Yes, you can open a Chase savings account entirely online
Chase lets you open a savings account from your computer or phone without visiting a branch. The process takes about 10 minutes and requires a Social Security number, a valid ID, and an initial deposit (usually $0 to $25, depending on the account type). You'll need an active email address and a way to verify your identity — Chase uses either a photo ID scan or questions about your financial history.
The account opens immediately after approval, and you can start using it the same day. Chase will mail you a debit card within 7 to 10 business days, though you can transfer money in or out before it arrives using your routing and account numbers.
Key Takeaways
- Chase savings accounts open online in about 10 minutes with a Social Security number, valid ID, and initial deposit.
- You must verify your identity either by uploading a photo ID or answering security questions about your credit history.
- Your account is active immediately, but your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- You can fund the account online using a transfer from another bank, a Chase checking account, or a wire transfer.
- Chase offers several savings account types with different interest rates and minimum balance requirements — compare them before you open.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before opening the account: your Social Security number, a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your date of birth, and your current address. Chase will ask for your phone number and email address as well.
You'll also need a way to make an initial deposit. This can be a transfer from another bank account, a wire transfer, or a deposit from an existing Chase checking account. Some Chase savings accounts require a minimum opening deposit of $0, while others ask for $25. Check the specific account details on Chase's website before you begin.
The online signup process, step by step
Go to Chase.com and select "Open an Account" or "Savings Accounts." Choose the savings account type you want — Chase offers the Chase Savings, Chase Premier Savings, and Chase Sapphire Preferred Savings, each with different interest rates and features. Read the details carefully because the rate and minimum balance vary by account.
Enter your personal information: name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. Chase will ask whether you're a new customer or an existing one. If you already have a Chase checking account, the process is faster because Chase already has some of your information on file.
Verify your identity. Chase offers two routes: upload a photo of your ID (front and back), or answer security questions based on your credit history. The photo ID route usually takes a few minutes. If you choose the security questions, Chase pulls data from credit bureaus and asks you to confirm details like previous addresses or loan amounts.
Choose your initial deposit method. If you have another bank account, you can link it and transfer money in. If you're already a Chase customer, you can move money from your checking account. Wire transfers are also available but may take longer to process. Complete the deposit, and your account opens.
How long it takes and when you can use the account
Your savings account is active immediately after you finish the online signup. You can log in, see your balance, and set up transfers right away. However, there's a delay between when the account opens and when you can access all features.
If you fund the account with a transfer from another bank, that transfer typically takes 1 to 3 business days to arrive. Wire transfers are faster — usually same-day or next-day. Transfers from an existing Chase account are instant.
Your physical debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can still move money in and out using online transfers, but you can't withdraw cash at an ATM or make purchases in stores. If you need cash before the card arrives, you can visit a Chase branch and withdraw from your new savings account.
Interest rates and account features vary by type
Chase offers three main savings account types, and the interest rate, minimum balance, and monthly fee differ for each. The Chase Savings account has no monthly fee and no minimum opening deposit, but the interest rate is typically lower than other options. The Chase Premier Savings requires a higher minimum balance (usually $10,000 to $25,000) and pays a higher interest rate. The Chase Sapphire Preferred Savings is tied to a premium checking account and offers additional perks.
Interest rates change frequently and vary based on the Federal Reserve's actions. Check Chase.com for the current rate on the account you're considering before you open it. The rate you see at signup is the rate you'll earn, but it can change in the future — Chase will notify you by mail or email if that happens.
All Chase savings accounts include FDIC insurance up to $250,000, which means your money is protected if Chase fails. You can also link your savings account to a Chase checking account for overdraft protection, though that feature costs extra on some account types.
What happens if verification fails or your application is denied
If Chase can't verify your identity online, you'll be asked to visit a branch in person with your ID and Social Security card. This usually happens if your photo ID doesn't scan clearly or if the security questions don't match your credit file. Chase will send you a message explaining what's needed.
Occasionally, Chase denies an online application. Common reasons include a mismatch between the name on your ID and the name in the system, a recent address change that hasn't updated in credit bureaus, or a history of fraud or account misuse with Chase. If your application is denied, you can call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to ask why and whether you can reapply or visit a branch instead.
Moving money into your new account
Once your account is open, you have several ways to fund it. The easiest is a transfer from another bank account you own — you'll need the routing number and account number from that bank. Chase can walk you through linking an external account during signup or afterward in your online dashboard.
If you have an existing Chase checking account, you can transfer money between accounts instantly using Chase's online banking or mobile app. You can also set up automatic transfers on a schedule — for example, moving $100 from checking to savings every payday.
Wire transfers are another option, though they're slower and may carry a fee. You'll provide the sender with Chase's wire routing number and your new account number. Some employers also allow direct deposit to a savings account, though you'll need to update your payroll information with your new account details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a Chase customer already to open a savings account online?
No. New customers can open a Chase savings account online without an existing Chase account. The process is the same, though existing customers may find it slightly faster because Chase already has some information on file.
What if I don't have a photo ID or can't upload one?
You can choose the security questions route instead during signup. Chase will ask you to confirm details from your credit history. If that doesn't work, you can visit a Chase branch in person with your ID and open the account there.
Can I open a savings account on my phone?
Yes. The Chase mobile app has an "Open an Account" option that works the same way as the website. You'll upload your ID photo using your phone's camera and complete the same verification steps.
How much money do I have to put in to open the account?
It depends on the account type. Chase Savings requires no minimum opening deposit. Chase Premier Savings usually requires $10,000 to $25,000. Check the specific account details on Chase.com before you start, because minimums can change.
Can I close the account if I change my mind?
Yes. You can close a Chase savings account anytime by calling Chase, visiting a branch, or using your online banking dashboard. Chase will ask where you want the remaining balance sent — to another bank account or a Chase checking account.