—usually a mismatch in your identity information or a flag from their fraud system. You can call customer service to clarify the issue, provide additional documents, or schedule a video call. Many rejections are resolved this way. If the bank won't budge, you can try a different bank or visit a branch in person.

Can I open an account for someone else online?

You can open a joint account online if both people are present and provide their own ID and Social Security number. You cannot open an account in someone else's name without them. If you're opening an account for a minor, the adult must be present and provide their own ID, and the minor usually needs to be present too, either in person or on a video call.

Do I need to fund the account when ready?

Most banks let you open an account without funding it right away, though some require a small deposit (usually $25 or less) to set up it. You can fund the account by transferring money from another bank account, depositing a check through the app, or visiting a branch. Check the specific bank's requirements before you open the account.

Will opening an account online hurt my credit score?

No. Opening a bank account is not a credit event. Banks may check your credit report to verify your identity or screen for fraud, but this is a soft inquiry and does not affect your credit score. You can open as many bank accounts as you want without damaging your credit.