You can open most Chase accounts entirely online in about 10 minutes

Chase lets you open a checking or savings account from your computer or phone without visiting a branch. You'll need a Social Security number, a valid ID, a current address, and an initial deposit method (debit card, bank transfer, or wire). The whole process happens on Chase's website or mobile app, and you get a temporary account number right away so you can start using it before your debit card arrives.

The account opens immediately for online and mobile banking. Your physical debit card ships within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to deposit checks or cash before the card arrives, you can use Chase's mobile app to photograph checks, or visit any Chase branch to deposit cash.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a Social Security number, valid government ID, current address, and a way to fund the account (debit card, bank transfer, or wire transfer).
  • The account opens in your name immediately and you receive a temporary account number for online transfers and bill pay the same day.
  • Your physical debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days, but you can deposit checks using the mobile app or visit a branch for cash deposits.
  • Chase will run a soft credit check and verify your identity against ChexSystems, a banking history database, but this does not affect your credit score.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before opening the browser or app: a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, your current mailing address, and a phone number. Chase will text or call you during the verification step, so use a number you can access right away.

You also need a way to fund the account. Chase accepts debit cards, transfers from another bank account, or wire transfers. If you're funding with a debit card, have that card number and expiration date ready. If you're transferring from another bank, you'll need your routing number and account number from that bank.

The step-by-step process on Chase's website

Go to chase.com and click "Open an Account" at the top of the page. Choose the account type you want—most people start with Chase Total Checking or Chase Savings. You'll answer questions about your employment status, annual income range, and whether you have an existing Chase account. These questions help Chase determine which account tier fits you, but they don't prevent you from opening an account.

Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, phone number, and email. Chase will ask for your ID type and issue date. At this point, Chase runs a soft check against ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking history and fraud. This check does not affect your credit score and is not visible to other lenders.

Next, you'll verify your identity. Chase may ask you to answer security questions based on your credit history, or it may send a code to your phone or email that you enter to confirm you control that number. Once verified, you'll choose your initial deposit method and fund the account. If you use a debit card, the deposit posts immediately. Bank transfers take 1 to 2 business days. Wire transfers post the same day if sent before 2 p.m. ET.

Opening an account on the Chase mobile app

The Chase mobile app follows the same steps as the website. Download the app, tap "Open an Account," and select your account type. The process is identical: personal information, identity verification, and funding. Some users find the app faster because it can read your ID with your phone's camera instead of typing the details manually.

One difference: if you're already a Chase customer, the app may recognize your phone number and skip some verification steps. If you're new to Chase, expect the full verification process on the app just as you would on the website.

What happens after you submit

Your account opens immediately and you receive a temporary account number via email. You can use this number to set up bill pay, transfer money from other banks, or receive direct deposits right away. Your online and mobile banking access is active the same day.

Your physical debit card ships within 7 to 10 business days. Chase will email you when it ships and provide a tracking number. Until it arrives, you can withdraw cash at any Chase ATM using your temporary account number and a PIN you set during signup, or you can visit a branch and ask a teller to withdraw cash from your new account.

Depositing money before your card arrives

If you need to deposit checks, use the Chase mobile app's mobile check deposit feature. Take a photo of the front and back of the check, enter the amount, and submit. The check typically posts within 1 to 2 business days. There's usually a daily limit of $2,500 for mobile deposits, though this varies by account type.

To deposit cash, visit any Chase branch with your ID and temporary account number. A teller can deposit the cash directly into your new account. You can also use a Chase ATM to deposit cash if your temporary debit card has been activated, though some ATMs require the physical card.

If Chase denies your account

Chase may deny an account if ChexSystems shows a history of fraud, unpaid overdrafts, or repeated NSF (non-sufficient funds) fees at other banks. You can request a copy of your ChexSystems report at consumerdebit.equifax.com to see what Chase saw. If there's an error, you can dispute it directly with Equifax.

If you're denied, ask Chase why. Some denials are temporary—if you had overdraft issues at another bank recently, waiting 6 to 12 months and reapplying sometimes works. Chase also offers second-chance accounts like Chase Secure Checking in some states, which have lower limits and higher fees but are designed for people with banking history issues. Call 1-800-935-9935 to ask if you're in a state where this account is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to visit a branch to open a Chase account?

No. You can open an account entirely online or through the mobile app without visiting a branch. However, if you want to deposit cash before your debit card arrives, you'll need to visit a branch or use a Chase ATM.

How long does it take to open a Chase account?

The application takes about 10 minutes. Your account opens immediately and you get a temporary account number the same day. Your physical debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

Chase requires a Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) to open an account. If you have an ITIN, you can use that instead. If you don't have either, you'll need to visit a branch and speak with a banker about alternatives.

Can I open a joint account online?

No. Joint accounts require both account holders to be present and verified. You can open a joint account by visiting a branch together with your IDs, or one person can open an individual account and add the other person later through the app or at a branch.

Will opening a Chase account hurt my credit score?

No. Chase runs a soft credit check, which does not appear on your credit report and does not lower your score. Only hard inquiries (from credit card or loan applications) affect your credit.