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 visiting a branch. The process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You provide your personal information, verify your identity, and fund the account—all without leaving home.
Not every bank offers online account opening, and some have restrictions based on where you live or what type of account you want. But the major national banks—Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank—and many regional banks and credit unions do offer it. Online-only banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Chime are built entirely around this process.
Key Takeaways
- You can open a checking or savings account online at most banks in 10 to 15 minutes using a computer or phone.
- You will need a government-issued ID, your Social Security number, proof of address, and a way to fund the account.
- The bank will verify your identity during the process, usually by asking questions only you would know or by checking your credit report.
- Your account may be ready to use immediately, or the bank may hold it for a few business days while they complete their checks.
- Some banks restrict online account opening by state or age, so not every bank will accept every person.
What documents and information you need to have ready
Before you start, gather these items. You will need a government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The bank will ask for your name, date of birth, and the ID number. Have your Social Security number ready; the bank uses this to check your credit history and verify you are who you say you are.
You will also need proof of your current address. This is usually a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government document with your name and address on it. The bank may accept a digital copy you photograph or upload. Finally, have a way to fund your account—either a debit card, another bank account number, or a check you can deposit through your phone's camera.
How the identity verification step works
Banks verify your identity in different ways depending on what information they already have about you. Some banks ask you a series of questions based on your credit history—questions like "Which of these addresses have you lived at?" or "Which car loan did you have in 2019?" You answer based on your own records. This takes a few minutes and happens in real time.
Other banks use a different method: they may ask you to photograph your ID with your phone camera, or they may check your information against databases they subscribe to. A few banks require you to verify your identity through a video call with a person. The method varies by bank and sometimes by the type of account you are opening. The bank will tell you which method it uses before you start.
When your account becomes active and usable
Some banks activate your account immediately after you finish the online process. You can see your account number right away and start using it—depositing checks through your phone, setting up direct deposit, or transferring money in from another account. Other banks put your account on a hold for one to three business days while they complete their background checks. During this time, you can see the account exists but cannot use it yet.
A few banks take longer—up to five business days—before they fully activate the account. This is more common at credit unions and smaller regional banks. When you finish the online process, the bank will tell you when your account will be ready. If you need the account to work right away, ask about this before you start, or choose a bank that activates accounts immediately.
What happens if the bank cannot verify your identity online
If the bank's identity verification system cannot confirm who you are—because your credit history is limited, because you have moved recently, or because the information does not match their databases—they will ask you to verify yourself another way. This usually means visiting a branch in person with your ID and proof of address, or mailing copies of these documents to the bank.
Some banks will also let you schedule a video call with a representative to verify your identity instead of visiting a branch. This adds a few days to the process but still avoids a trip. If you run into this problem, the bank will explain your options clearly. It does not mean you cannot open the account—it just means the online-only route did not work for your specific situation.
Banks that restrict online account opening by state or age
A few banks do not offer online account opening in every state. This is usually because of state banking laws or because the bank does not have branches in that state and wants to verify customers in person. Before you start the process, the bank's website will tell you whether online account opening is available in your state. If it is not, you will need to visit a branch or use a different bank.
Age restrictions also exist. Most banks require you to be at least 18 years old to open an account online on your own. If you are under 18, you may be able to open a youth account with a parent or guardian, but this usually requires a visit to a branch or a video call. Some banks have no minimum age if a parent opens the account with you online, but this varies.
Online-only banks versus traditional banks with branches
Online-only banks like Ally, Chime, and Charles Schwab have no physical branches—everything happens through their website or app. They often have higher interest rates on savings accounts and lower or no monthly fees because they do not pay for branch locations. The trade-off is that you cannot deposit cash in person or speak to someone face-to-face if something goes wrong.
Traditional banks with branches let you open online but also give you the option to visit a location if you need help. They may have lower interest rates and higher fees, but you have more ways to access your money and get support. Neither type is better—it depends on whether you prefer convenience and rates or the option to walk into a physical location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account online if I do not have a credit history?
Yes. Banks verify your identity using your government ID, Social Security number, and address—not your credit history. However, if you have no credit history, the bank's identity verification system may not recognize you, and they may ask you to verify yourself in person or by mail instead. This does not disqualify you; it just changes the process.
How long does it take to get a debit card after opening an account online?
Most banks mail a debit card within 7 to 10 business days after your account is activated. Some banks offer a temporary digital card you can use immediately through your phone while you wait for the physical card. Check the bank's website or ask during the account opening process what they offer.
What if I make a mistake on my application?
If you catch the mistake before you submit, you can go back and fix it. If you submit and then realize the error, contact the bank right away. Most banks can correct simple mistakes like a misspelled name or wrong address before they fully process your account. The sooner you call, the better.
Do I need a minimum deposit to open an account online?
It varies by bank. Some banks require a minimum opening deposit—often $25 to $100—while others let you open with zero dollars and deposit later. The bank will tell you the requirement before you finish the process. If you do not have the minimum, you can choose a different bank or wait until you do.
Can I open multiple accounts at the same bank online?
Yes. Once your first account is open and active, you can usually open additional accounts—a second checking account, a savings account, or a money market account—through your online banking portal without going through the full verification process again. Some banks limit how many accounts you can open in a short time period, so check their rules.