Chase does not charge a monthly fee for most checking accounts, but you may face fees for overdrafts, ATM use outside their network, or falling below a minimum balance on certain account types.
Chase's most common checking account, the Chase Total Checking, has no monthly maintenance fee. Neither does Chase Secure Checking, designed for people rebuilding credit. However, Chase does charge fees when you overdraw your account, use out-of-network ATMs, or request services like wire transfers or stop payments. The account type you open and how you use it determine whether you pay anything at all.
If you maintain a low balance or rarely use your account, you will not be charged simply for having it open. The fees kick in only when you trigger them through specific actions or fall short of requirements tied to certain premium accounts.
Key Takeaways
- Chase Total Checking and Chase Secure Checking have no monthly maintenance fee, regardless of your balance.
- Overdraft fees apply when you spend more than you have, and Chase charges $35 per overdraft transaction up to a daily limit.
- Out-of-network ATM withdrawals cost $3 per transaction, though Chase reimburses out-of-network fees charged by other banks.
- Premium accounts like Chase Sapphire Checking waive some fees if you maintain a $25,000 minimum balance or set up direct deposit.
- You can avoid nearly all fees by using Chase ATMs, keeping your account in good standing, and not overdrawing.
Which Chase checking accounts have no monthly fee
Chase Total Checking is the standard account with no monthly maintenance charge. It comes with a debit card, online and mobile banking, and access to Chase's ATM network. You do not need to maintain a minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or meet any other condition to keep the account fee-free.
Chase Secure Checking also carries no monthly fee. This account is designed for people with limited or damaged credit history and requires a linked savings account with a $300 minimum deposit, but the checking account itself does not charge you for existing. Both accounts let you avoid fees entirely if you stay within normal account use.
Overdraft fees and how they work
Chase charges $35 per overdraft transaction when you spend more money than you have in your account. If you overdraw multiple times in one day, Chase limits overdraft fees to a maximum of $105 per day (three overdrafts). The fee applies whether you overdraft through a debit card purchase, check, ACH transfer, or ATM withdrawal.
Chase offers Overdraft Protection, which links your checking account to a savings account or credit card. If you overdraw, Chase automatically transfers money from the linked account instead of charging an overdraft fee. This service is free to set up and use, though you may pay a transfer fee depending on your account type.
You can also opt out of overdraft coverage entirely. If you do, Chase will decline transactions that would overdraft your account rather than charging you a fee. This prevents surprise charges but may cause a transaction to fail at the point of sale.
ATM fees and surcharges
Using a Chase ATM costs nothing. Chase has over 16,000 ATMs nationwide, and account holders can withdraw cash for free at any of them. The problem arises when you use an ATM that does not belong to Chase.
Out-of-network ATM withdrawals cost $3 per transaction charged by Chase. However, Chase reimburses ATM fees charged by the other bank that owns the machine, so your only cost is Chase's $3 fee. If you use out-of-network ATMs frequently, these fees add up quickly—$3 per withdrawal across 10 withdrawals per month equals $30 in fees.
To avoid ATM fees entirely, locate the nearest Chase ATM before you withdraw cash, or plan ahead and withdraw larger amounts less often from a Chase machine.
Premium accounts and minimum balance requirements
Chase Sapphire Checking is a premium account that charges a $25 monthly maintenance fee unless you meet one of two conditions: maintain a $25,000 minimum balance in any combination of Chase accounts, or set up a direct deposit of at least $500 per month. If you meet either requirement, the monthly fee is waived.
Sapphire Checking includes benefits like higher interest rates on your balance, fee waivers for wire transfers and stop payments, and reimbursement of out-of-network ATM fees charged by other banks. For people who maintain the minimum balance or receive regular direct deposits, these perks may justify the account type. For others, Chase Total Checking remains the better choice.
Wire transfer, stop payment, and other service fees
Chase charges $15 for an outgoing domestic wire transfer and $25 for an international wire transfer on most checking accounts. Incoming wire transfers are free. A stop payment request costs $30 if you need to cancel a check you have already written.
Cashier's checks cost $10 each, and money orders cost $5. Account research requests (when Chase pulls old statements or transaction history for a dispute) cost $25. These fees only apply if you use these services; they are not charged simply for maintaining your account.
Sapphire Checking waives wire transfer and stop payment fees, which can save money if you use these services regularly.
How to keep your Chase checking account fee-free
Open Chase Total Checking or Chase Secure Checking and you will have no monthly maintenance fee. Use only Chase ATMs for cash withdrawals. Set up Overdraft Protection linked to a savings account so overdrafts trigger a transfer instead of a fee. Avoid wire transfers, stop payments, and other paid services unless necessary.
If you do need a wire transfer or stop payment, call Chase before you act. A representative can sometimes waive the fee as a courtesy, particularly if you have been a customer for a long time or maintain a good account history. Asking costs nothing and occasionally works.
Monitor your balance regularly through the Chase mobile app or online banking to catch mistakes or unauthorized transactions before they cause an overdraft. Chase's fraud protection covers unauthorized debit card charges, but you need to report them within 60 days of the statement date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get Chase to waive an overdraft fee I already paid?
Yes, you can request a waiver by calling Chase customer service. Success depends on how often you overdraft, how long you have been a customer, and whether you have asked for waivers before. Chase may waive one or two fees as a courtesy, but will not waive repeated overdrafts. Ask politely and explain the overdraft was a mistake, not a pattern.
Does Chase charge to close a checking account?
No, closing a Chase checking account is free. You can close it online, by phone, or in person at a branch. If you have a negative balance when you close, you must pay it before the account closes. If you have a positive balance, Chase will mail you a check or transfer the funds to another account you specify.
What happens if I do not use my Chase checking account for a long time?
Chase does not charge an inactivity fee. Your account will remain open and fee-free indefinitely, even if you never use it. However, if your account shows no activity for several years, Chase may close it without notice. To keep it active, make at least one transaction (deposit, withdrawal, or transfer) every few months.
Do I have to pay a fee to get a debit card with Chase checking?
No, a debit card comes free with your Chase checking account. Replacement cards if yours is lost or damaged also cost nothing. You only pay if you request rush delivery of a replacement card, which costs $15.
Is there a fee to link my Chase checking account to another bank?
No, linking your Chase account to external banks for transfers is free. You can set up ACH transfers to and from other banks at no charge. Wire transfers, which are different from ACH transfers, do carry a fee as described above.