What you need to open a checking account at Bank of America

Bank of America requires a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit to open a checking account. The deposit amount depends on which account type you choose — some accounts have no minimum, while others require $100 or more. You'll also need a current mailing address.

If you don't have a photo ID yet, you can use a passport, driver's license, or state ID card. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian will need to be present and provide their own ID and Social Security number. Bank of America will also check ChexSystems, a banking history database, to see if you've had problems with previous accounts — but a negative history doesn't automatically disqualify you.

You can bring these documents to any Bank of America branch during business hours, or you can open an account online if you have a valid ID and can verify your identity through their digital process. The online route usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID, Social Security number, current address, and an opening deposit to start a checking account at Bank of America.
  • Bank of America offers several checking account types with different features and minimum deposit requirements, so choose based on how you plan to use the account.
  • You can open an account in person at a branch or online, and the online process typically completes in 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Bank of America checks your banking history through ChexSystems, but this does not automatically prevent you from opening an account.
  • If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must be present and provide their own identification and Social Security number.

Choosing the right Bank of America checking account for your needs

Bank of America offers several checking account options, and the right one depends on how often you use the account and whether you want to avoid monthly fees. The Advantage SafePass Checking account has no monthly fee if you set up direct deposit or maintain a $1,500 minimum balance. If neither of those works for you, the account costs $12 per month.

The Advantage Plus Checking account is designed for people who use their account regularly and want more features. It has a $12 monthly fee but waives it if you keep a $1,500 balance or set up direct deposit. This account includes overdraft protection, which means Bank of America can transfer money from a linked savings account if you spend more than you have — though this comes with a fee.

If you're new to banking or want to keep things straightforward, SafePass Checking is usually the better choice because the no-fee option is easier to meet. If you expect to overdraw your account sometimes, Advantage Plus gives you a safety net, but read the overdraft fees carefully before you decide.

Opening your account in person at a Bank of America branch

Walk into any Bank of America branch with your ID, Social Security number, and the deposit you plan to make. Tell the person at the desk you want to open a checking account. They will ask you which account type you want, confirm your address, and run a ChexSystems check. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Bring your deposit in cash, a check, or a debit card from another bank. If you bring a check, it may take a few business days to clear before the money shows up in your new account. Cash deposits are available when ready. Once you're done, the bank will give you a temporary debit card on the spot, and your permanent card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If you have questions about which account to choose or need help filling out forms, the bank staff can walk you through it. This is often the easiest route if you're new to banking and want someone to explain things in person.

Opening your account online

Go to bankofamerica.com and click "Open an Account." You'll choose your account type, enter your personal information, and upload a photo of your ID. Bank of America will verify your identity by asking security questions based on your credit history, or by sending a code to your phone or email that you enter to confirm it's really you.

The online process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Once you're approved, you'll get a temporary account number right away so you can start using your account, and your debit card will arrive by mail. You'll need to make your opening deposit within 10 days — you can do this by transferring money from another bank account, mailing a check, or visiting a branch with cash.

Opening online works well if you're comfortable with technology and don't need someone to explain the process. However, if you have questions or run into trouble during verification, you can call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and speak to someone who can help.

What happens after you open your account

Your account is active when ready, but your debit card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. Until it comes, you can use your temporary card number to make online purchases, or you can visit a branch and ask for a temporary card you can use at ATMs and stores right away.

Set up online banking as soon as your account opens so you can check your balance, transfer money, and pay bills from home. You can do this on bankofamerica.com or through the Bank of America mobile app. Write down your username and password somewhere safe, or use your phone's password manager to store them.

If you want direct deposit — where your employer or benefits program sends your paycheck straight to your account — ask your employer or benefits office for Bank of America's routing number and your new account number. These are on your account paperwork or visible in your online banking dashboard. Setting up direct deposit usually takes one to two pay periods to start working.

Fees and things to watch for

Bank of America charges fees for several common situations. Overdraft fees happen when you spend more money than you have in your account — the fee is $35 per overdraft. If you overdraw your account multiple times in one day, you may be charged more than once. Overdraft protection can prevent this, but it comes with its own fee if the transfer happens.

ATM fees explore if you use an ATM that doesn't belong to Bank of America — usually $2 to $3 per withdrawal. Bank of America has thousands of ATMs, so this is avoidable if you plan ahead. Monthly maintenance fees explore if you don't meet the balance or direct deposit requirement for your account type, though some accounts have no monthly fee at all.

Foreign transaction fees explore if you use your debit card outside the United States — typically 3% of the purchase. If you travel internationally, ask about Bank of America's travel options before you go.

If Bank of America declines your process

Bank of America may decline your process if ChexSystems shows you owe money to another bank, have unpaid overdrafts, or have a history of fraud. If this happens, the bank will send you a letter explaining why. You have the right to request your ChexSystems report for free at www.chexsystems.com to see what information they have about you.

If the information is wrong, you can dispute it directly with ChexSystems. If the problem is legitimate — for example, you owe money to another bank — you may be able to resolve it by paying what you owe, then reapplying to Bank of America after 30 to 90 days. Some people in this situation open an account at a bank that doesn't use ChexSystems, such as a credit union or a second-chance banking program, and switch to Bank of America later once their history improves.

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. If you don't have either, you'll need to obtain one first. An ITIN is available to people who are not may be able to access for a Social Security number but need a tax ID.

What if I don't have a minimum deposit right now?

Some Bank of America account types have no minimum opening deposit, so you can open with $1 or whatever you have. However, you do need to make some deposit to set up the account. If you're short on cash, ask the bank which account requires the smallest opening deposit.

How long does it take to receive my debit card?

Your permanent debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can use a temporary card number when ready for online purchases, or visit a branch to request a temporary physical card for in-store use while you wait.

Can I open a joint checking account with someone else?

Yes. Both people need to be present with their own ID and Social Security number, or you can open it online together if you both verify your identities. A joint account means both people can access the money and make decisions about the account.

What's the difference between a checking account and a savings account?

A checking account is for money you use regularly — it comes with a debit card and checks. A savings account is for money you want to keep separate and earn interest on. Many people have both: they use checking for everyday spending and savings for emergencies or goals.