Most banks let you start a savings account over the phone, but you will still need to verify your identity in person or online afterward
You can open a savings account by calling your bank's customer service number, and many banks encourage it. The phone representative will ask for your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth — the same information you would provide in a branch. They will also ask what type of account you want and how much you plan to deposit initially.
However, the phone call alone does not complete the process. Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity before they can set up your account. This means you will need to either visit a branch in person with a government-issued ID, or complete the verification through the bank's website or mobile app using a video call or document upload. Some banks can do this verification during the same phone call if you have your ID ready and they have the technology to capture it remotely.
The time this takes varies. Some banks set up your account within hours of verification. Others take one to three business days. A few still require you to mail in a signed form or visit a branch, which extends the timeline to a week or more.
Key Takeaways
- You can provide all your information over the phone, but the bank must verify your identity before the account becomes active.
- Identity verification usually happens through your bank's website, mobile app, or a video call — not during the initial phone call.
- Some banks can verify you when ready if you have a government ID and a camera available during the phone call.
- Once verified, your account may be ready to use within hours or may take one to three business days depending on the bank.
- If you cannot verify online or by video, you will need to visit a branch or mail in documents, which adds time to the process.
What information the bank will ask for over the phone
The representative will start with your legal name, current address, and date of birth. They will ask for your Social Security number so they can check your credit history and run you against federal watchlists — this is standard practice and required by law. Have this information ready before you call.
They will also ask whether you want a regular savings account, a high-yield savings account, or another type. If you are unsure, ask the representative to explain the difference in interest rates and any monthly fees. This is the time to ask questions, because changing account types later is usually straightforward but requires another phone call or a trip to the branch.
Finally, they will ask how much you plan to deposit to open the account. Many banks have no minimum, but some require $25, $100, or more. If you do not have that amount ready, ask whether you can deposit it later or whether the account can be opened with zero dollars.
How identity verification works after the phone call
Once you hang up, the bank will send you an email or text message with instructions for verifying your identity. The most common methods are uploading a photo of your government ID through the bank's website, completing a video call with a bank representative, or answering security questions based on your credit history.
The photo upload method is usually fastest. You photograph both sides of your driver's license or passport and upload them through a find link. The bank's system checks that the ID is real and matches the name and date of birth you provided. This can happen automatically within minutes.
Video verification takes longer because it requires scheduling a time or waiting in a queue, but it is more thorough. A representative will ask you to show your ID to the camera and may ask follow-up questions about your address or recent transactions. This method is more common at banks that want extra assurance, particularly if you are opening an account with a large initial deposit.
Security question verification is the slowest method because it depends on your credit history being available. The bank pulls information from credit bureaus and asks you questions like "Which of these addresses have you lived at?" or "What was the name of your first car loan?" You answer correctly, and the system verifies you. This can take a few minutes or several hours depending on how quickly the credit bureau responds.
Banks that let you verify during the phone call
Some banks have streamlined this process so you can verify your identity without hanging up. They will ask you to have your government ID ready and will use your phone's camera to capture it, or they will ask you to read information from your ID aloud while they type it in. This is less common but becoming more available.
Online-only banks like Ally, Marcus, and Discover often use this method because they have no physical branches. Traditional banks with branches, like Chase and Bank of America, usually require you to verify through their website or app instead, because they have the infrastructure to handle it that way.
If you want to verify during the call, ask the representative directly: "Can I verify my identity right now while we are on the phone?" If they say yes, have your ID in front of you and follow their instructions. If they say no, ask which method they will use and how long it typically takes.
What happens if you cannot verify online or by video
Some banks, particularly smaller regional banks and credit unions, still require you to visit a branch in person or mail in a signed form. If this is the case, the representative will tell you during the phone call. They will either schedule an appointment for you or send you a form to sign and return.
If you must visit a branch, bring your government ID and the account number the bank gave you during the phone call. The branch representative will verify your ID against the information in the system and set up your account on the spot. You can deposit money at the same time if you want.
If you must mail in a form, sign it in front of a notary public if the bank requires it, or straightforward sign and mail it back if they do not. The bank will receive it, verify your signature, and set up your account. This method takes the longest — usually one to two weeks for mailing plus processing time.
Depositing money after your account opens
Once your account is verified and active, you can deposit money in several ways. You can transfer money from another bank account using the routing and account numbers the bank provided. You can deposit a check by photographing it through the mobile app (called mobile check deposit). You can visit a branch and deposit cash or a check in person. Some banks also let you set up direct deposit from your employer.
The fastest method is usually a transfer from another bank account, which can post within hours or one business day. Mobile check deposit takes one to three business days. Cash deposits at a branch post when ready.
Why some banks prefer phone calls over in-person visits
Banks encourage phone account openings because they reduce foot traffic in branches and lower their costs. For you, it means you can open an account without taking time off work or traveling to a branch. The tradeoff is that you have to complete a separate verification step, which adds a day or two to the process.
If you are in a hurry, visiting a branch in person is often faster because everything happens at once — you provide your information, show your ID, and walk out with an active account. But if you prefer to avoid the branch, the phone method works fine as long as you complete the verification step promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit money during the phone call?
No. The bank will not accept a deposit until your identity is verified and your account is active. Once verification is complete, you can deposit money through a transfer, check deposit, or in-person visit. The representative can tell you which methods are available and how long each takes.
What if I do not have a government ID?
You will need one to open a bank account. This is a federal requirement, not a bank choice. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. If you do not have any of these, you will need to get one before you can open an account. Some states offer ID cards specifically for people who do not drive.
Can I open an account over the phone if I do not have a Social Security number?
You can, but the process is more complicated. You will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, which you can get from the IRS. Some banks accept ITINs; others do not. Call ahead and ask whether the bank works with ITIN holders before you start the process.
What if the bank cannot verify me online?
If the photo upload or video verification fails, the bank will offer you another method — usually answering security questions or visiting a branch. Ask the representative what went wrong and which option is fastest. If you visited a branch, you can usually complete verification in minutes.
How long does it take to use my account after it is verified?
Your account is usually ready to use when ready after verification is complete. However, if you are transferring money from another bank, that transfer takes one to three business days to arrive. Deposits you make in person or through mobile check deposit post within one to three business days as well.