What you need before you start

Bank of America requires specific documents and information before you can open a checking account. You will need a government-issued photo ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number, and a current mailing address. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can open an account using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, though this limits some features.

You will also need an initial deposit to fund the account. The minimum opening deposit varies by account type, but most checking accounts require between $0 and $100. Bank of America does not charge a monthly fee on many of its checking accounts, though some accounts have monthly maintenance fees that are waived if you meet certain conditions—like setting up direct deposit or maintaining a minimum balance.

Have your information ready before you begin: your full legal name, date of birth, phone number, email address, and either a debit card from another bank or a method to fund the account (such as a wire transfer or check deposit). If you are opening the account online, you will also need to be able to verify your identity through the bank's system, which typically involves answering security questions based on your credit history.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID, Social Security number or ITIN, current address, and an initial deposit to open a checking account.
  • Bank of America offers three main checking account types: SafePass, Advantage, and Premium, each with different fees and minimum balance requirements.
  • You can open an account online in about 10 minutes, in a branch in person, or by phone, and the account is usually active the same day.
  • After opening, you can order a debit card, set up online banking, and arrange direct deposit or transfers from another bank.

Opening online versus in a branch

Opening online is the fastest route. Go to bankofamerica.com, click "Open an Account," and select the checking account type you want. The process takes about 10 minutes. You will enter your personal information, verify your identity by answering security questions, choose a username and password for online banking, and confirm your initial deposit method. The account is usually active the same day, and you can log in when ready to see your account number.

Opening in a branch takes longer but gives you a chance to ask questions and get help on the spot. Find your nearest Bank of America branch, bring your ID and Social Security number, and tell the representative you want to open a checking account. They will walk you through the forms, discuss account options, and process your initial deposit. This typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. Your account is active when ready, and the representative can order a debit card for you right then.

You can also open by phone by calling Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000. A representative will guide you through the process and verify your identity. This route works well if you cannot visit a branch or prefer to handle it over the phone, though you will still need to provide the same documents and information.

The three main checking account types

SafePass Checking is designed for customers who want low fees and straightforward features. There is no monthly maintenance fee, no minimum opening deposit, and no minimum balance requirement. You get a debit card, online banking, and access to Bank of America's ATM network. This account is a good choice if you want the basics without worrying about fees.

Advantage Checking includes more features and rewards. There is a $12 monthly maintenance fee, but it is waived if you set up direct deposit, maintain a $1,500 minimum daily balance, or keep $10,000 in linked savings. You earn a small amount of interest on your balance, get discounts on Bank of America products, and have access to higher ATM withdrawal limits. This account works well if you use direct deposit or can keep a balance.

Premium Checking is for customers who want premium features and are willing to maintain higher balances. The monthly fee is $25, waived if you keep a $10,000 minimum daily balance or have $100,000 in linked accounts. You get higher interest rates, priority customer service, and additional perks like travel benefits. This account is worth considering only if you maintain substantial balances or use Bank of America's wealth management services.

What happens after you open the account

Your checking account number appears in your online banking dashboard as soon as the account opens. You can use this number to set up direct deposit with your employer or to transfer money from another bank. Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you ordered it during account opening. If you opened in a branch, the representative may have given you a temporary card on the spot.

Set up online banking right away. Log in with the username and password you created during account opening. From your dashboard, you can view your balance, transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and set up alerts for low balances or large transactions. You can also read the Bank of America mobile app and log in with the same credentials to manage your account from your phone.

If you want to move money from another bank into your new Bank of America account, you have two options. You can set up an external transfer through Bank of America's online banking system—this takes 1 to 3 business days and requires you to verify the other account. Or you can deposit a check at a Bank of America ATM or branch, which usually clears within 1 business day. Wire transfers are also available if you need the money faster, though they typically cost $15 to $30.

Avoiding overdraft fees and holds

Bank of America charges an overdraft fee of $35 per transaction if you spend more than your available balance. The fee applies even if the overdraft is small—$1 or $100. You can turn off overdraft protection in your online banking settings, which means transactions will be declined if you do not have enough money, rather than going through and charging you a fee. This is the safest option if you want to avoid surprise charges.

When you deposit a check, Bank of America may place a hold on the funds for 1 to 5 business days, depending on the check amount and your account history. Large checks or checks from out-of-state banks take longer to clear. You can see the hold date in your online banking account. The funds are not available to spend until the hold lifts, even though the check appears in your transaction history.

If you receive a direct deposit, the money is usually available the same day it arrives at the bank, which is often one business day before your employer's official payday. You can see the deposit in your account before it fully clears.

Linking accounts and setting up transfers

Once your checking account is open, you can link it to a savings account, money market account, or credit card at Bank of America. Linking lets you transfer money between accounts when ready through online banking. To link an account, go to your online banking dashboard, select "Transfer & Pay," and follow the prompts to add the account. The link is usually active within a few minutes.

You can also link accounts at other banks. This is called an external transfer. Bank of America will ask you to verify the account by depositing small amounts (usually $0.01 and $0.02) into the account you want to link. You then enter those amounts into Bank of America's system to confirm you own the account. Once verified, transfers take 1 to 3 business days.

Set up recurring transfers if you want to move money on a schedule—for example, transferring $100 to savings every payday. You can do this through online banking by selecting "Set Up Recurring Transfer" and choosing the amount, frequency, and date. The transfer happens automatically on the schedule you set.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. The process is the same, but some features—like setting up direct deposit or linking to certain external accounts—may be limited. Call 1-800-432-1000 to open an account with an ITIN, as this option is not available online.

How long does it take to receive my debit card?

Debit cards arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you open an account in a branch, the representative may give you a temporary card to use when ready. You can also request expedited card delivery in some cases, though this may cost extra.

What if I do not have a government photo ID?

You will need a government-issued photo ID to open an account. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. If you do not have one, you will need to obtain one before opening an account. Bank of America cannot open an account without this form of identification.

Can I open an account if I have had problems with another bank?

Bank of America checks ChexSystems, a banking history database, when you open an account. If you have unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or other serious issues on your record, your account may be denied. You can request a copy of your ChexSystems report to see what is on file. Some issues clear after a certain period of time.

Is there a way to avoid the monthly maintenance fee?

Yes. On Advantage Checking, the $12 monthly fee is waived if you set up direct deposit, keep a $1,500 minimum daily balance, or maintain $10,000 in linked savings. SafePass Checking has no monthly fee at all. Choose the account that matches your banking habits to avoid fees.