Chase does not have a checking account branded specifically for veterans, but it offers a military-focused rewards program and fee waivers that veterans can use with any Chase checking account.
Chase's main veteran benefit is the Chase Military Banking Program, which waives monthly service fees on most checking and savings accounts for active-duty service members, retirees, and veterans with a military ID or DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty). The program does not create a separate account type — it applies discounts to accounts you already have or open.
If you are looking for a checking account as a veteran, you can open any Chase checking product and then request the military fee waiver. Chase also offers a military rewards credit card (the Chase Military Visa) that gives cash back on purchases, though this is separate from checking.
Key Takeaways
- Chase Military Banking removes monthly maintenance fees from checking and savings accounts when you show a military ID or DD Form 214.
- You can open any standard Chase checking account and request the military discount — there is no separate "veteran checking" product to find.
- The fee waiver applies to most account types, including Chase Total Checking and Chase Premier Plus Checking, but you must verify your military status in person or online.
- Other banks including Bank of America, USAA, and Navy Federal Credit Union offer accounts designed specifically for military members, if you want to compare options.
How to verify your military status with Chase
To activate the military fee waiver, you need to prove your service status. Chase accepts a military ID card (Common Access Card or CAC), a retiree card, or a DD Form 214. You can show these documents at a Chase branch in person, or you can upload them through the Chase mobile app or website if your account is already open.
If you are opening a new account, bring your military ID or DD Form 214 to the branch and tell the banker you want to enroll in the Chase Military Banking Program. They will verify your status and apply the discount to your account immediately. If you already have a Chase account, log in online or call the military banking line to request the waiver — Chase will ask you to verify your information and may request documentation by mail.
What fees the military discount removes
The Chase Military Banking Program waives the monthly maintenance fee (usually $12 to $25 depending on the account type) and typically removes overdraft fees as well. However, the waiver does not cover all fees — you will still pay for things like wire transfers, stop payments, or replacement debit cards if you request expedited shipping.
The exact fees removed depend on which Chase checking account you hold. Chase Total Checking normally costs $12 per month but becomes free with military status. Chase Premier Plus Checking normally costs $25 per month but also becomes free. If you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit, some of these fees may already be waived without military status, so compare what you are currently paying before assuming the discount changes your cost.
Other Chase benefits for military members
Beyond the checking account fee waiver, Chase offers the Chase Military Visa credit card, which gives 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no annual fee. This card is open to active-duty service members, retirees, and veterans, and you can apply online or at a branch.
Chase also participates in the Military Saves program, which offers financial counseling and tools to help service members and veterans build savings. This is a free resource, not a product you purchase.
How Chase Military Banking compares to other banks
Chase is not the only bank offering military discounts. USAA, which is owned by Berkshire Hathaway and serves military families exclusively, offers checking accounts with no monthly fees and no minimum balance requirements. Navy Federal Credit Union, open to active-duty and retired military, offers similar benefits. Bank of America waives monthly fees for active-duty service members and veterans with a military ID.
The main difference is that USAA and Navy Federal are built specifically for military members, so their entire product line is designed around military needs — including military-specific loans and insurance. Chase is a mainstream bank that offers military discounts on top of its standard products. If you are already a Chase customer, the military fee waiver is worth using. If you are shopping around, USAA or Navy Federal may offer more military-focused features.
What documents you need to bring
| Document Type | Who Can Use It | Where to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Military ID (CAC) | Active-duty service members | Your military branch |
| Retiree Card | Military retirees | Your military branch |
| DD Form 214 | Veterans and discharged service members | Veterans Affairs or your military branch |
| Dependent ID Card | Spouses and children of active-duty or retired members | Your military branch |
If you do not have your DD Form 214 yet, you can request it from the National Archives or through your branch's records office. The form usually arrives by mail within two to four weeks. In the meantime, if you have a military ID, that is sufficient to open an account and request the fee waiver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to keep a minimum balance to get the military fee waiver?
No. The Chase Military Banking Program removes the monthly fee regardless of your balance. However, some Chase accounts waive fees if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit anyway, so check your specific account terms to see if you already may have access to for a fee waiver without military status.
Can my spouse or dependent get the military discount on their own account?
Yes, if they have a military dependent ID card. Spouses and children of active-duty or retired service members can show their dependent ID at a Chase branch and enroll in the military program. They cannot use your military status — they need their own military ID.
What if I am a veteran but do not have my DD Form 214 yet?
You can request it from the National Archives or your military branch's records office. In the meantime, if you have a military ID or retiree card, bring that to Chase — it is sufficient to verify your status and activate the fee waiver. You do not need to wait for the DD Form 214.
Does the military discount apply to savings accounts too?
Yes. The Chase Military Banking Program waives monthly maintenance fees on most Chase savings accounts, including Chase Savings and Chase Premier Plus Savings. The same verification process applies — show your military ID or DD Form 214 at a branch or upload it online.
Can I get the military discount if I am a surviving spouse or dependent?
Surviving spouses and dependents of deceased service members can use a dependent ID card to enroll in the military program. If you do not have a dependent ID, contact your military branch's family support office to request one, or call Chase directly to ask about your specific situation.