You can open a checking account online with most banks and credit unions, and the whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes
Online banks, traditional banks with online options, and credit unions all let you open a checking account from your computer or phone without visiting a branch. The main difference is speed: some accounts are ready to use the same day, while others take a few business days before your debit card arrives or transfers clear. You will need a government ID, a Social Security number or tax ID, and proof of your current address — usually a recent utility bill or lease.
The banks and credit unions listed below are real institutions where you can start right now. Each one has a different setup process and different requirements, so the section that follows walks through what to expect at each type of place.
Key Takeaways
- Online-only banks like Chime, Ally, and Charles Schwab open accounts in minutes and let you use a temporary card number when ready, though physical cards take 5 to 10 business days.
- Traditional banks with strong online options — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank — let you open online but may require a branch visit or phone call to verify your identity.
- Credit unions, which you join before opening an account, often have lower fees and simpler requirements, and many let you join online through CO-OP or Shared Branch networks.
- You will need a government-issued ID, your Social Security number, and proof of address; some banks also ask for a phone number and email you can verify when ready.
- If you do not have a Social Security number, some banks and credit unions accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.
Online-only banks: fastest account opening
Online-only banks exist only on the internet — they have no physical branches. They tend to open accounts fastest because they do not need to verify your identity in person. Three of the largest are Chime, Ally Bank, and Charles Schwab. Each one lets you start using your account within minutes of signing up, though the physical debit card takes 5 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.
Chime is designed for people new to banking and has no monthly fees. You can use a temporary card number in the app to make online purchases before your physical card arrives. Ally Bank offers higher interest on savings and checking, which means the bank pays you a small amount for keeping money there. Charles Schwab is built for people who invest or trade stocks, but the checking account works for anyone and includes fee reversals if you are charged by another bank.
The catch with online-only banks: if you need to deposit cash, you cannot walk into a branch. Most let you deposit checks by taking a photo with your phone, but cash deposits usually require a partner network like Allpoint ATMs or a transfer from another bank account.
Traditional banks with online account opening
Traditional banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank have both branches and websites. You can start the account opening process online, but most of these banks require you to verify your identity by phone or in person before the account is fully active. Some let you do this verification over the phone; others ask you to visit a branch with your ID.
The advantage of a traditional bank is that you can deposit cash at any branch or ATM, and you can talk to a person if something goes wrong. The disadvantage is that the account opening takes longer — usually 2 to 5 business days — and you may be charged monthly fees unless you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.
To start, go to the bank's website, look for "Open an Account" or "New Checking Account", and follow the steps. You will enter your name, address, Social Security number, and ID information. The bank will then call you or ask you to visit a branch to confirm your identity before activating the account.
Credit unions: membership first, then account opening
A credit union is a nonprofit bank owned by its members. You must become a member before you can open a checking account, but membership is usually free and takes just a few minutes. Credit unions often have lower fees and better customer service than large banks, and they are more likely to work with people who are new to banking or have had trouble with banks before.
To join a credit union online, you have two main routes. First, you can search for a credit union in your area at CO-OP.org or Shared-Branch.org — both are networks that let you join credit unions remotely. Second, if you already know which credit union you want to join, go to their website and look for "Join" or "Become a Member". Most credit unions ask for your name, address, Social Security number, and a small deposit — often $5 to $25 — to open a membership account.
Once you are a member, opening a checking account is straightforward and usually happens on the same day. Some credit unions let you do everything online; others ask you to call or visit a branch to complete the process. The physical debit card typically arrives within 5 to 10 business days.
What you need before you start
Before you open an account at any bank or credit union, gather these documents. You will need a government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You will also need your Social Security number (SSN), which is a nine-digit number the U.S. government assigns to citizens and permanent residents. If you do not have an SSN, some banks and credit unions accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), which is issued by the IRS to people who do not may have access to for an SSN but need to file taxes.
You will need proof of your current address — a recent utility bill, lease, or government mail with your name and address on it. A photo of this document usually works if you are opening the account on your phone. Finally, have your phone number and email address ready; most banks send a verification code to one of these during the sign-up process.
If you are opening an account at a traditional bank and they ask you to verify your identity by phone, they may ask security questions about your financial history or previous addresses. This is normal and takes about 5 minutes.
How long it takes from start to usable account
The timeline depends on which type of bank you choose. Online-only banks are fastest: your account is usually ready to use within minutes, and you can make purchases with a temporary card number in the app right away. The physical debit card arrives in 5 to 10 business days.
Traditional banks take longer because of the identity verification step. You can usually start the process online, but the account is not fully active until you verify your identity by phone or in person. This typically adds 2 to 5 business days. Once the account is active, the physical debit card arrives in another 5 to 10 business days.
Credit unions vary widely. Some let you join and open a checking account entirely online in one day. Others ask you to call or visit a branch, which adds a day or two. Once your account is open, the physical debit card takes 5 to 10 business days to arrive.
If you need to move money into your new account right away, you can transfer it from another bank account at any of these institutions. If you are receiving a paycheck, you can set up direct deposit — where your employer sends your pay directly to your new account — but this usually takes one or two pay periods to start.
Comparing your options at a glance
| Type of Bank | Account Opening Time | Can Use when ready | Physical Card Arrival | Monthly Fees | Cash Deposits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online-only (Chime, Ally, Schwab) | 10–15 minutes | Yes, temporary card number | 5–10 business days | Usually $0 | Check deposit by photo; no cash |
| Traditional bank (Chase, BofA, Wells Fargo) | 2–5 business days (identity verification required) | No, not until verified | 5–10 business days | $0–$15/month (varies by account type) | Yes, at any branch or ATM |
| Credit union | 1–3 business days (join first, then open account) | Varies by credit union | 5–10 business days | Usually $0–$5/month | Yes, at any credit union branch or ATM |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have money in the account before I open it?
Most banks and credit unions require a small opening deposit — often $0 to $25 — but many online-only banks waive this. Check the specific bank's website before you start. If there is a minimum deposit, you can transfer it from another account when ready after opening, or ask the bank if you can add it later.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
Some banks and credit unions accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Call the bank or credit union before you start the online process to confirm they accept ITINs, because not all of them do. You will need to provide your ITIN in the same place the form asks for a Social Security number.
Can I open an account if I have been denied a bank account before?
Yes. Online-only banks and credit unions are often more willing to work with people who have had trouble with banks in the past. Credit unions in particular focus on serving people who are new to banking or have been turned away elsewhere. If you are denied by one bank, try a credit union or a different online-only bank.
Do I need to visit a branch in person?
Not necessarily. Online-only banks and many credit unions let you open an account entirely online. Traditional banks usually require a phone call or branch visit to verify your identity, though some let you do this by phone instead of in person. Check the specific bank's website to see whether a branch visit is required.
How do I know if the bank is real and safe?
Look for the FDIC or NCUA logo on the bank's website. FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) insures deposits at banks and online-only banks up to $250,000 per account. NCUA (National Credit Union Administration) insures deposits at credit unions up to $250,000 per account. If the bank or credit union displays one of these logos, your money is protected by the federal government.