What you need to open a Bank of America account

Bank of America lets you open a checking or savings account online in about 10 minutes, or in person at a branch. Online, you need a valid government ID, a Social Security number or ITIN, and a way to fund the account (a debit card, another bank account, or a wire transfer). In person, bring the same documents plus proof of address—a utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

You must be at least 18 years old to open an account on your own. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian has to open a custodial account with you, which requires their ID and Social Security number as well.

Bank of America does not require a minimum opening deposit for most checking accounts, though some accounts have monthly maintenance fees that are waived if you meet certain conditions—like setting up direct deposit or keeping a minimum balance. Read the fee schedule for the specific account type before you finish opening it.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open a checking or savings account online at bankofamerica.com in about 10 minutes using your ID, Social Security number, and a way to fund the account.
  • In-person account opening at a branch requires the same documents plus proof of address dated within the last 60 days.
  • Most Bank of America checking accounts have no minimum opening deposit, but some charge monthly fees unless you meet conditions like direct deposit or a minimum balance.
  • If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must open a custodial account with you and provide their own ID and Social Security number.

Opening an account online

Go to bankofamerica.com and click "Open an Account" or "get your free guide." Choose whether you want a checking account, savings account, or both. Bank of America will ask you to enter your name, date of birth, Social Security number or ITIN, and current address. Have your ID ready—you'll photograph both sides of it using your phone or computer camera, and Bank of America will verify it automatically.

Next, choose how to fund the account. You can transfer money from another bank account (you'll need the routing number and account number), use a debit card, or arrange a wire transfer. If you transfer from another account, the money usually arrives within one to two business days. You don't have to fund it immediately—you can complete the application and fund it later, though some account types require funding within a certain timeframe to activate.

After you submit your information, Bank of America reviews it and sends you a decision by email, usually within minutes to a few hours. If approved, you'll receive your account number right away and can start using it for direct deposit or transfers. Your debit card arrives by mail in five to seven business days.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Find your nearest Bank of America branch using the branch locator on bankofamerica.com. Walk in during business hours—no appointment is needed, though you may wait depending on how busy the branch is. Bring your government ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and proof of address (a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

Tell the banker you want to open a checking or savings account. They'll ask the same questions as the online form—name, date of birth, address, and Social Security number. They'll verify your ID in person and help you choose an account type. You can fund the account right there with cash, a check, or a transfer from another bank account. If you use cash, the money is available immediately; transfers take one to two business days.

You'll walk out with your account number and temporary debit card (or a card will arrive by mail). The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Account types and what they cost

Bank of America offers several checking and savings accounts. The most common checking account is the Advantage SafePass Checking, which has no monthly maintenance fee if you set up direct deposit, keep a $1,500 minimum balance, or maintain an average daily balance of $1,500. If you don't meet any of those conditions, the fee is $12 per month.

The Advantage Plus Checking account is designed for customers who want more features and has a $15 monthly maintenance fee, waived if you maintain a $2,000 minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Savings accounts like Advantage Savings have no monthly fee but earn interest at a rate that changes based on the Federal Reserve's actions.

Bank of America also offers money market accounts and CDs (certificates of deposit), which lock your money away for a set time in exchange for higher interest rates. Interest rates and fees change, so check bankofamerica.com or ask at a branch for current terms before you open.

What happens after you open your account

Once your account is open, you can use online banking at bankofamerica.com or the mobile app to check your balance, transfer money, pay bills, and deposit checks by photograph. You can also visit any Bank of America branch or ATM to withdraw cash or deposit checks.

Your debit card arrives by mail in five to seven business days if you opened online, or immediately if you opened in person (though you may receive a temporary card at the branch and a permanent one by mail). You can use it to make purchases, withdraw cash at ATMs, and get cash back at stores.

If you set up direct deposit, your employer or benefit provider can send paychecks or payments straight to your account. You'll need to give them your account number and Bank of America's routing number (021000021 for most accounts). Direct deposit usually takes one to two pay cycles to start.

Verification and identity checks

Bank of America uses automated systems to verify your ID when you open an account online. The system scans your ID photo and checks it against your personal information. If something doesn't match—your name, date of birth, or address—the system may ask you to resubmit your ID or call you to confirm details.

Bank of America also runs a background check to look for fraud or suspicious activity. This is standard practice at all banks and does not affect your credit score. If the check raises a question, Bank of America may ask you to provide additional documents or call you to verify information before approving your account.

If you're opening an account in person, the banker verifies your ID by looking at the physical document and may ask you questions about your address or recent moves to confirm you are who you say you are.

If your application is denied or delayed

Bank of America may deny your account application if you have a history of fraud, unpaid overdrafts at other banks, or if your identity cannot be verified. If your application is denied, Bank of America will send you a letter explaining the reason. You can call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 to ask for more details or to reapply if you believe the decision was made in error.

If your application is delayed, it usually means Bank of America needs more information. Check your email for a message from the bank asking for additional documents or verification. Respond as quickly as you can—delays can last anywhere from a few hours to several business days depending on what information is needed.

If you're having trouble opening an account online, try opening one in person at a branch instead. Bankers can often resolve issues on the spot that the online system cannot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Bank of America account without a Social Security number?

Yes. If you don't have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. You'll need to provide it during the application. Bank of America will verify it the same way it verifies a Social Security number.

How long does it take to open a Bank of America account?

Online, the application takes about 10 minutes to complete, and you usually get a decision within minutes to a few hours. In person at a branch, the process takes 15 to 30 minutes. Your debit card arrives by mail in five to seven business days if you opened online.

Do I have to go to a branch if I open my account online?

No. You can open and use your account entirely online. You can deposit checks using the mobile app, transfer money online, and withdraw cash at any Bank of America ATM or at stores that offer cash back. You only need to visit a branch if you want to deposit cash or need help from a banker.

What if I want to add someone else to my account?

You can add a joint owner to your account by visiting a branch with that person and both of your IDs. Both people will have full access to the account and can withdraw money or make transfers. You can also add an authorized user (someone who can use the debit card but may have limited access), though rules vary by account type.

Can I open multiple accounts at Bank of America?

Yes. You can open as many checking and savings accounts as you want. Some people open separate accounts for different purposes—one for bills, one for savings, one for a specific goal. Each account has its own number and debit card (if it's a checking account).