You can change your Chase checking account type online, by phone, or in person, but the process and what you can switch to depends on which account you have now
Chase offers several checking account types—Chase Total Checking, Chase Premier Plus Checking, Chase Sapphire Checking, and others—and you can move between most of them without closing your account or losing your routing and account number. The change usually takes effect immediately or within one business day. However, not all switches are available to all customers, and some account types have minimum balance or direct deposit requirements that may prevent you from downgrading.
The fastest way to switch is through your Chase mobile app or online banking portal. If you cannot find the option there, or if you want to discuss which account fits your situation, call the number on the back of your debit card or visit a Chase branch in person. A banker can tell you which accounts you are currently may be able to access for and walk you through the change.
Key Takeaways
- You can change account types through the Chase app, online banking, by phone, or in a branch without closing your account or changing your account number.
- Some account types require a minimum balance or monthly direct deposit, and you may not be able to downgrade if you do not meet those requirements.
- The change usually takes effect immediately, but verify your new account terms and fees before confirming the switch.
- If you want to move to a premium account like Chase Sapphire Checking, Chase will review your account history and may decline if you have recent overdrafts or fraud flags.
Switching through the Chase app or online banking
Log into your Chase mobile app or go to chase.com and sign in. Look for "Accounts" or "Account Services" in the menu, then find the option to "Change Account Type" or "Manage Account." Select the account you want to change, and Chase will show you a list of accounts you are currently may be able to access for. Read the fees, minimum balance, and direct deposit requirements for each option before you select the new account type.
Once you confirm the change, it takes effect immediately. Your routing number and account number stay the same, so you do not need to update automatic bill payments, direct deposits, or transfers. Verify that your new account terms appear correctly in your account settings, and check your monthly statement to confirm the new fee structure is in place.
Changing your account type by phone or in a branch
Call the customer service number on the back of your debit card and tell the representative you want to change your account type. They will review your account, confirm which types you are may be able to access for, and process the change over the phone. The switch usually takes effect the same day or within one business day.
If you prefer to do this in person, visit any Chase branch with your debit card or ID. A banker can explain the differences between account types, show you the fee schedules, and make the change on the spot. This is useful if you have questions about which account makes sense for your banking habits or if you want to understand the trade-offs between accounts.
Account types and their requirements
| Account Type | Monthly Fee | Minimum Balance | Direct Deposit Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Total Checking | $12 (waived with direct deposit or $500+ daily balance) | None | No |
| Chase Premier Plus Checking | $25 (waived with $15,000+ daily balance or $500+ monthly direct deposit) | $15,000 recommended | No |
| Chase Sapphire Checking | $25 (waived with $20,000+ daily balance or $500+ monthly direct deposit) | $20,000 recommended | No |
Chase Total Checking is the most common account and has the lowest fee. You can waive the $12 monthly fee by setting up direct deposit or keeping a $500 daily balance. If you want to move to a premium account like Chase Premier Plus or Chase Sapphire, you will need to meet higher balance or direct deposit thresholds, and Chase will review your account history to make sure you have not had recent overdrafts or fraud issues.
The difference between Premier Plus and Sapphire is mainly the balance requirement and the benefits tied to each account. Sapphire typically offers higher interest rates on balances and additional perks like travel insurance, while Premier Plus is a middle tier between Total Checking and Sapphire. Your current account history and balance determine which accounts Chase will let you switch to.
When Chase may decline your request to change accounts
If you have had overdrafts, returned checks, or fraud disputes in the past 12 months, Chase may not let you upgrade to a premium account. The bank uses ChexSystems, a banking history database, to screen customers, and a negative history can block you from certain account types. Chase reviews this information automatically when you request a switch, and the decision is usually made within minutes.
You can still downgrade to a lower-tier account or stay with your current account. If you want to move to a premium account but have been declined, wait at least 12 months from your last overdraft or issue, then try again. You can also contact Chase directly to ask whether your account is now may be able to access or to understand why you were declined.
What happens to your existing transactions and balances
Changing your account type does not affect your current balance, pending transactions, or transaction history. Your money stays in the account, and any checks you have written or automatic payments you have set up continue to process normally. Your routing number and account number do not change, so external parties like your employer or creditors do not need to be notified.
The only thing that changes is the fee structure and any benefits or requirements tied to the new account type. For example, if you switch from Chase Total Checking to Chase Sapphire Checking, you may gain higher interest rates on balances or better fraud protection, but you will also need to maintain a higher balance or set up direct deposit to avoid the monthly fee.
Downgrading your account if you no longer meet the requirements
If you have a premium account but your balance drops below the minimum or you stop receiving direct deposits, Chase will start charging you the monthly fee. You can downgrade to Chase Total Checking or another lower-tier account at any time to avoid the fee. The process is the same: use the app, call customer service, or visit a branch.
Chase will not automatically downgrade you, so if you want to avoid fees, you need to make the change yourself. Check your account settings regularly to see which fees are being charged and whether you still meet the requirements for your current account type. If you are close to falling below the minimum balance, consider downgrading before the fee kicks in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my account type affect my credit score?
No. Switching between Chase checking accounts does not trigger a hard inquiry or appear on your credit report. Chase only looks at your banking history and account status, not your credit.
Can I switch back to my old account type if I change my mind?
Yes. You can switch between account types as many times as you want. There is no limit on how often you can change, and each switch takes effect immediately or within one business day.
Do I need to close my old account when I switch to a new account type?
No. You are changing the type of account you already have, not opening a new one. Your account number, routing number, and all your existing transactions stay the same.
What if I have pending direct deposits or automatic payments when I switch?
Pending transactions will process normally. Your routing and account numbers do not change, so direct deposits and bill payments continue without interruption.
Can I switch to a premium account if I have a negative balance or overdraft protection?
Chase reviews your account history before approving a switch to premium accounts. Recent overdrafts or fraud disputes may disqualify you. Contact Chase to ask about your may be able to access, or wait 12 months and try again.