You must be 18 years or older and a U.S. Citizen to apply. You can open a checking account in less than 10 minutes.  Select the checking options that matter most to you and decide if you'd like to apply online or in branch. You can apply online for any checking account type above on this page or schedule an appointment with your local branch for in-person support. Once a checking account has been created, you'll receive a confirmation email and will have the option to enroll in online banking. 

Yes, absolutely! You can open an checking account in less than 10 minutes online. Simply compare checking account types to determine which one best aligns with your individual needs and financial goals then complete the online application.

​To open an individual account in your name only, you will need (1) a valid U.S. driver's license or U.S. non-driver’s ID and (2) a valid U.S. Social Security number and you must be at least 18 years of age. If you are applying for a joint account, (1) the primary applicant must be at least 18 years of age and the co-applicant must be 16 years of age or older and (2) both joint applicants must have a valid U.S. driver's license or U.S. non-driver’s ID and a valid U.S. Social Security number. You will be required to provide this information, along with a U.S mailing address. If you are not a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Resident Alien and do not have this information, you will not be able to open an account online.

After you have completed the application, a confirmation e-mail will be sent to the email address you provided during the application process. You will also need to print, sign and return your signature card to M&T. If you have decided to mail a paper check to M&T for your opening deposit, you must mail your check, along with your signed signature card, to the M&T address provided on the signature card. Your M&T Debit/ATM card will arrive by mail within 7-10 business days. The card must be activated by phone or M&T ATM with your PIN before using.

No, not all checking accounts have minium balance requirements. However, you may receive additional benefits for maintaining specified average balances in your checking account, depending on the account type you choose. All checking accounts require a minimum $25 opening deposit. Compare checking accounts to better understand which one best aligns with your individual needs and goals.

Yes! Both online banking and M&T Bank's mobile banking app are great ways to help manage your accounts while on the go. You can enroll at no cost, and they come with additional beneifits and conveniences such as transaction alerts, Zelle®{{d487*}}, and Bill Pay{{d685*}} to name a few.

• You can pay bills or businesses using Online Bill Pay, ACH, wire transfers, or using a debit card. Online Bill Pay makes it easy to pay bills; use it to pay almost anyone you'd normally pay by check. You maintain control, determining when and how much to pay. Best of all, there is no charge for Bill Pay{{d685*}}
• We also offer additional payment options. For example, cashier's checks are available for a fee in your local M&T branch.
  
• When giving your account number and routing number to a business for payments from your MyChoice Premium Checking account, ensure the business does ACH (Automated Clearing House) as the payment. If a check is utilized instead of an electronic transaction through the ACH, the check will be returned and not paid. You may also be charged a fee by the business. Keep in mind you can use your debit card number instead or pay them through Bill Pay.

You can send money to friends or family using Online Bill Pay{{d685*}} or Zelle{{d487*}}. Online Bill Pay isn't just for paying your bills; you can easily make a payment to an individual one time, or set up a recurring payment. Zelle allows you to quickly pay back family and friends{{d487*}}. Log into the M&T Mobile Banking app or in Online Banking and select Send Money with Zelle to enroll.