We all have busy lives. You run to work, meetings, and soccer practices, and struggle to find time to squeeze in mowing the grass or doing the dishes.
When you’re constantly on the go, it can feel difficult to schedule the most basic of tasks, such as opening a new bank account. You may be wondering, “Can I open a bank account online?”
Yes, you can! You can save time by opening an account from the comfort of your home, at a time that’s convenient for you. All you need to do is follow this guide to ensure you have all the information you need to open your new bank account.
What Type of Bank Account Do You Want to Open?
First, before you complete any forms, determine what your banking needs will be, as it may impact which information you’ll need to provide. Consider all of your options. In addition to traditional checking, PSECU also offers savings, IRAs, youth accounts, a cash rewards credit card, mortgages, auto loans, and much more.
Also consider what kind of features you’ll want. With PSECU checking, for example, you can get free Bill Payer service and free basic-style checks. There’s no minimum monthly balance requirement or fee to open the account.
If you’re considering joining a credit union, learn about their eligibility requirements. In order to open an account online with PSECU, you must be eligible to join.
Read More: Banks vs. Credit Unions
Before You Open Your Online Bank Account
Now that you’ve determined your banking needs, the next step is to get ready to fill out all the necessary forms. You’ll want to gather a few items for reference as you answer questions about yourself and your financial standing. Things you need to have on hand include:
- Your current account information, such as routing and account numbers, if you already have an account at another bank or credit union
- Your driver’s license or other government-issued ID
- Your Social Security number
Once you have these items gathered, you’re almost ready to get started. The last thing you need to check is your Internet connection. It’s best to open your account from a secure connection in your home, where you know you have better protection from hackers. Don’t ever open a bank account using public Wi-Fi. You’ll be transmitting sensitive information, such as your Social Security number and account information, and you don’t want to expose this to hackers.
How to Open Your Bank Account Online
Now you’re ready to actually open your account. Go to the website of the financial institution where you want to open your account, such as our application page. After answering a few questions, you’ll receive some important documents, including disclosures and a privacy notice. Once you’ve acknowledged these, you can get started on your application. You’ll need to provide personal information, such as:
- Your home address and phone number
- Social Security number
- Information about the joint account owner, if you’re adding one
- Driver’s license number
- Employment information
If you’re applying for PSECU membership, we’ll also ask for permission to contact you about your application. This can help speed up the approval process if any questions arise, such as inconsistencies on SSNs or typos on addresses.
To open your PSECU account, you’ll need to make a $5 deposit in your Regular share, which is how we refer to your savings account. The online application will walk you through some easy options for completing this step.
Open Your New Account With PSECU
Opening a new bank account online is a safe, easy, and secure process that takes just a few minutes to complete. By lining up all your information ahead of time and knowing what type of account you want, you can be well on your way to getting your account up and running. Contact PSECU to learn more about our online banking options. And remember to check out our WalletWorks page to explore more money-saving ideas.