What You Need Before You Start

Union Bank requires specific documents and information before you can open a savings account. You will need a government-issued photo ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The address proof can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.

You will also need to decide whether you want to open the account in person at a branch or online. Both routes are available, and the documents you bring or upload depend on which path you choose. If you are opening an account for a minor, you will need to be their parent or legal guardian and bring their birth certificate or Social Security card along with your own identification.

Have your initial deposit amount ready. Union Bank does not require a minimum opening deposit for most savings accounts, but you should know how much you plan to put in on day one. If you are transferring money from another bank, have that account number and routing number available.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a photo ID, Social Security number, and proof of address dated within the last 60 days to open an account at Union Bank.
  • Union Bank offers both in-person branch openings and online account openings, and the process takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes either way.
  • You can fund your new account when ready with a debit card, transfer from another bank, or a check deposit on the same day.
  • If you open online, your account is usually active within one business day, though you may not receive your debit card for 7 to 10 business days.

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 proof of address. Tell the representative you want to open a savings account. They will ask you to fill out a signature card and provide basic information: your full legal name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. This takes about five minutes.

The representative will then explain the account features, including the current interest rate, any monthly fees (most Union Bank savings accounts have no monthly maintenance fee), and how to access your account online or through their mobile app. Ask about any promotional rates if you are depositing a larger amount—Union Bank sometimes offers higher rates for new accounts with minimum deposits, though these offers change.

Make your initial deposit. You can pay with a debit card, write a check, or transfer money from another bank account if you know that account's routing and account numbers. Your account is active when ready, and you can use it the same day. You will receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Opening an Account Online

Go to unionbank.com and look for the "Open an Account" or "New Accounts" button, usually on the homepage. Select "Savings Account" from the account type options. You will be asked to enter your personal information: full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email address.

Upload or photograph your government-issued photo ID and proof of address. The system will tell you which formats it accepts (usually PDF, JPG, or PNG). Make sure the documents are clear and fully visible—blurry or cut-off images will be rejected and delay your account opening. If you have trouble uploading, you can usually call Union Bank's customer service line and complete the process over the phone instead.

Review the account terms and sign electronically. Union Bank will then verify your information, which typically takes one business day. You will receive an email confirming your account is open and providing your account number. You can fund the account when ready through the online portal by linking a bank account or using a debit card. Your account is usually active within one business day of approval, though your physical debit card will arrive separately in 7 to 10 business days.

What Happens After Your Account Opens

Once your account is active, you can deposit checks through Union Bank's mobile app (using mobile check deposit), transfer money from other banks, or visit a branch to deposit cash. Your first statement will arrive 30 days after opening, either by mail or email depending on your preference.

Interest on your savings account balance begins accruing when ready, though the rate Union Bank pays varies based on the account type and current market conditions. Check your account online or in the app to see your current balance, transaction history, and interest earned. You can also set up automatic transfers from a checking account to your savings account if you want to build your balance regularly.

If you need to add another person to the account (such as a spouse or adult child), you can do this online or at a branch, though it usually requires that person to provide their own ID and signature. Changing account features—like switching to paperless statements or updating your contact information—can be done through the online portal or by calling customer service.

Common Issues and How to Resolve Them

If your online process is rejected, Union Bank will send you an email explaining why. The most common reasons are a mismatch between the name on your ID and the name you entered, an address that could not be verified, or a Social Security number that did not match their records. Call Union Bank's customer service line with your ID in hand, and they can often resolve the issue over the phone and resubmit your process.

If you uploaded documents that were rejected as unclear, take a new photo in good lighting with all four corners of the document visible. Make sure the text is readable and the document is not folded or damaged. Resubmit through the online portal or visit a branch in person instead.

If you do not receive your debit card after 10 business days, contact Union Bank to confirm your mailing address is correct in their system. They can reorder the card or, in some cases, issue a temporary card number you can use online when ready while you wait for the physical card.

Funding Your Account on Day One

You have several options to put money into your new Union Bank savings account right away. If you opened in person, you can hand the representative cash or a check. If you opened online, you can link a debit card and transfer funds when ready, or you can link another bank account and initiate a transfer (which usually takes one to three business days to complete).

Mobile check deposit is available through the Union Bank app once your account is active. Take a photo of the front and back of a check, enter the amount, and submit it through the app. The funds are usually available within one business day. This is useful if you receive checks by mail and do not want to visit a branch.

If you are transferring a large amount from another bank, ask that bank for the routing number and account number you will need. Union Bank's routing number is 121000248 (for most Union Bank locations; verify this on their website or by calling, as routing numbers can vary by region). Have this information ready before you start the transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a minimum deposit to open a Union Bank savings account?

Most Union Bank savings accounts do not require a minimum opening deposit, though some promotional accounts may. Check the specific account details when you begin the process, or ask a representative at the branch. You can open with as little as $1 if the account has no minimum requirement.

How long does it take to open an account online?

The process itself takes 10 to 15 minutes. Union Bank then verifies your information, which usually takes one business day. Your account is active and ready to use once you receive the confirmation email, though your physical debit card arrives separately in 7 to 10 business days.

Can I open a joint savings account with someone else?

Yes. Both account holders must provide their own ID, Social Security number, and signature. If opening in person, both people should visit the branch together. If opening online, one person can start the process, but the other person will need to verify their identity and sign before the account is finalized.

What is the interest rate on Union Bank savings accounts?

Interest rates change based on market conditions and the specific account type. Union Bank publishes current rates on their website and in branches. Ask a representative for the rate on the day you open, and note that rates may change after your account is open—Union Bank will notify you of any changes by mail or email.

Can I close my savings account if I change my mind?

Yes. You can close your account at any time by visiting a branch, calling customer service, or using the online portal. Withdraw any remaining balance or request a check, and the account will be closed. There is no penalty for closing a new account.