You can open most Chase accounts online in about 10 minutes using a computer or phone
Chase lets you open checking and savings accounts through their website or mobile app without visiting a branch. You'll need a valid government ID, a Social Security number, and a way to fund the account—either a debit card, another bank account, or a wire transfer. The process moves fast: you answer questions about yourself, verify your identity, and choose your account type. Money can arrive in your new account the same day if you fund it with a debit card.
Not every account type is available online. Money Market accounts and some specialty products require a phone call or branch visit. If you already have a Chase account, opening a second one is faster because Chase already has your information on file.
Key Takeaways
- You need a government-issued ID, Social Security number, and a funding source (debit card or bank account) to start an online account.
- The entire process takes about 10 minutes on Chase's website or mobile app, and your account opens immediately.
- Funding with a debit card deposits money the same day; transfers from another bank take one to two business days.
- Chase may place a temporary hold on your account if they cannot verify your identity online, which requires a phone call to resolve.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before opening your browser. You'll need a government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Chase will ask you to verify it matches their records. You also need your Social Security number, which Chase uses to check your identity and pull your credit report (this is a soft inquiry and does not affect your credit score).
You must have a way to fund the account. Chase accepts debit cards from any bank, transfers from an existing bank account, or wire transfers. If you use a debit card, the money arrives the same day. If you transfer from another bank account, it takes one to two business days. You do not have to fund the account immediately—you can open it and add money later, though some account types require a minimum deposit to avoid monthly fees.
Step-by-step: opening an account on Chase.com
Go to Chase.com and click "Open an Account" or "Sign Up" (the button location varies). You'll land on a page asking which account type you want: checking, savings, or both. Choose your account and click next.
Answer the questions about yourself: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. Chase asks whether you're a U.S. citizen and whether you have an existing Chase account. If you already bank with Chase, the form auto-fills some fields. Enter your Social Security number when prompted.
Chase then asks you to verify your identity. If you have an existing Chase account, this step is usually instant. If you're new to Chase, they may ask you security questions based on your credit history—things like "which of these addresses have you lived at" or "which car loan did you have." Answer these correctly and you move forward. If Chase cannot verify you this way, they'll ask you to call a phone number to complete verification by phone (see the section below on what to do if verification fails).
Next, choose how to fund your account. Select debit card, bank transfer, or wire transfer. If you choose debit card, enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV. If you choose bank transfer, enter your routing number and account number. Chase then shows you a summary of your choices and asks you to agree to their terms. Click confirm, and your account opens.
Using the Chase mobile app instead
The Chase mobile app (available on iOS and Android) has the same account-opening process as the website. Open the app, tap the menu icon, and look for "Open an Account" or "New Customer." The steps are identical: choose your account type, answer identity questions, verify yourself, and fund the account.
Many people find the app faster because it can pull your phone's camera to photograph your ID instead of typing the details. If you use the app, you can fund the account and start using it immediately—your debit card number appears in the app right away, even before your physical card arrives in the mail.
What happens if Chase cannot verify you online
Chase may not be able to verify your identity using their automated system if you're new to the U.S., have a thin credit history, or if your information doesn't match their records exactly. When this happens, Chase will show you a message saying verification is pending and give you a phone number to call.
Call that number during business hours (usually 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern, Monday through Friday). A Chase representative will ask you security questions and may ask you to confirm your address or provide additional information. This call usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. Once you pass verification, your account activates immediately and you can fund it right away.
If you cannot reach Chase by phone or prefer not to call, you can visit a Chase branch in person with your ID and Social Security card. A banker can verify you on the spot and open your account while you wait.
Funding your account and when money arrives
You can fund your new Chase account during signup or wait and add money later. If you use a debit card, the transfer is instant—the money appears in your Chase account within minutes. If you transfer from another bank account, Chase uses the ACH system, which takes one to two business days. Wire transfers arrive the same day if you send them before 2 p.m. Eastern on a business day.
Chase may place a temporary hold on large deposits (the threshold varies) while they verify the source of the funds. This is normal and usually clears within one business day. If you're funding with a debit card and the transaction is declined, check that the card is not expired, that you have available funds, and that the card issuer hasn't blocked the transfer. Call your card issuer if you're unsure.
Account types and which ones you can open online
Chase offers several checking and savings accounts online. Chase Total Checking is the most common option—it has no monthly fee if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Chase Savings is a basic savings account with a variable interest rate. Chase Premier Plus Checking is designed for customers with higher balances and offers perks like higher interest rates and fee waivers.
Some accounts are not available online. Chase Money Market accounts, for example, require a phone call or branch visit. If you want to open one of these, call Chase at the number on their website or visit a branch. You can also open a checking or savings account online first, then call to add a Money Market account later.
What to expect after your account opens
Your account is live immediately after you complete the online process. You can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or receive transfers from other banks right away. Your debit card ships within 7 to 10 business days; you can request expedited shipping for a fee. Until your physical card arrives, you can use your account number to make purchases online or set up bill pay.
Chase sends a welcome email with your account details and a link to set up online banking. If you haven't already, download the Chase mobile app and log in with your email and password. The app lets you check your balance, transfer money, pay bills, and deposit checks by taking a photo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Chase account if I don't have a Social Security number?
Chase requires a Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) to open an account. If you have an ITIN, you can use it in place of a Social Security number. If you don't have either, you'll need to visit a branch in person and bring additional documents like a passport and proof of address.
What if I don't have a debit card to fund my account?
You can transfer money from another bank account using your routing and account number, or you can send a wire transfer. You can also open the account with no initial deposit and add money later. Some account types have minimum deposit requirements, so check the terms before you finish signup.
How long does it take to get my debit card?
Standard shipping takes 7 to 10 business days. Chase offers expedited shipping (usually 2 to 3 business days) for a fee. You don't need to wait for the card—you can use your account number online or in the app immediately.
Can I open a Chase account if I have a negative banking history?
Chase checks ChexSystems, a banking history database, when you open an account. A negative history may block you from opening an account online. If this happens, visit a branch and speak to a banker—some branches can override the system or offer second-chance accounts with restrictions.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to open a Chase account?
You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, but you do need a valid government ID and a Social Security number or ITIN. If you're a non-citizen with a visa, you can open an account online. If you're undocumented, you'll need to visit a branch in person with your ID and passport.