You can open most bank accounts entirely online in 10 to 20 minutes, without visiting a branch
Online account opening means you provide your information through a bank's website or mobile app, verify your identity, and receive account details the same day or within one business day. You do not need to be a current customer, and you do not need to visit a physical location. Most banks that offer online accounts are real banks with FDIC insurance — the same protection you get at a branch bank.
The process is straightforward because banks have automated most of it. You enter personal details, the bank checks them against databases it already uses, and if everything matches, you are done. Some banks ask you to verify your identity by taking a photo of your ID or answering security questions about your past. A few still require a phone call or video chat with a person, but this is becoming less common.
Key Takeaways
- You will need a government-issued ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address to open an account online.
- The bank will check your identity and your banking history through databases it already subscribes to, which takes minutes to hours.
- Most online accounts are ready to use the same day, though some banks hold new accounts for one to five business days before you can withdraw money.
- Online banks and traditional banks with online options both offer FDIC insurance, so your money is protected up to $250,000 per account type.
- If the bank cannot verify your identity automatically, it will ask you to upload a photo of your ID or complete a video call instead of rejecting your process.
What documents and information you need before you start
Gather these items before you begin, so you do not have to stop halfway through:
- A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID card, or passport)
- Your Social Security number
- Proof of your current address (a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address)
- Your phone number and email address
- Information about your employment (optional for some banks, required for others)
If you do not have a Social Security number, some banks will open accounts using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Call the bank before you start to confirm this, because not all banks accept ITINs.
If you do not have a government-issued ID, online opening will not work — you will need to visit a branch in person with whatever ID you do have. Some banks will work with you on this; others will not. Your best option is to call the bank's customer service line and ask whether they can open an account for you without a standard photo ID.
The step-by-step process from start to account ready
The exact steps vary slightly by bank, but the order is always similar. Here is what to expect:
- Go to the bank's website or open their mobile app. Look for a button that says "Open an Account" or "New Customer." Do not log into an existing account — you need the new account page.
- Choose the type of account. Most people start with a checking account. Some banks let you open savings at the same time; others require you to open checking first and add savings later.
- Enter your personal information. Name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, phone number, and email. Be exact — if your name is on your ID as "Robert" but you enter "Bob," the verification step may fail.
- Verify your identity. The bank checks your information against databases it uses. This usually takes a few minutes. If it passes, you move forward. If it does not, the bank will ask you to upload a photo of your ID or complete a video call with a person.
- Review and agree to the account terms. Read the fee schedule and account agreement. These are real documents that explain what the bank can charge you and what happens if you overdraw. Do not skip this.
- Set up online access. Create a username and password for online banking. Write these down somewhere safe, or use a password manager.
- Receive your account number. The bank displays this on screen when ready. Write it down. You will need it to set up direct deposit or receive wire transfers.
From start to finish, this takes 10 to 20 minutes if everything verifies smoothly. If the bank cannot verify you automatically, add 10 to 15 minutes for uploading an ID photo, or 15 to 30 minutes if you need a video call.
When the bank will let you use your account
There is a difference between having an account and being able to withdraw money from it. Most online banks let you transfer money in and out the same day you open the account. Some traditional banks hold new accounts for one to five business days before you can withdraw, even though your account exists and you can see your balance.
Ask the bank about this before you open the account if you need access to money right away. The bank's website usually says something like "funds available when ready" or "funds available within one business day." If it does not say, call customer service and ask directly.
If you are opening an account to receive a direct deposit (like a paycheck), the account does not need to be fully available yet — you can set up direct deposit as soon as you have your account number, and the deposit will land when your employer sends it.
What happens if the bank cannot verify you online
If the bank's automatic check fails, you will see a message asking you to verify your identity another way. This is normal and does not mean you cannot open the account. The bank will ask you to do one of these things:
- Upload a photo of your ID. Take a clear photo of the front and back of your driver's license, state ID, or passport. The bank scans these and checks them against what you entered. This usually takes a few minutes to a few hours.
- Complete a video call. A bank employee will ask you to show your ID on camera and answer a few questions. This takes 10 to 15 minutes and happens during business hours.
- Answer security questions. The bank asks you details about your past — previous addresses, old accounts, or credit history. You answer from memory. This is when ready.
If you cannot complete any of these steps, or if the bank still cannot verify you, you will need to open the account in person at a branch. This is rare, but it happens. The bank will tell you this and direct you to the nearest branch.
Choosing between online-only banks and traditional banks with online options
You have two main choices: banks that exist only online, and traditional banks that let you open accounts online but also have physical branches.
Online-only banks (sometimes called "digital banks" or "neobanks") have no branches. They offer lower fees and sometimes higher interest rates on savings because they have no building costs. You manage everything through an app or website. If you need to deposit cash, you use an ATM network or transfer from another account. Examples include Ally, Charles Schwab Bank, and Discover Bank.
Traditional banks with online opening have physical branches you can visit if you need to. They usually charge more in fees and pay less interest, but you have the option to talk to a person in person. Most large banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo) and many regional banks fall into this category.
Both types are FDIC insured. The choice depends on whether you want the option to visit a branch or whether you are comfortable doing everything online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open an account if I have bad credit or a history of overdrafts?
Yes. Most banks do not check your credit score when you open a checking account. Some banks check a banking history database called ChexSystems, which records overdrafts and closed accounts, but many online banks do not check this either. If one bank declines you, try another — policies vary widely.
How long does it take to receive a debit card?
Most banks mail a debit card within 5 to 10 business days. Some online banks offer a temporary digital card you can use when ready in your phone's wallet while you wait for the physical card. Ask the bank about this when you open the account.
What if I do not have a permanent address?
You will need some address to put on the account — banks require this for legal reasons. If you are staying with someone temporarily, you can use their address if you have permission. Some banks accept a shelter address or a mail forwarding service address. Call the bank before you start and explain your situation.
Can I open an account for someone else, like a child or elderly parent?
No. The person whose name is on the account must be the one to open it online, because the bank verifies their identity. For a child under 18, you will need to open a joint account or custodial account in person at a branch. For an elderly parent, they must open the account themselves, or you must visit a branch together.
Is it safe to open a bank account online?
Yes, if you use the bank's official website or app. Type the bank's web address directly into your browser instead of clicking a link in an email, and make sure the web address starts with "https://" (the "s" means it is encrypted). Do not open accounts through links in emails or texts — these are often scams.