Chase checking accounts have no opening deposit requirement
Chase does not charge a fee to open a checking account, and you do not need to deposit money upfront to start one. You can walk into a branch or open an account online with zero dollars. The account itself is free to open.
What matters is what happens after you open it. Chase charges a monthly maintenance fee on most checking accounts unless you meet one of their waiver conditions. The fee ranges from $12 to $15 per month depending on the account type, but you can avoid it by keeping a minimum balance, setting up direct deposit, or maintaining a linked savings account with a certain balance.
Key Takeaways
- Opening a Chase checking account costs nothing — there is no opening fee and no minimum deposit required.
- Most Chase checking accounts charge $12 to $15 per month, but the fee is waived if you keep a minimum balance, receive direct deposit, or link a savings account with a minimum balance.
- Chase Total Checking and Chase Premier Plus Checking are the two most common accounts, and the monthly fee waiver conditions differ between them.
- You can open an account online in minutes or visit a branch; both routes are free.
- If you do not meet a waiver condition, the monthly fee will be charged automatically each statement cycle.
Monthly maintenance fees and how to avoid them
Chase Total Checking charges $12 per month. You can waive this fee by doing any one of the following: keeping a minimum balance of $500 in the account, setting up direct deposit of any amount, or maintaining a linked Chase savings account with a $300 minimum balance.
Chase Premier Plus Checking charges $25 per month. The waiver conditions are higher: a $15,000 minimum balance in the checking account, direct deposit, or a linked savings account with $10,000. This account is aimed at customers who want higher interest rates and additional perks like fee waivers on certain services.
If you do not meet any waiver condition in a given month, Chase will charge the full fee. The fee appears on your statement and is deducted from your balance automatically. There is no grace period or warning before the first charge.
Opening online versus in a branch
Opening online takes about 10 minutes and requires a valid government ID, Social Security number, and an initial funding source (a debit card or bank account to transfer from). You can start using the account immediately for transfers and bill pay, though you may need to wait a few business days for a debit card to arrive by mail.
Opening in a branch takes longer but gives you the option to get a debit card on the spot at some locations. You will need the same documents: ID, Social Security number, and proof of address (a utility bill or lease). A banker can also walk you through the fee waiver options and help you choose the right account for your situation.
Both routes are free. Chase does not charge more for opening in person or online.
What you need to bring or provide
Whether you open online or in a branch, you will need:
- A valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
- Your Social Security number
- Proof of current address if opening in a branch (utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement dated within the last 60 days)
- An initial funding source: a debit card, another bank account, or cash if opening in person
You do not have to fund the account to open it, but Chase may ask you to link a funding source for verification purposes. If you open with zero dollars, you can deposit money later through ATM, transfer, or in-branch deposit.
Overdraft and other fees to know about
The monthly maintenance fee is not the only charge you may face. Chase charges $34 per overdraft transaction if you spend more than your balance. You can link a savings account to cover overdrafts automatically, which costs nothing if the transfer succeeds, but you will still pay the overdraft fee if the linked account does not have enough money.
Other fees include $3 for out-of-network ATM withdrawals (though Chase has a large ATM network), $15 for a returned deposit, and $25 to $35 for a wire transfer, depending on whether it is domestic or international. None of these are charged automatically — they only appear if you use those services.
Minimum balance requirements by account type
| Account Type | Monthly Fee | Balance to Waive Fee | Direct Deposit Waives Fee | Linked Savings Waives Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Total Checking | $12 | $500 | Yes, any amount | Yes, $300 minimum |
| Chase Premier Plus Checking | $25 | $15,000 | Yes, any amount | Yes, $10,000 minimum |
The easiest waiver for most people is direct deposit, because it costs you nothing and works regardless of how much money you keep in the account. If you do not receive direct deposit, the minimum balance route is the next simplest option.
How to fund your account after opening
Once your account is open, you can deposit money in several ways: transfer from another bank account (ACH transfer, usually free and takes 1 to 3 business days), mobile check deposit through the Chase app (free, takes 1 to 2 business days), ATM deposit at any Chase ATM (free, immediate), or in-person deposit at a branch (free, immediate).
You can also have your employer or benefits provider send direct deposit to your new Chase account. Set up direct deposit by providing your Chase routing number (011000015 for most Chase accounts) and your new account number to your employer or benefits administrator. Direct deposit usually begins within one to two pay cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to deposit money when I open the account?
No. You can open a Chase checking account with zero dollars. However, you will need to link a funding source (debit card or bank account) during the online opening process for verification. You can deposit money after the account is open.
What happens if I do not meet the minimum balance or direct deposit requirement?
Chase will charge the full monthly maintenance fee ($12 or $25, depending on your account type) and deduct it from your balance each statement cycle. The fee is automatic and will continue every month until you meet one of the waiver conditions.
Can I switch from Chase Total Checking to Premier Plus Checking later?
Yes. You can call Chase customer service or visit a branch to change your account type at any time. There is no fee to switch. Keep in mind that Premier Plus has higher minimum balance requirements and a higher monthly fee.
How long does it take to open a Chase checking account online?
The online process takes about 10 minutes. Your account is usually active immediately for transfers and bill pay, though your debit card may take 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.
Is there a fee if I close my account right after opening it?
Chase does not charge a fee to close an account. However, if you close the account within a certain period (typically 90 days) of opening it, Chase may flag you in their system and deny you the ability to open another account for a set time. Check Chase's current account closure policy before opening if you are unsure.