Most banks require some form of ID to open an account online, but the type of ID varies widely

You cannot open a bank account online with zero identification. Every bank is required by federal law to verify who you are before they let you deposit money. However, "ID" does not always mean a driver's license or passport. Banks accept different documents depending on the institution, the account type, and whether you already have a relationship with them.

Some banks will accept a state ID card, tribal ID, military ID, or passport. Others accept a Social Security number plus a secondary document like a utility bill or lease agreement. A few banks will let you start an account with just a Social Security number if you have an existing account with them or if you are opening a savings account rather than a checking account. The fastest way to know what a specific bank accepts is to start the online application and see what documents they ask for—most banks show you their requirements before you commit to anything.

Key Takeaways

  • Federal law requires banks to verify your identity, so you will need at least one form of ID or a combination of documents like a Social Security number and a utility bill.
  • Accepted documents vary by bank and include driver's licenses, state ID cards, passports, tribal IDs, and military IDs.
  • Some banks accept secondary documents such as utility bills, lease agreements, or bank statements in place of a government-issued ID.
  • If you do not have a traditional ID, online banks and credit unions sometimes have lower documentation requirements than large national banks.
  • You may be able to complete part of the application online and finish the rest by phone or video call with a bank representative.

What counts as ID for online bank accounts

Government-issued photo ID is the standard. This includes a driver's license, state ID card, passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID. If you have any of these, most banks will accept it during the online application process. You typically upload a photo or scan of the front and back, and the bank's system verifies it automatically or sends it to a human reviewer.

If you do not have government-issued photo ID, some banks will accept a combination of documents. A Social Security number plus a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement can work at certain institutions. A few banks accept a tax return or W-2 form as proof of identity. The bank's online form will tell you which combinations they accept—you do not have to guess or call ahead.

Secondary documents need to show your name and current address. A utility bill works because it has both. A lease agreement works for the same reason. A bank statement works if it is recent enough (usually within the last 90 days). Expired documents are usually rejected, so make sure whatever you upload is current.

Banks with lower ID requirements

Online-only banks and credit unions sometimes have more flexible requirements than brick-and-mortar banks. Chime, for example, accepts a Social Security number and a phone number to open a checking account online, though they may ask for additional verification later. Some credit unions will open an account with just a Social Security number if you are a member of their field of membership (which can be based on where you work, where you live, or your employer).

Smaller regional banks and community banks vary widely. Some are stricter than national banks; others are more lenient. The only way to know is to start the application and see what they ask for. If one bank rejects you, another may not.

If you are opening a savings account rather than a checking account, some banks have lower verification requirements. A savings account carries less fraud risk than a checking account, so a few institutions will open one with minimal documentation. Once you have an active savings account, opening a checking account with the same bank is usually easier.

What happens if you do not have the ID they ask for

If the bank's online form asks for a document you do not have, you have a few options. First, check whether they list alternatives. Most banks show you multiple acceptable documents before you submit anything. If none of the listed options work for you, call the bank's customer service line and explain your situation. They may be able to complete the verification over the phone or by video call instead of online.

Some banks will let you start the application online and finish it by phone or video. During the video call, a representative can verify your identity by asking security questions or by having you hold up your ID to the camera. This takes longer than a fully online process—usually a few business days instead of minutes—but it works if you have any form of ID at all, even an expired one.

If you have no ID whatsoever, opening an account becomes much harder. You may need to visit a bank branch in person with whatever documentation you do have. Bring your Social Security card, a utility bill, a lease, a tax return, or anything else with your name on it. A bank employee can review these documents and decide whether to open an account. This is slower and requires travel, but it is sometimes the only option.

Why banks ask for ID in the first place

The requirement comes from federal law, specifically the Bank Secrecy Act and the USA PATRIOT Act. Banks must verify the identity of anyone opening an account to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing. This is called Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance. Every bank in the United States has to do this, so you will not find a bank that skips it entirely.

The verification happens automatically for most online applications. The bank's system checks your ID against databases maintained by the government and by private verification companies. If the check passes, your account opens within minutes. If something does not match—your name is spelled differently, your address is outdated, or the ID looks fraudulent—the bank flags it for manual review, which takes longer.

Steps to open an account online with ID

Start by choosing a bank and going to their website. Look for a button that says "Open an Account" or "Sign Up." The bank will ask you to enter your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address. Do not submit anything yet—most banks show you their ID requirements at this stage.

Once you see what they need, gather the documents. If they ask for a driver's license, have it ready. If they ask for a utility bill, pull up a recent one. Take clear photos or scans of both sides of any ID card. Make sure the images are in focus and show all four corners of the document.

Upload the documents through the bank's website. Most banks accept JPG or PDF files. The file size limit is usually around 10 MB per image. After you upload, the bank's system will process the images automatically. You may get approval within minutes, or the bank may send it to a human reviewer, which can take a few business days.

Once your identity is verified, the bank will ask you to fund the account. You can usually transfer money from another bank account, deposit a check by mobile app, or wait for a direct deposit. Some banks require a minimum opening deposit; others do not. The bank will tell you their requirement before you finish the application.

What to do if your online application is rejected

If the bank rejects your application, they will usually send you a letter or email explaining why. Common reasons include a mismatch between the name on your ID and the name you entered, an address that does not match their records, or a problem with the ID image quality. Read the rejection notice carefully—it will tell you what went wrong.

If the issue is an address mismatch, you can often reapply after updating your address with the credit bureaus or with the government agency that issued your ID. If the issue is an image quality problem, take new photos and try again with a different bank. If the issue is a name mismatch, call the bank and explain the discrepancy—sometimes a legal name change or a nickname can be resolved over the phone.

If one bank rejects you, try another. Different banks use different verification systems, so a rejection from one does not mean all banks will reject you. Online banks and credit unions sometimes have different standards than national banks, so they may approve you even if a larger bank did not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account online with just a Social Security number?

Some banks will let you, but most will not. Online banks like Chime accept a Social Security number and a phone number. Credit unions sometimes accept just a Social Security number if you are a member of their field of membership. Most national banks require at least one government-issued ID or a Social Security number plus a secondary document like a utility bill.

What if my ID is expired?

An expired government-issued ID is usually still acceptable for opening a bank account online, because the bank is verifying who you are, not whether your ID is currently valid. However, if your address on the expired ID is very old, the bank may ask for a secondary document showing your current address. Call the bank before you apply if you are unsure.

Can I open an account with a passport instead of a driver's license?

Yes. A passport is government-issued photo ID and is accepted by all banks. Upload a clear image of the photo page. If your passport does not show your current address, the bank may ask for a secondary document like a utility bill or lease agreement.

How long does it take to open an account online after I upload my ID?

If the bank's system approves your ID automatically, your account can open within minutes. If a human reviewer needs to check your documents, it usually takes one to three business days. Some banks take longer if there is a discrepancy between your ID and their records. The bank will tell you the expected timeline when you start the application.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You will need to contact banks directly to ask about their options. Some banks accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number. Others require a Social Security number and will not open an account without one. Credit unions sometimes have different rules than banks. Call ahead before you apply online.