You cannot open a Chase savings account entirely by phone
Chase requires you to complete at least part of the account opening process online or in person at a branch. You can start an application over the phone by calling Chase at 1-800-935-9935, but you will need to finish it through their website or mobile app before the account becomes active. If you do not have internet access or prefer to work with someone face-to-face, you can open an account in person at any Chase branch without calling first.
The phone call can answer your questions about which savings product fits your needs and walk you through what documents you will need, but it cannot replace the final verification step that happens online or on paper at a branch.
Key Takeaways
- Chase phone representatives can discuss savings account options and take initial information, but you must complete the application online, through the mobile app, or in person to finish opening the account.
- You will need a valid government-issued ID, a Social Security number, and proof of current address (such as a utility bill or lease) to open any Chase savings account.
- The fastest route is usually the Chase mobile app or website, where you can open an account in minutes without waiting for a phone representative.
- If you open an account by phone and then online, the process typically takes one business day for the account to become fully active and usable.
What you need before calling Chase
Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address ready before you call. Chase will ask for these during the phone conversation. You will also need a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card — because you will have to verify your identity either online or in person before the account opens.
If you are calling from outside the United States, have your passport and visa information available. Chase has different rules for non-residents and may ask additional questions about your immigration status or the purpose of the account.
How the phone-to-online process works
When you call Chase, a representative will confirm your identity, discuss which savings account type matches your needs, and collect your basic information. They will then send you a link via email or text to complete the application online. You click that link, review the terms, upload or photograph your ID and proof of address, and sign the account agreement electronically.
Chase will run a background check through ChexSystems (a banking history database) and may also check your credit report, depending on the account type. This usually takes a few minutes to a few hours. Once approved, your account number is assigned and you can log into Chase online banking or the mobile app to set up transfers and deposit money.
If you do not complete the online portion within a certain window — typically 30 days — the application expires and you will need to start over. Chase will send you reminders by email if you do not finish.
Opening an account in person instead
If you prefer not to use the phone or online process, walk into any Chase branch during business hours with your ID and proof of address. A banker will open the account on the spot, usually in 10 to 15 minutes. You can deposit money immediately and start using the account the same day.
This route works well if you want to ask questions face-to-face, do not have reliable internet access, or want to make an initial deposit in cash. You do not need an appointment, though calling ahead during busy times can reduce your wait.
Which Chase savings accounts you can open
Chase offers several savings products: Chase Savings, Chase Premier Savings, and Chase Sapphire Savings. The main differences are the interest rate (which varies based on your balance and current market rates) and the minimum balance required to avoid a monthly fee. Chase Savings has no minimum balance requirement. Premier and Sapphire accounts require higher balances to waive the monthly maintenance fee.
You can ask a phone representative which account makes sense for your situation, but the choice is yours to make. There is no "best" account — it depends on how much money you plan to keep in savings and whether you want to link it to a checking account for easier transfers.
What happens if your application is denied
Chase may deny your application if you have a history of unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or other issues flagged in ChexSystems. You can request a copy of your ChexSystems report for free by visiting www.chexsystems.com and following their dispute process if information is incorrect.
If Chase denies you, you can reapply after 30 days. Some people open accounts at other banks first (like a second-chance bank account), build a clean history for several months, and then reapply to Chase. A phone representative cannot override a denial, but they can explain the reason and tell you what might change your chances on a future application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Chase savings account without a Social Security number?
No. Chase requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for all deposit accounts. If you do not have one, you will need to obtain an ITIN from the IRS before you can open an account. Non-citizens with valid visas can use an ITIN.
How long does it take for the account to be ready to use after I apply over the phone?
If you complete the online portion the same day, the account is usually active within one business day. You can log in and see your account number immediately, but transfers and deposits may take one to two business days to post, depending on the method.
Do I need to have a Chase checking account to open a savings account?
No. You can open a Chase savings account on its own without a checking account. However, linking a checking account later makes it easier to move money between accounts for free.
What if I do not have proof of address?
Chase accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, and government-issued documents as proof of address. If you have none of these, call Chase to ask about alternatives — some branches may accept other documents in person.
Can I deposit money into the account before it is fully activated?
No. You cannot deposit money until the account is active and you have received your account number. Once you complete the online application and it is approved, you can deposit through mobile check deposit, ACH transfer, or in person at a branch.