What you need before you start

Bank of America requires a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit before your account opens. You'll also need a current mailing address. If you're opening the account online or by phone, you'll provide this information directly to Bank of America; if you're opening it in a branch, bring the ID and documents with you.

The initial deposit amount depends on the account type. Most checking accounts require a minimum opening deposit, though this varies—some accounts have no minimum, while others ask for $25 or more. Bank of America will tell you the requirement when you choose your account type.

If you don't have a Social Security number, you can open an account using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, though you'll need to do this in a branch rather than online.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open a Bank of America checking account online, by phone, or in person at a branch, and the process takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Bring a government-issued photo ID and your Social Security number; you'll also need to make an opening deposit before the account is active.
  • Online and phone applications are fastest if you have a debit card or existing Bank of America account to verify your identity.
  • If you're opening an account without prior Bank of America history, a branch visit may be required to complete identity verification.
  • Your account number and routing number are available when ready after opening, but physical debit cards typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

Opening an account online

Go to bankofamerica.com and select "Open an Account" from the homepage. You'll choose your account type—Bank of America offers several checking options, each with different features and fee structures. Read the account details carefully, because some accounts waive monthly fees if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit, while others charge a monthly maintenance fee regardless.

Enter your personal information: name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. Bank of America will verify your identity using information from credit bureaus and public records. If you have an existing Bank of America account or a debit card from another bank, the verification process is faster and you can often complete the entire process in one session.

If Bank of America cannot verify you online, you'll be asked to visit a branch in person or call 1-800-432-1000 to complete the process by phone. This step is not optional—the account cannot open without identity verification.

Once verified, you'll make your opening deposit. You can transfer funds from another bank account, use a debit card, or arrange a wire transfer. Your account opens when ready, and you'll receive your account number and routing number right away. You can use these to set up direct deposit or transfers before your physical debit card arrives.

Opening an account by phone

Call Bank of America at 1-800-432-1000 and tell the representative you want to open a checking account. Have your ID, Social Security number, and current address ready. The representative will walk you through account options and collect your information over the phone.

Identity verification happens during the call. Bank of America will ask security questions based on your credit history and public records. If you answer correctly, your account opens when ready. If verification fails, you'll need to visit a branch in person.

You'll arrange your opening deposit by phone as well. The representative can guide you through transferring funds from another bank account or accepting a temporary hold while you mail a check. Most phone-opened accounts are fully active within one business day.

Opening an account in a branch

Visit any Bank of America branch with your government-issued photo ID, Social Security number, and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement works). Bring a debit card or checkbook from another bank if you have one—it speeds up identity verification.

A Bank of America representative will help you choose an account type and collect your information. They'll verify your identity using your documents and may run a credit check. The entire process usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.

Make your opening deposit at the branch. You can deposit cash, a check, or arrange a transfer from another account. Your account opens that day, and you'll leave with your account number. Your debit card will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, though you can request a temporary card at the branch if you need one when ready.

Account types and what they cost

Bank of America offers several checking accounts with different fee structures. The Advantage SafeBalance Banking account has no monthly maintenance fee and no minimum opening deposit, making it the lowest-cost option. The Advantage Plus Banking account charges a monthly maintenance fee (currently $12) unless you meet one of several waiver conditions: setting up direct deposit, maintaining a $1,500 minimum daily balance, or keeping an average daily balance of $5,000 or more.

The Preferred Rewards Checking account is available only to customers enrolled in Bank of America's Preferred Rewards program, which requires linked savings or investment accounts. This account waives monthly fees for Preferred Rewards members.

All accounts include online and mobile banking, bill pay, and access to Bank of America's ATM network. Debit card purchases are free, and you can withdraw cash at any Bank of America ATM without a fee. Out-of-network ATM withdrawals typically cost $2.50 per transaction unless you have a higher-tier account.

What happens after your account opens

Your account is active when ready, and you can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or transfer money from another bank. You cannot use your debit card until it arrives by mail, which takes 7 to 10 business days from the date your account opened.

If you need to make purchases or withdraw cash before your debit card arrives, ask the branch representative for a temporary card at the time you open the account. Not all branches offer this, so confirm availability when you explore.

Check your account online or through the Bank of America mobile app as soon as your account opens. Verify that your opening deposit posted correctly and that your account settings match what you chose during the process. If anything looks wrong, contact Bank of America when ready at 1-800-432-1000.

If your process is denied or delayed

Bank of America may deny your process if you have a history of fraud, unpaid overdrafts, or closed accounts due to negative balances. If your process is denied, Bank of America will send you a letter explaining the reason. You can call 1-800-432-1000 to ask for details or to discuss your options.

If your process is delayed—usually because identity verification is taking longer—Bank of America will contact you by phone or email. Respond promptly with any additional information they request. Delays typically resolve within 3 to 5 business days.

If you've been denied by Bank of America, the Advantage SafeBalance Banking account is designed for people with banking history issues and may be easier to open than other checking accounts. You can also explore checking accounts at other banks, which have different approval criteria.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, if you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You must open the account in person at a branch and bring your ITIN documentation along with your photo ID and proof of address. Call your local branch first to confirm they can process ITIN applications, as not all branches do.

How long does it take to open an account?

Online and phone applications take 10 to 15 minutes if your identity verifies when ready. In-branch applications take 15 to 20 minutes. Your account is active the same day, but your physical debit card arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

What's the minimum opening deposit?

It depends on the account type. Some Bank of America checking accounts have no minimum opening deposit, while others require $25 or more. Bank of America will show you the requirement when you choose your account type during the process.

Can I use my account before my debit card arrives?

Yes. Your account number and routing number are available when ready, so you can set up direct deposit or transfer money from another bank right away. You can also request a temporary card at the branch if you need one before your permanent card arrives.

What if I'm denied a Bank of America account?

Bank of America will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include fraud history, unpaid overdrafts, or closed accounts with negative balances. You can call 1-800-432-1000 to discuss your situation, or explore checking accounts at other banks with different approval standards.