How to open an online checking account in 5 steps
Creating an online bank account is easier than it sounds—you can even do it from your mobile phone.
These days, a lot of your life is managed from your phone, and that includes managing your money. An online checking account allows you to check your balance, deposit a check, transfer funds, and authorize payments all from your mobile device, tablet, or desktop. Plus, when your checking account is digital, you don’t have to rely on the 9-to-5 schedule of a brick-and-mortar bank.
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These are just a few of the many benefits of an online checking account. If you don’t know how to create a checking account with these always-on mobile features and more, you’ll be happy to know that creating an online bank account is pretty straightforward if you know what you’re doing. In just five simple steps, you can have the right checking account for your lifestyle with features like early pay days when you set up direct deposit.
Are you wondering, “What do I need to open a checking account online?” Once you learn how to set up an online checking account with the steps below, you can start managing your money with confidence and peace of mind wherever you are, at any hour of the day.
1. Research your options
As you’re learning how to set up an online checking account, you’ll first want to research the different features of potential checking accounts. Not sure what to look for? Before creating an online bank account, look for the following checking account features:
- No fees: As you’re creating an online bank account, you might consider ways to avoid bank fees. Check your bank’s policies on fees for overdrafts, insufficient funds, ATM withdrawals, or maintenance fees, and look into the benefits of a no-fee checking account. Capital One accounts are fee-free: Add in no minimum balance requirements and you have more money in your wallet.
- Mobile check deposits: Most online banks accept deposits by mail, ACH transfer, wire transfer, and direct deposit, but one of the most convenient ways to deposit money is through a mobile banking app. With Discover Mobile Check Deposit, you can snap a photo using our mobile app and upload it to deposit your check(s) in minutes. With Capital One, it’s just as fast to deposit a check from your phone as it is at an ATM, and you don’t even have to leave the house.1
- Earlier pay days: When you have bills to pay, you want your paycheck as soon as possible. Some checking accounts can help with that. Get your direct deposit up to 2 days early with a 360 Checking account.2
- Readily available ATMs: As you’re learning how to create a checking account, keep in mind that some online banks may not have branches where you can withdraw cash. As a result, no-fee ATMs that are easy to access can make all the difference. Finding a place to withdraw money is a breeze with Capital One since you have access to over 70,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide.3
- An easy-to-use mobile app: A user-friendly mobile app allows you to deposit checks, review automated monthly bill payments, and set up new payments with just a couple of taps.
- Fraud protection: If someone ever uses your debit card without your permission, you don’t want to be left on the hook. Fraud protection can give you peace of mind in knowing that you’ll be reimbursed for any unauthorized charges.
2. Create a profile
As you’re learning what you need to open an online bank account, keep in mind that the next step in the process typically involves creating an online profile. To do this, you’ll need a username and password. Try to choose a long password that has a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Make sure your password isn’t used for other accounts and doesn’t rely on personal information such as your birth date. If you already have a relationship with the financial institution through a credit card or loan, you may not have to spend the time creating an online bank account from scratch. Instead, you may be able to use your same login information when you open an online checking account.
3. Enter your personal information
As you’re considering what you need to open an online bank account, you should keep in mind that most online institutions require applicants to fill out a simple application with personal and contact information. During this step of the process, you might need to provide the following information:
- Your full name and date of birth
- Answers to security questions that only you would know
- Your Taxpayer Identification Number (often a Social Security number)
- A U.S. mailing address (not a P.O. box) and possibly a previous address
- Your email address and phone number
- State-specific identification
4. Pick an account type
As you’re considering “What do I need to open a checking account?” you’ll want to give some thought to the type of checking account you’re interested in opening. Some financial institutions offer different options, including individual accounts and joint checking accounts. As you’re creating an online bank account, keep in mind that you’ll need to provide personal and contact information for the joint account holder, trustees, or custodian.
5. Fund your account
Next, you’ll need money in your checking account before you can start using it. To make an initial deposit, you can transfer funds directly from another bank or via a mailed check. While not every financial institution requires a minimum deposit, they can sometimes range from $25 to $100.
Using your new checking account
Now that you know how to set up an online checking account, you’ll likely just be a few days away from being able to use it. After receiving your debit card and/or checks in the mail, you’ll be able to create your personal identification number (PIN) so you can use your new debit card. In the meantime, you may be able to use your online account to transfer funds and pay bills online.
As you’re looking into how to create a checking account online, keep in mind that lack of fees and access to a network of no-fee ATMs are all benefits that could come with your new checking account. With just a few steps, you’ll be well on your way for easy, convenient, on-the-go banking.
You now understand how to set up an online checking account, but what about a savings account? Check out some helpful points to consider as you decide whether to open a checking account or savings account (or both). You can open a 360 Checking or 360 Performance Savings account online in about 5 minutes.
1Mobile deposits are available only in the U.S. and U.S. territories.
Deposit limits apply; you will be notified of the limit at the time you make a mobile deposit.
You will be notified of when your funds will be available.
Smartphone access is needed to use mobile banking and the mobile app. Check with your service provider for details on specific fees and charges.
The site may be unavailable during normal maintenance or due to unforeseen circumstances.
2Early paycheck is available for 360 Checking customers that set up direct deposit with their employer or other payer to receive electronic deposits of regular periodic payments (such as salary, pension or government benefits). Certain non-payroll and tax payments are not eligible for early paycheck. Early direct deposits may be available to you up to 2 days earlier, however, we are dependent on the timing of your payer’s payment instructions and therefore you may not always see your direct deposits arrive early. Early paycheck eligibility may vary between pay periods and daily/transaction limits apply.
It may take two cycles for your direct deposits to take effect.
3Competitor bank comparison is based on size of branded and partner ATM networks and cited fees as of 9/10/25. Competitor set is based on Top 25 banks by estimated domestic retail deposits from the FDIC’s Summary of Deposits report effective June 2024. Retail deposits are estimated as total outer fenced capped deposits plus total uncapped direct deposits. Banks which did not file a Summary of Deposits report are sourced from various company reports. Consumers should research all products before opening.
As of August 21, 2025, there are at least 1,260 Capital One ATMs, 35,000 MoneyPass® ATMs and 40,000 Allpoint® ATMs.
The Capital One ATM network offers Capital One checking customers free access to Capital One, MoneyPass® and Allpoint® ATMs.
Fee-free ATM access is limited to consumer and business checking accounts.
All Capital One ATMs, including Café ATMs, have a $3 fee for any non-Capital One customer.
Articles may contain information from third parties. The inclusion of such information does not imply an affiliation with the bank or bank sponsorship, endorsement, or verification regarding the third party or information.
The information provided herein is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as professional advice. Nothing contained in this article shall give rise to, or be construed to give rise to, any obligation or liability whatsoever on the part of Discover, a division of Capital One, N.A., or its affiliates.
