You can open most checking accounts entirely online in 10 to 20 minutes, without visiting a branch
Online checking accounts work the same way as accounts you open in person — you deposit money, write checks, use a debit card, and pay bills. The main difference is that you complete the entire process on a bank's website or mobile app instead of sitting across from a teller. Most banks and credit unions now offer this option, and many have no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements.
The process is straightforward: you provide personal information, verify your identity, link a funding source, and receive your account number and debit card by mail within 5 to 10 business days. Some banks let you use a temporary digital card for online purchases while you wait for the physical card to arrive.
Key Takeaways
- You will need a valid government ID, Social Security number, and proof of current address to open an account online.
- Most banks verify your identity through a video call, document upload, or by asking questions about your credit history.
- You can fund your new account by transferring money from another bank account, depositing a check by phone, or waiting for your first paycheck to be deposited.
- Your debit card and checks arrive by mail in 5 to 10 business days, though many banks offer a temporary digital card for immediate use.
- Banks run a soft credit check and check ChexSystems (a banking history database) but do not deny accounts based on poor credit alone.
What documents and information you need before you start
Have these items ready before you begin: a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a Social Security number, some banks and credit unions will open accounts using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
You will also need to decide how you want to fund the account. Most people transfer money from an existing bank account (you will need the routing and account numbers), deposit a check by mail or mobile app, or arrange for a paycheck to be deposited directly. A few banks let you fund an account with a debit card, but this is less common.
How banks verify your identity online
Banks use one of three methods to confirm you are who you say you are. The most common is a video call with a bank representative, which takes 2 to 5 minutes — you show your ID to the camera and answer basic questions. Some banks use document upload instead, where you photograph your ID and proof of address and submit them through the app. A third method is knowledge-based verification, where the bank asks you questions about your credit history or past addresses that only you should know.
If you are opening an account at a bank where you already have a relationship (like an existing savings account), verification is often instant or skipped entirely. Banks also run a soft credit check and search ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking history and fraud. A low credit score or past banking problems will not automatically disqualify you, but some banks may deny accounts based on ChexSystems records if there is a history of fraud or unpaid overdrafts.
Funding your account on day one
You do not have to wait for your debit card to arrive to start using your account. Most banks let you transfer money from another bank account immediately — you provide the routing and account numbers, and the transfer usually clears within 1 to 3 business days. Some banks offer instant transfers for a small fee (usually $0.50 to $1.50).
If you do not have another bank account, you can deposit a check by mail (takes 5 to 10 days) or through your bank's mobile app if you have a smartphone camera (takes 1 to 2 business days). Many employers also let you set up direct deposit to your new account before your card arrives, so your paycheck can go straight in. A few banks let you fund an account with a debit card, but most do not accept this method because of fraud risk.
When your debit card and checks arrive
Your physical debit card and checks arrive by mail in 5 to 10 business days from the date you open the account. During this time, most banks issue a temporary digital card that you can use immediately for online shopping, in-app purchases, and contactless payments through your phone. This card number is different from your permanent card and expires once the physical card arrives.
If you need to withdraw cash before your card arrives, you can visit an ATM at your bank's network or ask a teller at a branch to withdraw money from your new account. Some banks charge a fee for out-of-network ATM use, so check your bank's fee schedule first. If you need checks before they arrive, you can order them separately through your bank's website, usually for $10 to $20 per box.
What happens after you submit your application
After you complete the online form and pass identity verification, your account is usually active within minutes to a few hours. You will receive a confirmation email with your account number, routing number, and temporary login credentials. Write down or save these numbers — you will need the routing and account numbers to set up direct deposit or transfer money from another bank.
Log into your account and set up online banking, choose a PIN for ATM use, and set up bill pay if your bank offers it. Some banks let you customize your debit card with a photo or design during this step. If anything goes wrong during the process — your identity verification fails, for example — the bank will email you with next steps, which usually means uploading additional documents or calling customer service.
Banks and credit unions with straightforward online account opening
Most major banks and credit unions let you open a checking account online, though the process and fees vary. National banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all offer online opening, as do online-only banks like Chime, Ally, and Charles Schwab Bank. Credit unions typically require membership in a group or organization, but many have broadened membership rules — for example, some credit unions now let anyone in a certain geographic area join.
Online-only banks often have lower fees and higher interest rates on savings accounts because they do not maintain physical branches. Traditional banks offer the advantage of in-person service and more ATM locations. Compare the monthly fee (many charge nothing), ATM network size, customer service hours, and whether they offer features you need like check deposit by phone or bill pay before you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a checking account online if I have bad credit?
Yes. Banks do not use your credit score to decide whether to open a checking account — they use ChexSystems, a separate banking history database. A low credit score will not disqualify you, though a history of fraud or unpaid overdrafts in ChexSystems might. If you are denied, ask the bank why and request a copy of your ChexSystems report to check for errors.
What if I do not have a current address or proof of address?
Some banks will open an account using a mailing address, a workplace address, or a P.O. box if you cannot provide a residential address. Call the bank's customer service line before you start the online process to ask what they accept. If you are experiencing homelessness, some credit unions and community banks have programs specifically for people without a permanent address.
How long does it take to open an account and start using it?
The online application takes 10 to 20 minutes. Identity verification happens immediately or within a few hours. Your account is usually active the same day, though your physical debit card arrives in 5 to 10 business days. Most banks issue a temporary digital card you can use right away for online purchases and contactless payments.
Do I need to visit a branch in person at any point?
No. You can open, fund, and use a checking account entirely online. However, if you want to deposit cash or withdraw large amounts, you will need to visit a branch or use an ATM. Some banks charge fees for out-of-network ATM use, so check whether your bank has branches or ATMs near you before opening.
What if the bank denies my application?
Banks rarely deny checking accounts outright, but if yours is denied, the bank must tell you why — usually because of ChexSystems records or fraud concerns. You can request a copy of your ChexSystems report for free and dispute any errors. If you are denied, try a credit union or a bank that specializes in second-chance accounts, which are designed for people with banking history issues.