What you need to open a Chase account

Chase requires a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address to open a checking or savings account. You can open an account online, on the phone, or in person at a branch. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes if you have your documents ready.

You'll need to choose which type of account fits your situation: a basic checking account, a savings account, or a combination of both. Chase also offers student checking and accounts designed for people under 18, each with different features and fees. The account you choose determines what monthly maintenance fees you might pay and what benefits come with it.

If you don't have a government ID yet, you can bring a passport, state ID, or military ID. For proof of address, a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement works. If you're opening an account for someone under 18, a parent or guardian must be present or complete the process with you.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a photo ID, Social Security number, and proof of address; the whole process takes 10 to 15 minutes online or at a branch.
  • Chase offers different account types—checking, savings, student, and youth accounts—each with different fees and features you should compare before choosing.
  • You can open an account online at chase.com, by phone at 1-800-935-9935, or in person at any Chase branch.
  • Some Chase accounts waive monthly fees if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit, so read the fee schedule for the account you want.
  • If you have a history of overdrafts or closed accounts, Chase may decline your application, but you can reapply after 12 months.

Opening an account online

Go to chase.com and click "Open an Account" or "New Checking Account" at the top of the page. You'll enter your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and email address. Chase will ask what type of account you want and whether you want to link it to an existing Chase account if you have one.

Next, you'll upload or photograph your ID and proof of address. Make sure the photo is clear and shows all four corners of the document. Chase verifies these documents automatically in most cases, though sometimes a person reviews them and may contact you for clarification.

Once verified, you'll choose your account type and set up online banking login credentials. Chase will assign you a temporary account number and routing number on the spot. You can start using your account for direct deposit or transfers the same day, though a physical debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Opening an account by phone or in person

Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to open an account over the phone. A representative will walk you through the same questions as the online process and may ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history. The call usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. You'll still need to upload your ID and address proof afterward, either through the Chase app or by visiting a branch.

At a Chase branch, bring your ID, Social Security number, and proof of address in person. A banker will review your documents, answer questions about account types, and complete the application while you wait. You'll receive your temporary account number and routing number immediately and can start using the account that day. Your debit card is mailed to you, or some branches can order it to arrive faster.

Opening in person is useful if you want to ask questions about fees, features, or which account type makes sense for your situation. Bankers can also help if you're unsure about the documents you've brought or if you need to set up additional services like a safe deposit box.

Understanding Chase account types and fees

Chase Total Checking is the most common option. It has a $12 monthly maintenance fee, but the fee is waived if you maintain a $1,500 minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or keep a linked savings account with at least $300. If none of those apply, you pay the fee.

Chase Savings Account charges $5 per month if your balance falls below $300. Chase also offers Chase Student Checking for people under 18, which has no monthly fee for the first five years. After that, it converts to a regular checking account with standard fees.

Chase Secure Banking is designed for people who have had banking problems in the past. It has a $4.95 monthly fee and comes with overdraft protection linked to a savings account, so overdrafts are less likely. Read the fee schedule for whichever account you choose, because fees vary and some can be waived depending on your balance or activity.

What happens if Chase declines your application

Chase checks ChexSystems, a banking history database, when you open an account. If you have unpaid overdrafts, closed accounts due to negative balances, or fraud on your record, Chase may decline your application. You'll receive a letter explaining the reason.

If you're declined, you can reapply after 12 months. In the meantime, you may be able to open an account at a bank that doesn't use ChexSystems or that has less strict policies. Some credit unions and online banks have lower barriers to entry for people with banking history issues.

You can also request your ChexSystems report for free at consumerdebit.equifax.com to see what information is on file. If there's an error, you can dispute it directly with ChexSystems, and they'll investigate within 30 days.

Setting up direct deposit and linking accounts

Once your account is open, you can set up direct deposit through your employer or benefits provider. You'll need your Chase routing number (021000021 for most Chase accounts) and your new account number. Direct deposit usually takes one to two pay periods to activate, but once it's set up, deposits arrive automatically on payday.

You can also link your Chase account to other banks you use. This lets you transfer money between accounts and set up bill pay. Linking takes a few minutes in the Chase app or online banking portal. Chase may verify the link by depositing two small amounts into your other account, which you'll confirm to complete the process.

If you want to set up automatic bill payments, you can do that in online banking as well. Chase lets you pay bills to any business or person with a bank account, and you can schedule payments days or weeks in advance.

Getting your debit card and starting to use your account

Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days of opening your account. When it arrives, you'll activate it through the Chase app, online banking, or by calling the number on the card. Once activated, you can use it at any ATM or store that accepts Visa.

Chase has over 4,700 ATMs nationwide, and you can withdraw cash for free at any of them. If you use an out-of-network ATM, Chase charges $2.50 per withdrawal (though the other bank may charge an additional fee). You can also get cash back at most grocery stores and retailers when you make a purchase.

Your account comes with online banking and the Chase mobile app, where you can check your balance, transfer money, pay bills, and deposit checks by taking a photo. These tools are included with your account at no extra cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to open a Chase account?

Online and phone applications take 10 to 15 minutes to complete. In-person applications at a branch also take about 15 minutes. Your account is active the same day, though your physical debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

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 an account. If you have an ITIN, you can use that instead of an SSN.

What's the difference between Chase checking and savings accounts?

Checking accounts are for frequent deposits and withdrawals, come with a debit card, and let you write checks. Savings accounts are for storing money and earn a small amount of interest, but have limits on how many withdrawals you can make per month. Many people open both.

Do I have to keep a minimum balance to avoid fees?

It depends on the account. Chase Total Checking waives the $12 monthly fee if you maintain a $1,500 minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or keep a linked savings account with $300. Chase Savings charges $5 per month if your balance drops below $300. Check the fee schedule for your specific account.

Can I open a Chase account if I've had problems with banks before?

If you're in ChexSystems due to overdrafts or closed accounts, Chase will likely decline your application. You can reapply after 12 months. In the meantime, Chase Secure Banking or banks that don't use ChexSystems may be options.