Checking accounts are a fundamental component of our financial lives. They allow us to pay our bills on-time and safely hold the money we earn. Despite their necessity however, checking accounts offered by various banks and credit unions are not always easy for consumers to open, sometimes requiring an unnecessary amount of information and days or weeks of waiting during the approval process.

If you’re looking to open a bank account easily online then you’re in luck as there are plenty of options that can be completed in minutes if you’re prepared with the right personal information.

Below is the criteria we used when compiling this list and what makes them easy to open.

• No In-Person Visits: All of the accounts on this list can be opened online and do not require any in-branch visits (although some might also provide that option).
• Lower or No Minimum Deposit Requirements: Accounts on this list come with no minimum deposit requirements or ongoing balance requirements. This makes them more accessible to a wider range of consumers.
• Faster Approval Times: Online account applications can be processed faster than traditional bank applications, with some accounts being approved in a matter of minutes.
• Simple Application Process: Streamlined application processes with accounts being approved mostly or entirely through automated processes.
• Minimal Documentation: These accounts require minimal documentation, often limited to identification and some personal details.

Below is our rundown of the easiest bank accounts to open securely online.

Ally Bank Checking Account

Ally Bank’s checking account is a popular and user-friendly option for those seeking an online banking solution. With no monthly maintenance fees and no minimum balance requirements, it provides a hassle-free banking experience. The account also comes with a free debit card for easy access to funds, and customers can make use of over 43,000 Allpoint ATMs nationwide without incurring fees plus $10 in ATM fee reimbursements per statement cycle for out of network ATM usage. Additionally, Ally Bank offers 24/7 customer support, making it a reliable choice for managing everyday banking needs.

How to Open the Account:

Go here and click “Open new account.” You’ll want to be prepared with:

1. Personal Information: Your full name, date of birth, Social Security Number (SSN), and a valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport).
2. Contact Information: Your current residential address, email address, and phone number.
3. Funding Source: You will need to link the checking account to a funding source, such as an existing bank account or a debit card, to make the initial deposit. You may also deposit cash at an Allpoint ATM or use remote check deposit with the Ally app (IOS or Android).

Chime Checking Account

Chime is a financial services company that has partnered with Pride Bank to offer a checking account for those seeking a modern and fee-free online banking experience. With no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirements, and no overdraft fees, it offers a straightforward and transparent banking solution. The account also comes with a free Visa debit card that can be used at over 60,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide through the MoneyPass and Visa networks. Chime’s user-friendly mobile apps allow customers to manage their finances easily, make mobile payments, and set up automatic savings features effortlessly. Additionally, Chime offers early direct deposit, providing customers with access to their paychecks up to two days earlier than traditional banks.

How to Open the Account:

Go here, enter your email and click “Sign Up.” You’ll want to be prepared with:

1. Personal Information: Your full name, date of birth, Social Security Number (SSN), and a valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport).
2. Contact Information: Your current residential address, email address, and phone number.
3. Funding Source: You will need to link the checking account to a funding source, such as an existing bank account or a debit card, to make the initial deposit. You may also deposit cash at one of 90,000 participating retail locations, such as Walgreens, CVS, and 7-Eleven, using the Green Dot network or use the app on IOS or Android to initiate a mobile check deposit.

Majority Checking Account

Majority is the first ever financial membership built by migrants and for migrants, but anyone is allowed to join. Migrant has partnered with Axiom Bank to provide basic banking services to underserved communities. Its checking account is designed to be accessible and straightforward, catering to individuals who may have faced challenges in traditional banking systems. It offers features like no minimum balance requirements and no overdraft fees but it does come with a monthly membership fee of $5.99 after your free 30 day trial ends. Additionally, the account provides cash back rewards on everyday purchases, enabling users to earn while managing their finances digitally.

How to Open the Account:

Go here, click “Sign Up,” enter your phone number and then click “Continue.” You’ll want to be prepared with:

1. Personal Information: Your full name, date of birth and any valid government-issued photo ID. This ID can be issued by any federal or state government including IDs from places outside the US.
2. Contact Information: Your current residential address, email address, and phone number.
3. Funding Source: You will need to link the Majority account to a funding source, such as an existing bank account or a debit card, to make the initial deposit. You may also use other apps like Zelle, CashApp, etc. or deposit cash at participating retailers and present them with the barcode on your app or debit card for them to scan. Locate participating retailers in the app under Add Money > Cash Deposit > Show Locations.

T-Mobile Money

T-Mobile Money has partnered with Customers Bank to offer customers a mobile first banking experience complete with FDIC-insurance and all the best features of online banking. The account comes with no minimum deposit or balance requirements. No monthly fees of any kind, plus no transfer fees, no late payment fees and no overdraft fees. On top of that you can get paid up to 2 days early if you set up direct deposit and your balance earns at least 2.50% APY (annual percentage yield). For eligible accounts that sign up for perks and make 10 qualified transactions each month, an APY of 4.00% is applied on balances up to $3,000 and then 2.50% APY is applied to all amounts greater than $3k.

How to Open the Account:

Start here and identify whether or not you’re an existing T-Mobile customer. During the application process, you’ll want to be prepared with:

1. Personal Information: Your full name, date of birth and any valid government-issued photo ID. This ID can be issued by any federal or state government including IDs from places outside the US.
2. Contact Information: Your current residential address, email address, and phone number.
3. Funding Source: You will need to link T-Mobile Money to a funding source, such as an existing bank account or a debit card, to make the initial deposit. You may also set up direct deposit from an employer, use the remote check deposit feature on the IOS or Android apps and/or deposit cash at one of these 65,000+ locations nationwide.

Varo Money

Varo Money powered by Varo Bank offers FDIC-insured mobile bank accounts to individuals who want to manage their money primarily through an app. It also has the noteworthy features associated with other accounts on this list such as no minimum deposit or balance requirements. No overdraft fees or transfer fees. The ability to get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit set up and a free Visa debit card that can be used for free at any Allpoint ATM location. You can also make and receive free peer to peer payments with Zelle but you’ll need to have direct deposit set up to be eligible for this feature.

How to Open the Account:

Navigate to the Varo website and click “Get Started.” Once you begin the application process, you’ll want to have the following pieces of information handy:

1. Contact Information: A verifiable email address and phone number.
2. Personal Information: Your full name, date of birth, residential address and any valid government-issued photo ID. This ID can be issued by any federal or state government including IDs from places outside the US.
3. Funding Source: You will need to link Varo Money to a funding source, such as an existing bank account or a debit card, to make the initial deposit. You may also set up direct deposit from an employer, use the remote check deposit feature on the IOS or Android apps and/or deposit cash at any of the 90,000+ Green Dot locations (usually found at Walgreens, CVS, and Target stores) nationwide.

Capital One 360 Checking

Capital One offers a user friendly checking account within their 360 product suite called 360 Checking. It comes with no minimum deposit or balance requirements, no monthly maintenance fees. The benefit of online banking and award winning apps plus actual retail locations where you can speak to customer service representatives. You also of course have FDIC coverage, a free Capital One contactless Mastercard with chip technology and access to 70,000 free ATMs nationwide. 360 Checking customers will also be eligible to get paid 2 days early once direct deposit is set up plus the ability to send and receive payments using Zelle.

How to Open the Account:

Navigate to the 360 Checking account page here and click “Open Account.” You’ll then be asked whether or not you’re an existing Capital One customer. Following this step you’ll begin the application process. You’ll want to be prepared with:

1. Contact Information: A verifiable email address and phone number.
2. Personal Information: Your full name, date of birth, residential address and any valid government-issued photo ID. This ID can be issued by any federal or state government including IDs from places outside the US.
3. Funding Source: You will

SoFi Online Bank Account

SoFi offers a user-friendly online account that automatically comes with both a checking account and savings account. It has the standard bells and whistles of no minimum deposit or balance requirements. No monthly fees or overdraft fees. Plus the ability to get paid up to 2 days early when you set up direct deposit. The difference with SoFi is that setting up direct deposit also unlocks other great features like earning 4.50% APY on all savings balances, 0.50% APY on all checking balances, plus a cash bonus of either $250 or $50 depending on your direct deposit amount. For direct deposits of $1,000 – $4,999.99 you’ll get a $50 bonus and for direct deposits of $5,000 or more, you’ll get a $250 bonus. Without direct deposit you’ll earn just 1.20% APY on the savings side and 0.50% on checking balances.

With SoFi you’ll also get FDIC insurance coverage up to $2 million via SoFi’s partner banks and a get a free debit card Mastercard that features up to 15% cash back at local businesses (click “shop local” once logged in for list of participants) and free ATM usage at any Allpoint location.

How to Open the Account:

Start here and enter your name, the state you reside in and a verifiable email address. During the application process, you’ll also want to be prepared with:

1. Personal Information: Your full name, date of birth and any valid government-issued photo ID. This ID can be issued by any federal or state government including IDs from places outside the US.
2. Contact Information: Your current residential address, email address, and phone number.
3. Funding Source: To fund your SoFi account for the first time you’ll need to set up an external transfer to the account in the app (IOS or Android) or receive an inbound wire. Once your account is active and funded you can fund it on an ongoing basis via direct deposit, mobile check deposit, external transfer, wire transfer or cash deposit through the Green Dot network.

FAQs

Still have questions about how to open a bank account easily and quickly online? Take a look at what other consumers are asking around the web as well as our responses below.

Can I Open a Bank Account Online?

Yes. Online banking has become the norm over the last decade or more. FDIC-insured online deposit accounts including: checking accounts, money market accounts, savings accounts, and CDs (certificates of deposit) can all be opened securely online with a number of financial institutions including banks, credit unions, brokerages and fintech companies.

Do Online Bank Accounts Come with Debit Cards?

Yes. The vast majority of online banks that offer checking accounts also offer free Mastercard or Visa debit cards with chip technology. These debit cards are typically free for new checking account customers.

Do Online Bank Accounts Offer Free ATM Usage?

Yes. Online banks generally partner with ATM networks such as the Allpoint network to offer their customers free ATM usage nationwide at participating retailers. ATM locations within these networks are typically found at CVS, Walgreens and Target stores.

Can I Deposit Cash into an Online Bank Account?

Yes. Generally speaking most online checking accounts allow you the option to deposit cash into the account. They may not, however, allow you to initially fund the account with cash. You’ll need to check the fine print of the specific institution.

Once you’ve activated and funded your checking account, many online banks will allow you to add cash to your account via the Green Dot network which features over 90,000 retailers nationwide.

Will an Online Checking Account Check My Credit History?

This varies by institution. Some may not pull your credit at all, but many will do a soft pull which does not affect your credit score. Some may also do a hard pull which does affect your credit score, but none that we’ve listed here.