How to Open a Bank of America Account in 5 Steps

What you need to open a Bank of America account

Bank of America lets you open a checking or savings account online, by phone, or in person at a branch. You will need a government-issued ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit (the amount varies by account type). Most people can complete the process in 10 to 15 minutes online without visiting a branch.

The bank offers several account types: checking accounts with a debit card, savings accounts that earn interest, and money market accounts. Each has different monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and features. You can open one account or link multiple accounts together under the same login.

Bank of America checks your banking history through ChexSystems, a system that tracks closed accounts and overdraft problems at other banks. If you have been flagged in ChexSystems, you may not be able to open an account online, but you can still visit a branch to discuss your situation with a banker.

Key Takeaways

• You can open a Bank of America account online with a government ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit, without visiting a branch.
• The bank checks ChexSystems, which records overdrafts and closed accounts at other banks, and may deny online applications based on that history.
• Monthly maintenance fees range from $0 to $15 depending on the account type, and can be waived if you meet balance or direct deposit requirements.
• Your new debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use your account to transfer money or pay bills when ready after opening.
• If your online process is denied, you can visit a branch in person to speak with a banker about other account options.

Opening an account online

Go to bankofamerica.com and click "Open an Account" at the top of the page. Select the account type you want — most people choose a basic checking account. You will be asked for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, phone number, and email address.

The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history, or by uploading a photo of your ID. This step usually takes a few minutes. Once verified, you will choose a username and password, set up security questions, and review the account terms.

You will then be asked for your initial deposit amount and how you want to fund it. You can link a bank account from another bank and transfer money electronically, or provide a debit card number. The deposit must clear before your account is fully active, which usually happens within one business day.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Visit any Bank of America branch with your government ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit. Bring a debit card or checkbook from another bank if you plan to fund the account by transfer. A banker will walk you through the account setup, answer questions about fees and features, and help you choose which accounts to open.

Opening in person takes 20 to 30 minutes. You will receive a temporary debit card on the spot that you can use when ready, and your permanent card will arrive by mail. This route is useful if your online process was denied, if you want to discuss account options with someone, or if you do not have internet access at home.

Bank of America branches are located in most states. You can find the nearest one by entering your zip code at bankofamerica.com/locator.

What happens after you open your account

Your account number and routing number are available when ready in the Bank of America app or website. You can use these to set up direct deposit from your employer, receive wire transfers, or pay bills electronically. Your physical debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

You can log in to your account right away to transfer money between your Bank of America accounts, send money to other people through Zelle (a money transfer service), or pay bills online. You cannot use your debit card until it arrives, but you can add it to your phone's digital wallet once it does and use it for contactless payments.

Bank of America sends statements by email or mail, depending on what you choose during setup. You can change this preference anytime in your account settings. The bank also offers overdraft protection, which you can set up to link your checking account to a savings account or credit line so that overdrafts are covered automatically.

Monthly fees and how to avoid them

Bank of America checking accounts charge a $12 monthly maintenance fee by default, but this fee is waived if you meet one of these conditions: maintain a $1,500 minimum daily balance, set up direct deposit of at least $250 per month, or are under 25 years old. Savings accounts charge $5 per month, waived with a $300 minimum balance or direct deposit.

If you do not meet the waiver requirements, you will be charged the monthly fee. The fee is deducted from your account automatically on the same day each month. You can avoid the fee by closing the account, but closing an account may affect your ChexSystems record if you have an outstanding balance or unpaid fees.

Bank of America also charges fees for overdrafts ($35 per overdraft), out-of-network ATM withdrawals ($2.50), and wire transfers ($15 domestic, $45 international). These fees are separate from the monthly maintenance fee and are charged only when you use these services.

If your process is denied

Bank of America will tell you why your online process was denied. Common reasons include a ChexSystems flag (a record of overdrafts or closed accounts at other banks), an address that does not match your ID, or a Social Security number mismatch. The bank will provide a phone number to call if you want to discuss the denial.

If you were denied because of ChexSystems, you have the right to request a copy of your ChexSystems report for free. You can do this at chexsystems.com or by calling 1-800-428-9623. Review the report for errors — if information is wrong, you can dispute it directly with ChexSystems.

Visit a Bank of America branch in person to speak with a banker about opening an account despite the denial. Some branches have discretion to open accounts for people with ChexSystems flags, especially if the issue was resolved years ago or if you can explain what happened. Bring documentation showing that the problem has been corrected, such as proof that you paid off an overdraft or closed an old account in good standing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money do I need to open a Bank of America account?

The minimum initial deposit is $25 for most checking and savings accounts. Some specialty accounts, like money market accounts, require a higher opening deposit — check the specific account details before you start the process. You can deposit this amount by linking another bank account and transferring electronically, or by providing a debit card number.

Can I open a Bank of America account without a Social Security number?

No. Bank of America requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open any account. This is a federal requirement for all banks. If you do not have a Social Security number, you may be able to open an account with an ITIN if you have one.

How long does it take to open a Bank of America account?

Online applications usually take 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Your account is active when ready, but your physical debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. In-person applications at a branch take 20 to 30 minutes, and you receive a temporary debit card on the spot.

What is ChexSystems and why does Bank of America check it?

ChexSystems is a database that tracks banking problems like overdrafts, bounced checks, and closed accounts at other banks. Bank of America checks this system to assess the risk of opening an account for you. A flag does not automatically disqualify you, but it may cause your online process to be denied — you can still explore in person at a branch.

Can I open multiple Bank of America accounts at the same time?

Yes. You can open a checking account and a savings account together, or open multiple accounts of the same type. All accounts are linked under one login and one Social Security number. You can transfer money between your accounts when ready and manage them all from one dashboard.