Yes, you can open a checking account entirely online, but the process depends on which bank you choose and what documents you have ready

Most major banks and many smaller ones let you start a checking account from your computer or phone without visiting a branch. You upload your ID, provide your Social Security number, and fund the account—all without leaving home. The whole process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes, though some banks take longer to verify your identity or run background checks.

Not every bank offers full online opening. Some require you to visit a branch or mail in documents. The banks that do offer it online fall into two groups: traditional banks with physical branches (like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo) and online-only banks (like Ally, Charles Schwab, Chime). Online-only banks almost always have faster, simpler online processes because they have no branches to fall back on.

Key Takeaways

  • Most large banks and online-only banks let you open a checking account entirely online using your ID, Social Security number, and a funding source.
  • You will need a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number, and either a debit card or bank account to fund the new account.
  • The process takes 10 to 20 minutes for most banks, though identity verification can add a few hours or days depending on the bank's system.
  • Some banks ask you to verify your identity by video call, text message, or by answering security questions instead of uploading a photo of your ID.
  • If a bank denies your account, it is usually because of your banking history (ChexSystems report) or because you could not verify your identity, not because of your credit score.

What documents and information you need to have ready

Before you start, gather a government-issued ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The bank will ask you to upload a photo of the front and back, or in some cases just the front. Make sure the photo is clear and the ID is not expired (though some banks accept expired IDs if they are recent).

You will also need your Social Security number. The bank uses this to check your banking history through ChexSystems, a database that tracks closed accounts, overdrafts, and fraud. You will need a funding source to put money into the account—either a debit card, another bank account, or a wire transfer. Some banks let you skip this step and fund the account later, but most want to see money go in during the opening process.

Have your phone number and email address ready. Banks use these to send you verification codes and to contact you if something looks suspicious during the opening process. If you are opening the account as a minor (usually under 18), you may need a parent or guardian to co-sign, and that person will need their own ID and Social Security number.

How the identity verification step works

After you upload your ID photo, the bank runs it through automated software that checks whether the photo matches your face and whether the ID is real. This usually takes a few minutes to a few hours. If the software approves you, your account opens right away. If it flags something—a blurry photo, a face that does not match, or an ID the system does not recognize—a bank employee reviews it by hand, which can add a day or two.

Some banks skip the photo upload and instead ask you to verify your identity through other methods. Chase, for example, lets you answer security questions about your credit history instead. Bank of America and Wells Fargo sometimes ask you to confirm recent transactions from another account you own. A few banks, including some smaller regional banks, ask you to do a video call with an employee who watches you hold up your ID.

If the bank cannot verify your identity through any of these methods, it will deny your account and explain why. This usually means the photo was too blurry, your ID could not be read, or your face did not match the photo clearly enough. You can try again with a clearer photo or a different form of ID.

Timeline from start to account ready to use

The fastest banks open your account in 10 to 20 minutes. Chime, Ally, and Charles Schwab typically finish within this window because they use automated identity verification and have no branches to coordinate with. You can start using your debit card (if the bank issues one) or transfer money out within hours.

Banks with physical branches usually take longer—often 24 to 48 hours—because they run additional background checks or have a person review your application. Chase and Bank of America usually open accounts within one business day, though they sometimes take two if identity verification gets flagged for manual review.

A few banks take even longer. Some credit unions and smaller regional banks may take three to five business days, especially if they require you to mail in a signed document or if they use older verification systems. Check the bank's website or call before you start if speed matters to you.

What happens if the bank denies your account

Banks deny online account openings for two main reasons: ChexSystems history or identity verification failure. ChexSystems is a database that tracks banking problems—accounts closed due to overdrafts, fraud, or unpaid fees. If you have a bad ChexSystems report, many banks will turn you down automatically. Your credit score does not matter for checking accounts; banks do not pull your credit report.

If identity verification fails, it is usually because your photo was unclear, your ID was expired or unreadable, or your face did not match the ID photo clearly enough. You can try again with a better photo or a different form of ID. Some banks let you retry immediately; others make you wait 24 hours.

If you are denied and want to know why, ask the bank for the specific reason. If it is a ChexSystems issue, you can request your ChexSystems report for free at chexsystems.com and dispute any errors. If it is identity verification, try uploading a clearer photo or use a different ID. If you keep getting denied, try an online-only bank or a bank that specializes in second-chance checking—these have looser verification rules.

Differences between online-only banks and traditional banks with branches

Online-only banks like Ally, Chime, and Charles Schwab almost always let you open an account entirely online and finish faster—usually within 20 minutes. They have no branches, so they cannot require you to visit one. They also tend to have lower fees and higher interest rates on savings, because they have lower overhead costs. The trade-off is that you cannot deposit cash in person; you have to use ATMs, mobile check deposit, or transfers from another account.

Traditional banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo let you open online but may take longer because they coordinate with their branch network. They let you deposit cash at any branch, which is useful if you get paid in cash or need to deposit a check quickly. They also have more ATMs and branches nationwide, which matters if you travel or move often. The downside is higher fees and lower interest rates.

If you need to deposit cash regularly, a traditional bank or a credit union with branches makes sense. If you rarely use cash and want the fastest, cheapest option, an online-only bank is usually better. Some people open both—an online account for savings and a traditional bank account for cash deposits.

Steps to open your account from start to finish

First, go to the bank's website or download their mobile app. Look for a button that says "Open an account" or "get your free guide." You will land on a page that asks basic questions: your name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. Answer these honestly and carefully—mistakes here can slow down verification.

Next, the bank will ask for your Social Security number and will run a ChexSystems check. This takes a few seconds to a few minutes. If you pass, you move to the identity verification step. Upload clear photos of the front and back of your government-issued ID, or answer security questions, or do a video call—whatever the bank requires.

Once identity verification passes, you will choose your account type (checking, savings, or both), set up online banking login details, and choose a funding method. You can link an existing bank account, enter a debit card number, or arrange a wire transfer. Some banks let you skip funding and add money later. After you confirm everything, your account opens and you get an account number and routing number right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a checking account online if I do not have a government ID?

Most banks require a government-issued ID and will not open an account without one. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, get a state ID card from your local DMV—this counts as a valid government ID for bank purposes. A few banks may accept other documents like a military ID or tribal ID, but this is rare. Call the bank before you try if you have an unusual situation.

What if I do not have another bank account to fund the new checking account?

You can fund the account with a debit card instead. If you do not have either, some banks let you skip funding during the opening process and add money later through a wire transfer, mobile check deposit, or ATM deposit. A few banks require you to fund the account during opening, so check before you start.

How long does it take to get a debit card after I open the account online?

Online-only banks usually issue a virtual debit card you can use immediately for online purchases and contactless payments through your phone. A physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Traditional banks with branches sometimes let you pick up a debit card at a branch the same day, or they mail it to you in 7 to 10 days. Check the bank's website to see which option they offer.

Can I open a joint checking account entirely online?

Yes, but both account holders need to verify their identity. The process is the same—each person uploads their ID and Social Security number. Some banks let both people do this at the same time on the same device; others require each person to complete the process separately. The account opens once both people pass identity verification.

What if my online account opening gets stuck or times out?

If the process freezes or you get an error message, close the browser or app and start over. Most banks save your progress, so you may not have to re-enter everything. If you keep hitting the same error, try a different browser or device, or call the bank's customer service line. They can sometimes open the account over the phone or tell you what is blocking the process.