Most credit unions require you to visit a branch or mail in documents to open an account, even if they have an online application
Credit unions are not banks, and they do not operate like online-only banks. Even when a credit union offers an online application form, you will almost always need to complete at least one step in person or by mail — usually verifying your identity with a government ID or signing documents. Some credit unions let you start the process online and finish it at a branch. Others require you to walk in from the beginning. A few will mail you everything, but this is less common.
The reason is membership. Credit unions are member-owned cooperatives, not corporations. Before you can open an account, you have to become a member, and membership verification typically requires proof of identity that an online form alone cannot provide. This is different from a traditional bank or an online bank, where an account and membership are the same thing.
The short answer: you can start online at many credit unions, but you cannot finish entirely online at most of them. Check your specific credit union's website or call their membership department to learn which steps they require in person.
Key Takeaways
- Most credit unions require at least one in-person visit or a mailed document to open an account, even if they have an online application.
- You will need a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of address to complete membership verification.
- Some credit unions let you start online and finish at a branch; others require you to visit a branch first or mail in all documents.
- A few credit unions offer fully online account opening, but they are rare and usually require you to be a member of a specific employer, union, or organization first.
- The membership requirement exists because credit unions are cooperatives, not corporations, and they must verify your identity before you can join.
What you need to bring or submit to open an account
Credit unions ask for the same core documents regardless of whether you apply online, in person, or by mail. You will need a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You will also need proof of your current address, which can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Some credit unions accept a government document like a tax return or voter registration card instead.
If you are opening an account online, the credit union will ask you to upload images of these documents or provide the information from them. If you are visiting a branch, bring the originals. If you are mailing documents, make copies and keep the originals for yourself.
You will also answer questions about your Social Security number, employment status, and the source of your funds. This is standard for all financial institutions and is required by federal law to prevent money laundering. The credit union will run a background check using ChexSystems, which is a banking history report similar to a credit report but specific to checking and savings accounts.
The difference between starting online and finishing online
When a credit union says it has "online account opening," it usually means you can fill out the application and upload documents from your computer or phone. What it does not mean is that you will have a working account by the time you close your browser.
After you submit an online application, the credit union's membership team will review your documents and information. This review typically takes one to three business days. If everything is in order, they will contact you by phone or email to confirm your identity — usually by asking you to verify information you provided or to answer security questions. Once you pass this step, they will send you an email or letter telling you your account is open and providing your account number and routing number.
Some credit unions will then require you to visit a branch to activate your debit card or set up online banking. Others will mail you a debit card and let you set up online banking from home. A few will let you do everything by phone. Ask your credit union which steps happen after approval.
Credit unions that let you finish the entire process at a branch
Many credit unions prefer the in-branch route because it gives them a chance to verify your identity face-to-face and explain membership benefits and account options in person. If your credit union offers this, you can usually fill out a pre-application online to save time, then bring your ID and proof of address to a branch and complete the membership process there.
This method is often faster than a fully online application because there is no waiting for document review or identity verification calls. You walk out with your account open, your debit card activated, and your online banking set up — sometimes on the same day. The downside is that you have to visit a physical location, which is not an option if the nearest branch is far away or if you cannot visit during business hours.
If you are moving to a new area or switching credit unions, calling ahead to ask whether you can schedule an appointment is worth your time. Some branches are busier than others, and an appointment can cut your wait time in half.
Credit unions that require you to visit first, then open online
A smaller number of credit unions flip the process: you visit a branch first to verify your identity and become a member, and then you can open additional accounts online. This is common at credit unions that are very strict about identity verification or that have older technology systems.
If this is your credit union's policy, you will need to make one trip to a branch with your ID and proof of address. After that visit, you will be in their system as a member, and you can open checking, savings, or other accounts through their website without visiting again.
The rare credit unions that are fully online
A handful of credit unions have invested in technology that allows you to open an account entirely online, without visiting a branch or mailing documents. These credit unions typically use a video call with a staff member to verify your identity in real time, or they use a third-party identity verification service that checks your information against government databases.
However, most of these fully online credit unions have a catch: you must already be a member of a specific employer, union, military branch, or organization to join. For example, some credit unions are only open to employees of a particular company or members of a particular trade union. If you do not meet the membership requirement, you cannot open an account, even if the credit union is fully online.
If you are looking for a fully online credit union with no membership restrictions, your options are very limited. It is worth calling a few credit unions in your area and asking directly whether they offer fully online account opening to the general public.
How long it takes from application to a working account
The timeline depends on which method your credit union uses. If you visit a branch in person, you can often have a working account the same day, though it may take a few hours for online banking to activate. If you apply online, expect three to five business days from submission to approval, plus one to three more days for your debit card to arrive by mail.
If you mail in documents, add five to seven business days for the mail to reach the credit union, plus three to five business days for review. In total, a fully mailed application can take two to three weeks.
These timelines assume no problems with your documents or background check. If the credit union cannot read your uploaded images, or if there is a discrepancy in your information, the process will take longer. Respond to any requests for clarification as quickly as you can.
What to do if your credit union does not offer online account opening
If your credit union only accepts in-person applications and you cannot visit a branch, you have a few options. First, ask whether they will accept mailed documents. Some credit unions that do not advertise this option will do it if you call and ask. You can mail copies of your ID and proof of address along with a completed membership application form, which you can request by phone or download from their website.
Second, ask whether a family member or authorized representative can visit the branch on your behalf. Some credit unions allow this, though they will still need to verify your identity by phone or video call before opening the account.
Third, if you have a relative who is already a member of the credit union, ask whether they can refer you. Some credit unions have referral programs that streamline the process for new members who are referred by existing ones, though this does not eliminate the identity verification step.
If none of these options work, you may need to consider a different financial institution. Online banks and traditional banks with online account opening do not have the same membership verification requirements as credit unions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a credit union account if I do not have a government ID?
Most credit unions require a government-issued photo ID as part of their membership verification process. If you do not have one, call your credit union and ask what alternative documents they accept. Some will accept a passport card, tribal ID, or military ID. If you have none of these, you may need to obtain a state ID card from your local DMV before you can open an account.
What if I fail the ChexSystems check?
ChexSystems is a banking history report, not a credit report. It shows whether you have unpaid overdrafts, fraud disputes, or other serious account problems at other banks or credit unions. If you are denied because of ChexSystems, the credit union must tell you why and provide you with contact information for ChexSystems so you can dispute inaccurate information. You can also ask the credit union whether they have a second-chance account option for people with banking history issues.
Can I open a joint account online?
Joint accounts require both account holders to verify their identity, so the process is more complicated. If you and the other person are both applying for the first time, you may both need to visit a branch or mail in documents. If one of you is already a member, that person can sometimes add the other person online, but the new person will still need to verify their identity. Ask your credit union about their specific process for joint accounts.
Do I need to make a deposit to open an account?
Most credit unions require a minimum opening deposit, which is usually between $5 and $25. Some credit unions waive this for certain account types or for members who set up direct deposit. Ask your credit union what the minimum deposit is for the account type you want to open.
What happens if I move after I open my account?
Your account stays open and active. You do not need to notify the credit union unless you want to change your mailing address. If you move far away and the nearest branch is no longer convenient, you can still use your account for online banking, bill pay, and transfers. You can also visit any branch of a credit union in the CO-OP network or Allpoint network to withdraw cash or make deposits, depending on your credit union's partnerships.