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 ways to open an account: online through their website or mobile app, or by walking into a branch with a government-issued ID and money to deposit. The online route is faster if you already have a Social Security number and a valid address. The in-person route works better if you're new to banking, want to ask questions face-to-face, or don't have all your documents ready yet.

Both paths lead to the same result: a checking or savings account you can use when ready. The main difference is timing and comfort level. Online accounts open within minutes. In-person accounts take about 30 minutes, but a banker can walk you through each step and answer questions as you go.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), a Social Security number, and an initial deposit to open an account at Bank of America.
  • Online account opening takes about 10 minutes and requires a valid email address and phone number, but you cannot complete it without a Social Security number.
  • In-person account opening at a branch takes 30 minutes to an hour and lets you ask questions, but you must bring your ID and at least $25 to deposit.
  • Bank of America offers checking accounts, savings accounts, and money market accounts, each with different monthly fees and minimum balance requirements.
  • After your account opens, you can use your debit card, set up direct deposit, and transfer money online or through the mobile app.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you open an account, whether online or in person. You will need a government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or tribal ID. Bank of America will not accept a school ID, library card, or expired ID. If you do not have one yet, you can get a state ID at your local Department of Motor Vehicles.

You also need a Social Security number. This is a nine-digit number the U.S. government assigns to you for tax and work purposes. If you do not have one, you can request one from the Social Security Administration. The process takes a few weeks, so plan ahead.

Finally, bring money for your initial deposit. Bank of America requires at least $25 to open most checking and savings accounts. You can deposit cash, a check, or transfer money from another bank account if you have one. If you are opening an account in person, bring the cash or check with you. If you are opening online, you will transfer the money after your account is set up.

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 page. Click it and choose the type of account you want — most people start with a checking account. Bank of America will ask you to enter your name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email address. Double-check everything for spelling and accuracy.

Next, you will choose a username and password for online banking. Make your password strong — use uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Bank of America will also ask you to set up a security question, which you answer if you ever forget your password. Answer with something only you would know.

Bank of America will then verify your identity by asking questions about your credit history or past addresses. This takes a few minutes. Once you pass, your account opens when ready and you can see your account number on the screen. Write it down or take a screenshot.

After that, you will need to fund your account. Bank of America lets you transfer money from another bank account you own, or deposit a check using their mobile app. If you do not have another bank account, you can mail a check or visit a branch to deposit cash. Your account is active even before money arrives, but you cannot use it until you have made your deposit.

Opening an account in person at a Bank of America branch

Find the nearest Bank of America branch using their branch locator on bankofamerica.com, or search "Bank of America near me" on Google Maps. Call ahead if you want to confirm hours or ask whether a banker is available — some branches are busier than others, and you may have a shorter wait if you go at an off-peak time like Tuesday morning.

Bring your government-issued ID, your Social Security number (written down or memorized), and at least $25 in cash or a check made out to Bank of America. Walk up to the desk and tell a banker you want to open a new account. They will ask you the same questions as the online form — name, address, phone number, email, date of birth — and fill out the paperwork for you.

The banker will explain the different account types and help you choose one that fits your needs. They will also explain monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and what comes with your account — things like a debit card, online banking access, and mobile app. Ask any questions you have. This is what the banker is there for.

Once you have signed the paperwork and made your deposit, your account opens on the spot. The banker will give you a receipt with your account number and temporary debit card information. You can start using your account when ready. Your permanent debit card will arrive in the mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Choosing between checking and savings accounts

A checking account is for money you use regularly — paying bills, buying groceries, getting paid from work. You get a debit card and checks, and you can make unlimited deposits and withdrawals. Most checking accounts have a monthly fee, but Bank of America waives the fee if you keep a certain balance (usually $500 to $1,500) or set up direct deposit from your employer.

A savings account is for money you want to keep and grow. You earn a small amount of interest — money the bank pays you for letting them use your money. Savings accounts have limits on how many times you can withdraw per month (usually six), so they are not meant for daily spending. Savings accounts usually have lower monthly fees than checking accounts, or no fee at all.

Most people starting out open a checking account first. Once you have built up some savings, you can open a savings account at the same bank to keep that money separate and earning interest. You can have both accounts at Bank of America and move money between them for free.

What happens after your account opens

Your account is ready to use when ready, but a few things will arrive in the mail over the next two weeks. Your debit card comes in 7 to 10 business days. Your checks (if you ordered them) come in 10 to 14 business days. Your account statements arrive monthly, either by mail or email depending on what you chose.

While you wait, you can start using your account online. Log into bankofamerica.com or read the Bank of America mobile app and sign in with your username and password. You can see your balance, transfer money between your accounts, and set up bill pay — a way to pay bills online instead of writing checks.

If your employer offers direct deposit, you can set that up right away. Ask your employer's payroll department for Bank of America's routing number (it is 026009593 for most accounts) and your account number (on your receipt or in online banking). Direct deposit means your paycheck goes straight into your account without you having to do anything.

What to do if you do not have a Social Security number yet

If you are new to the United States or do not have a Social Security number, you have two options. You can request a Social Security number from the Social Security Administration — the process takes about two weeks — and then open your Bank of America account. Or you can open an account in person at a branch using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, if you have one.

An ITIN is a nine-digit number the IRS issues to people who need to file taxes but do not have a Social Security number. If you have an ITIN, bring it to a Bank of America branch along with your ID and initial deposit. The banker can open your account using your ITIN. You can update it to a Social Security number later once you receive one.

If you do not have either a Social Security number or an ITIN, focus on getting a Social Security number first. You can explore at your local Social Security office or online at ssa.gov. Bring your passport, visa, or other immigration documents. Once you have your number, opening a bank account becomes straightforward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Bank of America account without going to a branch?

Yes. You can open an account entirely online through bankofamerica.com or the mobile app if you have a Social Security number, valid ID, and email address. The account opens in about 10 minutes, though you will need to fund it afterward by transferring money from another account or depositing a check.

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

Bank of America requires a minimum initial deposit of $25 for most checking and savings accounts. You can deposit cash, a check, or transfer money from another bank account. If you open online, you can make the deposit after your account is set up.

How long does it take to open an account in person?

Opening an account at a Bank of America branch usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the branch is and how many questions you have. The banker will fill out the paperwork, explain your account options, and process your initial deposit while you wait.

Can I use my account before my debit card arrives?

Yes. Your account is active when ready after opening, whether online or in person. You can use online banking and the mobile app to transfer money, pay bills, and check your balance. Your physical debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days, but you can request a temporary card number from the app in the meantime.

What if I do not have a government-issued ID?

You will need to get one before opening a bank account. Visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to explore for a state ID card. The process takes a few weeks, so plan ahead. Once you have your ID, you can open your Bank of America account online or in person.