Online banks may also offer more perks than traditional financial institutions, like no monthly maintenance fees and higher interest rates on savings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is required to open a checking account?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
First, consider what type of online checking account<\/a> best suits your needs. For instance, some banks offer individual or joint accounts with different features. A Bankrate survey<\/a> found that consumers keep the same checking account for an average of 17 years, so you\u2019ll want it to be a good fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re new to the bank you\u2019re opening an account with, you\u2019ll probably need to create an online profile with a username and password. If you\u2019ve banked with the institution before\u2014for example, through a credit card or loan\u2014you might already have a login you can use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Next, have your personal information handy. To open a checking account, most institutions will require a valid, government-issued photo ID, your Social Security card or Taxpayer Identification Number, and proof of your current address, such as a lease or recent utility bill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You’ll usually need to fund your checking account before you can use it. See if there’s a bank that doesn’t require a minimum deposit, as many still ask for $25 to $100. The most common ways to make a deposit are by transferring money from another bank or depositing a check via the bank\u2019s mobile application. You can also set up a direct deposit from your employer or add cash via your bank\u2019s ATM or a retail partner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most financial institutions allow you to write a check to yourself if you have the funds in your account to cover the transaction. You can write yourself a check to move money between separate bank accounts or to withdraw cash from the bank. Due to check kiting risks, you typically cannot write a check to yourself to deposit money at the same bank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many banks will also allow you to deposit checks digitally through their mobile check deposit<\/a> services. You typically just need a smartphone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To make a mobile deposit, download your bank\u2019s mobile application, log into your online banking account, then follow the prompts to deposit a check. While the prompts vary by institution, the requirements usually include a clear image of the front and back of a check made out to you and endorsed by you. Check your bank\u2019s mobile deposit terms and conditions<\/a> to confirm what you\u2019ll need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reputable financial institutions should have safeguards in place to secure your accounts, but there are actions you can take to further protect yourself. For instance, if you\u2019re withdrawing funds from your checking account at an ATM, stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Shield your personal identification number, or PIN, from prying eyes and never share it with anyone\u2014you should be the only person who knows it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have a debit card attached to your account, your bank might have extra security measures in place to help protect your debit card from fraud<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/BK-103-113-Common-questions-about-online-checking-accounts-INARTICLE-1-edit1-scaled.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCan you write a check to yourself?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s the easiest way to deposit checks into my account?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Are online checking accounts safe?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What are the fees associated with an online checking account?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n