What you need before you start

Most banks let you open a checking or savings account online without visiting a branch. You will need a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and a way to verify your identity—usually a phone number or email address the bank can reach you at. Some banks also ask for proof of address, like a recent utility bill or lease.

Have these documents ready before you begin. The process moves faster if you do not have to stop and search for them. If you do not have a government ID yet, you will need to visit a branch in person or use a different verification method—ask the bank's customer service line what options they have.

Check whether the bank you want offers online account opening. Most large national banks do, but some smaller regional banks or credit unions may require an in-person visit or a phone call to start. The bank's website will say "open an account online" or "apply now" if they offer it.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government ID, Social Security number, and a phone number or email the bank can use to verify your identity.
  • The online application usually takes 10 to 30 minutes and asks for personal information, employment details, and how you plan to use the account.
  • Most banks verify your identity instantly or within a few hours; some may call you or send a verification code to your phone.
  • Once approved, you can start using your account immediately for transfers and bill pay, though checks and debit cards arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If the bank declines you, ask why—common reasons include a ChexSystems report or prior banking problems, and some banks have second-chance accounts.

Step-by-step: filling out the online form

Go to the bank's website and click the button to open an account. You will see a form asking for your full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. Fill these in exactly as they appear on your ID—mismatches can slow down verification or cause the application to be rejected.

Next, the form asks for your Social Security number and employment information. You do not need to be employed to open an account, but the bank will ask whether you are and what your income is. Answer honestly; the bank uses this to flag accounts for money-laundering monitoring, not to turn you down. If you are unemployed or retired, say so.

The bank will ask what type of account you want (checking, savings, or both) and how you plan to use it. Choose based on your needs: checking accounts come with a debit card and are meant for regular spending, while savings accounts earn interest and are meant to hold money. Many people open both.

Read the terms and conditions before you submit. The bank will tell you about monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and overdraft policies. If a fee surprises you, stop and call the bank's customer service line—many fees can be waived for new customers or if you set up direct deposit.

How the bank verifies who you are

After you submit the form, the bank runs your information against databases to confirm you are who you say you are. This usually happens instantly or within a few hours. The bank checks your ID number, Social Security number, and address against government records and credit bureaus.

Some banks send a verification code to your phone or email and ask you to enter it on the website. Others call you to confirm details or ask security questions. A few banks use video verification—you hold your ID up to your camera and answer questions while someone watches. This sounds invasive but is actually faster than waiting for a phone call.

If verification fails, the bank will tell you why. Common reasons are a mismatch between your form and your ID, a problem with your ChexSystems report (a banking history database), or a prior account closure. If this happens, call the bank's customer service line and ask what you can do. Some banks have second-chance accounts for people with banking problems, or they may let you reapply with corrected information.

What happens after approval

Once the bank approves you, you can log into your account online immediately. You can transfer money in from another bank account, set up bill pay, and receive direct deposits right away. Your account number and routing number appear in the online portal so you can give them to your employer or another bank.

Your debit card and checks arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Until they arrive, you can still use your account for transfers and online bill pay. If you need cash before the card arrives, you can withdraw money at an ATM using your account number and a temporary PIN, or visit a branch and show your ID.

Some banks charge a monthly fee; others waive it if you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Check your account settings to see what fees apply to you and whether you can avoid them. Many banks let you switch to a different account type if the one you opened does not fit your needs.

When the bank says no

Banks can decline your application for several reasons. The most common is a negative ChexSystems report—a record of bounced checks, unpaid overdrafts, or fraud at another bank. You have the right to see your ChexSystems report for free. Visit chexsystems.com or call 1-800-428-9623 to request it.

If your report has errors, you can dispute them. ChexSystems has 30 days to investigate and must correct or remove inaccurate information. If the information is accurate but old (more than five years), it may still appear but should not prevent you from opening an account at most banks.

If you are declined, ask the bank which reason applies to you. Some banks have second-chance checking accounts designed for people with banking problems. These accounts may have higher fees or lower limits, but they let you rebuild your banking history. Credit unions sometimes have looser standards than large banks, so if one bank declines you, try a local credit union next.

Choosing between banks: what matters

Different banks have different fee structures, ATM networks, and online tools. Before you open an account, compare what you actually need. If you travel or live far from a branch, look for a bank with a large ATM network or one that reimburses ATM fees. If you want to deposit checks by phone, make sure the bank offers mobile check deposit. If you want to avoid fees, look for banks that waive monthly charges if you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.

National banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have thousands of branches and ATMs but often charge monthly fees. Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover have no monthly fees and reimburse ATM charges, but you cannot walk into a branch. Credit unions offer personal service and often lower fees, but you have to be a member of the organization they serve (your employer, a union, or a community group).

Read recent customer reviews on the bank's website and on independent sites like Trustpilot. Look for complaints about customer service, unexpected fees, or problems with online banking. One or two complaints are normal; dozens of similar complaints suggest a real problem.

Troubleshooting common problems

If your application times out or you get an error message, close the browser and start over. Do not submit the form twice—duplicate applications can confuse the bank's system. If the problem persists, call the bank's customer service line and ask them to help you complete the application over the phone.

If the bank asks for more information after you submit, check your email and phone for messages. The bank may need a copy of your ID, proof of address, or clarification on something you wrote. Respond as quickly as you can; banks usually give you 10 business days to provide additional documents before they close your application.

If you opened an account but cannot log in, go to the bank's website and click "forgot password" or "reset login." If that does not work, call customer service. Do not assume your account was not created—login problems are usually a technical glitch, not a sign that your application failed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an account if I do not have a Social Security number?

Most banks require a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have either, call the bank and ask whether they have an alternative process. Some banks let you open an account with a passport and additional verification, but this is rare. Credit unions are sometimes more flexible than large banks.

How long does it take to get approved?

Most banks approve you instantly or within a few hours. Some take up to one business day if they need to verify your identity by phone or video. Once approved, you can use your account immediately, though your debit card and checks take 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.

What if I do not have a permanent address?

Some banks accept a temporary address, a shelter address, or a mail drop address. Call the bank before you apply and explain your situation. If they decline, try a credit union or an online bank—they sometimes have more flexible address requirements. You will need some way for the bank to mail your debit card and statements.

Can I open a joint account online?

Most banks let you open a joint account online if both people are present and have their own IDs and Social Security numbers. One person starts the application, and the bank sends a link to the other person to verify their identity and sign the agreement. Check the bank's website to see whether they offer joint account opening online, or call customer service to ask.

What should I do if the bank closes my account after I open it?

Banks can close accounts for suspicious activity, repeated overdrafts, or violations of their terms. If this happens, the bank must tell you why. Ask for a written explanation and keep it. You have the right to withdraw your money before the account closes. If you believe the closure was a mistake, ask the bank to reconsider, but be prepared to open an account elsewhere.