What you need to open a Bank of America checking account
Bank of America requires a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit to open a checking account. You can open an account in person at a branch, online through their website, or by phone. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes if you do it online or by phone, or roughly the same in a branch if you have all your documents ready.
The initial deposit amount varies by account type. A basic checking account typically requires $25 to $100 to open, though Bank of America sometimes waives this during promotional periods. You can fund the account with a debit card, transfer from another bank, or cash if you open it in person at a branch.
You will also need a current mailing address. Bank of America will send your debit card and PIN to this address, which usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you need the card faster, ask about expedited shipping options when you open the account—some branches can issue a temporary card on the spot.
Key Takeaways
- You need a photo ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit of $25 to $100, though promotional offers sometimes waive the deposit requirement.
- Opening online or by phone takes 10 to 15 minutes and you can fund the account immediately with a debit card or transfer from another bank.
- Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use your account for transfers and bill pay before it arrives.
- Bank of America offers several checking account types with different features and monthly fees, ranging from accounts with no monthly fee to premium accounts with higher requirements.
Opening an account online
Go to bankofamerica.com and select "Open an Account" from the homepage. You will be asked to choose your account type—Bank of America offers Advantage Checking, Advantage Plus Checking, and Premium Checking, each with different monthly fees and benefits. Advantage Checking has no monthly fee if you maintain a $1,500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit; without either, the fee is $12 per month.
Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, email address, and current mailing address. Bank of America will ask for your phone number and employment information. You will then upload or take a photo of your government-issued ID using your phone or computer camera. The system verifies the ID in real time.
Next, choose how to fund your account. You can enter a debit card number from another bank, provide routing and account numbers for a bank transfer, or skip funding for now and deposit cash at an ATM later. If you use a debit card, the transfer posts within one business day. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number and your account number immediately. Your online banking access is active right away, though your physical debit card arrives by mail.
Opening an account at a Bank of America branch
Bring your photo ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit (cash or debit card) to any Bank of America branch. A banker will walk you through the account type options and help you complete the application. The entire process takes 15 to 20 minutes. You will sign documents in person, and the banker can answer questions about fees, minimum balances, and account features on the spot.
One advantage of opening in person is that you can request a temporary debit card to use immediately. Not all branches issue them, so ask when you arrive. If they do, you can use it at ATMs and in stores the same day. Your permanent card will still arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If you bring cash as your initial deposit, the banker will count it and deposit it into your new account. If you use a debit card from another bank, they will process it the same way as online—the funds transfer within one business day.
Opening an account by phone
Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 to open a checking account over the phone. A representative will guide you through the same questions as the online process: personal information, ID verification, account type selection, and funding method. Phone lines are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time.
You will need to have your photo ID and Social Security number ready. The representative cannot see your ID through the phone, so they will ask you to read information from it aloud to verify your identity. The call typically takes 15 to 20 minutes. Once complete, you will receive your account number and online banking access immediately, and your debit card will arrive by mail.
Account types and monthly fees
Bank of America offers three main checking accounts for individual customers. Advantage Checking has no monthly fee if you maintain a $1,500 minimum daily balance, set up direct deposit, or keep a linked savings account with $500 or more. If you do not meet any of these, the monthly fee is $12. Advantage Plus Checking includes additional benefits like higher ATM reimbursements and priority customer service; it has no monthly fee with a $2,500 minimum balance or direct deposit, and costs $20 per month otherwise.
Premium Checking is designed for customers with higher balances and includes concierge services, travel benefits, and higher ATM reimbursements. It requires a $10,000 minimum balance or $5,000 with linked savings to avoid the $25 monthly fee. All three accounts include online banking, bill pay, mobile app access, and a debit card at no extra cost.
Bank of America also waives monthly fees for customers under 18 and for customers age 65 and older on certain account types. If you are unsure which account fits your situation, the banker or phone representative can recommend one based on your expected balance and deposit patterns.
What happens after you open your account
Your account is active for online banking and bill pay immediately after you open it. You can log in to bankofamerica.com or use the mobile app to check your balance, transfer money between accounts, and set up bill payments right away. Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can withdraw cash at any Bank of America ATM using your account number and temporary PIN, or you can use your account for transfers and online payments.
When your debit card arrives, activate it by calling the number on the back or using the mobile app. You will be asked to verify your identity and set a PIN for ATM withdrawals. Once activated, you can use the card at any merchant that accepts Visa, and at any ATM worldwide (though out-of-network ATM fees apply unless you have a premium account).
Bank of America sends statements monthly via email or mail, depending on your preference. You can change this setting in your online banking profile. If you set up direct deposit, your employer's deposits will post on payday, usually one business day after your employer submits the deposit.
Documents and information you will need
| What You Need | Why Bank of America Asks For It | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Government-issued photo ID | To verify your identity and prevent fraud | Driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID |
| Social Security number | To check your credit history and comply with federal banking rules | Nine-digit number; Bank of America will verify it matches your name and date of birth |
| Current mailing address | To send your debit card and statements | Street address where you receive mail |
| Initial deposit | To fund your account and meet opening requirements | $25 to $100, depending on account type and current promotions |
| Phone number and email | For account notifications and customer service contact | Current phone number and email address |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Bank of America checking account if I do not have a Social Security number?
Bank of America requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open a checking account. If you have an ITIN, you can use that instead. If you do not have either, you will not be able to open an account at Bank of America.
What if I do not have a government-issued photo ID?
Bank of America requires a photo ID to verify your identity. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. If you do not have any of these, you will need to obtain one before opening an account. Some states offer ID cards specifically for people who do not drive.
Can I open an account if I am under 18?
Yes. Bank of America offers accounts for minors, though you will typically need a parent or guardian to co-sign. The requirements and process vary slightly—contact a branch or call 1-800-432-1000 to learn about options for your age group.
How long does it take to receive my debit card?
Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. Some branches offer expedited shipping or can issue a temporary card in person. Ask about these options when you open your account if you need the card quickly.
What if I want to close my account later?
You can close your Bank of America checking account at any time by visiting a branch, calling 1-800-432-1000, or using online banking. Make sure your account balance is zero and all pending transactions have cleared before closing. Bank of America will not charge you a fee to close the account.