What you need to open a Discover checking account

You can open a Discover checking account entirely online in about 10 minutes. You will need a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and an initial deposit. Discover does not require a minimum opening deposit, so you can fund the account with any amount, including $0 if you prefer to add money later.

The process is straightforward: you go to Discover's website, click the option to open a checking account, and answer questions about your identity and contact information. Discover verifies your identity in real time using the information you provide. Once approved, you can use your account immediately—you will receive a debit card by mail within 7 to 10 business days, but you can make transfers and set up direct deposit right away.

If you already have a Discover savings account or other Discover product, opening a checking account is even faster because Discover already has your information on file.

Key Takeaways

  • You need only a valid ID, Social Security number, and an internet connection to open an account online; no minimum deposit is required.
  • The entire process takes about 10 minutes, and your account is active immediately even though your physical debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
  • You can set up direct deposit and make transfers before your card arrives, so you do not have to wait to use the account.
  • Discover will run a soft credit check and verify your identity through a third-party service; you will see the results before you finish the application.

Step-by-step: opening your account online

Start at Discover's website and look for the "Open an Account" or "Checking" link. Click the option for a new checking account. You will be asked to enter your email address and create a password—this becomes your login for online banking.

Next, you provide your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. Discover uses this information to verify your identity through a third-party verification service. The verification happens in real time; you will see whether you passed or failed before you move forward. If verification fails, Discover will ask you to provide additional information or documents, or you can call their customer service line to complete the process by phone.

After identity verification, you choose your account type (checking only, or checking plus savings), set up your initial deposit method, and review the account terms. You can fund the account by linking a bank account for an ACH transfer, using a debit card, or waiting to deposit funds later. Once you confirm everything, your account opens immediately and you receive a confirmation email with your account number.

Funding your account and receiving your debit card

If you link an external bank account to fund your new Discover checking account, the transfer typically takes 1 to 3 business days. If you use a debit card to fund the account, the money appears in your Discover account within minutes. You can also skip the initial deposit entirely and add money later through transfers, direct deposit, or mobile check deposit.

Your physical debit card ships within 1 to 2 business days and arrives in 7 to 10 business days. While you wait, you can use your account number to set up direct deposit with your employer, make online bill payments, or transfer money to other accounts. You can also request a temporary virtual card number through the Discover mobile app if you need to make online purchases before your physical card arrives.

Setting up direct deposit before your card arrives

Direct deposit is one of the fastest ways to move money into your new account. You can set it up immediately after your account opens, even before your debit card arrives. Log into your Discover account online, find the direct deposit section, and you will see your account number and routing number. Give this information to your employer's payroll department, and they can begin depositing your paycheck directly to Discover.

Most employers process direct deposit changes within one or two pay cycles. If you need to verify the account is set up correctly, Discover can send two small test deposits (usually under $1 each) to your account, and you confirm the amounts to complete verification. This process typically takes 3 to 5 business days.

What happens if verification fails

If Discover's automated verification system cannot confirm your identity, you will receive a message explaining what went wrong. Common reasons include a mismatch between the name or address you entered and what appears in the verification database, or a Social Security number that does not match your other information. You have the option to correct the information and try again, or to call Discover's customer service to complete the process by phone.

When you call, a representative will ask you security questions to verify your identity manually. This can take an additional 5 to 10 minutes, but it usually resolves the issue. If Discover still cannot verify you, they will explain why and may suggest alternative ways to open the account or direct you to a different product that might work for your situation.

Linking external bank accounts and making transfers

Once your Discover checking account is open, you can link it to accounts at other banks. Log into your Discover account, go to the transfer or linked accounts section, and enter the account number and routing number of the external bank account. Discover will ask you to confirm two small deposits (usually under $1) that appear in the external account within 1 to 2 business days. You then enter those amounts into Discover to verify the link.

After verification, you can transfer money between your Discover account and the linked account. Transfers initiated before 8 p.m. ET on a business day typically post the next business day. Transfers initiated after 8 p.m. ET or on weekends or holidays post the following business day. There is no fee for these transfers.

Account features available immediately

Your Discover checking account comes with online bill pay, mobile banking, and the ability to deposit checks by photograph through the mobile app. You can also set up automatic payments for recurring bills, transfer money between your Discover accounts, and receive alerts when your balance drops below a certain amount.

Discover does not charge monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, or fees for using out-of-network ATMs (though the ATM operator may charge you). You have access to over 60,000 ATMs through the Allpoint network at no cost. If you need a paper statement, you can request one, though Discover encourages online statements to reduce paper waste.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to open a Discover checking account?

The online application takes about 10 minutes from start to finish. Identity verification happens in real time, so your account is active immediately after you complete the application. Your physical debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use your account right away through online transfers and bill pay.

Can I open an account if I have been denied a bank account before?

Discover does not use ChexSystems or other banking history reports to decide whether to open an account. They verify your identity and check for fraud, but they do not look at your history with other banks. If you were denied before because of a ChexSystems report, that will not affect your Discover application.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

Discover requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open an 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 online, but you can call Discover to discuss other options.

Do I need to keep a minimum balance in my Discover checking account?

No. Discover does not require a minimum balance to keep the account open or to avoid fees. You can maintain a $0 balance if you choose, though you will not earn interest on money in a checking account (interest is only paid on Discover savings accounts).

Can I open a Discover checking account if I am under 18?

No. Discover requires account holders to be at least 18 years old. If you are younger, you may be able to open a joint account with a parent or guardian, but you will need to contact Discover directly to explore that option.