Most banks will not open a savings account over the phone alone
You can start the process by phone, and some banks will let you finish it that way, but nearly all require you to verify your identity in person or through a video call before the account becomes active. A few online-only banks (Ally, Marcus, Discover) will complete the entire process remotely using video verification, but traditional banks with physical branches almost always need you to show up with a government ID or do a recorded video session with a representative.
The reason is straightforward: federal law requires banks to verify who you are before opening an account. A phone call alone does not meet that standard. The bank needs to see your ID, confirm your address, and sometimes run additional checks. How they do that depends on the bank's setup and whether they have a branch near you.
Key Takeaways
- Online-only banks like Ally, Marcus, and Discover can open savings accounts entirely by phone or computer using video verification, usually within minutes.
- Banks with physical branches typically require you to visit in person with a government ID, or complete a video call with a representative who records the session.
- You can call ahead to ask which verification method your bank uses, and whether they offer video opening for remote customers.
- If you cannot visit a branch, ask whether the bank offers video account opening or whether you can mail in a notarized ID copy as an alternative.
What happens when you call a traditional bank
When you call a bank with branches, the representative can answer questions about account types, fees, and minimum balances. They may take down your basic information and start a preliminary process. But they will tell you that you need to complete the account opening in person at a branch or through a video call scheduled with a specific representative.
Some banks allow you to schedule that video appointment right during the phone call. Others will send you a link via email or text to book a time. The video session typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. The representative will ask you to hold up your ID to the camera, confirm your address, and answer security questions. Once that is done, the account opens when ready or within one business day.
If you live far from any branch and the bank does not offer video opening, you have limited options: you can visit a branch in person, mail in documents (which takes longer and some banks do not accept this), or open an account with a different bank that serves your area or offers remote opening.
Online banks that open accounts entirely by phone or computer
Banks that exist only online have no branches to visit, so they built their entire process around remote verification. Ally Bank, Marcus by Goldman Sachs, Discover Bank, and Ally Bank all use video verification to confirm your identity. You can start on their website or app, answer questions about yourself, and then do a brief video call with a representative or an automated system that scans your ID.
The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, and your account is ready to use the same day or the next business day. You will need a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and a current address. Some online banks also ask for a phone number and email address to set up login credentials before the video step.
The trade-off is that online banks typically offer higher interest rates on savings accounts but no physical location if you need to deposit cash or speak to someone in person. Most allow you to transfer money in from another bank account or deposit checks by phone camera.
What you need to have ready before you call
Gather these items before you pick up the phone or start an online process: a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, your current address, and a phone number where the bank can reach you. Some banks also ask for your employment information or annual income, though this is less common for basic savings accounts.
If you are opening an account for a minor, you will need to be the parent or legal guardian, and you may need to bring the child's birth certificate or Social Security card as well as your own ID. Rules vary by bank, so call ahead if you are opening a joint account or an account for someone else.
Have your current bank account information ready if you plan to fund the new savings account by transfer. The bank will ask for your routing number and account number, which you can find on a check or by logging into your current bank's website.
Video verification: how it works and what to expect
Video verification is the most common remote method banks use now. You will be asked to hold your ID up to your device's camera so the representative or automated system can see your name, photo, and expiration date. They will ask you to confirm your address and may ask a few security questions based on your credit history or past addresses.
The video call is usually recorded for compliance and fraud prevention. You do not need professional lighting or a perfect setup—just a quiet space where you can hold your ID steady and speak clearly. If the camera cannot read your ID clearly, the representative will ask you to try again or may ask follow-up questions to confirm your identity another way.
Once the video session is complete, the bank sends you a confirmation email with your account number and login information. You can usually start using the account within a few hours, though some banks wait until the next business day to fully set up it.
If you do not have a government ID or cannot do video
If you do not have a current government ID, some banks will accept a passport card, tribal ID, or military ID. A few will accept a state ID that has expired within the last year. Call the bank and ask what forms of ID they accept before you try to open an account.
If you cannot do a video call for accessibility reasons, tell the bank when you call. Some have alternative verification methods, such as answering additional security questions or having a representative call you back at a number on file with another financial institution. These alternatives are slower and less common, but they exist.
If you have no ID at all, opening a bank account becomes much harder. Some credit unions and community banks have different rules and may work with you if you bring other documents like a utility bill, lease, or letter from an employer. Call ahead to ask what they need. This is not a quick process, and you may need to visit in person.
Timeline: how long it actually takes
If you use an online bank with video verification, the account opens the same day or the next business day. You can start transferring money and earning interest when ready in most cases.
If you call a traditional bank and schedule a video appointment, the timeline depends on when the bank has availability. Some can fit you in the same day; others may have a wait of a few days. Once the video call happens, the account usually opens within one business day.
If you need to visit a branch in person, you can walk in during business hours and open an account in 20 to 30 minutes. Bring your ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit if you want to fund it right away.
If you mail in documents, add one to two weeks to the timeline, and some banks do not accept mailed applications at all. Call first to confirm the bank will take documents by mail before you send anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a savings account by phone without video?
Not with most banks. Phone calls alone do not meet federal identity verification requirements. You will need either a video call with a representative, an in-person visit to a branch, or an automated video verification system. A few smaller banks or credit unions may have alternative methods—call and ask what they offer.
What if the bank says they need me to visit a branch but I live too far away?
Ask whether they offer video account opening for remote customers. If they do not, you have two options: open an account with an online bank instead, or ask whether the bank will accept a notarized copy of your ID mailed in. Some will; many will not. Get confirmation in writing before you send anything.
Do I need to make a deposit when I open the account over the phone?
No. You can open the account with zero dollars and fund it later by transfer from another bank. Some banks have a minimum deposit to open, but many do not. Ask when you call or start the online process.
How long does video verification actually take?
Usually 10 to 15 minutes. You hold up your ID, confirm your address, and answer a few questions. Once it is done, the account opens the same day or the next business day. Online banks are often faster than traditional banks because their systems are built for speed.
What if my ID is expired?
Most banks will not accept an expired ID, but some will if it expired within the last year. Call the bank and ask what they accept. If your ID is too old, you may need to renew it before opening an account, or find a bank with different rules.