Chase gives you a checking account by default, but the specific type depends on which product you choose at signup

When you open an account at Chase, you are opening a checking account unless you specifically choose a savings product instead. Chase does not automatically bundle checking and savings together — you pick one or the other at the point of opening, or you open them as separate accounts. The checking account comes with a debit card, online banking, and the ability to write checks. If you want both checking and savings, you have to open both accounts, which takes a few minutes more but uses the same login.

The type of checking account you get depends on which Chase checking product you select. Chase offers several versions: Chase Total Checking (the most common), Chase Premier Checking, Chase Sapphire Checking, and Chase Student Checking. Each one has different monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and rewards structures. You choose which one during signup, and you can switch between them later without closing the account.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase checking is the default account type when you open an account, and it comes with a debit card and check-writing ability.
  • You must open a savings account separately if you want one — Chase does not automatically create both.
  • The specific checking product (Total, Premier, Sapphire, or Student) is your choice at signup and determines your monthly fee and minimum balance.
  • You can switch between Chase checking products after opening without closing the account or losing your account number.

Which Chase checking product you choose at signup

Chase Total Checking is the standard option and the one most people choose. It has a monthly maintenance fee that is waived if you meet one of several conditions: maintain a minimum daily balance, set up direct deposit, or link a Chase savings account. The fee itself varies by region but is typically around $12 per month if you do not meet a waiver condition.

Chase Premier Checking requires a higher minimum balance and is aimed at customers with more money to deposit. It comes with additional perks like higher interest rates on linked savings accounts and waived fees for certain services. Chase Sapphire Checking is tied to the Chase Sapphire credit card and offers rewards on debit card purchases. Chase Student Checking is for people under 24 and has no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement.

You pick which one you want when you sign up online, in a branch, or through the Chase mobile app. The choice is not permanent — you can call Chase or visit a branch later to switch to a different checking product without closing your account.

How to add a savings account to your checking account

If you want both checking and savings, open the checking account first, then open a savings account as a separate product. You can do this at the same time during signup or add it later. Both accounts will be linked to the same login and the same customer number, so you see them together in your online banking dashboard.

Chase offers several savings products: Chase Savings Account (the basic version), Chase Premier Savings (for higher balances), and Chase High-Yield Savings Account (which pays a higher interest rate). The savings account you choose does not affect your checking account type, and you can have multiple savings accounts if you want to separate money for different goals.

Adding a savings account takes about five minutes and can be done online, in the app, or in a branch. You will need the same identification and information you used to open checking. Once both accounts are open, you can transfer money between them instantly online.

What comes with your Chase checking account

Every Chase checking account includes a debit card, which arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use it to withdraw cash at any Chase ATM (free) or at other banks' ATMs (fees may apply). The debit card also works for purchases at stores and online.

You also get check-writing ability, online banking through Chase.com or the mobile app, and the ability to set up bill pay to send money to companies or people. Mobile check deposit lets you photograph a check and deposit it through the app without visiting a branch. You can also receive direct deposit from your employer or government benefits.

Chase checking includes fraud protection: if someone uses your debit card without permission, you can dispute the charge and Chase will investigate. You are not liable for unauthorized transactions if you report them promptly. Your account is also insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) up to $250,000.

Monthly fees and how to avoid them

Chase Total Checking has a monthly maintenance fee (typically $12, though this varies by location) that is waived if you meet any one of these conditions: maintain a minimum daily balance of $500, set up a direct deposit of any amount, or link a Chase savings account with a minimum daily balance of $300. Most people avoid the fee by setting up direct deposit from their paycheck.

Chase Premier Checking has a higher monthly fee (typically $25) and requires a higher minimum balance to waive it. Chase Sapphire Checking has no monthly fee if you have an active Chase Sapphire credit card; otherwise it charges a fee. Chase Student Checking has no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement for anyone under 24.

If you are charged a fee by mistake or your circumstances change, you can call Chase customer service or visit a branch to discuss your options. Chase sometimes waives fees for customers who have had accounts for a long time or who have other products with the bank.

Opening a checking account online versus in a branch

You can open a Chase checking account entirely online through Chase.com or the mobile app. The process takes about 10 minutes and requires a valid government ID, your Social Security number, and proof of address (a utility bill or lease). You will need to fund the account with an initial deposit, which can come from another bank account via ACH transfer or from a debit card.

Opening in a branch takes about 20 minutes and a banker can answer questions about which checking product fits your needs. You can bring cash or a check for your initial deposit. Some people prefer the branch experience; others find online faster.

Either way, your account number is assigned immediately, and you can start using online banking right away. Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to withdraw cash before the card arrives, you can use your account number to withdraw at any Chase ATM or ask a teller at a branch.

Switching between Chase checking products later

If you open Chase Total Checking but later decide you want Premier Checking or Sapphire Checking, you can switch without closing your account. Call Chase customer service, visit a branch, or use the mobile app to request a product change. Your account number stays the same, so your direct deposit, automatic payments, and linked accounts do not change.

Switching takes effect immediately, and any fee difference is prorated for the current month. If you switch from a product with a monthly fee to one without (like Student Checking, if you are still under 24), the fee stops right away. If you switch to a product with a higher fee, you will be charged the difference for the remainder of the month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get a savings account automatically when I open checking?

No. Chase checking and savings are separate products. You must open a savings account separately if you want one. You can open both at the same time during signup, or add a savings account later. Both will be linked to the same login.

Can I open a Chase account online without visiting a branch?

Yes. You can open a checking account entirely online through Chase.com or the mobile app in about 10 minutes. You will need a valid ID, Social Security number, proof of address, and an initial deposit from another bank account or debit card.

What if I do not meet the minimum balance to waive the monthly fee?

Set up direct deposit from your paycheck or employer. Any amount of direct deposit waives the monthly fee on Chase Total Checking. If you do not have direct deposit, link a Chase savings account with a $300 minimum balance, or maintain $500 in your checking account.

Can I switch from one Chase checking product to another without closing my account?

Yes. Call Chase, visit a branch, or use the mobile app to request a product change. Your account number and all linked services stay the same. The switch takes effect immediately.

When will my debit card arrive?

Chase debit cards arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days of account opening. You can withdraw cash at any Chase ATM using your account number before the card arrives, or ask a teller at a branch for a temporary card.