Most City Bank accounts cannot be opened fully online, but you can start the process remotely
City National Bank (the largest one, based in California) does not offer full online account opening for most personal checking and savings accounts. You will need to visit a branch in person to complete the account setup, though you can begin the application on their website or mobile app. Some banks with "City" in the name operate differently—regional banks vary widely—so the answer depends on which City Bank you mean and which state you live in.
If you are looking to open an account without visiting a branch, your options are limited with City National. You can fill out preliminary information online, but a banker must verify your identity in person before the account becomes active. This typically takes a few days to a week after your branch visit.
Key Takeaways
- City National Bank requires an in-person visit to a branch to complete account opening, even if you start the application online.
- Identity verification happens at the branch—you will need a government-issued ID and proof of address.
- The online application process saves time at the branch but does not eliminate the need to go.
- If you cannot visit a branch, other banks offer fully online account opening with no branch visit required.
What you can do online before visiting the branch
City National's website and mobile app let you fill out basic information: your name, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number. You can also review account types and fee structures. This pre-application step does not open an account—it prepares your file so the branch visit moves faster.
Some City National locations also let you schedule an appointment online before you arrive. This reduces wait time and ensures a banker is available when you show up. Check your local branch's website or call ahead to see if appointment scheduling is available in your area.
What happens during your in-person visit
When you go to the branch, bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The banker will verify this information, confirm your identity, and ask about your account purpose and expected deposit amounts.
The banker will also explain account features, fees, and deposit insurance. You will sign documents—either on paper or electronically at a branch terminal—and fund the account with an initial deposit if required. Some City National accounts have no minimum opening deposit, while others require $100 to $500. The banker will tell you which applies to the account type you choose.
After you leave the branch, your account is usually active the same day or the next business day. You can then use online banking, mobile banking, and ATMs immediately.
Why City National does not offer fully online account opening
Banks are required by federal law to verify your identity before opening an account. This is part of the Know Your Customer (KYC) rule enforced by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). While some banks use video verification or third-party identity services to complete this online, City National has chosen to require in-person verification at a branch.
This approach is more common at regional and community banks than at large national online banks. City National's branch network is concentrated in California, Nevada, and a few other states, so they may assume most customers have access to a location. If you live far from a branch, this policy creates a real barrier.
Alternatives if you cannot visit a branch
If you do not have a City National branch nearby or cannot visit in person, you have other options. Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover Bank let you open a checking or savings account entirely online using video verification or document upload. The process takes 10 to 20 minutes, and your account is usually active within one to three business days.
Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo also offer online account opening in most states, though some still require an in-person visit for certain account types. Call your nearest branch or check their website to confirm whether online opening is available where you live.
If you specifically want City National but cannot visit a branch, contact their customer service line to ask whether they offer exceptions or whether a banker can meet you by video call. Policies vary by location, and some branches may have flexibility for customers with documented hardship.
Documents and information you will need
| What You Need | Why | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Government-issued photo ID | Identity verification required by federal law | Must be current or expired less than 5 years |
| Proof of current address | Address verification for account setup | Must be dated within the last 60 days |
| Social Security number | Tax reporting and fraud prevention | Needed before account opens |
| Initial deposit (if required) | Funding the account | Can be cash, check, or transfer from another bank |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a City Bank account online if I live in another state?
City National operates branches in California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and a few other states. If you live outside these areas, you cannot open an account because there is no branch to visit. You would need to choose a different bank that has branches in your state or use an online-only bank.
What if I do not have proof of address?
Bring what you have—a lease, utility bill, or bank statement. If you have none of these, ask the branch what alternatives they accept. Some branches will accept a government letter, insurance document, or employer statement. Call ahead to confirm what your local branch will take.
How long does it take to open a City Bank account after my branch visit?
Your account is usually active the same day or the next business day. You can use online banking and ATMs immediately, though debit cards may take 5 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. Ask the banker for a timeline specific to your branch.
Can I deposit money before I visit the branch?
No. You cannot deposit money until the account is open and verified. You can bring cash or a check to the branch to fund the account during your visit, or transfer money from another bank after the account is active.
What if I already started an online application but did not finish?
Your partial application is usually saved in your online profile. Log back in, complete the remaining fields, and then visit a branch with your ID and proof of address. The banker will pull up your application and finish the process faster than if you started from scratch.