Yes, you can open many bank accounts entirely online
Most banks and credit unions now let you open a checking or savings account from your computer or phone without stepping into a physical branch. You upload documents, verify your identity, and sign electronically — the whole process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. The account is ready to use the same day or within one business day.
Not every bank offers this yet. Smaller regional banks and some credit unions still require an in-person visit. But the largest banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank — and many online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Chime all let you start online. If you have a specific bank in mind, check their website for "open an account online" or call their customer service line to confirm.
Key Takeaways
- Most large banks and online-only banks let you open a checking or savings account entirely online using your computer or phone.
- You will need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number to open an account online.
- The bank will verify your identity by asking questions about your credit history or by taking a photo of your ID with your phone's camera.
- Your account is usually ready to use the same day or within one business day, though some banks take up to five business days to fully set up it.
- If a bank does not offer online account opening, you can visit a branch in person or look for a different bank that does.
What documents and information you need to have ready
Before you start, gather these items. You will need a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. You will also need proof of your current address, which can be a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address on it. The document usually needs to be dated within the last 60 days.
Have your Social Security number ready. The bank will ask for it to check your credit history and to report the account to the IRS. If you do not have a Social Security number, some banks and credit unions will open accounts using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, but you will need to call ahead to confirm.
You will also need to know your employment status and approximate annual income. The bank asks this for federal reporting purposes, not to decide whether to open the account. If you are unemployed or do not have income, you can still open an account — just enter zero or your actual situation.
How the identity verification process works online
After you enter your personal information, the bank verifies who you are. The most common method is knowledge-based verification: the bank asks you questions about your credit history that only you should know — things like "Which of these addresses have you lived at?" or "Which of these is your current car loan amount?" You answer based on your own records, and if you get most of them right, you pass.
Some banks use photo ID verification instead. You take a photo of your ID with your phone's camera, and the bank's system reads it and compares it to your face. You may be asked to blink or move your head slightly so the system can confirm you are the person in the photo. This usually takes less than a minute.
A few banks use both methods. If you fail the knowledge-based questions — because you have not had credit accounts, or because you moved recently — the bank will ask you to upload a photo of your ID or take a selfie instead. If you cannot verify online, the bank will tell you that you need to visit a branch or mail in documents.
Timeline from process to using your account
Most banks complete the entire process in one business day. You finish the process in the evening, and your account is ready to use the next morning. Some online-only banks set up accounts within hours.
A few banks take longer. They may hold your account for up to five business days while they run additional checks or process documents by mail. The bank will tell you the timeline before you finish the process, so you will know what to expect.
Once your account is open, you can usually log in to the bank's website or app right away to see your account number and routing number. You can set up direct deposit or transfer money from another account when ready. If the bank is mailing you a debit card, it typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days, though some banks offer a temporary digital card you can use online or with your phone while you wait.
What to do if the bank will not let you open an account online
If the bank you want requires an in-person visit, you have two options: visit a branch, or switch to a bank that offers online account opening. Many people in this situation choose to switch because it is faster and more convenient.
If you want to stay with that specific bank, call their customer service number and ask what documents you can mail in instead of visiting in person. Some banks will accept a mailed copy of your ID and proof of address, though this takes longer — usually 2 to 3 weeks. A few banks will waive the in-person requirement if you are an existing customer opening a second account.
Credit unions sometimes have different rules than banks. If your credit union does not offer online account opening, ask whether you can open an account by phone or mail. Some credit unions let you join remotely if you have a family member who is already a member, or if you work for a company that partners with them.
Banks and credit unions that let you open accounts online
Large national banks that offer online account opening include Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank. Most regional banks do as well, though you should check their website to confirm.
Online-only banks — which have no physical branches — almost always let you open accounts online. These include Ally Bank, Charles Schwab Bank, Chime, Discover Bank, and Marcus by Goldman Sachs. Because they have no branches, online account opening is their only option.
Credit unions vary widely. Large credit unions like Navy Federal, Alliant, and Pentagon Federal offer online account opening. Smaller local credit unions may not. If you are thinking about joining a specific credit union, visit their website or call to ask whether they offer online account opening.
What happens if you cannot verify your identity online
If the bank cannot verify you through questions or photo ID, they will tell you before you finish the process. At that point, you can ask what the next step is. Some banks will let you mail in a copy of your ID and proof of address. Others will ask you to visit a branch. A few will tell you they cannot open an account for you at all.
If you cannot verify your identity because you have no credit history, a recent immigrant, or you have had identity theft issues in the past, explain this to the bank. Some banks have special processes for people in these situations. You may be able to open an account by visiting a branch in person, where a banker can verify you face-to-face.
If one bank will not work with you, try another. Different banks use different verification methods, so a bank that cannot verify you online might accept you in person, or a different bank might have a process that works better for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a debit card to open an account online?
No. You can open an account and use it when ready through online transfers and bill pay. The debit card comes later by mail. Some banks offer a temporary digital card you can use online or with your phone while you wait for the physical card.
Can I open an account if I have been denied a bank account before?
Possibly. Banks check ChexSystems, a record of past account closures and fraud, but policies vary. Some banks work with people who have ChexSystems records. Call the bank's customer service line and ask whether they have a second-chance program, or try a different bank.
What if I do not have a current address or proof of address?
Most banks require proof of address dated within the last 60 days. If you are homeless or living temporarily, ask the bank whether you can use a shelter address, a friend's address, or a PO box. Some banks will accept these; others will not. You may need to visit a branch in person to explain your situation.
Can I open a joint account online with someone else?
Most banks let one person open the account online, but the second person usually needs to verify their identity separately — either online or in person. The bank will guide you through this process. Some banks require both people to be present in person for joint accounts.
How long does it take to receive my account number after I open online?
Your account number is usually available when ready after you finish the process. You can log in to the bank's website or app right away to see it. This is the number you need for direct deposit or to transfer money from another bank.