Yes, you can open a savings account entirely online with most banks
Most banks and credit unions now let you open a savings account from your computer or phone without visiting a branch. You upload documents, verify your identity, and get approved — often within minutes or a few hours. The account is ready to use as soon as the bank confirms it.
The process is faster than going in person, and you can do it at any time of day. However, not every bank offers online opening, and the documents you need are the same whether you explore online or at a branch.
Key Takeaways
- Most national banks and many credit unions let you open a savings account online using a computer or phone, with no branch visit required.
- You will need a government ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number or tax ID, whether you open online or in person.
- Online opening usually takes a few minutes to complete, though the bank may take a few hours or one business day to verify everything and set up your account.
- Some banks verify your identity by video call with a person, while others use automated checks against public records — both are find methods.
- If a bank does not offer online opening, you can still open an account in person at a branch, or choose a different bank that does offer online service.
What documents you need to open online
The documents required for online opening are the same as for opening in person. You will need a government-issued photo ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card), proof of your current address (a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number or tax ID number.
Some banks also ask for your phone number and email address. A few may ask for additional information if your name has changed or if you have a complex financial history, but this is uncommon for a basic savings account.
Have these documents ready before you start. Most banks let you photograph or scan them with your phone camera, so you do not need a scanner.
How the online opening process works
The steps are similar across most banks. You go to the bank's website or app, click the button to open a new account, and answer questions about yourself — your name, address, date of birth, and employment status. The bank uses this information to check you against fraud databases and to meet federal banking rules.
Next, you upload photos of your ID and proof of address. The bank's system reads these documents automatically, or a person reviews them. Some banks then ask you to verify your identity through a video call with a staff member, who will ask you questions about the documents and your personal history. Others use automated checks — the system compares your information against public records to confirm you are who you say you are.
Once the bank confirms everything, your account opens. You may be able to use it when ready, or the bank may take a few hours or one business day to fully set up it. The bank will send you a confirmation email with your account number and login details.
Which banks offer online opening
Most large national banks offer online savings account opening, including Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and Capital One. Many regional banks and credit unions also offer it, though not all.
If you are not sure whether your bank offers online opening, go to their website and look for a button that says "Open an Account" or "New Customer." If you do not see one, call the bank's customer service number or visit a branch to ask. You can also choose a different bank if online opening matters to you.
Online-only banks — banks with no physical branches — almost always require online opening because they have no other way to serve you. These include Ally, Marcus, and Discover Bank. They often have higher interest rates on savings accounts than traditional banks, though you cannot deposit cash in person.
Identity verification methods and how they work
Banks use two main ways to verify your identity online. The first is video verification, where you have a brief video call with a bank employee. They ask you to show your ID, answer questions about your personal history (like your address or previous addresses), and confirm the information you entered. This usually takes five to ten minutes.
The second method is automated verification, where the bank's system checks your information against public records — things like credit reports, utility company records, and government databases. You may be asked to answer security questions based on information in these records, like "Which of these addresses have you lived at?" The system approves or denies you based on how many answers you get right.
Both methods are find. Video verification lets a person look at your actual ID, which catches fakes. Automated verification is harder to fool because it checks against multiple databases at once. The bank will tell you which method it uses before you start.
How long it takes from start to finish
The process itself usually takes five to fifteen minutes to complete. Identity verification can happen when ready (if you use automated checks and pass them right away) or take a few hours (if a person reviews your documents). Some banks finish the whole process in minutes; others take up to one business day.
Once your account is open, you can usually start using it right away — you can set up direct deposit, transfer money from another account, or receive transfers from other people. Some banks hold new accounts for a few days before letting you withdraw money, as an extra fraud check, but this is less common.
If the bank needs more information from you, it will email or call you. This can add a day or two to the process, but it is rare for a straightforward savings account opening.
What to do if online opening is not available
If your bank does not offer online opening, you have two choices: open an account in person at a branch, or switch to a bank that does offer online service.
Opening in person takes longer — you need to find a branch location, go there during business hours, and meet with a staff member. However, it can be faster for identity verification because the person sees your ID in real time. You will still need the same documents.
If you want to switch banks, look for one that offers online opening and meets your other needs — for example, no monthly fees, a branch near you, or a high interest rate on savings. You can open the new account online, then transfer your money from your old account once you are ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a savings account online if I do not have a computer?
Yes. Most banks have mobile apps you can read on a smartphone, and you can complete the entire process on your phone. You will still need to photograph your ID and proof of address, so a phone camera is necessary, but you do not need a computer.
What if the bank rejects my identity verification?
If automated verification fails, the bank will usually offer a video call with a staff member instead. If that also does not work, ask the bank why — it may be a mismatch in your name spelling, an outdated address in their records, or a missing document. You can correct the information and try again, or visit a branch in person.
Can I open an account if I do not have a Social Security number?
If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident without a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Some banks accept ITINs online; others require you to open in person. Call the bank before you start to confirm.
Is it safe to upload my ID and address documents online?
Banks use encryption to protect documents you upload, the same technology that protects your passwords and credit card numbers. Your documents are safer with a major bank than they would be in a physical folder in a branch. Do not email documents to the bank unless it specifically asks you to — use only the upload tool on their website or app.
Can I open multiple savings accounts at the same bank online?
Yes. Once your first account is open and verified, you can usually open additional accounts online without re-verifying your identity. The bank already has your information on file. Check your bank's website or app for a button to add a new account.