Yes, you can open most American bank accounts entirely online, but the process depends on whether you are a U.S. citizen, have a Social Security number, and which bank you choose
Most major U.S. banks now let you open a checking or savings account from your computer or phone without stepping into a branch. The process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. You will need a valid government ID, proof of address, and either a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Some banks finish the whole thing in one session; others send you a debit card in the mail before the account is fully active.
The catch: if you are not a U.S. citizen or do not have a Social Security number or ITIN, your options shrink. Some banks will not open accounts for non-citizens at all. Others require you to visit a branch in person, bring additional documents, or use a different process. A few banks and credit unions specialize in accounts for non-citizens, but they are less common and may have higher fees or lower interest rates.
Key Takeaways
- Most major banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank) let you open a checking or savings account online if you have a valid ID, proof of address, and a Social Security number or ITIN.
- The online process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes and you can fund the account when ready with a transfer from another bank or a debit card.
- If you do not have a Social Security number or ITIN, you will likely need to visit a branch in person or use a bank or credit union that specializes in non-citizen accounts.
- Online banks (Ally, Charles Schwab, Discover) often have lower fees and higher interest rates than traditional banks, and most accept non-citizens with an ITIN.
What you need to open an account online
Before you start, gather these documents: a valid government-issued ID (passport, driver's license, or state ID), proof of your current address (a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number or ITIN. Some banks also ask for your date of birth and phone number, which they verify against public records.
If you do not have a Social Security number, you can get an ITIN from the IRS. The process takes several weeks and requires you to file a form with the IRS, so plan ahead. Some banks will not accept an ITIN; others require it. Call the bank's customer service line before you start to confirm they will accept your documents.
You will also need a way to fund the account. Most banks let you link an existing bank account and transfer money, or use a debit card to deposit funds. A few require an initial deposit of $25 to $100 before the account opens.
How the online account opening process works
The process is similar across most banks. You go to the bank's website or app, click "Open an Account," and answer questions about yourself: name, address, date of birth, Social Security number or ITIN, employment status, and annual income. The bank runs a background check through ChexSystems (a banking history database) and verifies your identity by asking you to photograph your ID and sometimes your proof of address.
Some banks use video verification: you turn on your camera, show your ID to the screen, and answer a few questions to prove you are who you say you are. Others use when ready verification through a third-party service that checks your information against public records. If the bank cannot verify you when ready, it may ask you to mail in copies of your documents or visit a branch.
Once you pass verification, the bank usually opens the account when ready and gives you an account number. You can start using it right away to set up direct deposit or transfer money in. Your debit card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Some banks let you use a temporary digital card in their app while you wait.
Opening an account if you do not have a Social Security number
If you are a non-citizen without a Social Security number, your options are narrower. Most major banks require a Social Security number or ITIN to open an account online. A few will let you open an account in person at a branch with a passport and proof of address, but they may ask additional questions about your immigration status or how long you plan to stay in the U.S.
Online banks like Ally and Charles Schwab often accept ITINs and sometimes accept non-citizens without either, though policies vary. Some credit unions, especially those in areas with large immigrant populations, have accounts designed for non-citizens and may accept a passport and proof of address instead of a Social Security number. You will need to call or visit in person to find out what documents they accept.
If you cannot open a traditional bank account, a prepaid debit card or money transfer service (like Wise or MoneyGram) can hold and move money, though they usually charge higher fees and do not offer the same protections as a bank account.
Timing: when your account is actually usable
There is a difference between when the account opens and when it is fully active. Most banks open the account when ready after you pass verification. You get an account number and can set up direct deposit or transfer money in the same day. However, some banks hold transferred funds for 1 to 3 business days before they appear in your account, and you may not be able to withdraw cash until the debit card arrives.
If you need to use the account right away, ask the bank whether you can use a temporary digital card in their mobile app to make purchases or withdraw cash at ATMs while you wait for the physical card. Not all banks offer this, so check before you open the account.
Comparing online banks versus traditional banks
Online banks (Ally, Charles Schwab, Discover, Marcus) have no physical branches but usually charge no monthly fees, pay higher interest on savings, and let you open an account in minutes. Traditional banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo) have branches where you can deposit cash and talk to someone in person, but often charge monthly fees unless you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.
If you travel frequently, move often, or do not need to deposit cash, an online bank is usually cheaper. If you need to deposit checks or cash regularly, or want to talk to someone face-to-face, a traditional bank with branches near you makes more sense. Some people open both: a traditional bank for everyday use and an online bank for savings.
| Feature | Online Banks | Traditional Banks |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly fees | Usually none | Often $10–$15 unless you meet conditions |
| Interest on savings | Usually 4–5% APY | Usually 0.01–0.5% APY |
| Physical branches | None | Yes, for deposits and withdrawals |
| Time to open online | 10–20 minutes | 10–20 minutes |
| Accepts ITIN | Often yes | Varies by bank |
What happens if the bank cannot verify you online
If the bank cannot verify your identity when ready through its automated system, it will ask you to mail in copies of your ID and proof of address, or visit a branch in person. This adds 5 to 10 business days to the process. Some banks will not open the account until they receive and review the documents.
If you are rejected, the bank will tell you why: usually because your ID did not scan clearly, your address could not be verified, or you have a history of fraud or unpaid accounts (flagged by ChexSystems). You can dispute a ChexSystems report if you believe it is wrong. If you are rejected by one bank, you can try another, but you may face the same issue. Some banks are stricter than others about verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account online if I am not a U.S. citizen?
It depends on the bank and whether you have an ITIN. Most major banks require a Social Security number or ITIN. Some online banks and credit unions accept non-citizens with an ITIN or sometimes just a passport and proof of address. Call the bank first to confirm they will accept your documents before you start the process.
How long does it take to open an account online?
The process itself takes 10 to 20 minutes. If the bank verifies you when ready, the account opens the same day. If the bank needs to mail you documents to sign or review mailed-in copies of your ID, add 5 to 10 business days. Your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days after the account opens.
Can I use my account before the debit card arrives?
Yes, most banks let you set up direct deposit or transfer money in when ready after the account opens. Some banks offer a temporary digital card in their app that you can use to make purchases or withdraw cash at ATMs while you wait for the physical card. Check with your bank to see if this is available.
What if I do not have a proof of address?
Most banks require a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement. If you do not have these, some banks will accept a government letter with your address, a cell phone bill, or a credit card statement. Call the bank to ask what alternative documents they accept before you explore.
Can I open multiple accounts at different banks online?
Yes. There is no limit to how many bank accounts you can open. However, each process triggers a hard inquiry into your banking history through ChexSystems, and multiple inquiries in a short time can raise flags. Space out your applications by a few weeks if you plan to open more than one account.