Yes, you can open most Bank of America accounts online, but not all account types
Bank of America lets you open a checking or savings account entirely online using their website or mobile app. You will not need to visit a branch. The process takes about 10 minutes and you can fund the account when ready with a transfer from another bank.
Some account types — including certain investment accounts, retirement accounts, and business accounts — require you to start the process online but finish it by phone or in person. If you want to open one of those, the online step is still your first move, but you will need to complete verification with a Bank of America representative before the account becomes active.
Key Takeaways
- Checking and savings accounts can be opened entirely online through the Bank of America website or mobile app without visiting a branch.
- You will need a Social Security number, a government-issued ID, and proof of your current address to complete the online process.
- Bank of America will verify your identity by asking security questions based on your credit history, not by mailing you a code or sending a text.
- Your account becomes active when ready after you finish the online steps, and you can deposit money the same day using a transfer from another bank.
- Money Market accounts, CDs, and retirement accounts require you to finish the setup by phone or in a branch, even though you can start online.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you open your browser: your Social Security number, a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and proof of your current address. Bank of America accepts recent utility bills, lease agreements, or bank statements as address proof — the document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 90 days.
You will also need to choose how you want to fund the account. Bank of America lets you transfer money from another bank account, deposit a check by photo, or mail a check. If you transfer from another bank, have that account number and routing number ready. You do not need to fund the account when ready — you can complete the online setup and add money later.
The online account opening process step by step
Go to bankofamerica.com or open the Bank of America mobile app and select "Open an Account." You will choose your account type (checking, savings, or Money Market), then enter your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. Bank of America will ask you to create a username and password for online banking.
Next, Bank of America will verify your identity by asking security questions based on information in your credit file — questions like "Which of these addresses have you lived at?" or "Which of these credit cards have you held?" You answer based on your own history. This step usually takes 2 to 3 minutes. If Bank of America cannot verify you this way, the system will tell you to call 1-800-432-1000 to finish the process by phone.
After identity verification, you will review the account terms, set up online banking, and choose how to fund the account. If you are transferring money from another bank, enter that account's routing number and account number. Bank of America will then show you a confirmation screen with your new account number. Your account is active at this point.
Account types you can and cannot open online
| Account Type | Can Open Entirely Online | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Checking (Basic, Advantage, Premium) | Yes | Active when ready after online steps are complete |
| Savings | Yes | Active when ready after online steps are complete |
| Money Market | No | Start online, finish by phone or in branch |
| Certificate of Deposit (CD) | No | Start online, finish by phone or in branch |
| Individual Retirement Account (IRA) | No | Start online, finish by phone or in branch |
| Business Checking | No | Requires business documentation and phone verification |
| Business Savings | No | Requires business documentation and phone verification |
If you want to open a Money Market account, CD, or retirement account, begin on the Bank of America website and enter your information. You will reach a screen that says you need to complete the account setup by phone or in person. Bank of America will provide a phone number to call, or you can visit a local branch with your ID and Social Security number.
Business accounts have additional requirements because Bank of America needs to verify the business itself, not just the person opening the account. You will need to provide your Employer Identification Number (EIN), business license, and documentation of your ownership or authority to open the account. These documents must be reviewed by a Bank of America representative, which is why business accounts cannot be completed entirely online.
How long it takes and when you can use your account
For checking and savings accounts opened entirely online, your account is ready to use when ready. You can set up bill pay, transfer money, and make deposits the same day you open the account. If you transfer money from another bank, that transfer usually arrives within 1 to 3 business days, depending on the other bank.
If you deposit a check by photo through the mobile app, Bank of America typically credits the funds within 1 business day. If you mail a check, allow 5 to 7 business days for it to arrive and be processed. For accounts that require phone or in-person completion (Money Market, CD, IRA, business accounts), the timeline depends on how quickly you finish the second step. Once you complete the phone call or branch visit, your account becomes active that same day.
What happens if Bank of America cannot verify you online
If the security questions do not verify your identity, the online system will tell you to call 1-800-432-1000. A Bank of America representative will ask you additional questions to confirm who you are. This call usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. You will still open your account by phone rather than online, but the process is similar and your account will be active when the call ends.
Verification can fail if you have no credit history, if you recently moved and your address is not yet in credit files, or if there is a discrepancy between the information you entered and what Bank of America's systems show. Having your ID and proof of address ready when you call will speed up the phone verification. You can also visit a local branch in person if you prefer not to verify by phone.
Funding your new account
Bank of America offers three ways to fund your account after you open it online. The fastest is an electronic transfer from another bank account — the money usually arrives within 1 to 3 business days. You will need the routing number and account number of the account you are transferring from. During the online setup, Bank of America will ask you to enter this information and will verify the account before processing the transfer.
You can also deposit a check by taking a photo with the Bank of America mobile app. The app will guide you through photographing the front and back of the check. Bank of America credits most mobile check deposits within 1 business day. If you prefer to mail a check, address it to the Bank of America branch listed in your account welcome materials. Include a deposit slip (you can print one from your online banking portal or write your account number on the check). Mailed checks take 5 to 7 business days to clear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a minimum deposit to open an account online?
Bank of America does not require a minimum deposit to open a checking or savings account online. You can complete the entire online process without funding the account when ready. You can add money anytime after your account is active.
Can I open a joint account online?
No. Joint accounts require both account holders to be present and verified. You can start the process online, but you will need to finish it by phone or in a branch with the other account holder's information and ID present.
What if I do not have a government-issued ID?
Bank of America requires a government-issued photo ID to open an account online. If you do not have one, you can visit a local branch with alternative identification (passport, tribal ID, or military ID) and open your account in person.
Can I open an account if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. Bank of America will open an account for non-citizens if you have a valid passport or government-issued ID, a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and proof of your current address.
What if I already have a Bank of America account?
You can open additional accounts online using the same process. Log into your existing online banking account, select "Open an Account," and follow the steps. Bank of America will use your existing verified identity, so the process may be faster.