You can open a Bank of America account online in about 10 minutes or by visiting any of the bank’s financial centers in person. The online route works best if you have a Social Security number and a U.S. address, while non-U.S. citizens or visa holders will need to apply in person with additional documentation.
What You Need Before You Apply
Whether you apply online or in a branch, gather these basics first:
- Your Social Security number (or ITIN if you don’t have an SSN)
- Your current U.S. residential address
- A valid email address
- An existing bank account number or debit card to fund your opening deposit
- A co-applicant’s personal information, if you’re opening a joint account
For online applications, that list is usually all you need. Bank of America verifies your identity electronically using the details you provide. If the system can’t confirm your identity, you may be asked to visit a branch with a government-issued photo ID.
Opening an Account Online
Go to the Bank of America website or mobile app and select the type of account you want (more on your options below). You’ll fill out a short application with your name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, and contact information. The whole process typically takes under 10 minutes.
Once approved, you’ll make a minimum opening deposit of $25 or $100, depending on the account you choose. You can fund it immediately by linking another bank account or debit card. Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days, and you can start using online and mobile banking right away.
Opening an Account in a Branch
If you prefer face-to-face help, or if you don’t have a Social Security number, you’ll need to visit a financial center. You can schedule an appointment on the Bank of America website to avoid waiting. Bring a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license or passport) and your Social Security card or a document showing your SSN. A banker will walk you through the application, help you pick the right account, and set up your debit card and online access on the spot.
Opening an Account Without a Social Security Number
U.S. visa holders and non-permanent residents can open a Bank of America account, but the application must be done in person at a financial center. You’ll need to provide both your permanent (foreign) address and your local U.S. address, along with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). An ITIN is a tax-processing number issued by the IRS to people who need to file taxes but aren’t eligible for a Social Security number. If you don’t have one yet, you can apply by submitting IRS Form W-7 along with a federal tax return.
For identification, plan to bring three items:
- Proof of U.S. residency: A government-issued photo ID, student or employer photo ID, current utility bill, or rental agreement showing your name and U.S. physical address.
- One primary photo ID: A foreign passport (with or without a visa), a Canadian citizenship card with photo, or certain consular IDs from Mexico, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, or Colombia.
- One secondary ID: A foreign or U.S. driver’s license, student or employer ID, or a major debit or credit card with a Visa or Mastercard logo.
Call the branch ahead of your visit to confirm exactly which documents they’ll accept, since requirements can vary slightly by location.
Choosing the Right Account
Bank of America offers four main checking accounts under its Advantage Banking lineup. Each comes with a monthly maintenance fee, but every fee can be waived if you meet certain conditions.
Advantage SafePass Banking
This is the simplest option, designed to prevent overdrafts entirely. You won’t have check-writing ability, and transactions that would overdraw the account are simply declined. The monthly fee is $4.95, waived if you keep a minimum daily balance of $500, or if any account owner is under 25. There’s also a Family Banking version with the same fee and waiver rules that adds a child to the account.
Advantage Plus Banking
This is the most popular everyday checking account. It includes check-writing and optional overdraft settings. The monthly fee is $12, waived if you receive at least one qualifying direct deposit of $250 or more per statement cycle, or maintain a minimum daily balance of $1,500. If your paycheck is deposited directly, you’ll likely never pay this fee.
Advantage Relationship Banking
This premium tier is geared toward customers who keep larger balances or have multiple Bank of America products. The monthly fee is $25, waived if you maintain a minimum daily balance of $20,000. It also comes with perks like no fees on select banking services and preferred rates on certain loan products. For any of these accounts, enrollment in Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards program at certain tiers can also waive the monthly fee.
After Your Account Is Open
Once you’re approved, a few quick steps will get you fully set up. Download the Bank of America mobile app to deposit checks by photo, send money with Zelle, and monitor your balance. Set up direct deposit by giving your employer your new routing and account numbers, which you’ll find in the app or on the bank’s website under account details. If you opened the account online, your debit card will arrive in the mail. You can activate it through the app or by calling the number on the card’s sticker.
Consider enabling alerts for low balances, large transactions, or when your direct deposit hits. These notifications are free and help you stay on top of the fee-waiver thresholds so you’re never caught off guard by a monthly charge.