You can open some accounts online, but not all of them, and the process depends on which bank and which account type you choose
Most large US banks let you open a checking or savings account entirely online using a computer or phone. You provide your name, address, Social Security number, and initial deposit information, and the account opens in minutes to a few hours. However, not every account type works this way, and some banks require you to visit a branch or mail in documents. The speed and what you need to have ready varies significantly between institutions.
The key constraint is identity verification. Banks must confirm you are who you say you are before they hand you access to an account. Online banks and large national banks have automated systems that can do this when ready by checking your Social Security number, address, and sometimes your credit report. Smaller regional banks and credit unions often cannot, which is why they ask you to come in person or send documents by mail.
Key Takeaways
- Most checking and savings accounts at major banks can open online in under an hour if you have a Social Security number, valid ID, and a way to fund the initial deposit.
- Some account types—business accounts, trust accounts, and accounts requiring a large opening deposit—typically require a branch visit or phone call with a banker.
- The bank will verify your identity by checking your Social Security number against credit bureaus and sometimes by asking you to confirm recent transactions on your credit report.
- You will receive a debit card and online login within days, but some features like check writing or wire transfers may not set up until the account is fully verified.
- If you do not have a Social Security number or your identity cannot be verified online, you will need to visit a branch with a passport or other government ID.
What banks can verify online and what they cannot
Banks use a process called knowledge-based authentication to verify you online. They pull your credit report and ask you questions only you should know the answer to—such as which car loan you had in 2019, or the name of the street where you lived five years ago. If you answer correctly, the system confirms your identity and the account opens. This works for most people with a US credit history.
If you have no credit history, a very recent move, or a name that does not match records exactly, the automated system may fail. When that happens, the bank either asks you to call a banker who can verify you by phone, or tells you to visit a branch. Some banks will also ask you to upload a photo of your driver's license or passport to confirm your identity manually.
Business accounts, joint accounts with someone who is not present, and accounts opened on behalf of a minor almost always require a branch visit or a phone call with a banker present. The same is true if you are opening an account as a trustee, executor, or in any capacity other than as yourself.
The documents and information you need before you start
Have these items ready before you begin the online process: your Social Security number, a valid government-issued ID (driver's license or passport), your current address, your phone number, and your email address. You will also need a way to fund the initial deposit—either a debit card, another bank account to transfer from, or a check you can deposit by photo.
Some banks ask for your employment information and annual income. This is not required to open the account, but they use it to determine which account tier you may have access to for and whether you are may be able to access for overdraft protection. You can leave these fields blank and update them later, though doing so may limit your account features temporarily.
If you are opening a joint account, both account holders must be present during the online process. Some banks allow one person to start the process and email a link to the other person to complete their part. Others require both people to be logged in at the same time.
How long it takes from start to full access
The online process itself takes 10 to 20 minutes. Once you submit it, the bank's system verifies your identity in real time or within a few hours. If verification succeeds, you receive a temporary online login and debit card number when ready—sometimes within minutes. You can begin using the debit card for purchases and ATM withdrawals right away.
Your physical debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Checks, if you order them, take 1 to 2 weeks. Some features remain restricted until the bank completes additional verification: wire transfers, large transfers out of the account, and opening a linked savings account may require a phone call or a waiting period of 24 to 48 hours.
If the automated verification fails and a banker must review your process manually, the process stretches to 1 to 3 business days. If you need to visit a branch or mail in documents, add another 5 to 10 business days.
Banks that let you open accounts entirely online
Online-only banks—such as Charles Schwab Bank, Ally Bank, and Marcus by Goldman Sachs—are built to open accounts online and have no branches. They verify identity automatically and accounts open within hours. They do not require a minimum opening deposit, though some offer higher interest rates if you maintain a certain balance.
Large national banks including Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all allow online account opening for checking and savings accounts. They use the same knowledge-based authentication as online banks. Opening deposits range from $0 to $25 depending on the account type and current promotions.
Regional banks and credit unions vary. Many now offer online opening, but some still require a branch visit or a phone call. If you are considering a smaller institution, check their website or call their main number to ask whether your account type can open online.
What happens if online verification fails
If the automated system cannot verify your identity, the bank will tell you why and offer alternatives. The most common reason is that your name, address, or Social Security number does not match what is in the credit bureaus' records. This happens often to people who recently moved, changed their name, or have a very common name.
The bank will usually offer you a choice: call a banker who can verify you over the phone by asking additional questions, upload a photo of your ID, or visit a branch in person. Phone verification typically takes 10 to 15 minutes and happens during business hours. Uploading an ID photo takes a few minutes and the bank reviews it within 24 hours. A branch visit is when ready but requires you to go in person during their hours.
If you do not have a Social Security number—because you are not a US citizen or permanent resident—you cannot open an account online at most banks. You will need to visit a branch with a passport and an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), or ask whether the bank offers accounts for non-residents. Some banks do, but the process is manual and slower.
Account features that may not work when ready
Once your account opens online, you can deposit checks by phone camera, transfer money between your own accounts, and use your debit card. However, some banks restrict certain features for the first 24 to 48 hours or until you complete additional verification.
Wire transfers—especially outgoing wires to accounts you have not used before—often require a phone call or a visit to confirm. Transferring large amounts out of the account may trigger a hold while the bank verifies the transaction. Linking an external bank account for transfers sometimes requires you to confirm two small deposits the bank sends to that account first, which takes 2 to 3 business days.
If you need to write checks when ready, ask the bank whether you can order checks online and have them expedited, or whether you can request a temporary check stock by phone. Most banks can provide one or the other within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open an account if I do not have a Social Security number?
Most banks require a Social Security number to open an account online. If you have an ITIN instead, you will need to visit a branch in person with your passport and ITIN letter. Some banks, particularly those in areas with large immigrant populations, have processes for this, but it is not available online.
What if I do not have a government ID?
You will need to visit a branch with whatever ID you have—a passport, a state ID, or a consular ID if you are not a US citizen. Online opening requires the bank to verify your identity remotely, which is not possible without a government-issued ID number.
Can I open a business account online?
Most banks require you to call or visit a branch to open a business account, even if you can open a personal account online. You will need your business license, EIN, and sometimes a business plan or recent tax returns. A few online banks offer business accounts online, but they are the exception.
How much money do I need to open an account?
Most banks allow you to open a checking or savings account with $0 to $25. Some accounts require a higher opening deposit—$500 to $2,500—but these are usually premium accounts with higher interest rates or fee waivers. Check the specific account's requirements before you explore.
Can I open an account on behalf of someone else?
No. The account holder must be present and verify their own identity. If you are opening an account for a minor, a parent or guardian must be present. If you are opening a joint account, both account holders must participate in the process.