What you need to start a Bank of America account

Bank of America lets you open a checking or savings account online, by phone, or in person at a branch. You will need a government-issued ID, a Social Security number, and an initial deposit. The deposit amount depends on the account type — some accounts have no minimum, while others require $100 or more to open. You can fund the account with a debit card, transfer from another bank, or cash at a branch.

The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes online. If you already have a Bank of America account, opening a second one is faster because the bank already has your information on file. If you are opening your first account with them, you will answer questions about your employment, income, and how you plan to use the account. Your account opens the same day, and you can use it online or by phone when ready, even before your debit card arrives in the mail.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid government ID, Social Security number, and an opening deposit to start a Bank of America account.
  • Online account opening takes 10 to 15 minutes and you can fund it when ready with a debit card or transfer from another bank.
  • Bank of America offers different account types with different features and minimum deposit requirements, so choose based on how you plan to bank.
  • If you open in person at a branch, bring your ID and Social Security card, and a banker can answer questions about which account fits your needs.

Opening an account online

Go to bankofamerica.com and click the link to open a new account. You will enter your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number. The bank will ask about your employment status and annual income — this is for fraud prevention and regulatory reasons, not to judge whether you deserve an account. Answer honestly; the bank is not looking for a minimum income.

Next, choose your account type. Bank of America's most common options are Advantage Checking, Advantage Plus Checking, and Advantage Savings. Checking accounts let you write checks and use a debit card; savings accounts are for storing money and earn a small amount of interest. Read the fee structure for each — some accounts waive monthly fees if you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.

After you choose your account, you will fund it. You can enter a debit card number to transfer money in, or link an external bank account and move funds that way. If you use a debit card, the money usually arrives within one business day. If you link another bank account, it may take two to three business days. You do not have to fund it when ready — you can complete the process and fund it later, though some account types require the deposit before the account opens.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Find your nearest Bank of America branch on their website or using their mobile app. Bring your government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security card, and a debit card or checkbook from another bank if you want to fund the account that day. You do not need an appointment, though calling ahead during busy times can save you a wait.

A banker will walk you through the same questions you would answer online — name, address, Social Security number, employment, and income. They will show you the different account types and explain the fees and features of each. If you are not sure which account to choose, ask the banker which one most people with your banking habits use. They can also tell you whether the account has a monthly fee and what you need to do to waive it.

Once you choose an account, the banker will process your process and you will sign documents. If you brought a way to fund the account, they will take your debit card or check information and move the money in. Your account opens the same day, and you will receive a debit card in the mail within 5 to 7 business days. You can use your account online or by phone when ready, even before the card arrives.

Opening an account by phone

Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 to open an account over the phone. A representative will ask the same questions as the online process — your name, address, Social Security number, and employment information. Have your government ID ready so you can answer questions that verify your identity, such as your driver's license number or passport number.

You will choose your account type and decide how to fund it. If you use a debit card, the representative will take the card number and process the deposit. If you want to link an external bank account, the representative can set that up, though the transfer may take a few business days. Your account opens the same day, and your debit card will arrive in the mail within 5 to 7 business days. You can start using your account online or by phone right away.

Account types and what they cost

Bank of America offers several checking and savings accounts. Advantage Checking is the most basic option and has a $12 monthly fee, which is waived if you keep a $1,500 minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or maintain a linked savings account with at least $500. Advantage Plus Checking costs $25 per month but waives the fee if you keep a $2,500 balance or set up direct deposit. Both accounts include a debit card, online banking, and the ability to write checks.

Advantage Savings is a savings account with a $12 monthly fee, waived if you keep a $500 minimum balance. It earns interest on your balance, though the rate is low — typically less than 0.01 percent. If you want to avoid monthly fees entirely, ask the banker whether Bank of America currently offers any no-fee accounts, as these change periodically and vary by location.

What happens after you open your account

Your account is active when ready, even if you opened it online or by phone. You can log into your account on bankofamerica.com or the mobile app right away and see your balance. You can set up bill pay, transfer money to other accounts, and deposit checks using the mobile app's check deposit feature. You cannot use your debit card until it arrives in the mail, which takes 5 to 7 business days.

If you need cash before your debit card arrives, you can withdraw money at any Bank of America branch using your ID and account number. You can also visit an ATM at a Bank of America branch and use your account number to withdraw cash. Once your debit card arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back of the card or using the mobile app. After set up, you can use it at stores, online, and at ATMs.

If you have questions before opening

Bank of America customer service is available by phone at 1-800-432-1000, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. You can also visit a branch in person and ask a banker about account types, fees, and the opening process. If you have questions about which account fits your needs, the banker or phone representative can walk you through the options without pressure to choose when ready.

The website bankofamerica.com also has detailed information about each account type, including current interest rates, fee schedules, and feature comparisons. You can review this information before you call or visit a branch, which can help you decide which account makes sense for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a minimum deposit to open a Bank of America account?

Most Bank of America accounts require an opening deposit, though the amount varies by account type. Some accounts have no minimum, while others require $100 or more. You can fund the account with a debit card, transfer from another bank, or cash at a branch.

How long does it take to open an account online?

The online process takes about 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish. Your account opens the same day, and you can use it online or by phone when ready. Your debit card arrives in the mail within 5 to 7 business days.

Can I open a Bank of America account without a Social Security number?

Bank of America requires a Social Security number to open an account. If you do not have one, you may be able to open an account using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), though this varies by location. Call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch to ask about your specific situation.

What if I do not have a government ID?

Bank of America requires a valid government-issued ID to open an account. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you do not have one of these, you will need to get one before you can open an account.

Can I open multiple accounts at Bank of America?

Yes, you can open more than one account. If you already have a Bank of America account, opening a second one is faster because the bank already has your information. You can open additional accounts online, by phone, or in person at a branch.