Yes, you can open most Chase accounts entirely online

Chase lets you open a checking or savings account from your computer or phone without visiting a branch. The process takes about 10 minutes and you can start using your account the same day. You'll need a Social Security number, a valid ID, and a funding source (debit card, another bank account, or wire transfer) to complete the setup.

Not every account type is available online. Chase Money Market accounts and some specialty products require a phone call or branch visit. But the two most common accounts—Chase Total Checking and Chase Savings—can be opened entirely through Chase.com or the Chase mobile app.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase checking and savings accounts open online in about 10 minutes using your Social Security number and a valid ID.
  • You can fund your new account immediately with a debit card, transfer from another bank, or wire transfer.
  • Your account number and routing number are available the same day, so you can set up direct deposit right away.
  • If you already have a Chase account, opening a second one online is faster because Chase already has your information on file.
  • Some account types, including Money Market accounts, still require a phone call or branch visit to open.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you begin: a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Chase will verify your address using public records, but if those records are outdated, you can upload a recent utility bill or lease during the application.

You also need a way to fund the account. Chase accepts debit cards from any bank, transfers from an existing bank account, or wire transfers. If you're transferring from another bank, have your account number and routing number ready. There is no minimum deposit required to open most Chase accounts, though some products have minimum balance requirements to avoid monthly fees.

The step-by-step process on Chase.com

Go to Chase.com and click "Open an account" in the top navigation. Select the account type you want—checking or savings—and choose whether you want a standard account or one with premium features. Chase will ask you to enter your email address and create a password for your online banking login.

Next, enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. Chase runs a background check at this point using ChexSystems, a banking history database. If you have a history of unpaid overdrafts or fraud at other banks, Chase may deny your application or require you to call to discuss it.

After identity verification, you'll choose how to fund your account. If you use a debit card, enter the card number and expiration date—Chase will charge a small amount (usually $1 to $5) and then refund it to confirm the card is real. If you transfer from another bank, enter that bank's routing number and your account number. Wire transfers take longer but are available if you prefer.

Review the account terms and disclosures, then submit your application. Chase will send a confirmation email within minutes. Your account is active immediately, and you can log in to see your account number and routing number right away.

How to open an account on the Chase mobile app

The Chase mobile app has the same account opening flow as the website. Download the app, tap "Open an account," and follow the same steps: select account type, enter personal information, verify your identity, and fund the account. The app may ask for permission to access your phone's camera so you can photograph your ID instead of typing the information manually.

Opening on the app is slightly faster if you already have a Chase account, because the app can pull your information from your existing profile. You'll still need to verify your identity and choose a funding method, but you skip the data entry step.

What happens after you submit your application

Your account opens immediately in most cases. You'll receive a confirmation email with your account number, routing number, and a temporary online banking password. You can log in right away and set up direct deposit, transfer money, or link external accounts.

Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can use your account number and routing number to receive direct deposits or transfers. You can also use Chase Pay or add your account to a digital wallet if you need to make payments before the physical card shows up.

If Chase needs more information—for example, if your address cannot be verified—they will email you within one business day. They may ask you to upload a utility bill or call a verification line. Responding quickly keeps your account from being frozen or closed.

When you'll need to call or visit a branch instead

Chase Money Market accounts, CDs (certificates of deposit), and some business accounts cannot be opened online. If you want one of these products, call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 or visit a branch in person. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

You may also need to call if you have a ChexSystems flag or recent banking problems. Chase's automated system may decline your application online, but a representative can review your situation and sometimes override the decision. Having a reason ready—such as a dispute that was resolved—helps your case.

Common problems and how to fix them

If your application is declined, check your email for a reason. The most common reasons are a ChexSystems record (unpaid overdrafts or fraud at another bank), a mismatch between your ID and the address you entered, or a Social Security number that doesn't match public records. You can dispute ChexSystems records directly with ChexSystems, but that takes 30 days. Calling Chase to explain the situation is usually faster.

If your funding method is rejected, try a different card or bank account. Some debit cards have fraud blocks that prevent the verification charge from going through. If you're transferring from another bank, double-check the routing number—a single digit wrong will cause the transfer to fail.

If you don't receive a confirmation email, check your spam folder. If it's not there, log in to Chase.com with the email and password you created—if the account exists, you're already set up. If you can't log in, call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935 to confirm your account was created.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to open a Chase account online?

The application itself takes 10 to 15 minutes. Your account is active immediately after you submit it, and you can see your account number and routing number right away. Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Do I need an existing Chase account to open a new 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 identity information, but it's not required.

What if I don't have a debit card to fund my account?

You can transfer money from another bank account using the routing and account number, or you can arrange a wire transfer. You can also fund your account by mail after it opens, though that takes longer.

Can I open a joint account online?

No. Joint accounts require both account holders to be present, either in person at a branch or on a phone call with a representative. Call 1-800-935-9935 to open a joint account.

What if Chase declines my application?

Call 1-800-935-9935 to find out why. Common reasons include ChexSystems records, address verification issues, or Social Security number mismatches. A representative can sometimes override a decline or help you fix the problem.