What you can and cannot do over the phone

You can start a checking account over the phone with many banks, but you cannot complete it entirely that way. Most banks will let you answer questions and provide information by phone, but they will ask you to verify your identity in person, by mail, or through a video call before the account becomes active. A few banks now offer video verification, which means you can finish the whole process without visiting a branch.

The phone call itself is straightforward: you tell the bank representative what type of account you want, answer questions about your income and employment, and provide your Social Security number. The bank runs a background check during or after the call. What happens next depends on the bank's rules and whether they can verify who you are through the phone alone.

If a bank requires in-person verification, they will either ask you to visit a branch with a photo ID, or they will mail you a form to sign and return. Some banks use a third-party verification service that can confirm your identity through a video call with you — this usually takes a few minutes and happens the same day or the next day.

Key Takeaways

  • Most banks accept phone calls to start a checking account, but require you to verify your identity in person, by mail, or on video before the account opens.
  • Banks that offer video verification can complete your account the same day or next day without you visiting a branch.
  • You will need your Social Security number, a photo ID, and proof of address (such as a utility bill or lease) ready before you call.
  • If you do not have a photo ID or proof of address, ask the bank what alternative documents they accept — rules vary by bank and state.
  • Some online banks and credit unions have faster phone-based processes than traditional banks, though they may have different verification requirements.

Which banks let you open accounts by phone

Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank accept phone applications for checking accounts. They typically require you to visit a branch or mail in signed documents afterward. A few of these banks now offer video verification, but you should call and ask whether your local branch offers it — availability varies by location and by the specific account type you want.

Online banks such as Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover have phone lines and can walk you through the process by phone. Many of them use video verification as their standard method, which means you can finish the account setup on the same call or within a day. Online banks do not have physical branches, so they cannot ask you to visit in person.

Credit unions often have phone lines and may be more flexible about verification methods than large banks. Call your local credit union and ask whether they accept phone applications and what they need from you to verify your identity. Some credit unions will accept a video call; others may ask you to mail documents or visit a branch.

What documents and information you need ready

Before you call, gather your Social Security number, a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a recent bill in your name, ask the bank what else they will accept — some take a government letter, a pay stub, or a letter from a landlord.

Have your employment information available: your employer's name, your job title, and how long you have worked there. The bank may also ask about your income, though they do not always require proof during the phone call. If you are retired, unemployed, or receive benefits, tell the bank representative — they have processes for those situations.

If you want to set up direct deposit or transfer money from another bank account, have that account number and routing number ready. You do not have to do this on the first call, but having the information available saves time if the representative offers to set it up.

How the verification process works after the phone call

If the bank uses video verification, the representative will either do it during your call or schedule a separate video appointment within one or two business days. During the video call, you will show your photo ID to the camera, answer a few questions to confirm your identity, and sign documents electronically. The whole process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. Your account opens when ready after, or within a few hours.

If the bank asks you to visit a branch, you will need to bring your photo ID and proof of address. The branch employee will check your documents, you will sign the account agreement, and your account opens that day. You can start using it within a few hours, though transfers from other banks may take one to three business days to show up.

If the bank mails you documents, they will send a packet with an account agreement and sometimes a form asking you to confirm your address. You sign and mail it back. This process takes longer — usually one to two weeks from the time you mail the documents back — because the bank has to receive and process the paperwork.

What happens if you cannot verify your identity

If you do not have a photo ID, tell the bank during the phone call. Some banks will accept a passport card, tribal ID, or military ID. Others may ask for two forms of non-photo ID, such as a Social Security card and a birth certificate, though this is less common. A few banks will not open an account without a photo ID, so you may need to try a different bank or credit union.

If you do not have proof of address in your name, explain your situation to the bank. You might be living with family, in temporary housing, or new to the country. Banks have options for this: some will accept a letter from a shelter, a lease in someone else's name with a note from the landlord, or a government letter. Ask what documents the bank will accept before you give up.

If you have had banking problems in the past — such as unpaid overdrafts or fraud — the bank may decline your process. This is not always permanent. You can ask the bank why you were declined, wait a year or two, and try again. You can also try a credit union or a bank that specializes in second-chance banking, though these may charge higher fees.

How long the process takes from start to finish

If the bank uses video verification, you can have an open account within 24 hours of your phone call. Some banks complete it the same day. If the bank requires an in-person visit, you can open the account the day you go to the branch, and it is usually ready to use within a few hours. If the bank mails documents, plan for 10 to 14 business days from the time you mail the signed papers back.

Once your account is open, you can usually start using your debit card within one to three business days. The bank will mail your debit card to you, or in some cases you can pick it up at a branch. Transfers from other banks take one to three business days to arrive. Direct deposit usually starts on your next pay cycle after you provide your employer with the routing number and account number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a checking account over the phone if I do not have a Social Security number?

Some banks will open accounts for people with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number. Call the bank and ask whether they accept ITINs. Credit unions are sometimes more flexible than large banks on this. You will still need a photo ID and proof of address.

What if the bank says they cannot verify me by video and I cannot visit a branch?

Ask whether the bank will mail you documents to sign and return. If they will not, try a different bank or credit union. Online banks are more likely to have video verification as an option. If you live far from any branch, an online bank may be your best choice.

Do I have to give the bank permission to check my credit?

Banks run a background check on checking accounts, but this is not a credit check — it does not affect your credit score. They check a system called ChexSystems to see whether you have had problems with past bank accounts. You do not have a choice about this; it is part of opening any account.

Can I open a joint checking account over the phone with someone else?

Yes, but both people will need to verify their identity. The bank may ask both of you to be on the video call, or they may verify each person separately. Ask the bank how they handle joint accounts when you call.

What if I start the process over the phone but change my mind before verification?

You can stop at any point before you verify your identity. If you have not verified yet, the account does not exist and nothing is finalized. If you have already verified and the account is open, you can close it by calling the bank or visiting a branch. There is usually no penalty for closing a new account right away.