You can open a wide range of bank accounts fully online today, from basic current/checking accounts to savings and even some business accounts, as long as you meet ID and residency requirements.

Types of bank accounts you can open online

  • Everyday current/checking accounts (for salary, bills, daily spending).
  • Online savings accounts and high-yield savings (better interest, usually no branches).
  • Hybrid “checking + savings” accounts from fintechs and online-only banks.
  • Some business and freelancer accounts, especially from digital banks and fintechs.
  • Student and youth accounts (with extra proof like enrollment or a parent/guardian depending on age).

In most cases you never need to visit a branch; identity checks are done with document uploads, selfies, or video verification.

Examples of accounts commonly opened online

These names are just examples, not recommendations, but they show what’s possible to open 100% online.

[1] [3] [5] [9][7]
Type Example providers Key features
Online checking/current SoFi, Chime, nbkc, Capital One 360, Discover, ZYNLO No monthly fees, debit card, large ATM networks, can be opened fully online.
Online savings / high-yield Ally, LendingClub, Bask Bank and similar online banks Higher interest rates, no branches, app/web-only banking.
Digital banks (EU / NL example) bunq, Openbank Quick signup in app, multiple sub-accounts, international features.
Online business accounts Various UK and EU providers, fintech platforms Designed for small businesses and international operations, opened remotely.

What you usually need

Most banks follow a similar online process.

  1. Choose account type
    • Decide: everyday spending, savings, or business.
    • Check fees, interest, ATM access, and app quality.
  2. Prepare documents
    • Government ID (passport, ID card, or driver’s license).
    • Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement, or government letter).
    • For business: company registration, tax ID, sometimes ownership documents.
  1. Complete online application
    • Fill in your personal details and contact info.
    • Upload ID and address documents, sometimes do a selfie/video check.
 * Agree to terms and submit.
  1. Fund the account
    • Initial deposit by bank transfer, card payment, or salary deposit.

Safety and things to watch out for

  • Make sure the bank is properly licensed in your country and covered by a deposit guarantee scheme.
  • Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication for the app or online banking.
  • Never follow links from suspicious emails or messages claiming to be your bank; go directly to the official website or app.

Mini “forum-style” angle

“I want a simple bank account I can open online and forget about fees. Where do I start?”

Typical answers on personal finance forums suggest:

  • Start with a no-fee online checking/current account from a reputable online or digital bank.
  • Add an online savings or high-yield savings account at the same bank (or a different online bank) once you’ve got your emergency fund going.

If you tell me your country and whether you want personal or business banking, I can narrow this down to the kinds of accounts that will fit you best.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.