Described herein is a method and a system to create an account at a financial institution using a computing machine, in particular an automated teller machine (ATM). The computing machine enables an applicant to submit an application form along with a softcopy of an identification document, for creating or opening a new account at a financial institution. Based on the submitted application form and the softcopy of the identification document, the computing machine transmits the identification information of the applicant to a central server of the financial institution. In case of successful verification, the central server creates the account in real time, and the computing machine presents a confirmation of account creation to the applicant.