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 accepts transfers from another bank account or a debit card to fund your new account, though you can also mail a check if you prefer to wait longer.
The minimum opening deposit is $0 — Discover does not require money upfront. However, you will need an active email address and a phone number where they can reach you during the account setup process. If you do not have a U.S. address yet, you cannot open an account; Discover requires a domestic mailing address for regulatory reasons.
Discover will run a soft credit check and verify your identity against ChexSystems, a banking history database. This does not affect your credit score. If you have been flagged in ChexSystems for unpaid overdrafts or fraud at another bank, Discover may deny your application, though you can dispute inaccurate information directly with ChexSystems.
Key Takeaways
- You can complete the entire application online without visiting a branch, and your account opens the same day if you apply before 11 p.m. ET.
- Discover charges no monthly maintenance fee, no overdraft fees, and no minimum balance requirement.
- Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can use your account number to transfer money before the card shows up.
- Discover reimburses out-of-network ATM fees up to $20 per month, so you can use any ATM without paying a surcharge.
- You will need a valid ID, Social Security number, and a U.S. mailing address to open an account.
Step-by-step: opening your account online
Go to Discover's website and click "Open an Account" or "Checking" in the navigation menu. You will land on a page asking whether you want a checking account, savings account, or both. Select checking and proceed.
Enter your email address and create a password. Discover will send a verification code to your email; check your inbox (and spam folder) and enter that code on the next screen. This confirms you control the email address and prevents someone else from opening an account in your name.
Fill in your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. Discover uses this to verify your identity against government records and ChexSystems. Be exact — mismatches between what you enter and what appears on your ID or Social Security record can delay approval.
Upload a photo of your government-issued ID. Most people use a driver's license or passport. Hold the ID flat, make sure all four corners are visible, and take the photo in good lighting. Discover's system reads the ID automatically; if the photo is blurry or cut off, you will be asked to resubmit.
Choose your account type. Discover offers one checking product, so you will see one option. You can add a savings account at the same time if you want, but it is not required. Proceed to the funding step.
Link a bank account or debit card to fund your opening deposit. Enter the routing number and account number from the bank you want to transfer from, or enter your debit card details. Discover will ask how much you want to deposit; $0 is allowed. The transfer usually clears within one business day.
Review the account agreement and disclosures. Discover requires you to read and accept the terms before your account is live. These documents explain the fee structure (which is zero monthly fees), how disputes are handled, and your rights as a customer. You can download or print them for your records.
Submit your application. Discover will tell you immediately whether your account is approved or if they need more information. Most people see approval within minutes. Your account number and routing number appear on screen right away, so you can start receiving transfers or setting up direct deposit before your debit card arrives.
When your debit card arrives and how to use it
Discover mails your debit card to the address you provided during signup. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You do not have to wait for the card to use your account — you can transfer money, set up direct deposit, or pay bills using your account number and routing number as soon as your account opens.
When the card arrives, activate it by logging into your Discover account online or calling the number on the back of the card. Activation is instant. You can then use the card at any merchant that accepts Mastercard (Discover's debit cards run on the Mastercard network).
Discover reimburses ATM fees charged by other banks. If you withdraw cash from an out-of-network ATM and the ATM operator charges a fee, Discover refunds up to $20 per month in total fees. This means you can use any ATM without worrying about surcharges, as long as you stay under the monthly cap. Discover's own ATM network is small, so this reimbursement is a major advantage.
Fees and what they cover
Discover checking has no monthly maintenance fee, no minimum balance requirement, and no overdraft fees. This is unusual — most banks charge $10 to $15 per month or require you to keep a certain amount on deposit. Discover does not.
You will not be charged for transfers between your Discover accounts, ACH transfers to other banks, wire transfers sent by Discover (though you pay a fee if you initiate a wire yourself), or debit card transactions. Discover also does not charge for paper statements or account research if you dispute a transaction.
The only fees you might encounter are those charged by other banks or ATM operators — for example, if you use an out-of-network ATM and the operator charges a fee before Discover can reimburse it. Discover covers up to $20 per month of those fees, so anything beyond that is your responsibility.
Direct deposit and transfers
You can set up direct deposit as soon as your account opens. Log into your Discover account, navigate to the Direct Deposit section, and you will see your routing number and account number. Give these to your employer's payroll department, and your paycheck will deposit automatically on payday.
Discover also allows you to link external bank accounts and transfer money in or out. These transfers usually clear within one business day. You can set up recurring transfers (for example, moving money to savings every payday) or make one-time transfers as needed.
If you need to move money quickly, Discover offers expedited transfers for a fee — typically $10 to $15 for same-day or next-day delivery. Standard transfers are free and take one business day, so plan ahead if you can.
Security and fraud protection
Discover uses encryption to protect your login information and account details. When you log in, the site uses HTTPS (you will see a padlock icon in your browser), which scrambles your password and account number so they cannot be intercepted.
If someone uses your debit card without permission, Discover's fraud protection covers unauthorized transactions. You are liable for no more than $50 if you report the fraud within two business days of discovering it. If you wait longer, your liability can increase to $500, but only if Discover can prove you were negligent. Report suspected fraud immediately by calling the number on the back of your card or logging into your account and flagging the transaction.
Discover also monitors your account for suspicious activity and may block transactions or ask you to verify your identity if something looks unusual. This can be inconvenient if you are traveling or making an unusual purchase, but it is a safety measure. You can contact Discover to let them know you are traveling so they do not block legitimate transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Discover checking account if I have been denied by another bank?
It depends on why you were denied. If another bank flagged you in ChexSystems for unpaid overdrafts or fraud, Discover may also deny you. You can request your ChexSystems report for free at chexsystems.com and dispute any errors. If the information is accurate, you may need to wait or pay off the debt before Discover will approve you.
How long does it take to open an account?
The application takes about 10 minutes to complete. Most people receive approval within minutes. Your account is live immediately, and you can start using your account number to receive transfers or set up direct deposit. Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
What if I do not have a government-issued ID?
Discover requires a valid government ID to open an account. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, you can obtain a state ID card from your local DMV. The process varies by state but usually takes a few days to a few weeks. Until then, you cannot open a Discover account online.
Can I open an account for someone else or as a joint account?
Discover does not currently offer joint checking accounts. Each person must open their own account. If you want to share finances with a spouse or partner, you will need to coordinate transfers between separate accounts or explore banks that offer joint accounts.
What happens if I close my Discover checking account?
You can close your account anytime by logging in and requesting closure, or by calling Discover. Make sure you have withdrawn all your money or transferred it elsewhere first. Discover will send you a confirmation, and the account will close within a few business days. There is no penalty for closing.