Opening a checking account online takes about 10 minutes at most banks and can be done entirely from your phone or computer. You’ll need some basic personal information, a form of ID, and in some cases an initial deposit. Here’s what to expect at each step.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Federal regulations require banks to collect four pieces of information from every new account holder: your full legal name, date of birth, residential address, and an identification number. For U.S. citizens, that identification number is your Social Security number. Non-citizens can use a taxpayer identification number, passport number, or alien identification card number instead.
Beyond those basics, the bank will ask you to verify your identity by providing a government-issued photo ID. A driver’s license or state ID works for most banks. Some also accept a U.S. passport. Have the physical document handy, because many online applications will ask you to photograph both sides of it during the process.
A few banks also require proof of address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement, though this is less common for online-only applications. If you plan to fund the account immediately, have your existing bank’s routing and account numbers ready, or a debit card you can use to transfer money in.
The Application Process Step by Step
Start by choosing a bank and navigating to its account opening page. You’ll fill out a form with the personal details listed above, then move into identity verification. This is where the online experience differs from walking into a branch.
Most banks use a digital verification process that works in two parts. First, you photograph your driver’s license or passport using your phone’s camera. The system reads the document and cross-references the information you entered. Second, many banks ask for a selfie. This isn’t just a photo check; the system uses liveness detection to confirm you’re physically present and not holding up someone else’s picture or using a video. You’ll typically be asked to look at the camera, sometimes turning your head slightly, so the software can confirm you’re a real person who matches the ID you submitted.
Behind the scenes, the bank also runs your information against credit reporting agencies or banking history databases to verify accuracy. This happens automatically and usually takes seconds. The entire application, from start to approval, often wraps up in under 10 minutes. If the bank’s team needs to verify something manually, expect to hear back within the next business day.
Initial Deposits and Funding
Not every bank requires an opening deposit. Several popular online checking accounts, including those from Ally and Capital One, let you open with $0. Others set a minimum that can range from $25 to $100 or more.
When you’re ready to put money in, the most common method is linking an existing bank account and initiating an electronic transfer. You’ll enter the routing number and account number from your current bank, and the new bank will pull the funds over. This transfer typically takes one to three business days. Some banks also let you fund a new account with a debit card for faster access, or by setting up a direct deposit from your employer, which routes your paycheck into the new account starting with your next pay cycle.
What Happens After Approval
Once approved, you’ll get immediate access to your account number and routing number, which means you can start setting up direct deposits and bill payments right away. Most banks will prompt you to download their mobile app and enroll in digital banking during the signup process or immediately after.
Your physical debit card arrives separately by mail. Delivery times vary by bank, but you should generally expect it within 5 to 10 business days. Some banks offer instant virtual card numbers you can add to a digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay so you can make purchases while you wait for the physical card. If you need checks, the bank will walk you through ordering those as well, though many online-only banks skip traditional checks entirely.
If Your Application Gets Denied
When you apply for a checking account, most banks review your history with a reporting agency like ChexSystems or Early Warning Services. These databases track things like unpaid bank fees, involuntary account closures, and repeated overdrafts. If you have negative marks, a standard checking account application may be denied.
Second-chance checking accounts exist specifically for this situation. These accounts don’t require a ChexSystems review, or they use more lenient criteria. Several online banks offer them with no monthly fees and no minimum balance requirements. The tradeoff is that second-chance accounts sometimes come with fewer perks: limited ATM access, no overdraft protection, and fewer fee waivers compared to standard accounts.
The upside is that they work as a stepping stone. After managing a second-chance account responsibly for a set period (often around a year), some banks will convert it to a standard checking account automatically. Look for an account that reports your activity to the major banking databases so your good habits actually rebuild your history over time. This approach works similarly to using a secured credit card to rebuild a credit score.
Choosing the Right Account
Before you apply, compare a few key features across banks. Monthly maintenance fees are the most obvious cost. Many online banks charge nothing, while traditional banks often charge $5 to $15 per month unless you meet certain conditions like maintaining a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit. Check what those conditions are and whether you can realistically meet them every month.
ATM access matters more than people expect. Online-only banks don’t have their own ATM networks, but many reimburse ATM fees up to a certain amount each month or participate in surcharge-free networks with thousands of machines. Look into this before you sign up, especially if you regularly withdraw cash.
Finally, consider overdraft policies. Some banks charge $35 per overdraft transaction. Others have eliminated overdraft fees entirely or offer small buffer amounts that let you overdraw by a modest amount without penalty. If you occasionally cut it close at the end of the month, a forgiving overdraft policy can save you real money.
Once you’ve picked an account, the application itself is straightforward. Have your ID ready, set aside 10 minutes, and you can be fully set up before the end of the day.