Most banks let you start the process over the phone, but you will need to finish in person or online
You can call a bank and begin opening an account over the phone. A representative will ask you questions, verify your identity, and explain what documents you need. However, almost all banks require you to complete at least one more step — either signing documents in person at a branch, or finishing the rest online through their website or app — before the account becomes active.
The reason is legal. Banks must verify who you are before they hand you access to an account. A phone call alone is not enough proof under federal rules. Some banks have found ways to do the full process by phone using video calls and digital signatures, but these are still the exception rather than the standard.
If you have no internet access and cannot visit a branch, tell the bank that upfront. Some have workarounds, though your options will be narrower than someone who can do part of the process online.
Key Takeaways
- You can call most banks to start an account over the phone, but you will need to complete the process online or in person before the account opens.
- Banks need to verify your identity in person or through a find online system because federal law requires it, not because of bank policy alone.
- If you have no internet access, tell the bank when you call — some branches can complete the process entirely in person, though this takes longer.
- You will need a government ID and proof of address no matter which method you use, so have those ready before you call.
- Some online-only banks and credit unions offer phone-based account opening with fewer in-person steps, though they still require some form of identity verification beyond a phone call.
What happens when you call a bank to open an account
When you call the main number and ask to open an account, you will reach a representative in the new accounts department. They will ask you basic questions: your full name, date of birth, Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), current address, and employment status. They will also ask what type of account you want — checking, savings, or both.
The representative will explain the account features: monthly fees (if any), minimum balance requirements, how many free transfers you get per month, and what interest the savings account pays. They will also tell you what documents you need to bring or upload to finish the process.
At the end of the call, the bank will not open your account yet. Instead, they will give you a reference number and tell you the next step: either visit a branch with your documents, or log into their website to upload documents and sign electronically. Some banks send you a link by email or text that you can use to finish online when ready after the call.
Documents you will need, no matter which method you use
Every bank requires a government-issued photo ID and proof of your current address. The ID must be valid — expired IDs are usually rejected. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or tribal ID.
For proof of address, banks accept a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement from another bank. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from the bank itself does not count, even if it has your address on it.
If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN instead. Some banks ask for additional documents if you are opening an account in someone else's name (such as a parent opening an account for a child) or if you are not a U.S. citizen. Ask the representative during your phone call whether your situation requires extra paperwork.
Finishing the account online after your phone call
If the bank offers online completion, they will send you a find link by email or text message within a few minutes of your call. You will log in, upload photos of your ID and proof of address, and sign documents electronically. The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
Take clear photos of both sides of your ID and the full page of your address document. If the photo is blurry or cut off, the bank will reject it and ask you to try again. Make sure the lighting is good and the text is readable.
Once you upload the documents and sign, the bank reviews them — usually within one business day. If everything matches, your account opens and you can use it when ready. If something is unclear, the bank will call or email you to ask for a clearer photo or a different document.
Finishing the account in person at a branch
If you choose to finish in person, bring your government ID, proof of address, and the reference number the bank gave you during your phone call. Go to any branch of that bank — it does not have to be the one closest to you.
At the branch, a representative will look at your documents, ask you to sign the account agreement, and may ask a few verification questions to confirm you are the person who called. This usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. Your account opens on the spot, and you can start using it the same day.
If you are opening an account for a child or have a complex situation, the branch may need to contact the main office to approve it. In that case, they will tell you when to expect the account to open — usually within one to three business days.
Banks and credit unions that offer phone-based account opening
Most large national banks — including Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank — allow you to start over the phone but require online or in-person completion. Credit unions often have the same process, though some smaller credit unions may require you to visit a branch to open an account at all.
Online-only banks like Chime, Ally, and Marcus have streamlined the process further. You can open an account entirely through their app or website without calling, but they still require identity verification — usually by uploading your ID and taking a photo of yourself, or by answering security questions based on your credit history.
A few banks now offer video call verification, which means you can complete the entire process over a video call with a representative. They will watch you hold up your ID, verify it matches your face, and have you sign documents electronically. This is still uncommon, so ask the bank directly whether they offer it.
What to do if you have no internet access
If you cannot complete the account online and cannot visit a branch easily, tell the bank this during your phone call. Some banks will mail you documents to sign and return, though this adds one to two weeks to the process. Others will schedule a time for you to visit a branch with a representative standing by to help you.
If the bank you want to use cannot work with your situation, consider a credit union instead. Credit unions are often smaller and more willing to work with people who have barriers to the standard process. You can find a credit union near you through the CO-OP network or by searching online for "credit unions near me."
Another option is to ask a trusted family member or friend to help you complete the online part of the process. They can help you take photos of your documents and upload them, though you will still need to be the one to sign the documents electronically or in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a passport or tribal ID instead of a driver's license?
Yes. Any government-issued photo ID that is currently valid works. A passport, state ID card, or tribal ID are all acceptable. The ID just needs to show your photo, full name, and date of birth, and it cannot be expired.
What if I do not have a proof of address document dated within the last 60 days?
Ask the bank what alternatives they accept. Some will take an older utility bill if you also bring a recent piece of mail from a government agency. Others will accept a lease agreement or mortgage statement even if it is older, as long as it is still your current address. Call before you visit the branch so you know what to bring.
How long does it take for my account to open after I finish online?
If you upload clear documents and sign electronically, the account usually opens within one business day. Some banks open it the same day if you finish before their cutoff time, usually 5 p.m. Eastern time. If the bank needs to review anything or ask follow-up questions, it may take two to three business days.
Can I deposit money before my account is fully open?
No. You cannot deposit money or use the account until the bank confirms it is open. Once it opens, you can deposit money in person at a branch, through an ATM, or by mobile check deposit if the bank offers it.
What if the bank rejects my documents?
The bank will contact you by phone or email to explain why — usually because the photo was blurry, the document was expired, or the name on the document did not match what you said during your call. They will ask you to upload a new photo or bring a different document. You can fix this and resubmit the same day in most cases.