You can open a Discover Bank account online in about 10 minutes with a Social Security number, valid ID, and initial deposit
Discover Bank does not have physical branches, so all account opening happens through their website or mobile app. You will need a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and an initial deposit method—either a debit card, bank account, or wire transfer. The whole process takes roughly 10 minutes, and your account is usually active the same day or within one business day.
Discover offers two main account types: a checking account and a savings account. You can open one or both. The checking account comes with a debit card, online bill pay, and no monthly fee. The savings account earns interest and also has no monthly fee. Neither account requires a minimum balance to open or maintain.
Key Takeaways
- You need a valid government ID, Social Security number, and a way to fund the account (debit card, bank account, or wire transfer).
- The entire account opening process happens online and takes about 10 minutes from start to finish.
- Your account is typically active the same day or within one business day after you complete the application.
- Discover Bank charges no monthly maintenance fees on either checking or savings accounts and has no minimum balance requirement.
- You can transfer money into your new account immediately using an external bank account, debit card, or wire transfer.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you begin the online application. You will need a valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Discover will ask you to verify your identity using the information on that ID, so make sure it is current and matches the name you plan to use for the account.
You will also need your Social Security number. Discover uses this to run a background check and verify your identity with the Social Security Administration. Have your nine-digit SSN ready when you start the application.
Finally, you need a way to fund the account. You can use a debit card from another bank, a checking or savings account number and routing number, or arrange a wire transfer. If you are using a debit card, have the card number, expiration date, and CVV ready. If you are using a bank account, have your routing number and account number available.
The step-by-step account opening process
Go to Discover Bank's website and click the button to open a new account. You will be asked whether you want a checking account, savings account, or both. Select your choice and continue.
Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, email address, and phone number. Discover will ask for your current address and whether you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Answer honestly—Discover cannot open accounts for people who do not meet these requirements.
Next, you will verify your identity. Discover will ask questions based on your credit history and public records to confirm you are who you say you are. These questions typically ask about previous addresses, loan amounts, or credit card details. Answer as accurately as you can. If you cannot answer a question, select "I don't know" rather than guessing.
Once your identity is verified, you will set up your login credentials: a username and password. Make this password strong—use uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. You will use this password every time you log in, so write it down somewhere safe.
Finally, you will link a funding source. Choose whether you want to fund the account with a debit card, bank transfer, or wire transfer. If you use a debit card or bank account, the money typically arrives within one to two business days. Wire transfers are faster but may carry a fee from your sending bank.
What happens after you submit your application
Discover will send you a confirmation email within minutes of completing your application. This email contains your new account number and routing number. Save this email—you will need the routing number if you want to set up direct deposit or transfer money from another bank.
Your account is usually active immediately, though you may not see your debit card or be able to use all features until the next business day. If you funded the account with a debit card or bank transfer, that money will arrive within one to two business days. Wire transfers typically arrive the same day or next business day.
Your physical debit card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can use your account number to set up direct deposit, pay bills online, or transfer money between accounts. You can also request a temporary digital card in the Discover mobile app to use for online purchases immediately.
Funding your account for the first time
You must make an initial deposit to open the account. Discover does not require a minimum amount—even $1 counts. However, if you plan to use the account regularly, deposit enough to cover your first few transactions or bills.
If you link a debit card, Discover will charge a small test amount (usually $1) to verify the card works, then refund it. This takes one to two business days. If you link a bank account, Discover may deposit two small amounts and ask you to verify them in your online banking portal—this is a security step to confirm you own the account.
If you want money in your account immediately, use a wire transfer. Your sending bank will charge a fee (typically $15 to $30), but the money arrives the same day or next business day. Ask your bank for Discover Bank's wire instructions before you initiate the transfer.
Setting up direct deposit and transfers
Once your account is open, you can set up direct deposit for paychecks or other regular deposits. Log into your Discover account online or in the app, go to the account settings, and find the direct deposit section. Discover will provide you with your routing number and account number. Give these to your employer's payroll department, and deposits will start appearing on your regular pay schedule.
You can also transfer money from another bank account into your Discover account. In the Discover app or website, select "Transfer Money" and choose "From Another Bank." Enter the routing number and account number of the bank you want to transfer from, and the amount. The transfer typically takes one to two business days. You can set up recurring transfers if you want to move money regularly.
If you opened both a checking and savings account, you can transfer money between them instantly at no cost. This is useful if you want to move money to savings when you have extra, or move it back to checking when you need it.
Common issues and how to fix them
If your identity verification fails, Discover will tell you why. Common reasons include a mismatch between the name on your ID and the name you entered, or an incorrect Social Security number. Log back in and correct the information, then try again. If you still cannot verify, contact Discover's customer service by phone or through the website.
If your initial deposit does not arrive within the expected timeframe, check the status in your Discover account. If you used a debit card, the charge may still be pending at your bank. If you used a bank transfer, it may still be processing. Wire transfers can take longer if your sending bank is slow. Contact Discover if the money does not arrive after the stated timeframe.
If you cannot log in after opening your account, reset your password using the "Forgot Password" link on the Discover login page. If you do not receive the reset email, check your spam folder. If you still cannot access your account, call Discover's customer service line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Discover Bank account if I have bad credit?
Discover does not check your credit score to open a checking or savings account. However, they do run a background check using your Social Security number and verify your identity. If you have had banking problems in the past (like unpaid overdrafts reported to ChexSystems), Discover may decline your application. Contact Discover directly if you are unsure whether your history will be a problem.
Do I need a minimum balance to keep my account open?
No. Discover checking and savings accounts have no minimum balance requirement. You can keep your account open with $0 in it. However, if you want to earn interest on a savings account, you will need money deposited in it.
How long does it take to receive my debit card?
Your physical debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can request a temporary digital card in the Discover app to use for online purchases while you wait. The digital card works immediately after you request it.
Can I open a Discover Bank account if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Discover requires you to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to open an account. If you are a permanent resident, you will need a valid green card or other proof of permanent residency. Non-residents and temporary visa holders cannot open Discover Bank accounts.
What is the routing number for Discover Bank?
Discover Bank's routing number is 011000015. You will need this number to set up direct deposit, receive wire transfers, or transfer money from another bank. You can also find it in your account settings online or in the app.