What you need to bring and the steps that follow

Bank of America lets you open a checking account in person at a branch, online through their website, or by phone. The fastest route is usually online — you can complete it in about 10 minutes if you have the right documents ready. In-branch takes longer because of wait times, but a banker can answer questions as you go. Phone applications take 15 to 20 minutes and require you to verify information verbally.

No matter which route you choose, you will need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and a way to fund the account — either a debit card from another bank, a routing and account number, or cash if you are opening in person. Bank of America will also check ChexSystems, which is a banking history report that tracks closed accounts and fraud. If you have been flagged there, the bank may deny the account or require you to wait a set period before reapplying.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open online in about 10 minutes with a photo ID, Social Security number, and a way to fund the account from another bank or with cash in person.
  • Bank of America checks ChexSystems, a banking history database, so accounts closed due to overdrafts or fraud may prevent you from opening a new one when ready.
  • Online and phone applications fund when ready or within one business day, while in-person deposits may take longer depending on the branch's processing schedule.
  • The account comes with a debit card, online banking access, and a checkbook, though you may have to request the checkbook separately.

Opening online through Bank of America's website

Go to bankofamerica.com and look for the "Open an Account" button, usually on the homepage. You will be asked to choose the type of checking account — Bank of America offers several, including the basic Advantage Checking and the Advantage Plus Checking, which has different monthly fees and minimum balance requirements. Read the fee schedule for each before you choose, because the difference in monthly cost can add up.

After you select an account type, you will enter your personal information: name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, phone number, and email. The system will ask you to create a username and password for online banking. Next, you will verify your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history, or by uploading a photo of your ID. This step usually takes a few minutes.

Once your identity is verified, you will fund the account. You can link a debit card from another bank and transfer money, provide your routing and account number for a transfer from another checking or savings account, or skip funding for now and deposit cash in person later. If you transfer from another bank account, the money usually arrives within one business day. The account is then active, and you can log in to online banking when ready.

Opening in person at a Bank of America branch

Find your nearest branch using the Bank of America branch locator on their website. Bring your photo ID, Social Security number, and the initial deposit — either cash or a debit card to link. Walk in during business hours; you do not need an appointment, though branches can be busy during lunch and after 3 p.m. on weekdays.

A banker will walk you through the account setup, which takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the branch is and whether you have questions. They will verify your identity, run the ChexSystems check, and help you choose an account type. You will sign documents and fund the account on the spot. If you deposit cash, it is credited when ready. If you link a debit card, the transfer processes within one business day.

Before you leave, ask the banker whether your debit card will be mailed or issued in branch. Some branches issue cards on the spot; others mail them within 7 to 10 business days. You will also receive login credentials for online banking, either printed or emailed, so you can start using the account right away even if your physical debit card has not arrived.

Opening by phone with Bank of America customer service

Call Bank of America's customer service line at 1-800-432-1000 and ask to open a checking account. Have your photo ID, Social Security number, and funding information ready before you call. The representative will walk you through the same questions as the online form: personal information, account type selection, identity verification, and funding method.

Identity verification over the phone happens through security questions about your credit history. The call usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. Once you are verified, you will fund the account by providing a debit card number or routing and account information. The account opens when ready, and you will receive your online banking credentials by email or mail within one to two business days. Your debit card ships separately and arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens after you open the account

Your checking account is active as soon as the process is approved, even if your physical debit card has not arrived. You can use online banking, set up bill pay, and transfer money between your own accounts right away. If you funded the account with a transfer from another bank, that money is available within one business day. If you deposited cash in person, it is available when ready.

Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. When it arrives, you will need to set up it before you can use it at ATMs or in stores. Bank of America sends set up instructions with the card, or you can set up it through the mobile app or online banking. Your checkbook, if you requested one, arrives separately and may take 7 to 14 business days.

Fees and account requirements

Bank of America's checking accounts have monthly maintenance fees that vary by account type. Advantage Checking has a monthly fee that is waived if you maintain a minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or link a Bank of America savings account. Advantage Plus Checking has a higher fee but waives it with a higher minimum balance or direct deposit. Read the fee schedule before you open, because you may be able to avoid fees by meeting one of these conditions.

There are also per-transaction fees for things like overdrafts, out-of-network ATM withdrawals, and stop payments on checks. Bank of America offers overdraft protection, which links your checking account to a savings account or credit line so that overdrafts are covered automatically — but this costs money and should be understood before you turn it on. Review the full fee schedule on their website or ask a banker in person.

If your process is denied

Bank of America may deny your account if ChexSystems shows a history of fraud, unpaid overdrafts, or accounts closed by the bank due to misuse. If this happens, you will receive a letter explaining the reason. You have the right to request a copy of your ChexSystems report and dispute any errors on it.

If you were denied because of ChexSystems, you can reapply after a waiting period — usually six months to one year, depending on the reason for the denial. In the meantime, you may be able to open a checking account at a bank that does not use ChexSystems or uses it less strictly. Some online banks and credit unions have different approval standards. Ask the bank that denied you what the specific reason was, because that will tell you whether waiting or trying elsewhere makes more sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Bank of America requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open any account. This is a federal requirement for all banks, not a Bank of America policy. If you have an ITIN, you can use that instead of a Social Security number.

How much money do I need to open an account?

Bank of America does not require a minimum opening deposit. You can open the account with zero dollars and deposit money later. However, some account types have monthly fees unless you maintain a minimum balance, so check the fee schedule for the account you choose.

Can I open an account if I have been denied before?

It depends on why you were denied. If ChexSystems flagged you, you will need to wait the required period — usually six months to one year — before reapplying. If you were denied for a different reason, you can try again, but the same issue may come up. Contact Bank of America to find out the specific reason for your denial.

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to open a checking account?

No. You need a valid government-issued photo ID and a Social Security number or ITIN. Non-citizens with work visas or ITINs can open accounts. Bring your passport or state ID along with your ITIN or Social Security number.

What is the difference between opening online and in person?

Online is faster — about 10 minutes — and you can do it anytime. In person takes longer because of wait times, but a banker can answer questions and you can get your debit card when ready at some branches. Phone is in between: 15 to 20 minutes, and you get answers to questions, but you still wait for your card to arrive by mail.