
Checking accounts give you the most flexible access to your funds of any deposit account. That means you can use a checking account to pay bills, make transfers, conduct debit card transactions, and more. But did you know you can open a checking account online in just a few minutes? Here’s how in three simple steps.
1. Shop and compare.
It’s fairly easy nowadays to hop online and compare different checking accounts at various banks. Sites like Bankrate.com can help you get a good idea of the checking account rates and features each bank has to offer. Once you’ve narrowed down your search, it’s time to dig a little deeper to make sure you choose a reputable bank and understand the terms of each account you consider.
Make sure all the banks you have on your list are FDIC members. That way you know your deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) up to the maximum amount allowed by law. Take note of things like overdraft protection, maintenance fees, and minimum balance requirements. And be sure to consider things like customer service ratings, how long the bank has been in business, and website usability.
Finally, don’t assume you can’t earn interest on your checking account balance. While it’s true that checking accounts aren’t known for their interest rates, it’s possible to find an interest checking account that pays — and every little adds up. Check the frequency of compounding interest, and compare APYs (annual percentage yield) to find the most competitive rates.
Check out our Interest Checking Account.
2. Gather your personal information.
Once you’ve decided on a checking account that checks all your boxes, gather your personal information, so it’s at your fingertips when you head online to fill out the application. Most checking accounts require:
- Full name
- Social Security number
- Date of birth (you must be 18 years of age)
- Residential street address
- Transfer information for your initial deposit
Additional information may vary by bank or credit union, especially if they have specific membership requirements.
3. Open the account and make an initial deposit.
Now you can visit the bank’s website and open your new account. If you’ve chosen an online bank, you can open your account any time, anywhere you have secure internet access. You should also expect a user-friendly process along with available real-time assistance via chat or phone.
Most banks allow you to make that first deposit in a variety of ways. For example, you usually can transfer funds from other accounts, wire money, use remote deposit capture, or mail a check. Once you receive your checks and debit card in the mail, you can make the most of your new online checking account.
One way to put your new checking account to work is to link it to your savings account. That way, you can set up recurring transfers from your checking to your savings to help make saving easier. Remember, unlike savings or money market accounts, there are no limits on withdrawals or transfers from checking accounts. And if your savings and checking accounts are at the same institution, you likely can make same-day balance transfers between those accounts (within federal transaction limits).
Comment on this article
Comments
William M. on January 9, 2018 at 10:29pm
Good
John on November 2, 2018 at 1:25pm
I like this bank it is one of the best in the world
Ally on November 5, 2018 at 9:44am
Thanks for the compliment, John! We're thrilled to be your financial ally. :)
rommel a. on April 15, 2019 at 2:10am
10
Good C. on October 5, 2019 at 2:48pm
Ooo boy! Finance!!!
Ashmita p. on February 6, 2020 at 10:39am
Great
Ally on February 7, 2020 at 4:21pm
Thanks for reading, Ashmita.
James D. on February 13, 2020 at 5:58pm
Open checking account
Jamie on March 25, 2020 at 4:37pm
Does Ally run a credit check to open an online checking account? Looking to purchase a home and do not want my credit run just to open a checking account, as most banks do not run just to open a checking account.
Ally on March 26, 2020 at 6:57pm
Hi Jamie, an Ally Bank credit report inquiry made prior to opening an account results in a soft hit to your credit report, which does not impact your credit score.
Michele on June 13, 2020 at 11:41pm
Looking for the direct link to open checking account
Ally on June 15, 2020 at 4:17pm
Hi Michele, here’s a link to where you can open an account on ally.com: https://secure.ally.com/open-account?&OAP=DDA
A. on July 5, 2020 at 1:21am
HI I do not have a us social security number just ITIN, and I do have a us bank account. I like to ask if I can also open an ally bank account (as non-residential non us citizen) I have a us p.o box address. Thank you
Ally on July 6, 2020 at 2:24pm
At this time, you must be either a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident with a valid U.S. mailing address in order to open an Ally Bank account.
Allison W. on July 8, 2020 at 9:30am
Can I open a checking account even if I have bad credit? It would be a joint account with my husband and his credit is great, but mine is pretty terrible right now.
Ally on July 8, 2020 at 4:13pm
Hi Allison, if you’ll give us a call at 1-877-249-2559 or chat with us at ally.com, a team member will be happy to discuss your situation further and advise.
Phillip J. on July 26, 2020 at 2:05pm
This will be my first checking account
Ally on July 26, 2020 at 2:34pm
Congratulations, Phillip. 😊
name on November 5, 2020 at 7:10pm
wait so i use this to find other banks? my friend told me to use ally and i am so confused. i just want to open an account and put money in it
Ally on November 5, 2020 at 9:21pm
If you’ll please give us a call at 1-877-247-2559, or chat with us online at ally.com, one of our team members will be more than happy to help assist you.
Joe on December 11, 2020 at 5:42am
Can I open a checking account with 0$ fees in USA, while I’m working in Japan? I am Indian citizens, who has a B1 visa valid until 2029 but I don’t have a social security number. I visited Dallas in 2019 and I may visit again for business purposes. It may be better if I had a bank account in USA
Ally on December 11, 2020 at 9:27am
Hi Joe, to open an account with Ally, you must be a citizen or a legal permanent resident of the U.S., have a Social Security number or Taxpayer Identification Number and a U.S. Street address.
Brandon on December 21, 2020 at 8:23pm
I like this bank
Ally on December 21, 2020 at 8:24pm
We like hearing this! 😉
Peggy W. on January 3, 2021 at 11:11am
I need a free checking account with a debit card and checks please
Ally on January 3, 2021 at 11:12am
Thanks for your interest in Ally, Peggy! You can open an Interest Checking Account online at ally.com, or a team member would be happy to help you get started by giving us a call at 1-877-247-2559.
Pulkit on January 5, 2021 at 1:50pm
What is the definition of ‘legal permanent resident’ ? As per IRS definition someone is considered resident with substantial presence test. Is that aligns with your bank requirements? Thanks
Ally on January 5, 2021 at 1:51pm
Hi, thanks for your interest! Please give us a call at 1-877-247-2559, or chat with us online at ally.com, and a team member would be happy to help answer your specific question.
Damon on January 23, 2021 at 10:55pm
Can I transfer any dollar amount for the ''Initial Deposit'' in order to receive Debit Card for Interest Checking Account.
sircy T. on February 4, 2021 at 8:38pm
that is fine i would like to open the checking acc
Antoine on April 13, 2021 at 6:27pm
Can I open a checking account at Ally Bank with my stimulus check?
steven p. on June 22, 2021 at 8:38pm
how do i open a checkin account
Ally on June 22, 2021 at 8:40pm
Hi, thanks for your interest! You can open an Interest Checking Account here: https://www.ally.com/bank/view-rates/. If you need assistance getting started, give us a call at 1-877-247-2559.
linda on October 21, 2021 at 1:47pm
Do you accept deposits from PayPal>
Ally on October 21, 2021 at 1:48pm
Hi Linda, thanks for reaching out. Please give us a call at 1-877-247-2559 or chat with us online at ally.com, so we can assist further.
Breon P. on October 28, 2021 at 10:25am
After I open my Account how long till the debit card comes
Ally on October 28, 2021 at 10:26am
Hi, your debit card and initial check order will arrive in the mail within 10 business days after we receive your opening deposit.
Anansa R. on November 1, 2021 at 11:30am
Very good article.
Stella C. on February 27, 2022 at 3:18am
How many business day does it take to receive Ally Bank Debit Mastercard and is it require to deposit before having the Debit card
Ally on February 27, 2022 at 3:19am
Hi Stella, your debit card and initial check order will arrive in the mail within 10 business days after we receive your opening deposit.
Whittney on April 11, 2022 at 8:15pm
Can I open a checkings account and get the debit card with no initial deposit
Ally on April 11, 2022 at 8:16pm
Hi, your debit card and initial check order will arrive in the mail within 10 business days after we receive your opening deposit.
Mary on May 12, 2022 at 3:58pm
Yes