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How to Open a Bank Account Without Visiting a Branch

Most banks now let you open a full checking account entirely from your phone. Here is the typical process from start to finish.

  1. Install the bank's app and find account opening

    Install the official app for the bank you want to use, then look for an "open an account" or "apply for a product" menu on the main screen.

  2. Verify your phone number

    Enter your name, date of birth, and phone number, then confirm the one-time code sent by text to prove the phone belongs to you.

  3. Photograph your government-issued ID

    Follow the on-screen guide to photograph the front of your ID. Shoot it on a flat, well-lit surface so there is no glare or blur obscuring the text.

  4. Complete an extra identity check

    Depending on the bank, this is either a brief video call with a bank representative, or sending a small test deposit to an existing account in your name and entering the code that appears in the deposit description.

  5. Agree to the terms and set up your account details

    Review and accept the required disclosures, such as deposit insurance terms and how your personal data will be used, then set your account PIN and notification preferences.

  6. Confirm the account is open and apply for a debit card

    Once an account number is issued, the account is open, and you can usually apply for a debit card in the same session.

The whole process usually takes under 15 minutes

Most of the time spent is on the ID photo and the extra identity check. Doing this somewhere well-lit with a stable internet connection avoids the most common reason people have to start over.

New accounts often start with a lower transfer limit

It is common for a newly opened remote account to carry a reduced daily transfer limit for a period as a fraud-prevention measure, so check your app's transfer-limit settings if you plan to move a large amount right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to visit a branch at any point?

For most standard personal accounts, no β€” the entire process, including identity verification, can be completed inside the app. Some products, like certain business accounts, may still require an in-person visit.

What if my identity verification keeps failing?

Check that your ID photo is clear and not expired, that the lighting is even, and that your name and address on file match your current ID exactly, since a mismatch is the most common cause of failure.