To open an online bank account, you typically need a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, a valid email address, and a small initial deposit. The entire process usually takes under 10 minutes, but having the right documents ready before you start prevents the application from stalling midway through.
Government-Issued Photo ID
Every bank requires at least one form of photo identification issued by a government. The most commonly accepted options are a driver’s license, a U.S. passport, a state ID card, or military identification. During the online application, you’ll typically be asked to upload a photo of the front and back of your ID, or in some cases take a picture of it with your phone’s camera. The bank’s system checks the document against the personal details you enter to verify your identity.
Some banks also request a second form of identification beyond your photo ID. This can be your Social Security card, a utility bill with your name and address on it, or your birth certificate. Not every online bank asks for this second document, but having one handy speeds things up if the application does request it.
Social Security Number or ITIN
Banks need a taxpayer identification number to report interest earnings to the IRS and to verify your identity against federal databases. For most applicants, this means your Social Security number. If you don’t have an SSN, an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) works at many banks. To get an ITIN, you submit IRS Form W-7 along with a federal income tax return.
One practical note: most online account applications are built around SSN entry. If you’re using an ITIN or a passport number instead, you may need to open the account in person at a branch rather than online, since many digital systems aren’t set up to process applications without a Social Security number. Several major banks accept ITINs through in-branch appointments.
Personal Information You’ll Enter
Beyond your ID documents, the application form will ask for basic details the bank uses to verify your identity and set up your account:
- Full legal name as it appears on your ID
- Date of birth
- Current home address (P.O. boxes usually aren’t accepted as a primary address)
- Phone number, typically a U.S. mobile number so the bank can send verification codes
- Email address for account communications, statements, and login credentials
You’ll also create login credentials during the application. Some banks let you choose a username and password on the spot, while others email you a temporary password after approval.
Initial Deposit
Most banks require an initial deposit to activate your new account. The typical range is $25 to $100, though some online banks have no minimum deposit at all. You can usually fund the account immediately by linking a debit card, entering your routing and account number from an existing bank account, or mailing a check. A few banks also accept wire transfers for the opening deposit.
If you’re transferring money from another bank electronically, expect it to take one to three business days before the funds appear. The account is usually open right away, but some features like bill pay or external transfers may be restricted until that first deposit clears.
What the Bank Checks Behind the Scenes
Banks don’t pull your credit score when you open a checking or savings account. What they do check is ChexSystems, a database that tracks your banking history. ChexSystems flags things like unpaid negative balances at previous banks, frequent overdrafts, or suspected fraud. If you’ve had a messy banking history, this check could result in a denial.
If you’re denied, you have the right to request a free copy of your ChexSystems report to see what’s on file. Errors can be disputed, and legitimate negative marks typically fall off after five years. Some banks specifically offer “second chance” accounts designed for people with ChexSystems flags, often with slightly fewer features but a path to a standard account after a clean period.
How Identity Verification Works Online
When you apply in person, a teller looks at your ID and compares it to your face. Online, banks replicate this through digital verification. After you upload or photograph your ID, many banks ask you to take a selfie with your phone’s camera. Software compares the selfie to the photo on your ID to confirm you’re the person on the document.
Some banks skip the selfie and instead verify your identity by asking knowledge-based questions, like “Which of these addresses have you lived at?” or “Which lender holds your auto loan?” These questions pull from public records databases. If the system can’t verify you digitally, the bank may ask you to call in, visit a branch, or upload additional documentation.
The entire verification process usually completes within minutes. Occasionally, an application gets flagged for manual review, which can add one to two business days before you get access to your account.
Opening an Account Without U.S. Citizenship
Non-citizens can open bank accounts in the United States, though the process involves extra documentation. You’ll generally need a passport (from any country) as your primary ID, plus a secondary form of identification. Acceptable secondary documents typically include a permanent resident card, a visa or other immigration document, an Alien Registration Number, a U.S. Employment Authorization Card, or even a driver’s license from your home country.
Because most online application systems require an SSN, non-citizens often need to visit a branch to open an account. If you have an ITIN, call ahead to confirm the bank accepts it and whether an in-person appointment is required. Banks need a taxpayer identification number for IRS reporting purposes regardless of your immigration status, so securing an ITIN before you apply simplifies the process considerably.
What to Have Ready Before You Start
Gathering everything upfront makes the process seamless. Before you begin the application, make sure you have your photo ID within reach (not expired), your Social Security number or ITIN memorized or on paper, your phone nearby for verification codes, and a funding source ready for the initial deposit. If your current address doesn’t match what’s on your ID, have a recent utility bill or bank statement showing your name at your current address, since the bank may ask for address verification.
Most online banks are open for applications 24/7, so you can complete the process whenever it’s convenient. If you run into trouble during the application, nearly all online banks offer live chat or phone support to help you finish.