What you need to open a Huntington savings account

You can open a Huntington savings account in person at a branch, online through Huntington's website, or by phone. The process takes about 15 minutes online or in branch. You will need a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and an initial deposit — the minimum varies by account type but is often $0 for online accounts.

If you open online, you can fund the account immediately with a debit card, transfer from another bank, or ACH deposit. If you open in person, bring a debit card or be ready to make a deposit by check or cash. Huntington will verify your identity and run a check through ChexSystems, a banking history database, before the account opens — this usually takes a few minutes in branch or up to one business day online.

You do not need an existing Huntington checking account to open a savings account. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must open the account with you or co-sign it.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open a Huntington savings account online, in person, or by phone with a valid ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit.
  • Online accounts often have no minimum deposit requirement, while in-branch minimums vary by account type.
  • Huntington will check your banking history through ChexSystems before opening the account, which takes minutes in branch or up to one business day online.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must open the account with you or co-sign it.
  • You can fund the account immediately with a debit card, transfer, or ACH deposit if you open online.

Opening an account online

Go to Huntington's website and select "Open an Account" or "Savings Accounts." You will be asked to choose which type of savings account you want — Huntington offers a standard savings account and a money market account, each with different interest rates and minimum balance requirements. Read the current rates and terms before you choose, because they change.

Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number. Huntington will ask whether you are a U.S. citizen and whether you have an existing Huntington account. You will then upload or photograph your ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID. The system will verify your identity automatically in most cases.

Choose how you want to fund the account. You can link a debit card from another bank and transfer money immediately, or provide your routing and account number for an ACH transfer. If you use a debit card, the deposit posts within minutes. If you use ACH, it typically takes one to three business days.

Review the account terms and disclosures, then sign electronically. You will receive a confirmation email with your account number and online banking login. You can start using the account right away, though the funds may not be available until the transfer clears.

Opening an account in person at a Huntington branch

Bring your valid ID, Social Security number, and a debit card or checkbook so you can make an initial deposit. Walk into any Huntington branch during business hours — most are open Monday through Friday and some on Saturday. Tell a teller you want to open a savings account.

The teller will ask you the same questions as the online form: your name, address, phone, email, Social Security number, and citizenship status. They will scan your ID and run the ChexSystems check. If there are no issues, the account opens immediately.

Make your initial deposit by debit card, cash, or check. If you use a debit card, the teller will process it as a transfer and the funds post within minutes. If you deposit cash or a check, cash posts immediately but a check takes one to three business days to clear. You will receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days, or you can request one be ordered to your branch for pickup.

Opening an account by phone

Call Huntington's customer service line at 1-800-480-2265. A representative will walk you through the account opening process. You will need your ID, Social Security number, and a debit card or bank account information to fund the account.

The representative will verify your identity and run the ChexSystems check. Once approved, they will set up your account and send you a confirmation by email or mail. You can fund the account by providing a debit card number or routing and account number for an ACH transfer. Funding by debit card posts within minutes; ACH transfers take one to three business days.

What happens if ChexSystems flags your history

Huntington uses ChexSystems to check whether you have had problems with past bank accounts — unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or repeated NSF (non-sufficient funds) fees. If ChexSystems shows a problem, Huntington may deny the account or ask you to resolve the issue first.

If you are denied, ask Huntington which item on your ChexSystems report caused the denial. You can then contact ChexSystems directly at 1-800-428-9623 to dispute inaccurate information or request removal of old items. ChexSystems must investigate disputes within 30 days. Once resolved, you can reapply with Huntington.

If you have a recent overdraft or NSF fee at another bank, paying it off before you apply will improve your chances. Some Huntington branches also offer second-chance accounts for people with banking history issues, though these may have higher fees or lower interest rates.

Funding your account after it opens

Once your savings account is open, you can add money by transferring from another bank account, depositing cash or checks at a Huntington branch, or having your employer or another payer deposit money directly.

To transfer from another bank online, log into your Huntington account and select "Transfer Money." Choose "External Transfer" and enter the routing and account number of the bank you want to transfer from. The transfer typically takes one to three business days. Some banks charge a fee for outgoing transfers, so check with your other bank first.

To deposit cash or a check in person, visit any Huntington branch with your account number or debit card. Cash deposits post immediately; checks take one to three business days. You can also deposit checks by mobile app if Huntington offers mobile check deposit for savings accounts — check your account settings to see if this feature is turned on.

Interest rates and account features

Huntington's savings account interest rate changes based on the Federal Reserve's rate decisions and market conditions. The rate you receive depends on which type of savings account you open and your account balance. Check Huntington's website for current rates before you open the account, because rates are not may provide to stay the same.

Most Huntington savings accounts come with online banking, a debit card, and the ability to transfer money to other accounts. Some accounts have a monthly maintenance fee if your balance falls below a certain amount, though many waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Read the fee schedule for your specific account type.

You can withdraw money from your savings account at any time, but federal law limits you to six withdrawals per month (this rule has been suspended at some banks, but check Huntington's current policy). Withdrawals by ATM, in-person at a branch, or online transfer all count toward this limit. If you exceed the limit, Huntington may charge a fee or convert your account to a checking account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Huntington savings account without a Social Security number?

No. Huntington requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open any account. This is a federal requirement for tax reporting purposes. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can apply for an ITIN through the IRS.

How long does it take to open an account online?

The online process takes about 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish. Your account opens immediately after you sign electronically, though if you fund it by ACH transfer, the money takes one to three business days to arrive. You can start using the account right away even if the deposit has not cleared.

What is the minimum deposit to open a Huntington savings account?

The minimum deposit varies by account type and whether you open online or in person. Online accounts often have no minimum deposit requirement. In-branch accounts may require $25 to $100 depending on the account type. Check Huntington's current terms before you open, because minimums change.

Can I open a joint savings account at Huntington?

Yes. Both account holders must be present in person or provide consent online. Each person will need their own ID and Social Security number. Joint accounts let both people access the money and make withdrawals, though Huntington may require both signatures for certain transactions depending on how you set up the account.

What if I do not have a debit card to fund my account?

You can fund your account by ACH transfer using your routing and account number from another bank, by check or cash deposit at a branch, or by having your employer deposit money directly. If you open online without a debit card, provide your other bank's routing and account number and the transfer will take one to three business days.