Yes, you can open a Chase checking account in high school, but the account type and rules depend on your age

Chase offers two paths for high school students. If you are under 18, you can open a Chase First Banking account, which is designed for minors and requires a parent or guardian to be a joint owner. If you are 18 or older, you can open a standard Chase checking account on your own with just an ID and proof of address. The account you can open depends entirely on whether you have reached the age of majority in your state.

Chase First Banking is the account built for your situation. It comes with a debit card, online and mobile banking, and access to Chase's ATM network. Your parent or guardian sets up the account with you, maintains oversight, and can monitor spending through their own Chase app. Once you turn 18, you can convert this account to a standard checking account without closing it or losing your account history.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase First Banking is for customers under 18 and requires a parent or guardian to open the account as a joint owner.
  • You must bring a government-issued ID (passport, state ID, or school ID with photo) and proof of address to open an account in person at a Chase branch.
  • If you are 18 or older, you can open a standard Chase checking account on your own with an ID and proof of address.
  • Chase First Banking converts automatically to a regular checking account when you turn 18, so you keep the same account number and history.
  • Some Chase branches allow you to start the account online, but you will likely need to visit in person to verify your identity.

What you need to bring to open Chase First Banking

Bring your government-issued photo ID and proof of address. The ID can be a passport, state driver's license, state ID card, or school ID with a photo. Proof of address is typically a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and address.

Your parent or guardian must come with you and bring their own ID and proof of address. They will be the account owner, and you will be an authorized user until you turn 18. Some Chase branches may ask for additional documents, so calling ahead to confirm what your local branch needs is worth the five minutes.

What happens when you turn 18

Your Chase First Banking account does not close or change account numbers when you reach 18. Instead, it converts to a standard Chase checking account. You become the sole owner, and your parent or guardian is removed as a joint owner. Your transaction history, account number, and any linked services stay the same.

You do not need to do anything to make this conversion happen — Chase handles it automatically. However, you should log into your account after your 18th birthday to confirm the change and update your contact information if needed. If you want to keep your parent on the account after you turn 18, you can request that through Chase, but they will no longer have automatic oversight authority.

Fees and account features

Chase First Banking has no monthly maintenance fee and no minimum balance requirement. You get a debit card, online banking, mobile banking, and access to over 4,700 Chase ATMs nationwide. You can also set up direct deposit of paychecks or transfers from another account.

The account does not come with overdraft protection by default, which means if you spend more than you have, the transaction may be declined rather than approved. Your parent or guardian can request overdraft protection through their account settings, but this is optional. There are no foreign transaction fees, but ATM withdrawals outside the Chase network will charge a fee from the other bank.

How to open the account online or in person

Chase allows you to start the account opening process online through their website or mobile app. You will enter your personal information, your parent or guardian's information, and upload photos of both IDs and proof of address. However, Chase will likely require you to visit a branch in person to complete the account opening and verify your identity face-to-face.

If you prefer to skip the online step, you can walk into any Chase branch with your parent or guardian and all required documents and open the account on the spot. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Once the account is open, your debit card will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, and you can use your account online and through the mobile app immediately.

What to do if your local Chase branch is far away

If there is no Chase branch near you, you have limited options. Chase does not currently allow you to open a First Banking account entirely online without visiting a branch. However, you can call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935 to ask whether your nearest branch can accommodate you or whether they offer any alternative verification methods.

If opening a Chase account is not practical for your location, consider a checking account from a bank or credit union in your area. Many regional banks and credit unions offer youth checking accounts with similar features and lower barriers to entry. Your school may also have a credit union on campus that offers student accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase checking account if I am 16 or 17?

Yes, through Chase First Banking. You must bring a parent or guardian to open the account, and they become a joint owner. You get a debit card and full access to online and mobile banking, with your parent able to monitor the account through their own Chase app.

What if my parent does not have a Chase account?

Your parent does not need an existing Chase account to open a First Banking account with you. They will open their own account at the same time as a joint owner. If they do not want their own account, Chase will not open a First Banking account for you, because a parent or guardian must be the primary account owner.

Can I use my school ID as proof of identity?

Only if it has a photo. A school ID with your name and photo is acceptable at most Chase branches. If your school ID does not have a photo, bring a passport or state ID instead. Call your local branch to confirm what they accept before you go in.

How long does it take to get my debit card?

Chase mails debit cards within 7 to 10 business days of account opening. You can use your account online and through the mobile app immediately, even before the card arrives. If you need a card faster, ask the branch whether they can issue a temporary card in person.

What happens if I overdraft my account?

Without overdraft protection, transactions will be declined if you do not have enough money. With overdraft protection enabled by your parent or guardian, Chase may approve the transaction and charge you an overdraft fee. Check your account settings or ask your parent what protection is turned on before you spend.