Yes, Chase offers checking accounts to most people, but the account type and approval depend on your banking history and the branch you visit

Chase has multiple checking account products available to new customers. The most common are the Chase Total Checking account (which has a monthly service fee that can be waived) and the Chase Premier Plus Checking account (aimed at customers with higher balances). You can open an account online, by phone, or in person at a Chase branch. The process takes minutes if you have the right documents, but Chase will check your banking history through ChexSystems, a verification system that tracks closed accounts and overdrafts at other banks.

Not everyone is approved on the spot. If you have a history of overdrafts, unpaid fees, or fraud at another bank, Chase may deny your application or require you to wait a set period before reapplying. Some people are placed on a waitlist or offered a second-chance account with restrictions. The outcome depends on what ChexSystems finds and Chase's internal policies at the time you apply.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase Total Checking and Chase Premier Plus Checking are the main options; Total Checking charges a monthly fee unless you meet waiver requirements like direct deposit or a minimum balance.
  • You can open online, by phone, or in a branch; online is fastest if you have a Social Security number and valid ID.
  • Chase checks ChexSystems, which reports overdrafts and closed accounts from other banks, and may deny you based on that history.
  • If denied, you can ask Chase why and reapply after the waiting period, or look for a second-chance checking account at another bank.
  • You will need a government-issued ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit (amount varies by account type and location).

What documents and information you need to bring

To open a Chase checking account, have a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and your Social Security number ready. If you are opening online, you will enter this information directly into Chase's website or app. If you are opening in person or by phone, a Chase representative will ask for it verbally or scan your ID.

You will also need to make an initial deposit. The minimum varies by account type and branch location—some branches require $25, others $100 or more. You can fund the account with a debit card, transfer from another bank account, or cash if you are opening in person. Chase will ask for your contact information (phone number and email) and may ask about your employment and income, though these are not required to open the account.

If you are opening in person, bring your ID and debit card or checkbook from another bank to fund the account. If you are opening online, have your ID ready to photograph or scan, and have access to another bank account to transfer the initial deposit.

How ChexSystems affects your approval

Chase uses ChexSystems, a third-party verification service, to check your banking history before approving a new account. ChexSystems reports overdrafts, bounced checks, closed accounts due to misuse, and fraud claims from other banks. If you have recent negative marks—especially multiple overdrafts or an account closed for fraud—Chase may deny your application.

You have the right to see what ChexSystems has on file about you. You can request a free report at www.chexsystems.com or by calling 1-800-428-9623. If there is an error on your report, you can dispute it directly with ChexSystems, and Chase will reconsider your application once the error is corrected.

If Chase denies you, ask the bank for the specific reason. Common reasons include an active ChexSystems record, a recent account closure at another bank, or unpaid fees. Chase's policy typically requires you to wait a set period (often 12 months from the negative event) before reapplying, though this varies by situation.

Opening an account online versus in person

Opening online is the fastest route if you have a valid ID and Social Security number. You can complete the application on Chase.com or the Chase mobile app in 5 to 10 minutes. You will photograph or scan your ID, enter your personal information, and link another bank account to fund the initial deposit. Chase will verify your identity electronically and usually approve you within minutes. Your account number and routing number are available immediately, though your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Opening in person at a Chase branch takes 15 to 30 minutes. A banker will verify your ID, run the ChexSystems check, and process your application on the spot. You can fund the account with cash, a debit card, or a check. If approved, you walk out with a temporary debit card or can use your account number to withdraw cash the same day. This route is useful if you prefer to speak with someone or if you want immediate access to a debit card.

Opening by phone is also an option; call 1-800-935-9935 to speak with a Chase representative. The process is similar to online but slower because everything is done verbally. You will still need to provide ID information and fund the account from another bank account.

What happens if Chase denies your application

If Chase denies you, the bank will send a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons are a negative ChexSystems record, an active fraud claim, or an outstanding balance owed to Chase or another bank. The letter will also tell you whether you can reapply and when.

If the denial is based on ChexSystems, check your report and dispute any errors. If the report is accurate, you will need to wait out the waiting period—usually 12 months from the date of the negative event—before reapplying. Some people are offered a second-chance checking account with restrictions, such as a lower initial deposit or no overdraft protection.

If you are denied by Chase, consider opening a checking account at another bank in the meantime. Many banks, including Chime, LendingClub, and some credit unions, offer second-chance accounts to people with ChexSystems records. Once your ChexSystems record clears or the waiting period ends, you can reapply to Chase.

Monthly fees and how to avoid them

Chase Total Checking has a $12 monthly service fee, but it can be waived if you meet one of these conditions: receive a direct deposit of any amount, maintain a minimum balance of $500, or link a Chase savings account with a $300 minimum balance. Most people waive the fee through direct deposit, which is automatic if your employer deposits your paycheck into the account.

Chase Premier Plus Checking has a higher monthly fee (typically $25) and is designed for customers with larger balances or higher account activity. It waives the fee if you maintain a minimum balance of $15,000 or have a linked Chase investment account.

If you do not meet the waiver requirements, you will be charged the monthly fee. Chase will deduct it from your account automatically on a set date each month. You can avoid the fee by setting up direct deposit, moving money into a linked savings account, or switching to a different account type if Chase offers one that fits your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase checking account if I have been denied before?

Yes, if the waiting period has passed. Check your ChexSystems report to see when the negative event occurred. Most denials are based on a 12-month waiting period from the date of the event. If the period has passed, reapply online or in person. If you are still denied, ask Chase for the specific reason and whether you can reapply later.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You will need a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open a Chase account. If you do not have one, you can apply through the IRS. Some banks offer accounts to non-citizens with an ITIN, but Chase's policy may vary by branch. Call your local Chase branch to ask.

How long does it take to receive my debit card?

If you open online, your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you open in person at a branch, you may receive a temporary card immediately or be able to use your account number to withdraw cash the same day. Your permanent card will still arrive by mail within 10 business days.

Can I open a joint checking account at Chase?

Yes. Both account holders must be present (in person or online with verification) and provide their own ID and Social Security number. Chase will run ChexSystems on both people. The account is owned equally, and both can access it and make withdrawals.

What is the minimum initial deposit to open a Chase checking account?

The minimum varies by branch and account type, typically between $25 and $100. Some branches may waive the minimum for online applications. Call your local Chase branch or check Chase.com to confirm the requirement for your location.