Yes, you can open most bank accounts entirely online without visiting a branch

Most banks and credit unions now let you open a checking or savings account from your computer or phone. You will not need to walk into a physical location. The process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes, and you can start using the account within one to three business days.

The catch is that you need to prove who you are. Banks cannot hand out accounts to anyone — federal law requires them to verify your identity before you deposit money. Online banks do this through a combination of questions about your past (pulled from credit reports), a photo ID you upload, or a video call with a real person.

Some banks are stricter than others. A large national bank like Chase or Bank of America will ask more questions than a smaller online-only bank. But all of them follow the same legal requirement: they have to know who you are.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open a checking or savings account online at most banks without visiting a branch, and the process takes 10 to 20 minutes.
  • Banks will ask you to verify your identity using a photo ID, answers to security questions, or a video call — this is a legal requirement, not optional.
  • You will need a Social Security number or ITIN, a valid photo ID, and proof of your current address to complete the process.
  • Your account will be ready to use within one to three business days, though some banks offer instant access to a temporary account number.
  • If you do not have a photo ID or have a thin credit history, some banks offer alternative verification methods or in-person opening at a branch.

What documents and information you need before you start

Gather these items before you begin the online application. Having them ready will speed up the process and reduce the chance you get stuck halfway through.

You will need a valid photo ID — a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. The ID must not be expired. You will also need your Social Security number or an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) if you do not have a Social Security number. Banks use this to check your identity against government records and to report interest you earn.

Have your current address ready. Some banks ask you to upload a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement showing your name and address. Others verify your address through the credit bureaus without asking for a document. You will also need your phone number and email address — the bank will use these to contact you and to set up login credentials.

If you want to deposit money right away, have your employer's routing number and account number ready if you plan to set up direct deposit, or know which debit card you want to link for transfers.

How the identity verification process works online

Banks use three main methods to verify who you are without meeting you in person. Which one you encounter depends on the bank and sometimes on what information they already have about you.

Knowledge-based verification is the most common. The bank asks you questions only you should know the answer to — things like "Which of these addresses have you lived at?" or "What was the loan amount on your car in 2019?" These questions come from credit reports and public records. You answer them, and if you get most of them right, the bank moves forward. This takes a few minutes and happens instantly.

Document upload is the second method. You photograph or scan your driver's license or passport and upload it to the bank's website. Some banks use software to read the ID automatically and check that it is real. Others have a person look at it. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours.

Video verification is the third method, and some banks use it as a backup if the other two do not work. You schedule a short video call with a bank employee, show them your ID, and answer a few questions. This usually happens within 24 hours of your request.

Timeline: when your account will be ready to use

The speed depends on which bank you choose and which verification method they use. Most accounts are ready within one to three business days.

Some online-only banks like Ally or Chime offer a temporary account number you can use to transfer money or set up direct deposit the same day you open the account, even though the full account is still being processed. This is useful if you need to move money quickly.

Large national banks like Chase or Wells Fargo usually take one to two business days. Credit unions vary widely — some process online accounts the same day, while others take up to five business days. When you start the application, the bank will tell you their typical timeline.

If the bank cannot verify your identity online, they will ask you to visit a branch in person or to provide additional documents by mail. This adds time, so it is worth having a clear photo ID and current address information ready from the start.

What happens if you do not have a photo ID or have credit history problems

If you do not have a driver's license or passport, some banks will still open an account for you, but the process takes longer. You may need to visit a branch in person with your ID (a state ID card, tribal ID, or passport card counts), or the bank may ask you to mail in a copy of your ID and a utility bill.

If you have no credit history or a very thin one — for example, if you are new to the country or have never borrowed money — the bank may not be able to verify you through knowledge-based questions because there is no credit report to pull from. In this case, they will usually ask you to upload your ID and address proof, or to do a video call. This takes longer but is still possible.

If you have been denied a bank account before, tell the bank this when you apply. Some banks use ChexSystems, a database that tracks people who have had accounts closed for fraud or unpaid overdrafts. If you are on that list, you may not be able to open an account at a traditional bank, but second-chance banking programs exist specifically for this situation. These are offered by some credit unions and smaller banks.

Differences between online banks and traditional banks with online opening

Not all online account openings are the same. Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, or Discover have streamlined the process because they have no branches — everyone opens online. They tend to have faster verification and lower fees.

Traditional banks like Chase or Bank of America also let you open online, but they may ask more questions because they have a physical branch network to protect. They may also require a higher opening deposit or minimum balance.

Credit unions vary. Some credit unions let you open online if you live in their service area. Others require you to visit a branch or mail in documents. A few credit unions let anyone open an account online regardless of location.

The main trade-off is convenience versus features. Online-only banks are fastest and cheapest, but they have no physical locations if you need to deposit cash or talk to someone in person. Traditional banks are slower online but offer more services in person.

What to do after your account opens

Once your account is active, log in to the bank's website or app and set up your security. Create a strong password, enable two-factor authentication if the bank offers it, and review the account settings.

If you want to deposit money, you have several options. You can set up direct deposit from your employer, transfer money from another bank account, or use mobile check deposit if the bank offers it. If you need to deposit cash, you will need to visit an ATM or branch that accepts cash deposits for that bank.

Read the account agreement and fee schedule so you know what charges apply. Most checking accounts are free, but some charge monthly fees if you do not keep a minimum balance or do not set up direct deposit. Savings accounts often pay interest, but the rate varies by bank and changes over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an account if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes, if you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). You will need to provide it during the application. Some banks ask for an ITIN upfront; others ask for it only if you do not have a Social Security number. If a bank will not accept an ITIN, try a credit union or a bank that specializes in serving immigrants.

How long does identity verification actually take?

Knowledge-based verification (answering security questions) takes a few minutes and is instant. Document upload can take a few minutes to a few hours depending on whether a person reviews it or software reads it automatically. Video verification usually happens within 24 hours of your request. Most accounts are fully ready within one to three business days.

What if the bank rejects my identity verification?

The bank will tell you why — usually because the information did not match, the ID was unclear, or they could not verify your address. You can try again with clearer documents, or you can visit a branch in person with your ID. Some banks also let you request a video call with a person if the automated process fails.

Can I open multiple accounts at different banks online?

Yes. There is no law against having accounts at multiple banks. However, each bank will run its own identity verification, so you will need to go through the process at each one. Banks may also ask why you are opening an account, and if you mention you already have accounts elsewhere, they may ask fewer questions.

Do I need to keep a minimum balance to use the account?

It depends on the bank and the account type. Many checking accounts have no minimum balance requirement. Some savings accounts require a minimum balance to earn interest, but you can still open and use the account with less. Check the account agreement before you open to see what applies to your account.