You can open a Chase account online in about 10 minutes, or in person at a branch
Chase offers two main routes: online through their website or mobile app, or by walking into a branch with an ID. The online path is fastest — you'll need a Social Security number, a government-issued ID, an initial deposit method (debit card, bank account, or wire transfer), and a valid email and phone number. You'll choose your account type during signup, fund it, and be ready to use your account the same day. In-person opens take longer but let you ask questions and sometimes may have access to for a cash bonus.
Which route works depends on whether you have the documents ready now and whether you want to talk to someone. Both paths lead to the same account types and the same fees.
Key Takeaways
- Online account opening takes 10 to 15 minutes and requires a government ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit method.
- You must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. resident to open a Chase account online or in branch.
- Chase offers checking, savings, and money market accounts, each with different monthly fees and minimum balance requirements.
- Your account is active the same day you open it online, though debit cards arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- In-branch opens sometimes come with cash bonuses, but you'll need to meet spending or deposit requirements to keep them.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before opening an account, whether online or in person. You'll need a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Chase will scan or photograph it to verify your identity. You'll also need your Social Security number, which Chase uses to check your credit and verify you're not already opening multiple accounts at once.
Have a way to fund your account ready. This can be a debit card from another bank, a checking or savings account number and routing number, or a wire transfer. Chase doesn't require a minimum opening deposit for most accounts, but you'll need to move money in to activate it. Finally, have a valid email address and phone number — Chase will send you a confirmation code by text or email during signup.
Opening an account online through Chase.com or the mobile app
Go to Chase.com and click "Open an Account" or open the Chase mobile app and select "Open an Account." You'll be asked to choose your account type: checking, savings, or money market. Read the fee schedule for each — checking accounts range from no monthly fee to $12 per month depending on the account tier, and savings accounts typically charge no monthly fee but have lower interest rates on lower balances.
Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. Chase will ask for your Social Security number and will run a soft credit check. You won't see a hard inquiry on your credit report. Next, you'll verify your identity by uploading a photo of your government ID or by answering security questions based on your credit history. This step usually takes a few minutes.
Choose how to fund your account. If you use a debit card, enter the card number and expiration date. If you link another bank account, enter the routing number and account number. Chase will either ask you to verify two small deposits (which can take 1 to 2 business days) or will verify instantly using your bank login. Once funded, your account is open and you can use it immediately — you'll receive a debit card by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Opening an account in person at a Chase branch
Bring your government ID and Social Security number to any Chase branch during business hours. A banker will walk you through the same questions as the online form: personal information, account type choice, and how you want to fund it. In-person opens take 20 to 30 minutes because the banker verifies your ID by hand and may discuss account features or current promotions.
Some Chase branches offer cash bonuses for opening a new checking account — typically $100 to $300 if you meet conditions like setting up direct deposit or making a certain number of debit card purchases within 90 days. These bonuses are branch-specific and change frequently, so ask the banker what's available. If you open in person, you can sometimes get a temporary debit card on the spot, though most people still receive a permanent card by mail.
Account types and what they cost
Chase's most common checking account is the Chase Total Checking, which has no monthly fee if you set up direct deposit, maintain a $500 minimum balance, or keep an average daily balance of $1,500. If you don't meet any of those, the fee is $12 per month. Chase Premier Plus Checking is a higher-tier account with a $25 monthly fee (waived if you maintain a $25,000 balance) and includes benefits like higher ATM reimbursement and priority customer service.
Chase Savings has no monthly fee and earns interest, though the rate is typically lower than online-only banks. Chase Money Market combines checking and savings features, charges no monthly fee, and earns higher interest if you maintain a larger balance. All three accounts come with online banking, mobile app access, and access to Chase's 4,700+ ATMs nationwide.
What happens after you open your account
Your account number and routing number are available immediately in the Chase app or online banking portal. You can set up bill pay, transfer money to other accounts, or receive direct deposits right away. Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days — you can request expedited delivery for a fee, or use your account number to make online purchases before the card arrives.
Chase will send you a welcome email with your account details and a link to set up online banking if you haven't already. If you opened in person, the banker will have given you a receipt with your account number. Keep that receipt until your debit card arrives and you've confirmed everything is working.
If you already have a Chase account and want to open another
Chase allows you to open multiple accounts, but there are limits. You can have up to two checking accounts and multiple savings accounts under the same Social Security number. If you try to open more than that, Chase's system will flag it and you may be asked to close an existing account first. This is a fraud prevention measure — Chase wants to make sure you're not opening accounts to exploit bonuses repeatedly.
If you want to open a second account for a specific purpose (like a savings account for a goal), open it online or in branch using the same process. You'll use the same login credentials and can manage both accounts from one dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Chase account if I don't have a Social Security number?
No. Chase requires a Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) to open any account. If you have an ITIN but no SSN, you may be able to open an account in person at a branch — call ahead to confirm your local branch can process it.
What if I don't have a government ID?
You'll need to open an account in person at a branch. Bring a passport, state ID, or driver's license. If you don't have any of those, call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to ask what alternative documents they accept in your state.
How long does it take to receive my debit card?
Standard delivery is 7 to 10 business days. Chase offers expedited delivery for a fee (usually $10 to $15) if you need it faster. You can use your account online or through mobile pay before the physical card arrives.
Do I have to keep a minimum balance?
It depends on the account. Chase Total Checking waives the monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or keep an average daily balance of $1,500. Other accounts have different thresholds. Check the fee schedule for your specific account type.
Can I open an account for someone else?
No. The person opening the account must be present (in person or online) and must be at least 18 years old. If you want to open an account for a minor, you'll need to open a joint account with them or a custodial account — ask a Chase banker about options for minors.