What you need to open an Arvest savings account
Arvest Bank requires a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit to open a savings account. The minimum opening deposit varies by account type and location — some branches accept $25, while others require $100 or more. You can open an account in person at any Arvest branch, by phone, or online through their website, depending on which method your branch supports.
Before you go, gather your ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number, and decide how much you want to deposit to start. If you plan to set up direct deposit or transfers from another bank, have that account information ready as well.
Key Takeaways
- Arvest requires a government photo ID, Social Security number, and an opening deposit, with minimums ranging from $25 to $100 depending on the account and branch.
- You can open an account in person at a branch, by phone, or online, though online options may be limited depending on your location.
- Arvest operates primarily in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Texas, so availability depends on whether you live in or near a service area.
- Monthly maintenance fees and minimum balance requirements vary by account type, so compare options before choosing which savings product fits your needs.
- Once your account is open, you can deposit money through ATMs, mobile deposit, transfers from other banks, or in-person at a branch.
Opening an account in person at an Arvest branch
Walking into a branch is the most straightforward route if you have one nearby. Bring your photo ID, Social Security number, and your opening deposit. A banker will ask you basic questions about the account — whether you want a regular savings account, a money market account, or another product — and will explain the fees and interest rates for each.
The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. The banker will verify your identity, run a background check through ChexSystems (a banking history database), and set up your account on the spot. You will receive a debit card, temporary checks if you opened a checking account, and login information for online and mobile banking. Ask the banker for the account number and routing number before you leave, in case you need them for direct deposit or bill pay right away.
Find an Arvest branch near you by visiting arvest.com and using their branch locator tool. Branches are located in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Texas. If you do not live in one of these states, Arvest is not available to you.
Opening an account online or by phone
Arvest offers online account opening on their website for some account types and in some regions. Start at arvest.com, select "Open an Account," and follow the prompts. You will upload a photo of your ID, provide your Social Security number, and choose your account type. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you can fund the account immediately with a debit card or bank transfer.
Online accounts are usually approved within one business day. You will receive login credentials by email and can start using online banking right away. However, you may still need to visit a branch in person to receive your debit card and complete identity verification if Arvest requests it.
If you prefer to open by phone, call Arvest at 1-800-555-2265 (or the number on their website for your region). A representative will walk you through the same questions and information collection as a branch banker. Phone opening is slower than in-person — expect one to three business days for approval — and you will still need to mail in a signed document or visit a branch to finalize the account.
Fees and minimum balances to know about
Arvest savings accounts do not charge a monthly maintenance fee if you maintain a minimum balance, which is typically $500 to $1,000 depending on the account type. If your balance drops below the minimum, you may be charged a monthly fee of $5 to $10. Some accounts waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit or keep a linked checking account with Arvest.
Interest rates on savings accounts change with the market and vary by account type. Money market accounts usually pay higher interest than regular savings accounts but require a larger opening deposit and minimum balance. Check the current rates on arvest.com or ask a banker when you open your account, since rates are not locked in and will change over time.
ATM withdrawals are free at Arvest ATMs and at ATMs in the Allpoint network (thousands of locations nationwide). Withdrawals at other banks' ATMs typically cost $2 to $3 per transaction. Transfers between your own Arvest accounts are free, but transfers to other banks may be limited to six per month under federal rules.
What happens after you open your account
Once your account is open, you can deposit money through several methods. Mobile deposit lets you photograph a check and deposit it through the Arvest mobile app — funds usually appear within one business day. You can also deposit cash or checks at any Arvest ATM or branch, transfer money from another bank using your account and routing number, or set up direct deposit from your employer or government payments.
Your debit card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you opened online or by phone. If you opened in person, you may receive it immediately or by mail depending on the branch. You can activate it through the mobile app or by calling the number on the back of the card.
Log into online banking at arvest.com or download the Arvest mobile app to check your balance, view transactions, set up bill pay, and manage your account. You can also call customer service at 1-800-555-2265 with questions about your account.
What to do if you cannot open an account at Arvest
If Arvest does not operate in your state or you do not have a branch nearby, you have other options. Online banks like Ally, Marcus, and Discover offer savings accounts with no minimum balance and no monthly fees, and you can open them entirely online from anywhere in the United States. Credit unions in your area may also offer savings accounts with lower fees and better rates than national banks.
If you were denied an account at Arvest because of a ChexSystems report, you have the right to see what is in your file. Visit chexsystems.com or call 1-800-428-9623 to request a free copy. If there is an error, you can dispute it and ask for a correction. Some banks offer second-chance accounts for people with banking history issues — ask your local credit union or a community bank whether they offer this option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open an Arvest savings account if I do not have a Social Security number?
No. Arvest requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open any account. If you have an ITIN, bring it along with your ID and opening deposit. Call your local branch first to confirm they can process an ITIN account, since not all branches may offer this option.
How long does it take to open an account at Arvest?
In person: 15 to 30 minutes. Online: 10 minutes to complete, approval within one business day. By phone: one to three business days for approval. You may need to visit a branch afterward to receive your debit card or complete identity verification.
What is the minimum opening deposit at Arvest?
Minimums vary by account type and branch location, ranging from $25 to $100. Call your local branch or check arvest.com to confirm the minimum for the specific account you want to open.
Can I open a joint savings account at Arvest?
Yes. Both account holders must be present in person or provide signed authorization. Bring both photo IDs and Social Security numbers. Joint accounts let either person withdraw money or close the account, so make sure you trust the other person completely.
What if my Arvest account application is denied?
Arvest will tell you why — usually a ChexSystems report, unpaid overdrafts at another bank, or fraud concerns. You can request a free copy of your ChexSystems report and dispute any errors. Some Arvest branches offer second-chance accounts for people with banking history issues — ask when you reapply.