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A few simple steps can allow you to easily open bank account online. If you thought opening a bank account at your local bank branch was easy, opening a bank checking account using your computer and the Internet is even easier. Just follow the following process:
Step 1: Research Your Options
While there are a number of banks that allow you to open basic bank account online, many offer even basic services for a fee. You should consider the services particular banks offer, and ensure that they meet your present and future requirements. Most online banks will not offer interest bearing bank checking accounts, so you may need to open a savings account as well. Since interest rates on online savings accounts vary, you should draw comparisons on the best option available.
Step 2: Choose the Bank
Once you determine the best option for your needs, go ahead and lock into your choice of bank. You can simply use any search engine to go directly to the website of the bank to start the signup process.
Step 3: Verify Security Features of the Online Bank
It is extremely important that you ensure that all information that you provide to your bank is encrypted and secure. Since you will be entering sensitive information and choosing passwords to access your funds online, you need to ensure that the website uses 128bit SSL encryption while transferring data between your web browser and the bank’s servers. You can verify this by ensuring that there is a locked padlock symbol on your web browser. Clicking on the padlock will display a menu that tells you who the security certificate belongs to. Verify that the institution name matches the name of the bank that you are opening the account with. In the case of expired certificates, or certificates with an unknown name, you may want to choose a different bank.
Step 4: Collect & Enter Required Personal Information
Opening the bank account will require personal information. Make sure you have this handy. Other than your name, address, email address and Social Security number, some banks may require additional ID verification and need your drivers license number.
Step 5: Approval & Check Books
Some online banks offer instant creation of an online account while others may take 2-4 business days. Once you are approved, the bank will send you an email or call with an account number for your online account, as well as transfer instructions to make deposits. Checkbooks and other account information will be mailed to you in the next few working days. Make sure to keep them safe. You’re now ready to use your online bank account!
Simplified: Open a Bank Account Online
