What you need to open a Chase checking account
Chase lets you open a checking account online, by phone, or in a branch. You will need a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit (which varies by account type—some require $0, others $25 or more). If you already have a Chase account, opening a second one takes less time because Chase already has your information on file.
The online route is fastest: you can complete the application in 10 to 15 minutes and start using your account the same day. A branch opening takes longer because you will wait for an appointment or walk-in availability, but a banker can answer questions in real time. Phone applications fall between the two—you speak to someone but cannot see documents or sign papers in person.
Chase will run a soft credit check (which does not affect your credit score) and check your banking history through ChexSystems, a system that tracks closed accounts and fraud. If you have been flagged for fraud or owe money to another bank, Chase may deny your application or require you to wait a set period before reapplying.
Key Takeaways
- You can open a Chase checking account online in 10 to 15 minutes with a photo ID, Social Security number, and an opening deposit (amount depends on the account type).
- Chase checks your banking history through ChexSystems, so a history of fraud or unpaid bank fees may result in denial.
- Online applications are fastest; branch applications let you ask questions in person but require scheduling or waiting.
- After approval, your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use your account immediately with mobile check deposit or transfers.
Opening an account online
Go to chase.com and click "Open an Account" or "Checking" from the homepage. Chase will ask you to choose an account type—Chase Total Checking, Chase Sapphire Checking, or Chase Premier Plus Checking are the most common options. Each has different monthly fees (ranging from $0 to $25) and minimum balance requirements. Read the fee schedule for each before you choose, because you cannot change your mind after you submit the application.
Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and Social Security number. Chase will ask whether you want paperless statements and if you want to link an external bank account for transfers. You do not have to link an external account to finish, but doing so speeds up your first deposit.
Review the terms and conditions, then submit. Chase will tell you immediately whether you are approved. If approved, you will receive a confirmation email with your account number and routing number. Your debit card ships within 7 to 10 business days, but you can start using your account right away through the Chase mobile app or website—you can deposit checks by phone camera, transfer money from another bank, or set up direct deposit.
Opening an account at a Chase branch
Find your nearest Chase branch on chase.com using the branch locator tool. Some branches let you schedule an appointment online; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Call ahead if you are unsure, because wait times vary by location and time of day.
Bring your photo ID, Social Security number, and your opening deposit (cash or a check). A banker will walk you through the account type options and answer questions about fees and features. They will run the same ChexSystems check as the online application, so approval takes the same amount of time—usually immediate, but sometimes a few business days if Chase needs to verify information.
Once approved, the banker will give you a temporary debit card number you can use immediately, and your physical card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days. You will also receive login credentials for online and mobile banking before you leave the branch.
Opening an account by phone
Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to speak with a representative. They will walk you through the same questions as the online application: personal information, account type choice, and opening deposit method. You will need to provide your photo ID number and Social Security number verbally, so make sure you are in a private space.
The representative will explain the account options and fees, then submit your application. Approval usually happens on the call, but Chase may need to mail you documents to sign and return. Once approved, you will receive your account number and routing number by email or mail, and your debit card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days.
What happens after you are approved
Your account is active immediately after approval, even though your physical debit card has not arrived yet. You can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit, transfer money from another bank, or deposit checks through the mobile app. The Chase app lets you photograph a check and deposit it within seconds—the funds typically appear in 1 to 2 business days.
Your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. When it arrives, activate it through the app or by calling the number on the back of the card. You can then use it at ATMs and stores. Chase offers no-fee ATM access at over 15,000 Chase ATMs nationwide, plus fee-free withdrawals at most MoneyPass and Allpoint ATMs.
Set up online banking and mobile app access during or immediately after account opening. You will need a username and password for the website, and you can set up fingerprint or face recognition on the mobile app. Enable two-factor authentication (a code sent to your phone when you log in from a new device) to protect your account from unauthorized access.
Reasons Chase may deny your application
Chase denies applications most often because of ChexSystems history—specifically, unpaid overdraft fees, fraud, or a closed account due to negative balance. If you were flagged for fraud at another bank, Chase will likely deny you. If you owe money to another bank, Chase may deny you or require you to pay the debt first.
A second common reason is an incomplete or incorrect Social Security number. If Chase cannot verify your identity, they will ask you to resubmit or visit a branch in person with your ID. Age is also a factor: you must be at least 18 years old to open an account in your own name. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must open a teen checking account instead.
If you are denied, Chase will send you a letter explaining the reason. You can dispute inaccurate information on your ChexSystems report by contacting ChexSystems directly at 1-800-428-9623. If the issue was a closed account or unpaid fees, you may be able to reapply after 6 to 12 months, depending on Chase's policy at that time.
Account types and their differences
| Account Type | Monthly Fee | Minimum Balance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Total Checking | $0 (or $12 if minimum not met) | $0 to avoid fee | Everyday banking, direct deposit |
| Chase Sapphire Checking | $0 (or $25 if minimum not met) | $0 to avoid fee | Rewards on debit card purchases |
| Chase Premier Plus Checking | $0 (or $25 if minimum not met) | $0 to avoid fee | Higher interest rate, premium perks |
Chase Total Checking is the most common choice for first-time account holders. It has no monthly fee if you set up direct deposit or keep a $500 minimum balance. Chase Sapphire Checking earns rewards points on debit card purchases, but requires a $500 minimum to avoid the monthly fee. Chase Premier Plus Checking offers a higher interest rate on your balance and premium customer service, but also requires a $500 minimum.
You can change your account type after opening, though Chase may charge a fee or require you to close and reopen. It is worth choosing the right account from the start. If you are unsure, Chase Total Checking is the safest choice—it has no monthly fee if you set up direct deposit, which most employers offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Chase account if I do not have a Social Security number?
No. Chase requires a Social Security number to open any account. If you are a non-citizen without an SSN, you may be able to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, but you will need to visit a branch in person with your passport and ITIN documentation. Call your local Chase branch first to confirm they accept ITINs.
What if I was denied by Chase before—can I reapply?
Yes, but only after the reason for denial has been resolved. If you were denied for unpaid overdraft fees or fraud, you can reapply after 6 to 12 months. If the denial was due to incorrect information, you can reapply immediately with corrected details. Contact Chase customer service to ask what changed since your last application.
Do I need an opening deposit to open a Chase checking account?
Chase Total Checking requires $0 opening deposit. Other account types may require $25 or more. You can deposit cash, a check, or transfer money from another bank account. If you do not have funds available, you can open the account and deposit money later, though some account types may charge a monthly fee until you meet the minimum balance.
How long does it take to receive my debit card?
Physical debit cards arrive in 7 to 10 business days. You can use your account immediately through the mobile app or website before the card arrives. If you need a card faster, visit a Chase branch and ask for a temporary card number, which works at stores and ATMs right away.
Can I open multiple Chase checking accounts?
Yes. Chase allows you to open more than one checking account, though you may be limited to two or three depending on your account history. Each account has its own number, debit card, and fee structure. You can manage all of them through one login on the Chase website or app.