How to Open an Equity Bank Account Online in Kenya

With modern banking technology, you can now open many Equity accounts online in Kenya without ever visiting a branch. With its reputation as one of Kenya’s largest banks, Equity Bank offers a range of personal banking services that can be accessed online.

When you consider safety and security of your money, having access to loans and 24/7 mobile banking, it’s very important that you understand how to open an Equity bank account online in Kenya.

This guide explains exactly how to open an Equity Bank account online in Kenya, covering what the account is, requirements, costs (it’s usually free!), and step-by-step instructions.

1What is Equity Bank account in Kenya?

2Can I open my Equity Bank account online?

3Can I open a bank account online without going to the bank in Kenya?

4How much does it cost to open an equity bank account online?

5Requirements to open equity bank account online

6How to Open an Equity Bank Account Online in Kenya

What is Equity Bank account in Kenya?

An “Equity Bank account” generally means a bank account held at Equity Bank Kenya for saving, checking (current account), or other purposes. Equity offers several account types for personal use, the most basic being the Equity Ordinary Account.

This account is meant for day-to-day transactions – you can deposit money, withdraw cash, make payments, and receive remittances. It allows full access to Equity’s mobile and internet banking, and you can link a Mastercard or Visa debit card to it (or even a credit card).

Other Equity account types include savings accounts, fixed deposit accounts, and specialized accounts (e.g. diaspora accounts for Kenyans abroad). But for most new customers, the Ordinary Account is a good start since it has no maintenance fees.

Equity Bank emphasizes that account opening is fast and flexible, making it easy to put your money in a bank rather than keeping cash at home.

Can I open my Equity Bank account online?

Yes. Equity Bank offers online and mobile options for account opening, meaning you often don’t need to go to a branch in person. Key digital channels include:

Equity Mobile App: The new Equity Mobile App (which replaced the old Eazzy Banking app) allows new users to open a bank account instantly. When you download the app and register as a “new to bank customer”, you are guided to “create your profile & open an account”.

After you install the app and click “Register”, the system will prompt you to enter your personal information and then it automatically creates an Equity Ordinary Account in your name. This process is advertised as instant and paperless.
USSD Code (*247#): Equity’s USSD mobile banking code *247# can also onboard new customers. You can dial *247# from any Safaricom, Airtel, or Telkom line, and the menu will offer an option to register as a new user.

Follow the prompts to sign up and the system will create an Equity account for you. This 247 code is available to everyone (even without smartphones) and costs only KSh 1 per session.
Equity Online Portal: Equity has an online banking portal (Equity Online), but account opening is more often done via the mobile app or USSD. The desktop portal is for account management, so it’s not typically used to open accounts first-time.

All methods are official and advertised by Equity Bank. Once you register online, your new account is set up and ready for banking.

Can I open a bank account online without going to the bank in Kenya?

In general, yes – many Kenyan banks now allow opening accounts remotely. For Equity Bank specifically, the answer is yes via their mobile app or USSD as described. You do not have to physically visit a branch, print forms, or wait in line. The digital channels do the job. This trend is part of Kenya’s push for digital finance.

After submitting your information online, Equity may not require any additional step at the branch. Some banks might want you to deposit a small amount (often via M-Pesa Paybill) to activate the account, but that can also be done remotely.

If you prefer, you can still open in person, but it’s not necessary. Using online or USSD takes minutes.

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How much does it cost to open an equity bank account online?

In most cases, zero Kenyan Shillings. Equity Bank does not charge an account opening fee or a monthly maintenance fee for standard accounts. The Equity Ordinary Account explicitly lists “No minimum operating balance” and “No monthly charges”.

Likewise, Equity’s mobile banking promotion does not mention any charge for opening an account. The main cost you might incur is if you choose to deposit funds into the account but Equity itself does not charge you just to open the account.

The only fees involved in the process would be incidental ones:

Data or airtime cost: using the Equity app or dialing *247# consumes a tiny amount of airtime or requires internet data. *247# costs KSh 1 per session.
M-Pesa fee: if you fund your account via M-Pesa, Safaricom will charge the standard transfer fee (for example, KSh 42 for a KSh 40,000 deposit).
Transaction fees: Once open, normal banking fees apply (ATM withdrawals, Paybill transactions, etc.), but those are separate from the opening process.

Requirements to open equity bank account online

To open an Equity Bank account online, you need the same basic identification as if you applied in person. From Equity’s account pages and mobile registration prompts, the key requirements are:

Valid National ID (or Passport): You must be a Kenyan citizen (or eligible person) with a government-issued ID or passport. The Equity site lists “Original Identification document” as needed for individuals. For online application, you will enter your ID number and possibly upload a scan or photo of it via the app.
KRA PIN: Equity often requires your Kenya Revenue Authority PIN certificate as part of KYC. The Equity Ordinary Account signup mentions KRA PIN. The app may prompt you for it, or require you to upload a copy. So have your KRA details handy.
Mobile Phone Number: Your own active mobile number must be provided. In fact, when registering, you register with the mobile number that will be the login. Equity’s system will link your mobile (M-Pesa) wallet to the account. So ensure the phone number you use is registered in your name. The mobile app and *247# registration both rely on sending an OTP or confirmation to your phone.
Email Address (optional): The app might ask for an email when setting up, but it’s usually optional for basic account creation. Even if not needed upfront, it’s useful to have one linked.
Age 18+: You must be at least 18 (adult) to open an account. (If you’re younger, Equity and other banks have youth/student accounts with guardianship).

Those are the main documents. If you were opening a more advanced account (like for a company or chama group), additional documents would be needed (certificates, resolutions, etc.). But for a personal account online, ID and KRA PIN plus your info suffice.

How to Open an Equity Bank Account Online in Kenya

Here are the step-by-step instructions to open an Equity Bank account online:

Choose Your Method: Decide whether to use the Equity Mobile App (smartphone) or the USSD code *247# (any phone). The app gives a richer interface, but *247# works on even basic phones.
Download or Dial:
- For Mobile App: Go to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and install the Equity Mobile App. Open it and tap Register.
- For USSD: Dial *247# on your phone. If prompted, choose “New to Bank” or “Register”.
Follow Registration Prompts:
- New Customer: If you are new to Equity (never had an account), select that option. In the app, after registration, you will be guided to create a profile. On *247#, you will go through on-screen menus to input details.
- Active Customer: If you already had an Equity account, choose “Already an Equity Member” to re-activate or link. But as a truly new user, the “New to bank” path creates everything from scratch.

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Enter Personal Details: You will be asked to input:
- Full Name (as on ID)
- ID Number (and possibly upload an image of ID for verification)
- KRA PIN (or at least confirm the number)
- Phone Number (the one you are using; it will become your login)
- Email Address (if asked)
- Date of Birth and Nationality.
- Possibly Occupation or Business Details (some basic profile info).
  Ensure all details match your ID exactly.
Set Security Credentials: The app will ask you to create a login password or PIN. On 247#, you will set a 4-digit PIN for transactions. Remember this PIN as it will be used for all future Equity mobile banking.
Agree to Terms: You will have to accept Equity’s terms and conditions electronically. Read any agreements before accepting.
Submit and Confirm: After filling everything, the app will process the info. On 247#, confirm the details on screen. If using the app, you might receive an OTP (one-time PIN) via SMS to confirm your number. Enter it when prompted.
Account Creation: If all information is valid, Equity’s system will immediately set up your account. You should see a message or receive an email/SMS with your new Equity account number. You now have an active Equity Bank Ordinary Account.
Initial Deposit (Optional): Equity usually does not require a cash deposit to start. But if the app prompts you to deposit any amount, you can do so via M-Pesa (using Equity’s paybill 247247, for example) or through an ATM.
Use Your Account: Once opened, you can log in to the app or use *247# with your new PIN to see your balance and start transactions. Equity will issue you a debit card if requested (often automatically, they send a Visa/Mastercard to your postal address if you opted for it).

FAQs

How can I open a bank account in Kenya while abroad?

Copy of your Kenyan National ID or Passport.
Proof of residence (utility bill or lease agreement)
One monty statement from your current bank or a recent payslip.
Passport size photo.
KRA PIN Certificate.

Is Equity Bank International?

The Bank has subsidiaries in Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, Tanzania, DRC, and a Commercial Representative Office in Ethiopia

Does Equity Bank offer online banking?

Yes, Equity Bank offers Digital Banking

Conclusion

Opening an Equity Bank account online in Kenya is quick, free, and safe. Equity’s digital tools allow you to register as a new customer in minutes. You only need basic documents and a mobile phone number.

If you follow the above listed steps, your account will be created almost instantly. You can start banking immediately via mobile or internet.

As with any bank account, keep your login credentials secure. Once set up, your Equity account gives you 24/7 access to saving, paying bills, and managing money, all from your phone.

It’s a smooth process that puts the power of banking at your fingertips.