You can open a Chase savings account directly in the Chase mobile app in about five minutes

The Chase app lets you start a savings account without visiting a branch or calling. You'll need your Social Security number, a government-issued ID, and a way to verify your identity through the app—usually a photo of your ID or a video call. The account opens immediately, and you can start depositing money the same day.

The process works on both iPhone and Android. You don't need an existing Chase checking account, though many people link the two. If you already bank with Chase, opening a savings account is even faster because the app already has your information on file.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Chase app, tap the menu icon, find "Open an account," and select "Savings Account" to begin the process.
  • You'll need your Social Security number, a government-issued ID, and a way to verify your identity through the app camera or video call.
  • The account opens immediately once you complete verification, and you can deposit money right away using transfers or mobile deposit.
  • Chase savings accounts come with a stated interest rate that changes based on market conditions, so check the current rate before you open.
  • If you have trouble with the app, you can call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 or visit a branch to open a savings account in person instead.

Step-by-step process to open the account

Start by opening the Chase mobile app and signing in to your existing account. If you don't have a Chase login yet, you'll need to create one first—the app will guide you through that. Once you're logged in, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner on iPhone or top left on Android.

Look for "Open an account" or "Products" and select it. You'll see options for different account types. Tap "Savings Account." The app will show you the current interest rate and account features, then ask you to confirm your personal information. Review what's already filled in and correct anything that's wrong.

Next, the app will ask you to verify your identity. You can do this by taking a photo of your government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) or by completing a video call with a Chase representative. The photo method is faster—just follow the on-screen instructions to photograph the front and back of your ID. The app uses facial recognition to match your face to the ID.

Once verification is complete, your account opens immediately. The app will show your new account number and routing number. You can start using the account right away to receive transfers or make mobile deposits.

What information you need before you start

Gather these items before opening the app: your Social Security number, a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and your phone or tablet with the Chase app installed. If you're opening the account on a phone, make sure the camera works and has good lighting so the ID photo is clear.

If you already have a Chase checking account, the app will pull your name, address, and other details from that account. You'll still need to verify your identity, but the process moves faster. If this is your first Chase account, you'll type in your address and other personal information during the signup process.

Have your phone number and email address ready too. Chase will use these to send you account confirmations and security alerts. Make sure you have access to both before you start.

Identity verification methods and what to expect

Chase offers two ways to verify your identity in the app: photo ID verification and video call verification. Photo verification is the standard route and usually takes seconds. You'll photograph the front and back of your ID, and the app's facial recognition technology compares your face to the photo on the ID. If the match is successful, you're verified immediately.

If the photo method doesn't work—because the lighting is poor, the ID is damaged, or the facial recognition can't match your face—the app will offer a video call option. A Chase representative will appear on your screen, ask you to show your ID, and ask a few security questions. This usually takes three to five minutes. You don't need to schedule anything; the video call happens right away.

In rare cases, Chase may need additional information to verify your identity. The app will tell you what's needed and how to provide it. This might happen if your address has recently changed or if there's a flag in the system. The app will guide you through the next steps.

Linking your new savings account to an existing Chase checking account

If you already have a Chase checking account, you can link it to your new savings account in the app. This makes it easy to transfer money between the two accounts. Open the app, go to your new savings account, and look for "Transfer" or "Link account." Select your existing checking account from the list.

Transfers between your Chase accounts happen instantly and are free. You can move money from checking to savings or from savings to checking anytime. There's no limit on how many transfers you can make between your own accounts, though the savings account itself may have limits on how many times per month you can withdraw money (this varies by account type).

If you don't have an existing Chase checking account and want to open one, you can do that in the app too. The process is the same: tap "Open an account," select "Checking Account," and follow the verification steps. Many people open both accounts at the same time.

What happens after your account opens

Your savings account is ready to use immediately after verification. The app will display your account number, routing number, and current balance (zero). You can start depositing money right away using mobile deposit (photograph a check and deposit it through the app) or by transferring money from another bank account.

If you're transferring money from another bank, you'll need that bank's routing number and your account number there. Chase will ask for this information in the app. External transfers usually take one to three business days to complete, depending on the other bank.

You'll receive a debit card for the savings account in the mail within seven to ten business days. Until it arrives, you can still access your money through the app—you can transfer it to your checking account or to another bank account. You don't need the physical card to use the account.

Check your email and the app for account confirmations and disclosures. Chase will send you the account agreement and fee schedule. Read these to understand any monthly maintenance fees (many Chase savings accounts have no monthly fee) and interest rate terms.

Troubleshooting if the app won't let you open an account

If the app keeps rejecting your identity verification, try these steps: make sure your ID is not expired, photograph it in good lighting with all four corners visible, and hold your phone steady during the facial recognition scan. If the photo method fails twice, switch to the video call option instead.

If the app says you can't open an account because you already have one, check your existing Chase accounts in the app. You may already have a savings account you forgot about. If you want to open a second savings account, call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to ask if that's possible on your account.

If the app crashes or freezes during the process, close it completely and restart your phone. Then open the Chase app again and start over. Your progress is usually saved, so you may not have to re-enter everything. If the app continues to crash, try opening an account on a different device (like a tablet) or call Chase to open an account by phone.

If you see an error message about your Social Security number or address, double-check that you've typed everything correctly. Common mistakes include typos in your address or using a nickname instead of your legal first name. Correct the information and try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an existing Chase checking account to open a savings account?

No. You can open a Chase savings account even if you've never banked with Chase before. The app will ask for your personal information and verify your identity, and that's all you need. Having an existing checking account makes the process slightly faster because some information is already in the system, but it's not required.

How long does it take to open the account?

The entire process usually takes three to five minutes from start to finish. Identity verification is the longest step, but it's typically done in seconds if you use the photo ID method. Once verification is complete, your account opens immediately and you can start using it.

What's the current interest rate on Chase savings accounts?

Chase savings account rates change based on market conditions and vary by account type. The app will show you the current rate before you open the account. You can also check Chase's website or call 1-800-935-9935 to ask about the rate. Rates are typically lower than some online banks but higher than traditional brick-and-mortar banks.

Can I open a savings account if I don't have a government ID?

No. Chase requires a government-issued photo ID to verify your identity. This can be a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you don't have one of these, you'll need to get one before you can open an account through the app. You can visit a Chase branch in person to explore other options, or call 1-800-935-9935 to ask about alternatives.

What should I do if the video call verification doesn't work?

If the video call fails or you're unable to complete it, call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 and explain the issue. A representative can help you verify your identity over the phone or direct you to a branch where you can open the account in person. You can also try the video call again at a later time.