The documents and information you'll need before you start

To open a bank account online, you need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, your Social Security number, and a way to fund the account (debit card, another bank account, or wire transfer). Most banks also ask for your phone number and email. That's the core set. What varies is how strict each bank is about verifying each piece, and whether they'll accept a photo of your ID or require you to upload it through their app.

The reason banks ask for these things is federal law. The Bank Secrecy Act requires them to verify who you are and where you live before they open an account. It's not the bank being cautious—it's a legal requirement. That means every online bank will ask for roughly the same information, even though the order and method differ.

If you don't have a government-issued ID yet, you can't open an account online. You'll need to go to a branch in person, and even then some banks won't open an account without one. A state driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. A tribal ID works at some banks. A military ID works at most. A school ID does not.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a government-issued photo ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number before you start—no bank will open an account without these.
  • Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government letter; it usually needs to be dated within the last 60 to 90 days.
  • Most banks let you upload photos of documents through their app or website, but some still require you to mail originals or visit a branch.
  • You'll need to fund the account with at least a small deposit—usually $1 to $25—either from another bank account, a debit card, or a wire transfer.
  • The whole process typically takes 5 to 10 minutes online, but verification can take anywhere from instant to several business days depending on the bank.

What counts as proof of address

A recent utility bill is the standard. Electric, gas, water, internet, or phone bills all work. The bill needs to show your name and current address, and most banks want it dated within the last 60 to 90 days. If you don't have a utility bill in your name, a lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill works at most banks. A bank statement from another bank also works.

Government mail counts too—a letter from the IRS, Social Security Administration, or your state's tax authority. A voter registration card works at some banks but not all. A credit card statement works at some. A car insurance or renters insurance policy works at some. The safest bet is a utility bill or lease, because every bank accepts those.

If you're homeless or living with someone else and your name isn't on any bill, call the bank before you start. Some will accept a letter from a shelter, a government agency, or a social services organization. Others won't. Knowing this before you begin saves you time.

How to submit documents online

Most banks let you photograph your ID and proof of address with your phone and upload them through the app or website. Take the photo in good light, make sure all four corners of the document are visible, and make sure the text is readable. Banks use automated scanning software first, so a blurry photo will fail and you'll have to resubmit.

Some banks ask you to upload both the front and back of your ID. Some ask for just the front. The app will tell you which. If you're uploading through a website on a computer, you can usually scan documents instead of photographing them, which often produces clearer images.

A few banks still require you to mail originals or visit a branch. This is less common now, but it happens. The bank will tell you during the application whether they need originals. If they do, they'll give you an address to mail to. Mailing adds 5 to 10 business days to the process.

Your Social Security number and personal information

You'll enter your full Social Security number during the application. The bank uses it to check your credit history and to verify your identity against government records. They also use it to report interest you earn and to comply with tax law. There's no way around providing it—no bank will open an account without it.

You'll also enter your full legal name, date of birth, and current address. Make sure these match your ID exactly. If your ID says "Robert" but you go by "Bob," enter "Robert." If your address on your ID is outdated, use your current address instead—the bank will verify it against your proof of address document.

Some banks ask for your mother's maiden name or the last four digits of your Social Security number as a security question later. This is normal. Write these down somewhere safe if you think you might forget them.

How to fund your new account

Most banks require a deposit to open the account, though the amount is usually small—$1 to $25. You can fund it with a debit card, a credit card, or by transferring money from another bank account. If you're transferring from another bank, you'll need that bank's routing number and your account number there.

Some banks let you fund the account immediately during the application. Others wait until your identity is verified, which can take a few hours to a few days. The bank will tell you when you can make the deposit. If you can't deposit right away, don't worry—you're not locked out. You can deposit later, though some banks will close the account if you don't fund it within a certain window (usually 30 days).

Wire transfers work too, but they cost money at most banks and take longer. Use a wire only if you're transferring a large amount and the bank won't accept a debit card or ACH transfer.

What happens after you submit everything

The bank will verify your identity against government records and check your documents. This can happen instantly or take several business days. During this time, you may see a hold on your account—you can't use it yet, but the bank is working on it.

Some banks send you a confirmation email or text as soon as verification is complete. Others don't. You can usually log in to the app or website and check your account status. If verification is taking longer than expected, the bank will contact you—usually by email or phone—and ask for more information or a clearer photo of a document.

Once verification is complete, your account is active. You can use your debit card (if the bank issued one), set up direct deposit, transfer money, and pay bills. Some banks mail you a debit card; others let you use a virtual card number in the app right away. The bank will tell you which during the application.

If you don't have all the documents yet

If you don't have a government-issued ID, you can't open an account online. You'll need to visit a branch in person, and even then some banks require an ID. Getting an ID takes time—you'll need to go to your state's DMV or equivalent office. Bring proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) and proof of address. The process takes a few hours to a few weeks depending on your state.

If you don't have proof of address, get a utility bill in your name or ask for a letter from a social services organization, shelter, or government agency. If you don't have a Social Security number, you'll need to apply for one through the Social Security Administration. This takes several weeks.

If you have a Social Security number but no ID and no proof of address, start with the ID. That's the hardest piece to get, and you'll need it for everything else anyway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an account if my address on my ID is old?

Yes. Enter your current address in the application and provide proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, etc.). The bank will verify against the proof of address document, not your ID. Your ID just needs to be valid and show your face.

What if the bank rejects my photo of my ID?

The photo was probably blurry or cut off. Retake it in better light, make sure all four corners show, and make sure the text is sharp and readable. If it keeps failing, try uploading through a computer instead of your phone, or scan the document instead of photographing it. If it still fails, call the bank—they may need you to mail an original or visit a branch.

How long does verification take?

It varies by bank. Some verify instantly. Others take 1 to 3 business days. A few take up to 5 business days. The bank will tell you during the application what to expect. If verification takes longer than the bank said it would, contact them—they may need more information from you.

Do I need a minimum deposit to open the account?

Most banks require a small deposit—$1 to $25—but some don't require any. Check the bank's website or app before you start. If a deposit is required and you can't make one right away, wait until you can. Don't start an application you can't finish.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

You can't open an account without one. Apply for a Social Security number through the Social Security Administration website or by visiting a local office. The process takes several weeks. Once you have a number, you can open an account online.