How to Open Up a Bank Account Online
Instead of visiting a brick-and-mortar facility to open a bank account, consumers have the option of opening a bank account online. When an account is opened online it provides consumers with an easy, efficient and effective way of doing their banking. Accounts can be opened online 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To get an account open you need to enter some personal identifying information as required by the bank.
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Instructions
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Go to the website of the bank of your choice. Click on the link or tab that says "open an account." Select the link that says "start a new application" or something of that nature. The website will identify the things you'll need, such as your Social Security number, date of birth, driver’s license number or state-issued ID or a passport. (This information is needed later on). You will need the same information for co-applicants.
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Make sure you are the right age. In many states the legal minimum age for opening an account is 18. The website should indicate what the minimum is. Click on the tab that says “next."
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Select the type of account you wish to open. Your choices are likely to include checking, savings, money market or certificate of deposit (CD). You usually can click on the link for each type of account to review the features and benefits before you open the account.
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Determine if this will be an individual or joint bank account. If you are opening this account on your own select the "individual button" or choose "joint" if someone else will be a co-owner on the account with you.
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Enter all of your personal information into the website online system. Your name, date of birth, Social Security number, phone number and e-mail are needed. If you have an account at the bank currently select “Yes” from the drop-down box and select “No” if you don’t have a previous account. You should be able to submit this information and view a screen with all of the information you have entered. Verify that everything is correct and click "next."
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Input the remaining personal information. Your address, phone number, mother’s maiden name, driver’s license number, state of issuance, date of issuance and the expiration date are all needed by most banks. Verify if the address on your driver’s license is the same as the address you entered into the website application.
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Fill in the additional information required. Indicate if you are a United States citizen, your employment status and your source of income. Check the box that indicates you have read and accept the online account rules and regulations as well as the fee disclosure. Hit the next step. Determine how you will fund your account. You have the account funded electronically from another bank. Enter the name of the bank, the routing number and the checking or savings account number to complete the process. You can also visit the bank and make a deposit.
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Tips & Warnings
The process for opening accounts online can vary from bank to bank.
Most bank accounts can be opened with $25 to $100.
If you have the phone number of the bank you can call and get the website, or do an Internet search.
Even after opening a bank account online you may need to visit the bank to sign signature cards. This signature card is used as a method for identifying your signature in the bank for certain transactions.
There are online-only banks (with no branches) that confirm your identity by verifying your date of birth and Social Security number. They also recommend that you link the new online bank account with an external account you already have, although it's not necessary. This is another form of verification. There are no signature cards to sign for this type of bank.
