What you need to open a Discover checking account

You can open a Discover checking account online in about 10 minutes. You will need a valid government ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number, and an initial deposit — Discover does not require a minimum opening deposit, but you do need to fund the account with at least $0.01 to complete the process. Most people use a debit card or bank transfer from another account.

Discover will ask for your name, address, date of birth, and employment information during signup. They verify your identity electronically, which means you do not need to visit a branch or mail in documents. The whole process happens on their website or mobile app.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open a Discover checking account entirely online using your ID, Social Security number, and a small initial deposit.
  • Discover does not charge a monthly fee for their checking account, and they reimburse ATM fees charged by other banks.
  • Your account is typically active the same day you open it, though transfers from other banks take one to three business days to show up.
  • You will receive a debit card by mail within 7 to 10 business days, and you can use your account number to set up direct deposit or bill pay before the card arrives.

Step-by-step: opening your account online

Start at Discover's website or read their mobile app. Click the button to open a new checking account. You will be asked to enter your email address and create a password — use something you can remember but that is not straightforward to guess.

Next, enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, and phone number. Discover will ask for your Social Security number and employment status. If you are employed, they may ask for your employer's name and your job title, but you do not need to provide a pay stub or other proof at this stage.

Discover will then verify your identity by checking your information against public records. This usually takes a few minutes. If there is a problem, they will ask you to upload a photo of your ID — you can do this with your phone's camera.

Once your identity is verified, you will choose how to fund your account. You can transfer money from another bank account, or if you have a debit card from another bank, you can use that. Enter the amount (even $0.01 counts) and complete the transfer. Your account is now open.

When your debit card arrives and how to use your account before it does

Discover will mail you a debit card within 7 to 10 business days. You do not have to wait for it to use your account. As soon as your account is open, you can set up direct deposit using your account number and routing number — both appear in your online dashboard when ready.

You can also set up bill pay through Discover's website to pay bills directly from your checking account. If you need cash before your card arrives, you can visit any Discover ATM for free, or you can withdraw cash at any bank ATM — Discover reimburses the ATM fee, so you will not be charged extra.

When your debit card arrives, set up it by logging into your account or calling the number on the back of the card. You can then use it to make purchases, withdraw cash, and pay bills online.

What happens if Discover declines your process

Discover may decline your process if they cannot verify your identity, if there is a problem with your Social Security number, or if you have a history of fraud or unpaid accounts at other banks. If this happens, Discover will send you a letter explaining the reason.

If the problem is a mistake in your information, you can contact Discover and ask them to review your process again. If the problem is a past banking issue, you may need to wait a period of time before reapplying, or you may want to look into other banks that work with people rebuilding their banking history.

Fees and account features

Discover's checking account has no monthly maintenance fee. There is no minimum balance requirement, and you will not be charged for overdrafts if you set up overdraft protection (which links your checking account to a savings account or credit line). Without overdraft protection, a transaction that would overdraw your account will be declined.

Discover reimburses ATM fees at any bank's ATM in the United States, which means you can withdraw cash anywhere without paying extra. You also get online bill pay, mobile check deposit (you can photograph a check and deposit it through the app), and 24/7 customer service by phone.

Moving money in and out of your Discover account

You can transfer money into your Discover checking account from another bank using ACH transfer, which usually takes one to three business days. You can also deposit checks by photographing them with the Discover mobile app — the bank processes these within one business day.

To transfer money out, you can use your debit card, write a check, set up bill pay, or initiate an ACH transfer to another bank account. ACH transfers out also take one to three business days. If you need cash when ready, use your debit card at any ATM.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a minimum deposit to open a Discover checking account?

No. Discover does not require a minimum opening deposit, but you do need to fund the account with at least one cent to complete the signup process. Most people transfer $25 or more, but the choice is yours.

Can I use my Discover checking account right away, or do I have to wait for the debit card?

You can use your account when ready. You can set up direct deposit, pay bills online, deposit checks by phone, and withdraw cash at ATMs using your account number. Your physical debit card arrives in 7 to 10 days.

What if I do not have a government ID?

You will need a valid government-issued ID to open a checking account at any bank. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport all work. If you do not have one, you will need to obtain one before opening an account.

Can I open a Discover checking account if I have had banking problems in the past?

It depends on the problem. Discover checks banking history through ChexSystems, a reporting agency that tracks overdrafts, fraud, and unpaid accounts. If you have a recent issue, Discover may decline your process. You can contact Discover to ask why, or look into banks that specialize in second-chance checking.

Is my money safe in a Discover checking account?

Yes. Discover Bank is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), which means your deposits are insured up to $250,000 per account type. Your checking account is covered separately from any savings account you may have.