Yes, you can open most Chase accounts online from start to finish
Chase lets you open a checking or savings account entirely online without visiting a branch. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you can start using your account the same day in most cases. You will need a valid government ID, a Social Security number, and a way to fund the account — either a debit card, another bank account, or a wire transfer.
Not every account type is available online. Money Market accounts and some specialty products require a phone call or branch visit. If you already have a Chase account, opening a second one online is faster because Chase already has your information on file.
Key Takeaways
- Chase checking and savings accounts open online in about 10 minutes with a valid ID, Social Security number, and initial funding method.
- You will need to verify your identity during signup, which usually happens instantly through Chase's system.
- Your account number and routing number appear immediately after approval, so you can set up direct deposit or transfers the same day.
- Some account types, including Money Market accounts, are not available through the online process and require a phone call or branch visit.
- If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to open the account with you, either online or at a branch.
What documents and information you need before you start
Have your Social Security number ready. Chase will ask for the last four digits during signup and verify the full number later. If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot open an account online — you will need to visit a branch and bring your passport or other government-issued ID.
You will need a valid government-issued ID: a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Chase scans or photographs this during the online process. If your ID is expired, Chase may still accept it, but some states' expired IDs will be rejected — you will find out during signup.
Prepare a funding source. You can link a debit card, another bank account (using routing and account numbers), or arrange a wire transfer. The minimum opening deposit varies by account type — typically $0 to $25 for checking, though some premium accounts require more. Check the specific account page before you start to confirm the minimum for the account you want.
The actual steps to open an account online
Go to chase.com and click "Open an Account" or "Sign Up" — the button location changes periodically. You will be asked to choose your account type: checking, savings, or both. Select the specific product (for example, Chase Total Checking or Chase Savings) because different products have different fees and features.
Enter your personal information: name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. Chase will ask whether you are a U.S. citizen and whether you have an existing Chase account. Answer honestly — if you already bank with Chase, the system will recognize you and skip some verification steps.
Verify your identity. Chase uses an automated system that checks your information against credit bureaus and other databases. This usually takes seconds. If the system cannot verify you automatically, Chase will ask you to upload a photo of your ID or answer security questions based on your credit history. This step can take a few minutes or up to 24 hours if manual review is needed.
Choose your funding method and make your initial deposit. Enter your debit card number, or link another bank account by providing its routing and account numbers. The deposit amount depends on the account type — check before you start. If you use a debit card, the charge appears on your card statement within one to two business days.
Review the account agreement and sign electronically. Chase will show you the terms, fee schedule, and deposit agreement. You must read and accept these to finish opening the account. After you sign, your account is active and your account number appears on screen.
When your account is ready to use
Your account number and routing number are available immediately after approval. You can use these to set up direct deposit, arrange automatic bill payments, or transfer money from another bank. Your debit card ships separately and usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
If you need to make a deposit before your card arrives, you can use mobile check deposit through the Chase app (if you have another Chase account with a card), visit an ATM to deposit cash, or go to a branch. Wire transfers and ACH transfers from another bank can be set up right away using your new routing and account numbers.
Your initial deposit may take one to two business days to clear if you used a debit card. If you linked another bank account, the transfer typically clears within one to three business days. Once the deposit clears, your available balance updates and you can withdraw or spend the money.
Accounts you cannot open online
Chase Money Market accounts must be opened by phone or in person. Call 1-800-935-9935 to open one over the phone, or visit a branch. Some business accounts and specialty products also require a branch visit or phone call.
If you are under 18, you cannot open an account entirely on your own. A parent or guardian must be present, either online (if Chase allows it for your state) or at a branch. Requirements vary by state, so call Chase or visit a branch to confirm what is needed in your location.
What happens if verification fails
If Chase's automated system cannot verify your identity, you will see a message during signup. Chase will either ask you to upload a photo of your ID or answer questions about your credit history. This manual review usually takes 24 hours.
If you fail verification a second time, you will need to open the account at a branch in person. Bring your ID, Social Security card (or a document with your Social Security number), and proof of address (a utility bill or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). A banker can open the account on the spot.
If you have a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit file, Chase may not be able to verify you online. Contact the credit bureau that placed the alert or freeze and ask them to temporarily lift it, then try opening the account again. You can also go to a branch and open the account in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to open a Chase account online?
The signup process takes about 10 minutes. Identity verification is usually instant, but can take up to 24 hours if Chase needs to review your information manually. Your account is active and usable the same day in most cases, though your debit card arrives separately in 7 to 10 business days.
Do I need an existing Chase account to open one online?
No. You can open your first Chase account entirely online. If you already have a Chase account, the process is slightly faster because Chase already has your information. Either way, the online process works the same.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You cannot open an account online without a Social Security number. Visit a Chase branch with your passport or other government-issued ID and ask about opening an account. A banker can help you explore options and may be able to use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead, depending on your situation.
Can I open a joint account online?
Chase does not allow joint account opening online. One person opens the account, and the second owner must be added at a branch or by phone. Call 1-800-935-9935 to add a joint owner, or visit a branch with both people present and valid IDs.
What if my initial deposit fails?
If your debit card is declined, try a different card or link a bank account instead. If a linked bank account fails, check that you entered the routing and account numbers correctly. You can also complete the signup without funding the account and deposit money later, though some account types have minimum opening deposits that must be met within a certain timeframe.