What you need to open a Chase account

Chase requires a government-issued ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit to open most accounts. You can open an account online, by phone, or in a branch. The process takes about 10 minutes online or 15 to 20 minutes in person, and your account is usually active the same day.

You'll need to choose which type of account fits your situation: a checking account for everyday spending, a savings account for money you want to set aside, or both. Chase also offers money market accounts and CDs (certificates of deposit), but checking and savings are the most common starting points.

The initial deposit amount varies by account type. Some Chase checking accounts require $0 to open; others ask for $25 or $100. Savings accounts typically start at $0 to $25. If you don't have the cash on hand, you can fund the account by transferring money from another bank after you open it.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government ID, Social Security number, and proof of address to open a Chase account online or in a branch.
  • Chase checking accounts range from $0 to $100 minimum opening deposit depending on the account tier you choose.
  • Online account opening takes about 10 minutes and your account is usually active the same day.
  • You can fund your new account with a transfer from another bank if you don't have cash available at the time you open it.
  • Chase charges monthly maintenance fees on some accounts, but many are waived if you meet a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.

Opening an account online

Go to chase.com and select "Open an account" from the homepage. You'll be asked to choose your account type—checking, savings, or both. Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. Chase will verify your identity using information from credit bureaus; this usually takes a few seconds.

Next, you'll set up login credentials and choose a username and password. You can then link a bank account to fund your new Chase account, or you can skip this step and fund it later by visiting a branch or transferring money from another bank. Once you confirm your information, your account number and routing number appear on screen immediately.

Your debit card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can use your account number to set up direct deposit or to transfer money in from another bank. You can also visit a Chase branch to withdraw cash or deposit checks using your account number.

Opening an account in a Chase branch

Find your nearest Chase branch using the branch locator on chase.com. Bring your government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement dated within the last 60 days). A Chase banker will walk you through the account setup, answer questions about fees, and help you choose the right account for your needs.

In-branch opening takes 15 to 20 minutes. You can bring cash or a check to fund the account on the spot, or you can link an existing bank account to transfer money. If you fund the account in person, you'll receive a temporary debit card that works immediately, and your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 days.

Opening in a branch is useful if you want to ask questions about account features, overdraft protection, or which account type makes sense for your situation. Bankers can also explain Chase's mobile app and online banking tools before you leave.

Understanding Chase account types and fees

Chase offers several checking accounts at different tiers. The Chase Total Checking account has no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or keep $300 in a linked Chase savings account. If you don't meet any of these, the fee is $12 per month. The Chase Premier Plus Checking account requires a higher balance ($1,500 minimum) but offers additional benefits like higher interest rates and fee waivers for certain services.

Savings accounts work similarly. Chase Savings has no monthly fee if you maintain a $300 minimum balance. If your balance drops below that, you pay $5 per month. Chase also offers a Chase High Yield Savings account with a higher interest rate, though the minimum balance requirement is higher.

All Chase accounts include online and mobile banking, bill pay, and access to Chase's ATM network. Overdraft fees are $35 per transaction if you spend more than your balance. Chase allows up to four overdrafts per day before declining further transactions, though this varies by account type and your history with the bank.

Funding your account after opening

If you opened your account online without funding it, you have several ways to add money. The fastest is a transfer from another bank account you own. Log into your Chase account online or through the mobile app, go to "Transfer money," and select "From another bank." Enter the routing number and account number of the bank you're transferring from, and the amount. Most transfers arrive within 1 to 3 business days.

You can also deposit cash or checks at any Chase branch or ATM. For cash deposits, visit a branch or use a Chase ATM that accepts deposits. For checks, you can deposit them at a branch, at a check-deposit ATM, or through the Chase mobile app by taking a photo of the front and back of the check. Mobile check deposits usually clear within 1 to 2 business days.

If your employer offers direct deposit, you can set that up immediately after opening your account. Provide your employer with your Chase account number and routing number (both appear in your online account or on your temporary debit card). Direct deposit typically begins within one or two pay cycles.

What happens after your account opens

Your account is active immediately after you complete the online or in-branch process. You can log in to chase.com or download the Chase mobile app to see your account balance, set up bill pay, and transfer money. Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; until then, you can use your account number to receive deposits or withdraw cash at a Chase branch.

Chase will send you a welcome packet by mail with your debit card, PIN, and information about your account features. Keep your PIN confidential and change it if you wish. You can also set up alerts in the mobile app to notify you of low balances, large transactions, or failed transfers.

If you opened a checking account, you may receive checks by mail or you can order them through your online account. Checks typically arrive within 5 to 7 business days. You can also use bill pay to send payments electronically instead of writing checks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a minimum balance to keep my Chase account open?

Minimum balance requirements vary by account type. Chase Total Checking has no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or keep $300 in a linked savings account. If you don't meet any of these, you pay $12 per month. Savings accounts require a $300 minimum to avoid a $5 monthly fee. You can close your account anytime without penalty if you don't want to maintain the balance.

Can I open a Chase account if I have a bad banking history?

Chase uses ChexSystems, a banking history report, to screen new account applicants. If you have unpaid overdrafts, closed accounts with negative balances, or recent fraud on your record, Chase may deny your application. You can request your ChexSystems report at chexsystems.com to see what's on file. If you're denied, you can reapply after 12 months or look into second-chance banking accounts at other banks.

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

Checking accounts are designed for frequent transactions—paying bills, making purchases, and withdrawing cash. Savings accounts are meant to hold money you're setting aside and earn interest, though you can only withdraw a limited number of times per month without penalty. Most people open both: a checking account for daily spending and a savings account to build emergency funds or save toward a goal.

Can I open a Chase account without going to a branch?

Yes. You can open most Chase accounts entirely online at chase.com. The process takes about 10 minutes and your account is active the same day. You won't receive a physical debit card immediately, but you can use your account number to set up direct deposit or transfer money in from another bank while you wait for your card to arrive by mail.

How long does it take to receive my debit card?

Debit cards arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you open your account. If you opened in a branch, you may receive a temporary card that works immediately. You can use your account number to make deposits or withdrawals at Chase branches and ATMs before your permanent card arrives.