What you need to bring and where to start

Union Bank lets you open a savings account either in person at a branch or online through their website. The in-person route takes about 15 minutes; the online route takes about 10 minutes but requires you to verify your identity through their system afterward. Both paths lead to the same account type, so choose based on whether you prefer talking to someone or moving faster on your own.

For either method, you will need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and your Social Security number. If you are opening an account online, you will also need an email address and a phone number where Union Bank can reach you during the verification step. If you are opening in person, bring a debit card or checkbook from another bank — Union Bank uses this to verify your identity and link your existing account for the initial deposit.

The minimum opening deposit varies by account type. Union Bank's basic savings account typically requires $100 to $500 to open, depending on your state and the specific product. Check the Union Bank website or call your local branch at the number listed on their site to confirm the exact amount before you go in.

Key Takeaways

  • Union Bank offers both in-person and online account opening, with online taking about 10 minutes and in-person taking about 15 minutes.
  • You will need a government photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of an existing bank account or a debit card to verify your identity.
  • The opening deposit ranges from $100 to $500 depending on your state and the specific savings product you choose.
  • After opening online, you must complete identity verification through Union Bank's system before your account becomes fully active.
  • Union Bank branches are located in California, Nevada, and Texas, so availability depends on where you live.

Opening an account in person at a Union Bank branch

Walk into any Union Bank branch during business hours with your photo ID, Social Security number, and a debit card or checkbook from another bank. Tell the teller you want to open a savings account. They will ask you which type of savings account you want — Union Bank typically offers a basic savings account and sometimes a money market savings account with higher interest rates if you maintain a larger balance.

The teller will fill out the account process with you, which takes about 5 to 10 minutes. You will provide your name, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number. They will verify your identity using your photo ID and your existing bank account information. Once everything checks out, you will make your opening deposit — the teller will tell you the minimum required. Your account opens when ready, and you can use your debit card or set up transfers that same day.

If you do not have a nearby Union Bank branch, you can find locations and hours on their website by entering your zip code. Union Bank operates in California, Nevada, and Texas only, so if you live outside those states, you will need to open an account online or choose a different bank.

Opening an account online through Union Bank's website

Go to the Union Bank website and look for the "Open an Account" or "New Accounts" button, usually on the homepage. Click it and select "Savings Account" from the options. You will be asked to enter your name, address, phone number, email, Social Security number, and date of birth. The form takes about 5 to 7 minutes to complete.

After you submit the form, Union Bank will ask you to verify your identity. This usually happens through one of two methods: they may send a code to your phone or email that you enter to confirm you own that number, or they may ask you security questions based on your credit history. This step typically takes 5 to 10 minutes. Some accounts require additional verification — Union Bank may ask you to upload a photo of your ID or answer more detailed questions about your financial history.

Once verification is complete, you will choose your opening deposit method. You can link an existing bank account and transfer money, or you can provide a check to deposit. Your account becomes active within one business day, though transfers from other banks may take two to three business days to show up. You will receive login credentials by email so you can check your balance and set up online banking when ready.

What happens after your account opens

Your Union Bank savings account is ready to use as soon as it opens. You can set up direct deposit, transfer money in from another bank, or deposit checks through their mobile app if you have one. Union Bank will mail you a debit card within 7 to 10 business days if you request one, though you do not need it to use your savings account — you can transfer money and pay bills online.

Check the current interest rate on your savings account before you deposit money. Union Bank's rates change, and savings accounts typically earn less interest than money market accounts or certificates of deposit. You can find the current rate on their website or ask a teller. If you want to move your money to a higher-earning product later, you can do that without closing your account.

Set up online banking and the Union Bank mobile app so you can check your balance, transfer money, and deposit checks from your phone. Both are free and take about 5 minutes to set up. You will use the email and password you created during account opening to log in.

Fees and account maintenance

Union Bank's savings accounts typically have no monthly maintenance fee, but some accounts require a minimum balance to avoid fees — usually $300 to $500 depending on the account type. Check your account agreement or ask a teller what the minimum is for your specific account. If your balance drops below the minimum, Union Bank will charge a monthly fee, usually $5 to $10.

You may face fees for other actions: excessive withdrawals (more than six per month in some cases), overdrafts if you link a checking account, or wire transfers. Read the fee schedule that Union Bank gives you when you open your account so you know what costs explore. You can request a copy by phone or find it on their website.

If you close your account within a certain period — usually 90 days — Union Bank may charge an early closure fee of $25 to $50. This is not common, but it is worth knowing if you think you might close the account quickly.

If you cannot open an account in person or online

If you do not live near a Union Bank branch and do not want to open online, you can call Union Bank's customer service line and ask whether they offer phone-based account opening. Some banks do this, though it is less common. The number is on their website. Be prepared to provide the same information you would on an online form, and the process will take about 20 to 30 minutes.

If Union Bank does not serve your state or you prefer a different bank, look for banks that offer online account opening nationwide. Many large banks and credit unions let you open a savings account entirely online without visiting a branch. The process is similar to Union Bank's online method: you provide your ID information, verify your identity, and make an opening deposit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Union Bank savings account if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. Union Bank requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open any account. If you have an ITIN, you can use that instead. If you do not have either, you will need to work with a bank that accepts alternative identification — some credit unions and community banks do this, though options are limited.

How long does it take to use my account after I open it online?

Your account is usually active within one business day of completing identity verification. You can log in and see your balance when ready. However, if you transfer money from another bank, that transfer may take two to three business days to arrive. Deposits you make through the mobile app or at an ATM post within one business day.

What if I do not have an existing bank account to verify my identity?

If you are opening in person, bring a debit card from any bank — it does not have to be your primary account. If you are opening online and do not have another bank account, Union Bank will verify your identity through security questions or by asking you to upload a photo of your ID. The process takes a bit longer but works the same way.

Can I open a joint savings account at Union Bank?

Yes. Both account holders will need to be present in person or complete the online form together with their own ID and Social Security number. If you are opening online, you may need to complete verification separately. Ask Union Bank whether they require both people to sign the account agreement or whether one person can do it on behalf of both.

What is the difference between Union Bank's savings account and their money market account?

A money market account usually requires a higher opening deposit and minimum balance, but it pays a higher interest rate. A regular savings account has a lower minimum and lower interest. If you plan to keep a large balance and want to earn more, a money market account may be worth it. If you want to keep costs low and do not mind lower interest, a regular savings account works fine.