Chase checking accounts have no opening deposit requirement

You can open most Chase checking accounts with zero dollars. Chase does not charge an account opening fee, and you do not need to deposit money upfront to start the account. The account becomes active once you complete the application and Chase verifies your identity.

However, some Chase checking products do have minimum balance requirements once the account is open—meaning you need to keep a certain amount in the account to avoid monthly fees. The specific requirement depends on which checking account type you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase checking accounts require no money to open, but some accounts charge a monthly fee if your balance falls below a set minimum.
  • Chase Total Checking has a $300 minimum balance to avoid the $12 monthly fee, while Chase Premier Plus Checking requires $25,000 to waive its $25 fee.
  • You can open an account online, by phone, or in a branch; online applications typically complete within minutes.
  • Chase waives monthly fees for customers under 18, full-time students under 25, or those who set up direct deposit.

Monthly fees and minimum balances by account type

Chase offers several checking account options, each with different fee structures. Chase Total Checking charges $12 per month unless you maintain a $300 minimum daily balance, set up direct deposit, or meet other fee-waiver conditions. This is Chase's most common checking product.

Chase Premier Plus Checking is designed for customers with higher balances and charges $25 per month. The fee is waived if you keep $25,000 in the account or link it to a Chase savings account with $25,000. This account includes benefits like higher interest rates and priority customer service.

Chase Student Checking has no monthly fee for customers under 25 who are full-time students. Once you turn 25 or stop being a full-time student, the account converts to Chase Total Checking and the standard fee structure applies.

Chase also offers Chase Secure Checking for customers with limited or no credit history. This account has no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement, making it a true zero-cost option.

How to avoid the monthly fee

If you choose Chase Total Checking, you have multiple ways to waive the $12 monthly fee without maintaining the $300 minimum balance. Setting up direct deposit of any amount from your employer, government agency, or other source eliminates the fee. You do not need a large paycheck—even a small recurring deposit counts.

Chase also waives the fee if you maintain a combined balance of $1,500 or more across your Chase checking and savings accounts. Some customers link their accounts specifically to meet this threshold. Additionally, customers under 18 and full-time students under 25 never pay the monthly fee on Total Checking.

If you do not meet any of these conditions and your balance drops below $300, Chase charges the $12 fee once per month. The fee posts on the same day each month, typically around the first.

Opening an account online, by phone, or in branch

You can open a Chase checking account through three channels. Online applications are the fastest route—you can complete the entire process on Chase.com or the Chase mobile app in about 10 minutes. You will need your Social Security number, a government-issued ID, and an initial funding source (though you can fund with $0).

Calling Chase at 1-800-935-9935 lets you open an account over the phone with a representative. This takes 15 to 20 minutes and works well if you have questions during the process. A representative can also answer questions about which account type fits your situation.

Visiting a Chase branch in person is an option if you prefer to speak face-to-face. Bring your ID and Social Security number. Branch staff can discuss account options and set up direct deposit on the spot if you have your employer information available.

What happens after you open the account

Once your account is approved, Chase issues you a debit card, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your account for transfers and bill pay immediately, even before the physical card arrives. Chase provides a temporary digital card in the Chase app that you can use right away for online and contactless purchases.

If you opened the account online, you can set up direct deposit, transfers, and bill pay the same day. Chase assigns you a routing number and account number, which you can find in the app or by logging into Chase.com. You will need these numbers to set up direct deposit with your employer or to receive transfers from other banks.

Your first statement arrives 30 days after your account opens. Chase sends statements electronically by default, though you can request paper statements if you prefer.

Identity verification and what Chase will ask

Chase uses a verification process to confirm your identity before opening the account. During the online application, you will provide your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. Chase checks this information against credit bureaus and government records.

In some cases, Chase may ask additional questions about your identity or request a photo of your ID. This happens randomly and is a fraud prevention step. If Chase cannot verify you automatically, a representative will call you to confirm details. This does not delay the account opening—it typically takes one phone call.

If you have a history with Chase (a previous account, loan, or credit card), verification is usually instant. New customers or those with limited credit history may take slightly longer, but the account still opens the same day in most cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need money to open a Chase checking account?

No. You can open any Chase checking account with zero dollars. However, some accounts charge a monthly fee if your balance falls below a minimum after opening. Chase Total Checking requires $300 to avoid the $12 fee, but you can waive it through direct deposit or by keeping $1,500 across checking and savings combined.

What is the difference between Chase Total Checking and Chase Premier Plus Checking?

Chase Total Checking is the standard account with a $12 monthly fee (waived at $300 balance or with direct deposit). Chase Premier Plus Checking is for higher-balance customers, charges $25 monthly, and requires $25,000 to waive the fee. Premier Plus includes higher interest rates and priority support.

How long does it take to open a Chase account?

Online applications take about 10 minutes and the account opens immediately. Phone applications take 15 to 20 minutes. In-branch applications are similar. Your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use your account for transfers and bill pay the same day.

Can I open a Chase checking account if I have bad credit?

Yes. Chase does not check your credit score to open a checking account. Chase Secure Checking is specifically designed for customers with limited or no credit history and has no monthly fee or minimum balance. You can also open Chase Total Checking regardless of credit history.

What do I need to bring to open an account in a Chase branch?

Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and your Social Security number. If you want to set up direct deposit during your visit, bring your employer's routing number or a recent pay stub. You do not need to bring money—you can open with a zero balance.