Online banks let you open an account from your phone or computer without visiting a branch
You can open a bank account online with most major banks and many smaller ones. The process takes 10 to 20 minutes and happens entirely through a website or mobile app. You'll need a government-issued ID, a Social Security number or ITIN, proof of your current address, and a way to fund the account — usually a debit card or another bank account.
Online-only banks (sometimes called digital banks) like Chime, Ally, and Marcus have no physical branches at all. Traditional banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo also let you open accounts online, though they have branches you can visit if you need to. Credit unions increasingly offer online opening too. The main difference is where you can deposit cash and get help in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online account opening takes 10 to 20 minutes and requires a government ID, Social Security number, proof of address, and a way to fund the account.
- Online-only banks have no branches but often charge no monthly fees and offer higher interest on savings; traditional banks let you visit a branch if you need in-person help.
- You'll receive account details when ready after approval, though it may take one to three business days for the account to be fully active for transfers.
- If you don't have a government ID or Social Security number, some banks offer alternative paths, but you should call ahead to confirm what they accept.
What documents you need to have ready
Before you start, gather these items. A government-issued ID means a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. If you don't have one, some banks will work with you — call first to ask what they accept instead.
You'll need your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The bank uses this to check your banking history and prevent fraud. If you don't have either, some banks have programs for people new to the U.S. financial system; ask whether they offer an account without an SSN.
Proof of your current address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A few banks accept a bank statement or credit card statement instead. You'll upload a photo of the document or type in the information.
Finally, you'll need a way to fund the account — either a debit card from another bank or the routing and account number of an existing account you can transfer from. Some banks let you start with $0 and add money later, but most want at least $1 to $25 to open.
Step-by-step: opening an account online
Start on the bank's website or read their mobile app. Look for a button that says "Open an account," "get your free guide," or "Sign up." Click it.
The bank will ask what type of account you want — usually a checking account (for everyday spending) or savings account (for money you're keeping). Some banks bundle them together. Choose checking if you're not sure.
Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, email, phone number, and address. The bank will ask for your Social Security number or ITIN. Upload or photograph your government ID and proof of address. This usually takes two to five minutes.
Review the account terms — the monthly fee (if any), minimum balance requirements, and interest rate. Then choose how you'll fund the account. If you're transferring from another bank, enter that account's routing number and account number. If you're using a debit card, enter the card number and expiration date.
Submit your information. The bank will review it, usually within minutes. You'll see a confirmation screen with your new account number and routing number. Write these down or take a screenshot.
It can take one to three business days for the account to be fully active for transfers and bill payments, even though you see it when ready. Some banks let you use a debit card right away; others mail one to you.
Online-only banks versus traditional banks with online opening
| Feature | Online-Only Banks | Traditional Banks |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly fees | Usually $0 | Often $10–$15, waived if you meet conditions |
| Interest on savings | Usually higher | Usually lower |
| Deposit cash | Not possible, or only at partner locations | At any branch |
| In-person help | Phone, email, or chat only | Visit a branch |
| Debit card | Mailed or digital (use when ready) | Mailed or pick up at branch |
Online-only banks are built to be cheap and fast. They have no branches, so they pass the savings to you in the form of no monthly fees and higher interest rates on savings. If you rarely need cash or don't mind using ATMs, they work well. Chime, Ally, Marcus, and LendingClub are examples.
Traditional banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank let you open online but also have physical branches. This means you can deposit cash, talk to someone face-to-face, and get a debit card faster. The trade-off is that they often charge monthly fees unless you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. If you're new to banking and want the option to walk into a branch, a traditional bank may feel safer.
What happens after you open the account
You'll receive your account number and routing number when ready. Some banks give you a temporary debit card number you can use online right away. A physical debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Set up online banking by creating a username and password. This is how you'll check your balance, transfer money, and pay bills. Most banks also have a mobile app you can read.
If you set up a transfer from another account, that money usually arrives within one to three business days. Some banks offer when ready transfers between their own accounts or partner banks, which happen in minutes.
You can start using the account as soon as you see the confirmation, but the bank may place a hold on deposits for a few days while they verify the transfer. This is normal and doesn't mean anything is wrong.
If you don't have a government ID or Social Security number
Not everyone has a driver's license or passport. If you don't, call the bank's customer service line before you start. Some banks accept a state ID card, military ID, or passport card. Others have programs for people new to the U.S. financial system that use an ITIN instead of an SSN.
A few banks, including some credit unions, will open an account with just a phone number and email if you can't provide an ID. You may not be able to do this online — you might need to visit a branch or mail in documents. Ask what the bank's policy is.
If you're turned down by one bank, try another. Different banks have different rules, and what one won't do, another might.
Common reasons online applications are declined
Banks use a service called ChexSystems to check your banking history. If you've had accounts closed for overdrafts, fraud, or unpaid fees, ChexSystems will flag it. You can still open an account — some banks specialize in second-chance accounts — but you may need to visit a branch or call to explain.
Mismatched information is another common reason. If the name on your ID doesn't match the name you entered, or if your address doesn't match your ID, the process will stall. Double-check everything before you submit.
If the bank can't verify your identity through their system, they may ask you to upload additional documents or call you to confirm information. This is not a rejection — it's a verification step. Respond quickly so the process doesn't time out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open an account if I have bad credit?
Yes. Banks don't check your credit score to open a checking or savings account. They check ChexSystems, which tracks overdrafts and fraud, not credit. If you've had problems with a bank before, some banks will still open an account for you, though you may need to call or visit in person.
How long does it take to open an account online?
The process itself takes 10 to 20 minutes. The bank reviews it within minutes to a few hours. The account is usually ready to use the same day, though transfers from other banks take one to three business days to arrive.
Do I need a minimum deposit to open an account?
Most banks require $1 to $25 to open, but some let you start with $0. Check the bank's website before you start. If you're transferring from another account, that counts as your opening deposit.
What if I'm not a U.S. citizen?
You can open an account with an ITIN instead of a Social Security number. Some banks have programs specifically for people new to the U.S. financial system. Call ahead to confirm what the bank accepts, because policies vary.
Can I open an account on my phone?
Yes. Most banks have mobile apps that let you open an account entirely on your phone. The process is the same as on a computer — you'll upload photos of your ID and proof of address using your phone's camera.