How to open a bank account online for free: 5 Easy steps [2024]

Do you want to open a USD bank account online? Whether you’re looking to manage your account fully using online and mobile banking, or simply want to skip waiting in line in a branch to get your account opened, we have the solutions for you.

To open a US bank account online you’ll have a few options from banks and also digital alternatives like Wise and Revolut – which works best for you might vary based on your personal situation and preferences. This guide covers all you need to know.

Key points: Open bank account online

• Open a bank account online quickly with major banks and alternative digital specialist providers like Wise and Revolut for convenience and ease. 
• Open a Wise account online: You can register online in minutes, providing photo ID and proof of address for verification, which usually takes 2 working days. No minimum deposit required. 
• Open a Revolut account online: Download the Revolut app to apply and verify your account with a selfie and passport picture. Verification can take up to 7 days.
• Open a Bank of America account online: Apply for a checking or savings account online with your SSN, residential address and email address. The process takes 1-2 business days and 7-10 business days for your account documents to arrive via U.S. Mail.
• Open a U.S. Bank account online: Fast and easy account opening process that’s usually completed in minutes. Your SSN and a government-issued photo ID will be required for verification and a minimum opening deposit of $25 for checking accounts.

How to open a bank account online for free

Different banks have their own processes for online account opening. However, they usually state that the entire application will only take 5 or 10 minutes, and can be managed from your computer or in some cases your smart device.

Here’s what you’ll normally need to do to open a bank account online with a US bank or a specialist provider like Wise or Revolut:

1. Choose the right account for you

Before you can start your application, you need to decide on the type of account you need. Common choices include checking and savings accounts. Checking accounts are great for daily transactions, offering multiple payments and withdrawal options, while savings accounts are specially designed to help you save cash and accrue interest. 

Consider fee structures, including monthly and yearly maintenance fees and high-interest rates for savings. Do you frequently travel or have a business that deals with various currencies? Specialist providers like Wise and Revolut offer multi-currency accounts for international transactions with low fees and the mid-market exchange rate. 

2. Double check you meet the eligibility requirements and gather your personal information

Prepare your ID and required personal documents, which usually includes your Social Security Number, a valid driver’s license or passport. Your financial provider will need this to verify your identity.

3. Complete the online application

Click ‘Apply’ online and fill out the bank’s online application form, entering your personal details following the onscreen prompts. This will include uploading images and files of the information from your gathered documents like your ID, SSN, etc. In most cases, you’ll be able to send this information online, but some banks might require additional verification and request you email your documents or visit a branch in-person to hand over your personal details, especially if you’re opening a joint account or an account for a minor. Digital providers, like Wise and Revolut, streamline this process, completing the full verification process online. We’ll cover more on this later. 

4. Verify your identity and thoroughly read through and agree to the account terms and conditions

Once you’ve submitted your application, you may need to undergo additional identity checks. This could involve uploading images of your ID or taking a selfie while holding your ID. Once verification has taken place, carefully read and agree to the account’s terms and conditions.

5. Deposit money and start using your new account!

Congratulations, you’re nearly good to go. If your account requires a minimum balance or an opening deposit, then the only thing left to do is make an initial deposit and add money to your account, which can be done via a transfer from an existing account or a card. With specialist providers like Wise and Revolut, there is no minimum deposit required to open an account online, meaning you can start using your account straight away.

It’s worth noting that online bank account opening isn’t always possible with banks – if you can’t get your account verified digitally, you’ll need to visit a branch in person to get started. You may also need to attend a branch if you’re opening a joint account or an account for a minor.

With digital providers like Wise and Revolut, you can conveniently open account online, complete verification steps and start using your account.

What do you need to open a bank account online

To open a bank account online with a bank you’ll usually be asked to provide:

• Your name and date of birth
• Your Social Security Number
• Your US address – proof may be required depending on the account
• A valid government issued proof of ID – passport, driver’s license or state ID for example
• An opening deposit, which can start from about 25 USD

If you’re interested in setting up a USD account online but don’t have a physical address in the UK, you can look at specialist online providers like Wise and Revolut.

• Wise offers accounts to people based almost anywhere in the world, with only a short list of unsupported countries.
• Revolut also serves a wide range of major global economies across the US, Europe, the UK, Japan, Australia and more.

Can I open a bank account online without going to the bank?

Yes, you can open a bank account online without going to the bank. These are usually free accounts you can open with either a bank or an online provider. It’s common for banks to ask for a minimum opening deposit once our account is approved, while online specialists usually don’t have any minimum deposit or fall below fees to worry about.

With banks you’ll usually have to be a US resident with an eligible proof of ID and address, as well as a Social Security Number. Once your account is up and running you can transact online or in person and access a full range of financial products and services.

Specialist account providers like Wise and Revolut may allow you to open an account which can hold, spend, send and receive USD even if you don’t live in the US or don’t have a US proof of address available. These services often offer multi-currency account management features, linked spending cards, and low transaction fees. More on than later.

Best banks to open an account online in the US

You’ll be able to setup an account online with either a regular bank, or a specialist provider. Both have their own pros and cons, and offer a varied range of features and fees. To give a flavor, let’s look at some of the key account features from a couple of specialists, and 2 of America’s big mainstream banks.

*Bank of America account profiled – Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance Account. US Bank account profiled – Easy Checking Account. Other accounts from these providers have varied terms and conditions

It’s fairly common now for banks to offer ways to open your account online or through an app. That’s great as it means you can avoid heading into a branch to get started – but you’ll usually also need a physical US address, which can be a limitation for some people.

Other options from specialist providers like Wise and Revolut can offer more flexibility, online accounts with no minimum balance requirements and low fees, a broader range of currency management features, and lower fees overall.

Open a Wise account online

Great for: Non-residents, expats and frequent travelers. Multi-currency support, and linked international debit card.

Fees: no account opening fee, no monthly or annual fees, no minimum deposit requirement

Wise offers multi-currency accounts you can open online and in-app. Use your account to hold and exchange 40+ currencies including USD, spend with your linked debit card in 150+ countries, and manage your money on the move with the Wise app.

Your account will come with USD bank details so you can get paid like a local in US dollars, as well as up to 9 other currencies (including EUR, CAD and GBP). More information on Wise account review.

Accounts have no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirement, and Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate for currency conversion. You just pay low and transparent fees for the services you need.

• Accounts are free to open, with no monthly fee or minimum balance
• You can get a linked Wise debit card, with some fee free ATM withdrawals
• All currency conversion uses the mid-market rate with no hidden fees
• Features available may vary based on where you live

Open a Revolut account online

Great for: Monthly plans with varying fees and limits, money management with budgeting tools and linked debit card.

Fees: No account opening fees, varying monthly fees with Standard plans at 0$/month, no minimum balance requirement

If you live in the US, the UK, the EEA, Australia, Singapore, Switzerland or Japan, you can open a Revolut account online or through the Revolut app. Accounts offer multi-currency features, so you can hold and exchange around 25+ currencies, including USD. 

If you need to convert currencies or want to spend internationally, you may be able to access no-fee currency conversion, depending on the plan you pick. Accounts come with linked cards and a good range of features to let you invest, save, budget and spend.

• Choose a Standard account without any opening fee or monthly fees, or upgrade to a paid account plan for more features
• Get a linked card and some no-fee ATM withdrawals based on your plan type
• Mid-market exchange rates for currency conversion, up to plan limits
• Features available may vary based on where you live

Open a Bank of America account online

Great for: Customers looking for a variety of account options, including checking and savings.

If you’re in the market for an account from a bank, Bank of America may be a good pick, with a range of checking accounts you can open online. You’ll need to have your Social Security Number to hand, and you’ll have to have an eligible US residential address to get started.

Accounts range from basic options with easy ways to waive fixed ongoing fees, to more complex products with a broader selection of services and higher charges or minimum balance requirements.

• Setup your account online using your US residential address
• Good range of account options, including some with maintenance fees you can waive easily
• Many accounts come with checking features
• Most standard Bank of America accounts are used to hold and handle USD only

How to open a Bank of America account online

Online or via app: Select ‘Open an account’ and choose the account you want to sign up for. Follow the prompts and click on ‘Go to application’ or open a new account via their mobile app

In person: Go to any of the 6,078 Bank of America branches in the US to open an account in person

Over the phone: Call 800 432 1000 to talk to someone about opening an account 

Open a US Bank account online

Great for: Those after a comprehensive banking solution with investments and loans alongside a quick online account opening process.

US Bank also offers online account opening options for customers who live in the US. The online opening process should only take you about 5 minutes, and once your account is verified you’ll be able to make your minimum deposit and start transacting right away.

US Bank offers checking and savings accounts, investment and retirement planning support, loans and credit, as well as a full suite of online and mobile banking options. Once you’re all set up with your account you can manage your money on the move, or pop into a branch for in person help.

• Online account opening for US based adults over the age of 18
• Full range of account products and connected services
• Online and mobile banking as standard
• No multi-currency features offered on standard account products

How to open a U.S. Bank account online

Online: ‘Apply Online’ and enter your zip code before following the prompts and starting your application

In person: Go to any of their 2,000 branches in 26 states to apply in person

Mobile app: You can open a new account through the mobile app 

Via phone: Call 800-398-0371 to talk to a representative to make sure you have everything you need to open an account

BofA account fees

• 14 USD checking account monthly maintenance fee which can be waived by maintaining a minimum balance of $1,500 or more or other requirements.
• No fee at Bank of America ATMs, but a 2.50 USD charge applies to non-Bank of America ATMs within the US. 

US Bank account fees

• The Smartly Checking account has a 6.95 USD monthly maintenance fee that’s waivable with direct deposits totaling 1,000 USD or more, an average balance of 1,500 USD or an eligible U.S Bank credit card.
• The Safe Debit account has a 4.95 USD monthly fee which cannot be waived.
• Both accounts offer no transaction fees on US Bank ATMs.

What is the easiest bank account to open online?

In today’s fast-paced world, the convenience of opening a bank account can’t be taken for granted. Gone are the days of waiting in long lines and filling out endless paperwork at a physical bank branch. Online banking has become a game-changer, offering the freedom to manage finances and open an account from your sofa, cafe, or on the move and across the globe in just a few clicks. 

But it’s important to remember that not all online banking experiences are equal. So, whether you’re considering a central US bank or a digital alternative like Wise or Revolut, the ease and speed of opening an account can vary significantly from one bank and digital provider to another. Plus, while some banks have perfected a fast and user-friendly online application process that can be completed in minutes, others will require more detailed information and additional steps, which could take several days. 

• Wise: Opening an account with this digital provider is a straightforward online process, with registration taking just a few minutes. To open an account you’ll need to provide photo ID, proof of address and possibly a picture of yourself holding the ID for verification purposes, which typically takes 2-3 working days. You can open an account either through the Wise app or their online website and you can use your Google, Facebook or Apple account to sign up.
• Revolut: Revolut is another digital provider with a quick account opening process. Registering for an account also takes mere minutes, but verification may take up to 24 hours to 7 days. Open an account by downloading the Revolut app and entering your phone number and personal details.

• Bank of America: You can easily apply for a checking or savings account or CD or IRA online. You’ll just need your Social Security Number, residential address and an email address. The application process is fairly quick and streamlined, taking 1 to 2 business days to process and 7 to 10 business days for your account documents to arrive via U.S. Mail.
• US Bank: Opening an account online usually only takes a few minutes, meaning that you can be up and running fast. Once again, you’ll need your Social Security Number, a valid government-issued photo ID and a minimum opening deposit of 25 USD to open a checking account.

Different types of accounts you can open online

There are a good range of account options out there which all suit different customer needs. Here’s a rundown of some of the most common ones:

• Online only accounts – from regular banks or specialist services, limited options for in person support, all transactions managed online or in-app.
• Basic checking accounts – usually low or no maintenance fees, with easy ways to waive ongoing costs. Range of services may be limited.
• Premium checking accounts – often come with personal banking support, but require high minimum balances or have high monthly fees.
• Savings accounts – interest bearing account products to help you grow your balance.
• Multi-currency accounts – helpful if you transact in foreign currencies often, used to cut the costs of currency exchange and international spending.

How to open a business account online

If you’re a freelancer or own a registered business, you can also setup a business bank account online. Learn more here: How to open a business account online.

Different banks and specialist providers have their own business bank account products, which have a varied range of features. The best online business accounts also come with low or no monthly fees, multi-currency functionality so you can transact internationally, debit and expense cards, and time savings perks like batch payment processes.

Wise business account – 40+ currencies

Check out the Wise business account which lets you hold and exchange 40+ currencies, receive payments conveniently like a local from 30+ countries, and send money to 160+ countries. There’s a low one time fee to get full account features, with no minimum balance and no ongoing charges.

You’ll be able to manage your money online and on the move, with mid-market exchange rates every time you pay or get paid from overseas. Accounts also offer ways to cut admin, like mass payments, and cloud accounting reconciliation options.

What are the costs of opening a bank account online?

Opening an account online is usually free, but banks may ask you to deposit a fixed minimum amount as soon as your account is approved. There are also ongoing and transaction costs – which can include:

• Maintenance or fall below fees
• Out of network withdrawal fees
• Check fees
• Foreign transaction fees
• International transfer fees
• Account dormant fees

How do I fund my account online?

You’ll usually be able to fund your online US bank account initially with a bank transfer or card payment, and can also often set up direct deposit payments to have your salary or other ongoing payments deposited there. 

These main funding options provide flexibility and convenience to customers, ensuring that the funding process is a smooth and hassle-free experience: 

• Cash Deposits: Some banks, like Bank of America or US Bank, offer the option to fund your account by depositing cash at their branch locations. Simply visit a branch near you and deposit the money into your account.
• Money Transfers: Transferring money from another bank account is a popular, convenient, and secure way to add funds to your account. All you have to do is go to your existing bank’s online platform or app to initiate the transfer. 
• Card Payments: Many banks let their customers top up their accounts using debit or credit cards, which is a particularly handy option if you want to make an immediate online deposit. Wise is a great example, offering a multi-currency account that can be topped up using card payments. 
• Digital Wallet Technology: Digital wallets, provided by banks such as Bank of America as well as brands like Apple and Google Wallet, send money fast and conveniently to your bank. If you’re using Apple Wallet, simply open the app, tap your cash card and the ‘More’ button and then ‘Transfer to Bank’.

Can I open an online bank account in the US from abroad?

Few US banks allow you to open a USD account without a US residential address. Instead, mainstream banks tend to point you towards their expat and international banking divisions which can mean high fees or restrictive eligibility requirements.

If you’re looking for an easier way to get US bank details without a US proof of address, check out Revolut or Wise which both offer online and in-app account opening for people from a broad range of countries.

Related: Best international bank accounts

Also, if you are not yet a US resident, this guide can help: How to open a bank account in the US as non-resident

Conclusion: Open account online in US

You can open a bank account online in the US with either a bank or a digital provider. Mainstream banks usually ask you to have a US based residential address to access account products – but if you don’t have this available, you can still get an account up and running with online specialist services like Wise or Revolut.

Setup an online bank account in US FAQs

Which banks allow you to open an account online?

Many banks in the US allow customers to open accounts online – check out Bank of America, US Bank, Wells Fargo or Citibank to start your research.

Can I open a bank account online without going to the bank?

You can often open a US bank account online without needing an appointment, as long as you are a US resident, aged over 18 and have your SSN handy. Otherwise, you may need to head to a branch.

What is the easiest bank account to open online?

Many banks let customers open accounts easily online – which is easiest for you depends on your personal situation. US Bank states that their application takes just 5 minutes, while Bank of America suggests an online application takes about 10 minutes.

Can I open an account with no money?

Most mainstream US banks require you to make an initial deposit to activate your account. If you want to open a US account online with no money, check out alternative providers like Wise and Revolut instead.

What bank does not have a monthly fee?

Most large US banks offer basic checking accounts which have easy ways to waive the monthly fees by signing up for extra products, having payments deposited into the account or maintaining a minimum balance.