Yes, you can open most bank accounts entirely online

Most banks and credit unions now let you open a checking or savings account from your computer or phone without stepping into a branch. The process typically takes 10 to 20 minutes. You will need a government-issued ID, a Social Security number, and a way to verify your identity—usually a video call or a code sent to your phone. Some banks fund your account immediately; others wait a few business days before you can use it.

Not every bank offers the same online process. Traditional banks with physical branches often require you to visit in person or complete part of the process by mail. Online-only banks and many credit unions have streamlined the entire process to happen on a screen. The trade-off is usually that online banks have fewer ways to deposit cash and no tellers to call when something goes wrong—though most offer phone support and mobile deposit by photograph.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government ID, Social Security number, and a way to verify your identity—usually a video call or a text code—to open an account online.
  • Online-only banks typically complete the entire process in 10 to 20 minutes and let you start using the account within one to three business days.
  • Traditional banks with branches often require you to visit in person or mail documents, even if they advertise online account opening.
  • Online banks have no physical branches and no cash deposit options at a teller window, but most let you deposit checks by phone camera.
  • Credit unions vary widely—some offer full online opening, others require an in-person visit or membership verification first.

What you need before you start

Have your government-issued ID ready—a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. The bank will ask you to photograph both sides or hold it up to your camera during a video call. You will also need your Social Security number. Some banks ask for it during signup; others ask after you verify your identity.

You will need a current phone number and email address. The bank uses these to send you a verification code or to call you if something does not match their records. If you are opening an account at a credit union, check whether you need to be a member first—some credit unions let you join online at the same time you open an account, while others require membership before you can open anything.

Have your current address ready. Banks verify this against public records or ask you to confirm it during signup. If you moved recently and your ID still shows an old address, bring a utility bill or lease as proof of your current address—though most online banks will let you update it after you open the account.

How the identity verification step works

After you enter your personal information, the bank verifies who you are. The method depends on the bank. Some use a video call where you show your ID to a person or a camera, answer a few questions, and sign electronically. Others use instant verification—they check your information against databases and send you a code by text or email that you enter to confirm it is really you.

Video verification usually takes 5 to 10 minutes and happens right away, often during evening hours and weekends. Instant verification is faster but less reliable—if your information does not match the databases perfectly (a middle initial difference, a recent move, a name change), you may be asked to call the bank or visit a branch instead. A few banks use both methods: they try instant verification first, and if it fails, they offer a video call as a backup.

If verification fails, do not close the browser. Call the bank's customer service number—it is usually on the screen—and ask what went wrong. Sometimes it is a typo you can fix immediately. Sometimes you need to mail in a copy of your ID. Sometimes you need to visit a branch, though most banks will let you do this within 30 days of opening the account.

Timeline from signup to using your account

Online-only banks are usually the fastest. You can complete the entire signup in 15 minutes, and your account number appears on screen immediately. However, you cannot transfer money in or out until the bank confirms your identity, which usually takes one to three business days. Some online banks let you start using a debit card right away through a temporary digital wallet on your phone, even before the physical card arrives.

Traditional banks with branches are slower. Even if they offer online signup, they often require you to visit a branch within 30 days to verify your ID in person or to mail in a copy of your ID before the account is fully active. This can add one to two weeks to the process. A few large banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo) have streamlined this and let you open accounts online with video verification, but you should confirm this on their website before you start—policies change and vary by state.

Credit unions vary. Some let you open an account online in 10 minutes. Others require you to be a member first, which means joining online (usually instant) and then opening an account (another 10 minutes). A few still require an in-person visit. Check the credit union's website or call before you start.

What happens if you cannot verify your identity online

If the bank cannot verify you instantly and you do not want to do a video call, you can usually complete the process by mail. The bank sends you a form and asks you to mail back a photocopy of your ID and sometimes proof of address. This adds one to two weeks to the timeline. Some banks will let you use the account for certain things (like receiving direct deposits) while you wait for the mail verification to clear.

If you do not have a government ID, you have fewer options. Some banks accept a passport card, tribal ID, or military ID. A few accept a state-issued ID that is not a driver's license. Call the bank before you start and ask what forms of ID they take. If you do not have any of these, you will likely need to visit a branch in person.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you may still be able to open an account using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you are not a U.S. citizen. Not all banks take ITINs—call ahead. Some banks also let you open accounts without an SSN or ITIN if you are under 18 and have a parent or guardian co-sign, though the process is usually not fully online.

Differences between online banks and traditional banks

Online-only banks (Ally, Charles Schwab, Discover, Chime) have no physical branches. You cannot walk in to deposit cash or speak to a teller. However, most let you deposit checks by taking a photo with your phone, and many reimburse ATM fees nationwide. Customer service is by phone or chat, usually available 24/7. Accounts often have no monthly fees and no minimum balance requirements. The trade-off is that you cannot deposit cash except at ATMs that belong to partner networks, and those networks vary by bank.

Traditional banks with branches (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, your local bank) let you visit a branch to deposit cash, withdraw money, and talk to a person. However, their online account opening is often slower and may require an in-person visit or mailed documents. Monthly fees are more common. Minimum balance requirements vary. The advantage is that you have a physical location to go to if something goes wrong, and you can deposit cash at any branch.

Credit unions are member-owned and often have lower fees than traditional banks. Some offer full online account opening; others do not. If you join a credit union, you may be able to use ATMs and branches at other credit unions in a shared network, which gives you more physical locations than a single bank branch. However, credit unions are smaller and may have less advanced technology than large banks.

What to watch for when choosing where to open

Check whether the bank is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). This protects your money if the bank fails. Most banks and credit unions are insured, but confirm it on their website or by calling. The FDIC website has a tool to search for insured institutions.

Read the fee schedule before you open. Look for monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, and fees for things you might actually do—like transferring money to another bank or closing the account early. Some online banks have no fees at all. Some traditional banks charge $10 to $15 per month unless you meet a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.

Check the interest rate on savings accounts if you plan to keep money there. Online banks often pay higher interest than traditional banks because they have lower overhead. However, interest rates change frequently, so compare rates on the day you open, not based on an article you read weeks ago.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a credit card to open a bank account online?

No. A bank account and a credit card are separate products. You need a government ID and Social Security number, but not a credit card. Some banks may check your credit history, but this is usually a soft inquiry that does not affect your credit score.

Can I open an account if I have been denied a bank account before?

Maybe. Banks check ChexSystems, a database of banking history. If you were denied because you overdrew an account or had fraud, some banks will still open an account for you, especially online-only banks and credit unions. Call the bank and ask, or try a different bank. Do not lie about your history—the bank will find out.

What if I do not have a phone number or email address?

You need at least one of these to open an account online. If you do not have either, you will need to open an account in person at a branch. Once you have an account, you can add a phone number or email later.

Can I open a joint account online with someone else?

Some banks let you open a joint account online if both people are present and can verify their identity. Others require at least one person to visit a branch. Check the bank's website or call before you start. If you are opening an account for a minor, most banks require a parent or guardian to be present, either in person or on a video call.

How long does a debit card take to arrive after I open the account?

Usually 7 to 10 business days for a standard card. Some banks offer a temporary digital card you can use immediately on your phone while you wait for the physical card. Expedited shipping is sometimes available for an extra fee, usually $10 to $25, and takes 2 to 3 business days.