You can open a Bank of America account online in about 10 minutes, or in person at a branch with an ID and initial deposit

Bank of America offers two main routes: online through their website or mobile app, which takes the shortest time and requires no branch visit, or in person at a physical location, which lets you ask questions and hand over cash or a check when ready. Both paths lead to the same result — a checking or savings account that you can use right away. The online route is faster; the in-person route is better if you want to talk through your options or prefer to hand over money face-to-face.

You will need a valid government-issued ID (a driver's license, state ID, or passport), a Social Security number or ITIN, and an initial deposit. The deposit amount varies by account type — some checking accounts require $100 to $500 to open, while some savings accounts have no minimum. Bank of America will also check your banking history through ChexSystems, a system that tracks past account problems; if you have closed accounts with unpaid fees or fraud flags, you may be declined or asked to wait before opening an account.

Key Takeaways

  • Online account opening takes 10 minutes and requires only your ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit transferred from another bank account.
  • In-person opening at a branch lets you ask questions, deposit cash when ready, and walk out with a debit card the same day.
  • Bank of America checks your banking history through ChexSystems, so past account closures or unpaid fees may affect your opening.
  • You must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. resident to open an account; minors can open accounts with a parent or guardian present.
  • After opening, you can set up direct deposit, transfers, and bill pay online or through the mobile app within minutes.

Opening an account online through Bank of America's website

Go to bankofamerica.com and look for the "Open an Account" button, usually near the top of the homepage. You will be asked to choose between checking and savings, then to select a specific account type — Bank of America offers several versions of each, with different features and minimum balances. Read the descriptions carefully; some accounts waive monthly fees if you keep a certain balance or set up direct deposit, while others charge $12 to $15 per month.

Next, you will enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number or ITIN. Bank of America will verify this against public records and run the ChexSystems check. If you pass, you will be asked to create a username and password, set up security questions, and choose how you want to receive statements (online or by mail).

Finally, you will fund the account. Online opening requires you to transfer money from another bank account — you cannot deposit cash or a check through the website. You will provide the routing and account number from your existing bank, and Bank of America will pull the initial deposit (usually $100 to $500, depending on the account). This transfer takes one to three business days to complete, so your account will not be fully active until the money arrives.

Opening an account in person at a Bank of America branch

Find your nearest branch using the Bank of America branch locator on their website or in the mobile app. Walk in during business hours with your ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and your initial deposit — cash, a check, or a debit card to transfer funds. You do not need an appointment, though calling ahead during busy times can save you a wait.

A banker will sit with you, ask the same personal questions as the online form, and help you choose between account types. This is the moment to ask about fees, minimum balances, and which account makes sense for how you plan to use it. The banker will run the ChexSystems check and, if you pass, will print temporary checks or a temporary debit card on the spot. If you deposited cash or a check, it will be processed when ready (cash) or within one to two business days (checks).

You will leave with an account number, temporary card, and access to online banking. Your permanent debit card will arrive by mail in five to seven business days. You can start using your account right away — setting up direct deposit, paying bills, or transferring money — even before the permanent card arrives.

What happens if Bank of America declines your process

Bank of America may decline your process if ChexSystems shows a history of unpaid overdraft fees, fraud, or repeated account closures. If this happens, you will receive a letter explaining the reason. You have the right to request a copy of your ChexSystems report and to dispute any errors on it — contact ChexSystems directly at chexsystems.com or call 1-800-428-9623.

If you are declined, you have a few options. You can wait — many banks will reconsider after six months to a year if you have resolved the underlying problem (paid off fees, for example). You can also look into second-chance banking accounts, which are designed for people with banking history problems and often have higher fees but fewer restrictions. Some credit unions and smaller regional banks also have more lenient policies than Bank of America.

Setting up your account after opening

Once your account is open, you can set up direct deposit, transfers, and bill pay through the Bank of America website or mobile app. Direct deposit is the fastest way to get paychecks into your account — ask your employer's payroll department for the form, and provide them with your Bank of America routing number and account number (both printed on your temporary checks or visible in the app).

You can also link other bank accounts to transfer money in and out, set up automatic bill payments to pay regular bills like utilities or rent, and create savings goals within the app. All of this can be done when ready after opening, even if your permanent debit card has not arrived yet.

Documents and information you will need

Gather these items before you start, whether you are opening online or in person:

  • A valid government-issued ID: driver's license, state ID, or U.S. passport
  • Your Social Security number or ITIN
  • Your current address (Bank of America will verify this)
  • An initial deposit: cash, a check, or the routing and account number of another bank account to transfer from
  • A phone number and email address for account notifications

If you are opening an account in person, bring the physical ID and deposit. If you are opening online, you will enter the information digitally, and Bank of America will verify it electronically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Bank of America account if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. If you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) issued by the IRS, Bank of America will accept it in place of a Social Security number. You will need to bring documentation of your ITIN, such as your IRS letter or tax return. If you do not have either, you will not be able to open an account at Bank of America.

How long does it take to get my debit card after opening?

If you open in person, you will receive a temporary card or temporary checks when ready. Your permanent debit card arrives by mail in five to seven business days. If you open online, you will not receive a temporary card, so you will need to wait for the permanent one to arrive before you can use it in stores — though you can transfer money and pay bills online when ready.

What if I want to open an account for my child?

Minors under 18 cannot open an account alone. A parent or legal guardian must open a custodial account with the child present (in person) or can open a separate account in the child's name with themselves as a co-owner. Bank of America offers accounts designed for teens, which come with parental controls and limited overdraft options. Visit a branch to discuss which option fits your situation.

Can I open multiple accounts at Bank of America?

Yes. You can open a checking account and a savings account, or multiple accounts of the same type if you want to separate money for different purposes. Each account will have its own account number and debit card (if it is a checking account). There is no limit to how many accounts you can open, though Bank of America may ask why you are opening several at once.

What is the minimum deposit to open a Bank of America account?

The minimum varies by account type. Some checking accounts require $100 to $500 to open, while some savings accounts have no minimum. When you choose your account type online or in person, the minimum will be clearly listed. If you do not have the minimum on hand, you can ask the banker about accounts with lower minimums or waived minimums if you set up direct deposit.