You can open an Arvest savings account online, but only if you already bank with them
Arvest Bank allows current customers to open a savings account through their website or mobile app without visiting a branch. If you are not yet an Arvest customer, you will need to open a checking account first — and that requires a visit to a physical branch or a phone call to their customer service line. Arvest does not offer online-only account opening for new customers at this time.
The reason for this difference is that banks verify your identity in different ways depending on whether you are new to them. Existing customers have already gone through that verification process, so the bank can move faster. New customers need to prove who they are in person or through a more detailed phone process before any account can be opened.
Key Takeaways
- Current Arvest customers can open a savings account online through the Arvest website or mobile app in minutes.
- New customers must open a checking account first, either by visiting a branch in person or calling Arvest customer service.
- You will need your Social Security number, a government-issued ID, and proof of your current address to open any account with Arvest.
- Arvest operates branches in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri, so your location determines whether in-person opening is an option.
Opening a savings account if you are already an Arvest customer
Log into your Arvest online banking account or open the Arvest mobile app. Look for an option labeled "Open an Account" or "Add an Account" — the exact wording varies depending on which platform you use. Select savings account from the list of account types offered.
You will be asked to choose the type of savings account you want. Arvest offers several options, each with different interest rates and minimum balance requirements. Read the details for each one before choosing, because the terms determine how much your money will earn and whether monthly fees explore.
Once you have selected an account type, you will confirm your personal information and review the account terms. The process usually takes fewer than five minutes. Your new savings account will be active when ready, and you can begin moving money into it right away.
Opening your first account with Arvest: in-person branch visit
If you do not yet have an Arvest account, visit a branch location in person. Bring your Social Security number, a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), and a document showing your current address. A recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement from another bank all work as proof of address.
Tell the banker you want to open a checking account. You can ask about savings accounts at the same time, but the checking account must come first. The banker will walk you through the process, answer questions about the account features, and help you fund the account if you want to deposit money that day.
Arvest has branches in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri. If you live outside these states, you cannot open an account in person. In that case, call Arvest customer service at the number on their website to ask about phone-based account opening for new customers.
Opening your first account with Arvest: phone process
Call Arvest customer service and tell them you want to open a checking account. Have your Social Security number, government-issued ID, and proof of address ready before you call. The representative will ask you to read information from these documents over the phone to verify your identity.
The phone process takes longer than in-person opening because the bank must confirm your identity without seeing you face-to-face. Be prepared to answer security questions and provide detailed information. Once your checking account is approved and opened, you can then open a savings account online using the steps described above.
What you need before you start
Gather these documents before opening any account with Arvest:
- Your Social Security number
- A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card)
- Proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement dated within the last 60 days)
- Your current contact information: phone number and email address
If you do not have a Social Security number, contact Arvest directly to ask about alternative verification methods. Some banks can work with Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) or other forms of identification, though policies vary.
Minimum deposits and account features
Arvest savings accounts have different minimum opening deposits depending on the account type. Some accounts require no minimum deposit at all, while others ask you to deposit a set amount when you open the account. Check the specific account details before you choose, because this affects whether you can open the account with the money you have available right now.
Interest rates and monthly fees also vary by account type. Some accounts earn higher interest but require a larger balance to avoid fees. Others have lower interest but no monthly charges. The banker or the online platform will show you these details side by side so you can compare before deciding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a savings account without opening a checking account first?
No. Arvest requires new customers to open a checking account before opening any other account type. Once your checking account is active, you can open a savings account online or in person.
How long does it take to open an account online?
If you are already an Arvest customer, opening a savings account online usually takes fewer than five minutes. Your account is active when ready. If you are a new customer opening a checking account by phone, the process can take 20 to 30 minutes.
What if I do not have a government-issued ID?
Contact Arvest customer service before you visit a branch or call to open an account. They can tell you what alternative documents they will accept. Some banks work with tribal IDs, military IDs, or other forms of identification if a driver's license or passport is not available.
Do I need to deposit money when I open the account?
It depends on the account type. Some Arvest savings accounts have no minimum opening deposit, while others do. The account details will tell you the minimum required. You can always deposit money later if you want to open the account with zero dollars.
Can I open an account if I live outside Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri?
You cannot visit a branch in person, but you may be able to open an account by phone. Call Arvest customer service and ask whether they can open a checking account for someone in your state. Policies vary, and some states have restrictions on which banks can serve customers remotely.