How To Get A Bank Account Online

Opening a bank account online is quick and easy. It can take just minutes and save you a trip to a bank branch. And if you're opening an account at an online bank, it may be your only option. The top online banks are FDIC-insured and offer higher rates than typical brick-and-mortar banks, and they often charge low or no fees.

What information do you need before opening a bank account online?

Here's the documentation you'll need to open a bank account online:

Valid driver's license or other government-issued ID.
If your new account requires an initial deposit, you'll also need debit card information, or routing and account numbers, for another bank account you own . You can find these on a check or by logging into your existing account's online dashboard.

Do you want a checking or savings account?

Before you start the application, you have two key decisions to make:

Single or joint account? With a single account, you're the sole owner. A joint account is one you co-own with another person, generally a family member or significant other.
Checking, savings or other? Determine this new account's primary purpose. If you need the money to pay regular expenses, consider opening a checking account and make sure it doesn't charge too many fees (or that you can get them waived). If the money will be set aside for savings, make sure the account earns a good interest rate. (For more on choosing checking vs. savings, read this article .)

If the financial institution offers multiple savings or checking accounts, compare them to see which terms and features work best for you.

Also confirm that the account will be FDIC insured, which means the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. protects your money in case the bank fails. Accounts at credit unions have equivalent protection from a separate government agency, the National Credit Union Administration.

LendingClub Bank logo

LendingClub High-Yield Savings

LendingClub Bank logo

Min. balance for APY

$2,500

Alliant Credit Union logo

Federally insured by the NCUA

Alliant Credit Union High-Rate Savings

Alliant Credit Union logo

Discover Bank logo

Discover Bank Online Savings

Discover Bank logo

What other information do you need to open a bank account?

Using a secure home internet connection or another trustworthy network, fill out the application with your personal details, which will likely include:

Name.
Date of birth.
Address.
Contact information.

Though in most situations you can send this information online, there may be some cases where you are asked to fax or email additional documents, such as a copy of your driver's license, to help verify your identity. You might also have to sign a signature card so your bank can verify yours or agree to receive statements and other messages online. And if you're not a legal adult, you'll need a parent co-signer's information as well.

How can you fund your account?

When you open an account online, an initial deposit usually means making a transfer from an existing account. If your bank is all online, you may also be able to fund with a check or money order. And if your bank has local branches, you can also visit one to deposit cash.

Once you enter the details for the transfer, choose an amount that satisfies any minimum balance or starting deposit requirement. The funds generally take a few days to process, and then you can start managing your new account.