What you need before you start

Bank of America requires you to bring a government-issued photo ID, a Social Security number, and an initial deposit before you can open an account. The ID can be a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, but you do need a valid Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number).

The initial deposit amount depends on the account type. For a basic checking account, Bank of America typically requires $25 to $100 to open, though this varies by location and current promotions. Some accounts have no minimum deposit requirement. You can bring cash, a check, or a debit card to fund the account during the opening process.

If you are opening an account online rather than in a branch, you will need a valid email address and a phone number where Bank of America can reach you. You will also need to set up online banking credentials — a username and password — before the account becomes active.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and an initial deposit of $25 to $100 for most checking accounts.
  • You can open an account in person at any Bank of America branch, by phone, or online through their website.
  • The entire process takes 10 to 15 minutes in a branch or 5 to 10 minutes online, and your account becomes active when ready or within one business day.
  • Different account types have different features and fees — checking accounts, savings accounts, and money market accounts each serve different purposes.
  • Once your account is open, you can order a debit card, set up direct deposit, and link external accounts for transfers.

Opening an account in a Bank of America branch

Walk into any Bank of America branch with your ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit. Tell a representative you want to open a new account. They will ask you which type of account you want — most people choose a basic checking account, but you can also open a savings account, money market account, or both at the same time.

The representative will ask for your name, address, phone number, email, and employment information. They will verify your identity using your photo ID and confirm your Social Security number. This process takes about 10 minutes. Once they have entered your information into their system, they will show you the account agreement and ask you to sign it. You will then provide your initial deposit — cash, a check, or a transfer from another account.

Your account number and routing number will be printed on a receipt before you leave the branch. Your debit card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can begin using your account when ready for online transfers and bill pay, even before the debit card arrives.

Opening an account online

Go to bankofamerica.com and click "Open an Account" or "get your free guide." You will be asked to choose your account type and enter your personal information: name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, email, and phone number. This step takes about 5 minutes.

Bank of America will then ask you to verify your identity. You can do this by answering security questions based on your credit history, or by uploading a photo of your ID. If you choose the ID upload route, take a clear photo of the front and back of your driver's license or passport and submit it through their app or website. Verification usually completes within a few minutes, though it can take up to 24 hours.

Once you are verified, you will fund your account. You can transfer money from an existing bank account, deposit a check using mobile deposit, or provide a debit card number. After your deposit clears, your account is active and you can set up online banking, request a debit card, and begin using the account. Your debit card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days.

Opening an account by phone

Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and tell the representative you want to open a new account. They will walk you through the same questions as a branch representative: name, address, Social Security number, employment, and account type. Have your ID ready so you can answer verification questions if needed.

The representative will explain the account features and fees, then ask for your initial deposit information. You can provide a bank account number for a transfer, a check number if you are mailing a check, or a debit card number. The account opens when ready, and your account number and routing number will be provided over the phone. Write these down or ask the representative to email them to you.

Your debit card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days. You can set up online banking during the call or do it later on bankofamerica.com.

Account types and what they cost

Bank of America offers several account types, each with different features and monthly fees. A basic checking account (called "Advantage SafePass" or similar, depending on your state) typically has no monthly fee if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Without direct deposit, the monthly fee is usually $12 to $15. This account includes a debit card, online banking, and bill pay.

A savings account earns interest on your balance, though the rate is usually very low — often less than 0.01% annually. There is typically no monthly fee if you maintain a minimum balance, usually $300 to $500. You can link a savings account to a checking account for overdraft protection.

A money market account combines features of checking and savings: it earns interest and allows you to write checks or use a debit card, but requires a higher minimum balance — often $2,500 or more. Monthly fees explore if your balance drops below the minimum.

Bank of America also offers accounts specifically for students and seniors, which may have lower fees or different requirements. Ask the representative which account type makes sense for your situation.

What happens after your account opens

Your account is active when ready, but your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. While you wait, you can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit with your employer, receive wire transfers, or pay bills online through Bank of America's bill pay service.

Once your debit card arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back of the card or through the Bank of America app. You can then use it at ATMs and stores. Bank of America has over 16,000 ATMs nationwide, so you can withdraw cash without fees at most locations.

Set up online banking and the mobile app so you can check your balance, transfer money, deposit checks by taking a photo, and monitor your account. You can also set up alerts for low balances, large transactions, or bill due dates.

If you do not have a Social Security number

Bank of America will accept an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead of a Social Security number. An ITIN is issued by the IRS to people who are not may be able to access for a Social Security number but need to file taxes or open a bank account. You can obtain an ITIN by filing Form W-7 with the IRS.

If you have an ITIN, bring it with you to the branch or have it ready when you open an account online or by phone. The process is otherwise identical. Some Bank of America branches have staff who specialize in accounts for people without Social Security numbers, so call ahead to confirm your local branch can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to open a Bank of America account?

In a branch, the process takes 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish. Online, it takes 5 to 10 minutes to enter your information, plus a few minutes to a few hours for identity verification. By phone, it takes 15 to 20 minutes. Your account is active when ready, though your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

Can I open an account if I have had banking problems in the past?

Bank of America checks ChexSystems, a database of banking history, when you open an account. If you have unpaid overdrafts, closed accounts due to fraud, or other issues, you may be denied. However, you can request a copy of your ChexSystems report and dispute inaccuracies before you explore. Some people denied by Bank of America are able to open accounts at other banks with less strict policies.

What is the minimum deposit to open an account?

Most Bank of America checking accounts require $25 to $100 to open. Some accounts have no minimum deposit requirement. The exact amount depends on the account type and current promotions. Ask the representative what the minimum is for the specific account you want to open.

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to open a Bank of America account?

No, you do not need to be a U.S. citizen. You do need a valid government photo ID, a Social Security number or ITIN, and an address. Non-citizens can open accounts the same way as citizens, though some branches may ask additional questions about your immigration status or residency.

Can I open multiple accounts at the same time?

Yes, you can open a checking account and a savings account, or multiple accounts of the same type, during the same visit or process. However, Bank of America may limit how many accounts you can open in a single day. Ask the representative if you want to open more than one account.