Yes, you can open a bank account online, but not all banks let you do it the same way
Many banks and credit unions now let you open a checking or savings account entirely online, without visiting a branch. You fill out forms on their website, upload documents, and get approved in minutes to a few days. However, some banks still require you to come in person or start online and finish at a branch, so the process depends on which bank you choose.
The main reason banks ask for different things is that they need to verify who you are. Federal law requires banks to confirm your identity before opening an account — this is called Know Your Customer (KYC) verification. Some banks do this through your phone or computer using documents you already have. Others ask you to come in so a staff member can check your ID in person.
Key Takeaways
- Many large banks and most online-only banks let you open an account completely online using your computer or phone, with approval in one to three business days.
- You will need a government-issued ID (driver's license or passport), proof of address (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number to open an account online.
- Some banks use video verification, where you show your ID to a camera during the process, while others accept uploaded photos of your documents.
- Credit unions and smaller regional banks are more likely to require an in-person visit, so call ahead or check their website before starting an online process.
- If you do not have a government ID yet, you can still open an account at some banks and credit unions, but the process will take longer and may require a visit to a branch.
What documents you need to open an account online
Before you start, gather these items. You will need them no matter which bank you choose, though different banks may ask for them in different formats.
A government-issued photo ID is the first thing every bank asks for. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport all work. If you do not have one yet, some banks will work with you, but the process becomes slower — you may need to visit a branch or provide additional documents like a birth certificate and Social Security card.
Proof of your current address is the second requirement. A recent utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreement, or mortgage statement all count. The document usually needs to be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and full address. A bank statement from another bank also works if you already have one.
Your Social Security number is required by law. Banks use 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 can still open an account for you, but you will need to provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, and the process takes longer.
How the online verification process works
Once you have your documents ready, the process usually follows one of two paths, depending on the bank.
With video verification, you start the process on the bank's website or app, then at some point you are asked to join a video call with a bank employee or an automated system. You hold up your ID to the camera so they can see it clearly, and sometimes they ask you a few questions to confirm details from your process. This usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. After the call ends, you upload photos of your proof of address, and the bank reviews everything. Approval typically comes within one business day.
Document upload verification is simpler but slower. You fill out the process online, then upload clear photos of both sides of your ID and your proof of address. The bank's team reviews the photos manually, which can take one to three business days. You do not talk to anyone during this process. Some banks also send you a confirmation code by mail to your address on file — you enter this code into the app to finish opening the account, which adds another week or two.
A few banks use a third method: they let you start online but ask you to finish at a branch with a staff member. This is less common now, but some regional banks and credit unions still work this way. If you are not sure which method your bank uses, check their website or call their customer service line before you begin.
Which banks let you open an account fully online
Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all let you open a checking or savings account online from start to finish. Most use video verification or document upload, and approval usually comes within one to three business days.
Online-only banks — companies like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover that have no physical branches — almost always let you open an account entirely online. Because they have no branches, they have to. These banks often approve accounts faster, sometimes within minutes, because they use automated verification systems.
Credit unions and smaller regional banks are more likely to require an in-person visit or to let you start online but finish at a branch. This varies widely by institution. Before you start an process, visit the bank's website or call their main number to ask whether you can open an account fully online. A five-minute phone call saves you the frustration of starting an process only to find out you have to come in anyway.
What happens after you submit your process
Once you submit your process and documents, the bank reviews everything. If they approve you, you will get an email or text message confirming that your account is open. Some banks let you start using the account right away through their app or website, even before your debit card arrives in the mail. Others ask you to wait until the card arrives.
If the bank needs more information, they will contact you by phone, email, or through the app. Common reasons they ask for more details include a mismatch between the name on your ID and the name on your proof of address, or an unclear photo of a document. If this happens, respond as quickly as you can — the sooner you send what they ask for, the sooner they can finish reviewing.
If the bank denies your process, they are required by law to tell you why. Common reasons include a history of unpaid overdrafts at another bank, a record of fraud, or a problem with your identity verification. If you are denied, you can ask the bank to reconsider, or you can try a different bank — different banks have different standards.
If you do not have an ID yet
Opening an account without a government-issued ID is harder but not impossible. Some banks and credit unions will work with you if you bring other documents in person, such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of address. A few online banks also accept an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead of a Social Security number, which opens more options if you are not yet a citizen.
Your best bet is to call a few banks or credit unions in your area and ask directly: "Can I open an account without a government ID?" Be honest about what documents you do have. Credit unions, especially those focused on serving immigrant communities or low-income families, are often more flexible than large national banks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to open an account online?
With video verification, approval usually comes within one business day. With document upload, it takes one to three business days. Some banks add another week or two if they mail you a confirmation code. Online-only banks sometimes approve accounts within minutes, but you still may not be able to use the account until the next business day.
Do I need a credit card to open a bank account?
No. A bank account and a credit card are separate products. You do not need one to open the other. Banks check your identity and sometimes your banking history, but they do not require you to have a credit card first.
What if my address on my ID does not match my current address?
Bring both your ID and a recent document showing your current address, such as a utility bill or lease. The bank will use both to confirm who you are and where you live now. If you are opening an account online, upload both documents during the process.
Can I open an account if I have been denied before?
Yes. Different banks have different standards. If one bank denied you, try another. Ask the bank that denied you why they said no — if it was a mistake or a problem you have since fixed, you can try that bank again after some time has passed.
Do I need to deposit money right away?
No. Most banks let you open an account with zero dollars. You can deposit money whenever you are ready, either online, at an ATM, or by having your paycheck sent directly to the account.