Yes, you can open a Bank of America checking or savings account entirely online

Bank of America lets you open a checking account, savings account, or both through their website or mobile app without visiting a branch. The process takes about 10 minutes. You'll need a Social Security number, a valid government ID, and a way to fund the account—either a debit card, another bank account, or a transfer from an existing Bank of America account.

The account opens immediately once you finish the application, though some features may take a day or two to become fully active. You can start using your debit card and making transfers right away in most cases.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America's online account opening takes about 10 minutes and requires your Social Security number, a government ID, and a way to fund the account.
  • Your account becomes active immediately after you complete the application, though your debit card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • You'll need to verify your identity during the application—Bank of America uses your ID information to confirm who you are.
  • Different account types have different monthly fees, but many have ways to waive them, such as maintaining a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you open the application: a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number, and your current address. Bank of America will ask you to verify all of this during the application.

You'll also need a way to fund your new account. This can be a debit card from another bank, a checking or savings account number from another bank, or an existing Bank of America account. Bank of America typically requires an initial deposit of at least $25, though this varies by account type and may change. Check their website for the current minimum.

The online application process, step by step

Go to bankofamerica.com and look for the "Open an Account" button, usually near the top of the page. You can also use the Bank of America mobile app. Select the type of account you want—checking, savings, or both—and the specific product (Bank of America offers several checking accounts with different features and fees).

Enter your personal information: name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number. Bank of America will ask you to verify your identity by uploading a photo of your ID or answering security questions based on your credit history. This usually takes a few minutes.

Next, choose how you'll fund the account. If you're transferring from another bank, you'll enter that account's routing number and account number. If you're using a debit card, enter the card number and expiration date. Review the account terms and fee schedule, then sign the agreement electronically. Your account opens immediately.

When your debit card arrives and what happens next

Your Bank of America debit card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can still move money in and out of your account through transfers, and you can set up bill pay online. You cannot withdraw cash at an ATM or make purchases in stores until your card arrives and you activate it.

When your card arrives, you'll need to activate it before using it. Bank of America sends activation instructions with the card, or you can activate it through the mobile app or website. Once activated, you can use it at any Bank of America ATM, at stores that accept Visa (Bank of America debit cards run on the Visa network), and online.

Monthly fees and how to avoid them

Bank of America checking accounts have a monthly maintenance fee that varies by account type—typically $12 to $15 per month. Savings accounts also have monthly fees, usually $5 to $8. However, Bank of America waives these fees if you meet certain conditions.

The most common ways to waive the fee are: setting up direct deposit of at least $250 per month, maintaining a minimum balance (usually $1,500 to $2,500 depending on the account), or being under 24 years old. Some accounts waive the fee if you maintain a linked savings account with a certain balance. Check the fee schedule for the specific account you're opening to see which waivers apply.

What to do if the application is denied or stalled

Bank of America may deny your application if you have a history of unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or other banking issues. If your application is denied, Bank of America will send you a letter explaining why. You can call their customer service line to ask about your specific situation.

If your application is stalled during identity verification, Bank of America may ask you to visit a branch in person with your ID, or to provide additional documents by mail. This usually happens if the information you provided doesn't match their records or if they cannot verify your identity online. The letter or email you receive will explain what to do next.

Opening an account at a Bank of America branch instead

If you prefer to open an account in person, you can visit any Bank of America branch with your ID and Social Security number. Bring a way to fund the account (debit card or another bank's account information). The process takes about 15 minutes, and your debit card can sometimes be issued on the spot, though you may still need to wait for it to arrive by mail.

Opening in person can be helpful if you have questions about which account type suits your needs, or if you've had trouble with online identity verification in the past. You can find your nearest branch on Bank of America's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Bank of America account if I don't have a Social Security number?

Bank of America requires a Social Security number to open an account. If you don't have one, you may not be able to open an account online. Visit a branch to ask about alternatives, though Bank of America's policy on this may vary by location.

How long does it take for my account to be fully set up?

Your account is active immediately after you complete the application. However, your debit card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail, and some features like bill pay may take a day to activate. You can transfer money and check your balance as soon as your account opens.

What if I want to open a joint account online?

Bank of America allows you to open a joint account online, but both account holders must be present during the application. You'll both need to provide your Social Security numbers and IDs. The process is similar to opening an individual account but takes a bit longer because both people must verify their identity.

Can I open multiple accounts at the same time?

Yes, you can open a checking account and a savings account in the same application. Some people do this to keep their spending and savings separate, or to take advantage of different fee waivers. You can also open additional accounts later through the Bank of America website or app.

What happens if I don't fund my account right away?

Bank of America requires an initial deposit to open the account, so you must fund it during the application process. If you don't complete the funding step, your account won't open. You can choose how much to deposit—the minimum is typically $25, but you can deposit more if you want.