Most banks will not open a full account over the phone alone
You cannot complete a full bank account opening by phone with most major banks. Banks need to verify your identity in ways that require documents — a government ID, proof of address, or a Social Security number check — and they handle this through video call, in-person visit, or mail. Some online-only banks and credit unions do offer phone-based account opening, but even they usually require you to upload or email documents before the account goes live.
What you can do over the phone is ask questions, get pre-screened for account types, and sometimes start the process. But the bank will direct you to complete the actual opening through another channel. If you are housebound or cannot visit a branch, a video call through the bank's app or website is usually faster than mail.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks require identity verification through video, in-person visit, or mail before opening an account, so phone alone is not enough.
- Online-only banks and some credit unions can open accounts faster, but they still need you to upload documents or verify your identity electronically.
- If you call a bank branch, they can tell you what documents to bring or prepare, but they cannot complete the account opening on the call.
- Video call verification through the bank's app is usually the fastest option if you cannot visit a branch in person.
What banks actually need before they open an account
Every bank must verify your identity under federal law (the Know Your Customer rule). This means they need to see a government-issued ID, confirm your Social Security number, and often check your address. They also run a background check through ChexSystems or Early Warning Services, which flags accounts opened fraudulently or closed due to unpaid overdrafts.
A phone call alone cannot satisfy these requirements. The bank cannot see your ID through the phone, and they cannot confirm you are who you say you are without a document match or a video call where they can watch you hold up the ID.
Which banks let you start the process by phone
Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have phone lines where you can ask about account types and get pre-screened. They will tell you what documents to bring to a branch or ask you to complete the opening online or through video. Some will mail you an application packet, though this is slower than other routes.
Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover often advertise phone support, but they still require you to upload documents or verify your identity through their app before the account is funded. Credit unions vary widely — some have phone-based opening for members, but you usually need to be a member first, which itself requires identity verification.
Video call verification is usually the fastest route
If you cannot visit a branch, ask the bank whether they offer video verification. Many do: you download the bank's app or go to their website, start a video call with a representative, and hold up your ID to the camera. The representative watches you and confirms your identity in real time. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes and is faster than mailing documents back and forth.
Not all banks offer this yet. If the bank you want does not, ask whether they accept a notarized copy of your ID mailed in, or whether a video call through a third-party service like DocuSign is an option. Some banks will accept either.
What happens if you are housebound or cannot get to a branch
Tell the bank upfront that you cannot visit in person. Ask specifically whether they offer video verification or whether they will accept notarized documents by mail. If the bank says no to both, you have the option to switch to a bank that does — many online banks are built for people who cannot or do not want to visit a branch.
If you use a notarized copy, you will need to go to a notary public (often available at banks, UPS stores, or libraries) with your original ID. The notary watches you sign a statement confirming your identity, stamps it, and you mail it to the bank. This takes longer — usually one to two weeks — but it works.
Credit unions and smaller banks may have different rules
Some credit unions will open an account over the phone if you are already a member or if you have a family member who is. Others require an in-person visit or video call. Call the credit union directly and ask what they need; the answer depends on the specific institution.
Smaller regional banks vary too. Some have branches in only a few cities and may require mail-in documents or a video call. If you are looking for a bank that works with your situation, start by calling and asking what verification methods they accept.
What to prepare before you call
Have your government-issued ID ready (driver's license, passport, or state ID card). Know your Social Security number. If you are opening a joint account, have the other person's information too. Have a recent utility bill or lease if the bank asks for proof of address — many do not, but some do.
Ask the bank representative which documents they need before you hang up, and ask what the next step is. Do not assume the account is open until you receive a confirmation email or can log in online. Some banks send a debit card by mail before the account is fully active.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a savings account over the phone if I already have a checking account at the same bank?
Sometimes. If you are already a customer, the bank has already verified your identity, so opening a linked savings account may be faster — some banks let you do this online or through their app without a second verification. Call and ask whether you can open it over the phone or if you need to use their website.
What if the bank says they cannot verify me over the phone?
Ask what methods they do accept: video call, mail-in documents, in-person visit, or notarized copies. If none of those work for you, ask whether they can refer you to another bank in their network that offers phone or video opening. If not, you may need to switch banks.
Do online banks really open accounts faster?
Yes, usually. Online banks like Ally or Discover can open an account in minutes if you upload your ID through their app and pass their identity check. The account is often ready to use the same day. Traditional banks are slower because they have more verification steps and may require a visit or mailed documents.
Can someone else open an account for me if I cannot do it myself?
No. The bank must verify your identity directly. A family member or representative cannot open the account on your behalf. If you are unable to handle the process yourself, ask the bank whether they can do a video call or mail-in verification, or whether they have a process for people with power of attorney.
Will the bank charge me if I start the process over the phone and then do not finish?
No. Starting the process does not open the account or charge you anything. You are only charged once the account is actually open and funded. If you change your mind, just do not complete the verification step.