Documents and information you'll need before you walk in

Bank of America requires a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit to open a checking or savings account. The ID can be a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. You'll also need to bring a current mailing address — this can be a home address, a PO box, or a work address, though Bank of America prefers a residential address.

The initial deposit amount varies by account type. For most checking accounts, Bank of America requires a minimum opening deposit of $25. Savings accounts typically require $25 as well. If you're opening a Money Market account, the minimum is higher — usually $2,500, though this can change. You can fund the account with cash, a check, or a debit card on the day you open it.

Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your SSN, such as a tax return or W-2. If you don't have a Social Security number, you may still open an account, but the process is different and requires additional documentation — ask the banker about ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) accounts when you arrive.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID, your Social Security number, and a current address to open any Bank of America account.
  • Most checking and savings accounts require a $25 minimum opening deposit, which you can make with cash, check, or debit card on the day you open the account.
  • Bank of America will run a ChexSystems check to verify your banking history — this is not a credit check and does not affect your credit score.
  • You can open an account online, by phone, or in person at a branch, though in-person is fastest if you need to deposit cash or have questions.
  • If you've been denied a bank account before, tell the banker upfront — some accounts are designed for people with banking history issues.

What happens during the ChexSystems check

When you open an account, Bank of America checks your banking history through ChexSystems, a database that tracks closed accounts, overdrafts, and fraud reports. This is not a credit check and will not lower your credit score. ChexSystems looks back seven years, though recent activity matters more than old problems.

If you have unpaid overdrafts, multiple closed accounts due to negative balances, or fraud reports on file, Bank of America may deny you or offer you a second-chance account instead. Second-chance accounts have lower limits on debit card spending and ATM withdrawals, but they work the same way as regular accounts and can be upgraded after six to twelve months of good standing.

You can request your own ChexSystems report before you apply — this takes about five business days and costs nothing. If there are errors on your report, you can dispute them directly with ChexSystems, and Bank of America will wait for the correction before making a final decision.

Opening an account online versus in person

Bank of America lets you open a checking or savings account online through their website or mobile app. The online process takes about ten minutes and requires you to upload a photo of your ID and provide your SSN. You'll fund the account by linking an existing bank account and transferring money, or by mailing a check. Online accounts are usually active within one to two business days.

Opening in person at a branch takes about thirty minutes and is the fastest way if you want to deposit cash or get a debit card the same day. The banker will verify your ID, run the ChexSystems check, and set up your account while you wait. You walk out with a temporary debit card and can use your account immediately.

Opening by phone is also an option — call Bank of America's account opening line and a banker will walk you through the process. You'll need to mail in a copy of your ID and provide your initial deposit by check or transfer. This route typically takes three to five business days.

What to bring if you don't have a standard ID

If you don't have a driver's license or passport, Bank of America accepts other government-issued photo IDs: a state ID card, military ID, tribal ID, or passport card. If you have none of these, you can bring two non-photo government documents instead — such as a Social Security card, birth certificate, or voter registration card — plus a utility bill or lease showing your current address.

If you're under eighteen, a parent or guardian must be present and will need to provide their own ID and SSN. The minor account will be linked to the parent's account, and the parent can set spending limits and monitor activity. At eighteen, the minor can convert to a standard account or keep the linked setup.

Minimum balance requirements and monthly fees

Bank of America checking accounts do not require you to maintain a minimum balance to keep the account open, but some accounts waive the monthly fee only if you meet certain conditions. The SafePass Checking account has a $12 monthly fee unless you have a direct deposit of at least $250 per month or maintain a $1,500 daily balance. The Advantage Plus Checking account has a $12 fee unless you maintain a $1,500 balance or set up direct deposit.

Savings accounts also vary. The Regular Savings account has a $5 monthly fee with no minimum balance. The Premium Savings account has no monthly fee but requires a $500 minimum balance. If your balance drops below the minimum, you'll be charged the monthly fee.

You can avoid most fees by setting up direct deposit, which is why Bank of America pushes it during account opening. If you don't have direct deposit, ask the banker which account has the lowest fee for your situation — some accounts are designed for people who prefer to keep low balances.

What happens after you open the account

Your debit card will arrive in the mail within seven to ten business days if you opened online or by phone. If you opened in person, you may get a temporary card immediately and a permanent card in the mail later. Your account number and routing number are available in the app or online portal as soon as the account is active, so you can set up direct deposit or bill pay before your card arrives.

Bank of America will send you a welcome packet with your account agreement, fee schedule, and information about online banking and mobile app access. Read the fee schedule carefully — it lists overdraft fees (currently $35 per transaction), ATM fees for out-of-network use, and other charges. You can set up overdraft protection by linking a savings account or credit card, which prevents overdrafts but may trigger a transfer fee.

You can log into your account online or through the mobile app within one business day of opening. Set up a strong password and enable two-factor authentication for security. If you have questions about your account after opening, you can call Bank of America's customer service line, visit a branch, or use the chat feature in the app.

If you've been denied before or have banking issues

If you've been denied a bank account in the past, tell the banker when you apply. Bank of America offers the SafePass Checking account specifically for people with ChexSystems issues — it has lower ATM withdrawal limits ($500 per day) and debit card spending limits ($2,000 per day), but it functions like a regular account and can be upgraded after six months of no overdrafts or returned checks.

If you have an outstanding overdraft from a previous bank, pay it off before you apply. Bank of America will see it on ChexSystems and may deny you or require you to pay it as a condition of opening an account. Some people use a second-chance bank like Chime or LendingClub first, build a clean history for six months, and then move to Bank of America — this is a valid strategy if you're worried about denial.

If you're unsure whether you'll be denied, request your ChexSystems report first. It costs nothing and takes five business days. If there are errors, dispute them before you apply — this gives you the best chance of approval at a standard account rather than a second-chance account.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, but you'll need an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. Bring your ITIN documentation, a government photo ID, and proof of address. The process is the same, but some branches may need to verify your ITIN with additional documents. Call ahead to confirm your local branch can process ITIN accounts.

What if I don't have an initial deposit right now?

Bank of America requires a minimum opening deposit of $25 for most accounts. If you don't have it, you can ask the banker if you can deposit it within a few days, though this is not may provide. Some branches may allow you to open the account and fund it by transfer within 24 hours. Call your local branch first to ask about their policy.

How long does it take to open an account online?

The online application takes about ten minutes. Your account will be active within one to two business days, and you can start using it through the app or online portal right away. Your physical debit card arrives in seven to ten business days. If you need a card sooner, open in person at a branch instead.

Will opening a Bank of America account hurt my credit score?

No. Bank of America does not run a credit check when you open a checking or savings account. They only check ChexSystems, which is a banking history database and does not affect your credit score. Your credit score will not change because you opened an account.

Can I open an account if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. You need a government-issued photo ID (passport, visa, or state ID), a Social Security number or ITIN, and proof of a U.S. address. Some branches have experience with non-citizen accounts and can move faster. Call ahead and ask if your branch handles international accounts.