Most banks are closed on Sunday, but you can open an account online any day of the week
If you want to open a bank account on Sunday, you cannot walk into a physical branch — nearly all banks close on Sundays. However, most banks let you start the account opening process online at any time, including Sunday. The actual account activation and access to your debit card may take one to three business days after you submit your information, regardless of which day you apply.
The key difference is between starting the application (which you can do Sunday) and completing it in person (which requires a weekday visit to a branch or a video call with a banker). Some banks now offer fully remote account opening with no branch visit at all, while others still require you to show ID in person or on camera.
Key Takeaways
- You can begin an online account application on Sunday through a bank's website or mobile app, but the account will not be active until the bank processes it during business hours.
- Banks that require in-person ID verification will not complete your account until you visit a branch or complete a video call, which cannot happen on Sunday.
- Some banks offer fully remote opening with no branch visit, using online ID verification or a video call scheduled for a weekday.
- Your debit card typically arrives three to seven business days after the account is activated, not from when you applied.
Banks that let you open an account entirely online
Several large banks and most online-only banks do not require a branch visit. These include Charles Schwab, Ally Bank, Discover Bank, and many credit unions. You can complete the entire process on your phone or computer on Sunday, and the account may be ready to use by Monday or Tuesday, depending on when the bank processes applications.
The process usually involves entering your Social Security number, address, and employment information, then verifying your identity through an online method — either by answering security questions based on your credit history, uploading a photo of your ID, or completing a video call with a banker. Video calls are typically available only during business hours, so if you start on Sunday, you may need to schedule the call for Monday.
Once your identity is verified, the bank creates your account and assigns you a routing number and account number. You can usually start moving money into the account the same day or the next business day, even if your physical debit card has not arrived yet.
Banks that require a branch visit or video call
Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and many regional banks still require you to show ID in person or on video before the account is fully active. If you start the application on Sunday, you will need to complete the in-person or video step during business hours — typically Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some branches have extended hours.
The video call requirement means you cannot finish opening the account on Sunday, even if you start it then. The bank will hold your application until you schedule and complete the video verification, which can add one to three business days to the process.
What happens if you apply on Sunday
If you submit an online application on Sunday, the bank's system records it, but a human banker does not review it until Monday morning. This means your application enters the queue, but processing does not begin until the next business day. For banks that do in-person verification, you will receive an email or text on Monday asking you to schedule a branch visit or video call.
The timeline from Sunday application to active account is usually three to five business days if you complete any required in-person or video steps on Monday. If you wait until Friday to do the video call, your account may not be active until the following Monday or Tuesday.
How to find out your bank's Sunday policy
Call the bank's customer service line during business hours and ask: "Can I open an account entirely online, or do I need to visit a branch or do a video call?" The answer tells you whether Sunday opening is truly an option for you.
If you are opening an account at a bank you already use, you may be able to open a second account faster because the bank already has your identity on file. Ask whether that speeds up the process or removes the need for additional verification.
Alternatives if you need an account immediately
If you need to move money or pay bills before Monday, a prepaid debit card can be loaded and used the same day at many retailers like Walmart or CVS. This is not a bank account, but it gives you a way to spend money over the weekend. You can open the actual bank account on Monday and transfer the balance later.
Some banks also let you use their mobile app to send money via peer transfer (like Zelle or Venmo) before your debit card arrives, so you can receive funds from others even if you cannot spend them yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my new account on Sunday if I open it on Friday?
Not usually. Even if you open the account on Friday and it is activated by Friday evening, the bank's systems may not process transactions until Monday. You can typically view your account balance and account number on Friday, but transfers and bill payments may not go through until Monday morning.
Do I need to have money in the account before I open it?
No. You can open an account with zero dollars. However, some banks require a minimum opening deposit (often $25 to $100), so check the bank's requirements before you start. Online banks typically have lower or no minimum deposit requirements.
What if the bank asks for documents I do not have on Sunday?
If the bank asks for proof of address (like a utility bill) or employment verification, you can usually upload a photo or PDF on Sunday through the online application. The bank will review it on Monday. If you do not have the document, contact customer service on Monday to ask whether you can provide it later or use an alternative.
Can I open multiple accounts on Sunday?
You can start applications for multiple accounts on Sunday, but each one will go through the same verification and activation process. Opening more than one account at the same bank on the same day may trigger additional review, which can add a day or two to processing.
Will opening an account on Sunday hurt my credit?
No. Opening a bank account does not affect your credit score. The bank may do a soft credit check (which does not show up on your credit report) or a hard inquiry (which does), depending on the bank, but neither one changes your score or your ability to borrow.