Thinking about opening a new bank account? You've come to the right place! Setting up a Bank of America account online is a convenient and straightforward process that can save you time and a trip to a physical branch. Whether you're looking for a checking account to manage your daily expenses or a savings account to build your financial future, Bank of America offers various options to suit your needs.
Ready to get started? Let's walk through each step to make sure you have all the information you need for a smooth application.
How to Make a Bank of America Account Online: A Step-by-Step Guide
Opening a Bank of America account online typically takes around 10-20 minutes if you have all your information ready. Here's a detailed breakdown:
Step 1: Get Your Essentials in Order (Engage Yourself Here!)
Before you even think about clicking that "Apply Now" button, let's gather everything you'll need. Imagine you're preparing for a mini-financial mission – being organized will make it so much easier!
- Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN): This is crucial for identification and tax purposes. If you're a non-permanent resident, you might be able to open an account in person with an ITIN, but online applications generally require an SSN.
- A Valid Government-Issued Photo ID: This could be your driver's license, state ID, or passport. Make sure it's current and not expired!
- Your Current Residential Address: This must be a U.S. physical address. Utility bills or rental agreements can sometimes serve as proof of address if your ID doesn't include it.
- Your Email Address and Phone Number: These will be used for communication and verification throughout the application process.
- Initial Deposit Information: You'll typically need to fund your new account. This can often be done via a transfer from an existing bank account (either at Bank of America or another institution), or sometimes with a debit card, check, or money order. Be aware of any minimum opening deposit requirements for the account type you choose.
- Co-applicant Information (if applicable): If you're opening a joint account, you'll need all the same personal details for the co-applicant.
Pro Tip: Have digital copies or clear photos of your documents ready on your computer or phone. This will speed up the upload process if required.
Step 2: Choose the Right Account for Your Needs
Bank of America offers a variety of checking and savings accounts. Taking a moment to understand their features and fees will help you pick the best fit.
2.1 Exploring Checking Account Options
- Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Banking®: This is a good option for those who want a straightforward, easy-to-use account with no overdraft fees. It's often popular with students and young adults as the monthly maintenance fee is waived for owners under 25.
- Bank of America Advantage Plus Banking®: This account offers more features, including the ability to write checks, and may be suitable for those with more active banking needs. It has a monthly maintenance fee that can be waived by meeting certain requirements (e.g., maintaining a minimum daily balance, setting up direct deposits).
- Bank of America Advantage Relationship Banking®: This account provides comprehensive banking features and benefits, often tied to a larger banking relationship with Bank of America, potentially offering fee waivers and other perks.
2.2 Considering Savings Account Options
- Bank of America Advantage Savings: A basic savings account designed to help you save. It offers features like Keep the Change® (rounds up debit card purchases and transfers the difference to savings) and can be linked to your checking account for overdraft protection.
- Certificates of Deposit (CDs) and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs): Bank of America also offers these for longer-term savings and investment goals.
Think About It: Consider your financial habits. Do you write checks often? Do you need overdraft protection? How much do you plan to keep in your account? Answering these questions will guide your choice.
Step 3: Begin Your Online Application
Now that you're prepared, it's time to navigate to the Bank of America website and start the application.
- 3.1 Visit the Bank of America Website: Open your web browser and go to the official Bank of America website (bankofamerica.com).
- 3.2 Locate "Open an Account": Look for a prominent button or link that says "Open an Account," "Checking & Savings," or similar. This is usually found on the homepage or within the "Personal" banking section.
- 3.3 Select Your Desired Account Type: Once you're on the account selection page, click on the specific checking or savings account you've decided on. You'll typically see a "Learn More" or "Apply Now" button next to each account type. Click "Apply Now" to proceed.
Step 4: Provide Your Personal Information
This is where you'll start inputting the details you gathered in Step 1.
- 4.1 Fill in Your Basic Information: You'll be asked for your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security Number (or ITIN), and your U.S. residential address.
- 4.2 Enter Contact Details: Provide your primary phone number and email address. Ensure these are accurate as they will be used for verification.
- 4.3 Employment and Financial Information: You may be asked about your employment status, employer's name, and annual income. This information helps the bank understand your financial profile.
- 4.4 Security Questions: You'll likely be prompted to create security questions and answers. Choose questions and answers you can easily remember but others cannot guess.
Important Note: Bank of America employs robust security measures, including encryption, to protect your personal information during the online application process. Look for "https://" in the website address and a padlock icon in your browser, indicating a secure connection.
Step 5: Review and Consent to Disclosures
Before finalizing your application, you'll need to review important documents and agree to the terms and conditions.
- 5.1 Read the Electronic Communications Disclosure: Bank of America will likely ask for your consent to receive certain account opening documents and notices electronically. It's recommended to consent for a faster process. If you prefer paper documents, you may need to apply in person.
- 5.2 Review Account Agreements and Disclosures: Carefully read through the Personal Schedule of Fees, Account Agreement, and any other relevant disclosures. These documents outline the fees, interest rates (if applicable), and terms of your account. Don't skip this step! It's vital to understand what you're agreeing to.
- 5.3 Acknowledge and Accept: Once you've reviewed everything, you'll typically check a box to confirm you've read and understood the terms, and then click "Continue" or "Accept."
Step 6: Fund Your New Account
Most online applications will require an initial deposit to open and activate your account.
- 6.1 Choose Your Funding Method: As mentioned in Step 1, you'll be given options for your initial deposit.
- Transfer from an existing Bank of America account: If you're already a customer, this is often the quickest way.
- Transfer from an external bank account: You'll need the routing and account number of your other bank.
- Debit card: Some applications allow you to fund with a debit card.
- Other methods: In some cases, you might be able to mail a check or money order, but this will delay the account opening.
- 6.2 Enter Deposit Amount: Input the amount you wish to deposit. Be mindful of any minimum opening deposit requirements for your chosen account.
- 6.3 Confirm Funding: Double-check the details before confirming the deposit.
Step 7: Submit Your Application and Await Confirmation
You're almost there!
- 7.1 Submit Your Application: Click the final "Submit" or "Complete Application" button.
- 7.2 Application ID and Confirmation: You will typically receive an application ID or confirmation number. Write this down or save it! You'll also likely receive an email confirming your application has been received.
- 7.3 Processing Time: Online applications are often processed within 1 to 2 business days. You'll receive a follow-up email or letter letting you know if your application has been approved.
- 7.4 Account Documents and Debit Card: Once approved, your account documents will be sent to you via U.S. Mail within 7-10 business days. Your debit card will usually arrive separately shortly after.
What if you don't hear back? If you don't receive confirmation within a few business days, you can use your application ID to check the status online or call Bank of America customer service.
Step 8: Set Up Online Banking and Mobile App Access
Once your account is open and you have your account details, you'll want to set up your online access.
- 8.1 Enroll in Online Banking: Visit bankofamerica.com and look for the "Enroll" option in the login box. You'll typically need your account number or debit card number and your Social Security Number to enroll.
- 8.2 Create Your Online ID and Password: Choose a strong, unique Online ID and Password. Remember, never share these details!
- 8.3 Download the Mobile App: For banking on the go, download the Bank of America Mobile Banking app from your device's app store. You can use your same Online ID and Password to log in.
Congratulations! You've successfully navigated the process of opening a Bank of America account online. You can now manage your finances conveniently from your computer or mobile device.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about opening a Bank of America account online, with quick answers:
How to check my eligibility for a Bank of America account online?
You generally need to be a U.S. resident with a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and a U.S. physical address.
How to open a joint Bank of America account online?
You can typically indicate you want a joint account during the online application process and will need to provide the co-applicant's personal information (SSN, ID, address, etc.) as well.
How to open a Bank of America account for a minor online?
For minors (under 18), it's often a parent-owned account with the minor as an authorized user or a joint account. While some initial research can be done online, it may require a visit to a financial center with the minor and parent/guardian to complete the application and provide necessary documents like a birth certificate or school ID for the child.
How to make the initial deposit for my online Bank of America account?
You can usually fund your new online account by transferring money from an existing Bank of America account, linking an external bank account, or sometimes using a debit card.
How to get my Bank of America debit card after opening an account online?
Your debit card will be mailed to your residential address, typically arriving within 7-10 business days after your account is approved.
How to set up online banking for my new Bank of America account?
Once your account is open and you have your account number or debit card, visit bankofamerica.com and look for the "Enroll" option in the login section. You'll create an Online ID and Password.
How to avoid monthly fees on a Bank of America checking account?
Monthly fees for certain checking accounts (like Advantage Plus) can often be waived by meeting specific requirements, such as maintaining a minimum daily balance, setting up qualifying direct deposits, or being enrolled in the Preferred Rewards program. The Advantage SafeBalance Banking® account has no overdraft fees and no monthly maintenance fee for owners under 25.
How to deposit a check into my new Bank of America account online?
Once enrolled in mobile banking, you can typically use the Mobile Check Deposit feature within the Bank of America mobile app by taking photos of the front and back of your endorsed check.
How to close a Bank of America account if I opened it online?
You can usually close an account by contacting Bank of America customer service, visiting a financial center, or sometimes through online banking, depending on the account type and balance.
How to track the status of my Bank of America online account application?
After submitting your application, you should receive an application ID. You can use this ID on the Bank of America website or by calling customer service to check the status of your application.