What you need to open a Chase account

Chase requires a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit to open most accounts. You can open an account online in about 10 minutes, or walk into a branch and complete it on the spot. The process is the same whether you're opening a checking account, savings account, or both.

Before you start, decide which account type fits your needs. Chase offers several checking accounts (like Chase Total Checking and Chase Premier Plus Checking) and savings accounts with different monthly fees, minimum balances, and interest rates. You can compare these on Chase's website or ask a banker in person.

Have your ID and Social Security number ready. If you're opening an account online, you'll also need a valid email address and phone number. If you're opening in a branch, bring a form of payment for your initial deposit—a debit card, check, or cash.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government-issued photo ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit; most accounts require $25 to $100 to open.
  • Online account opening takes about 10 minutes and you can start using your account the same day, though debit cards arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • In-branch opening is faster if you need a debit card immediately, since some branches can issue one on the spot.
  • Chase will run a ChexSystems check (a banking history report) and may deny you if you have unpaid overdrafts or fraud flags from other banks.

Opening an account online through Chase.com

Go to Chase.com and click "Open an Account" or "Sign Up" in the top navigation. Select the account type you want—checking, savings, or both. You'll be asked to enter your name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number.

Chase will verify your identity by asking security questions based on your credit history. Answer these correctly and you'll move to the next step. You'll then choose a username and password for your online banking login, set up a PIN for phone banking, and review the account terms.

At the end, you'll choose your initial deposit method. You can link an external bank account and transfer money, use a debit card, or arrange a wire transfer. If you link another bank account, the transfer typically takes 1 to 3 business days. Your Chase account is active immediately, but your debit card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Opening an account in a Chase branch

Walk into any Chase branch with your photo ID, Social Security number, and payment for your initial deposit. Tell the banker you want to open an account. They'll ask the same questions as the online form—name, address, date of birth, Social Security number—and run the same identity verification.

The banker will show you the account options and explain the fees and features. Once you choose, they'll have you sign the account agreement and deposit your money. Some branches can issue a debit card on the spot; others will mail it to you. Ask the banker before you leave whether your card will be printed there or mailed.

In-branch opening usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You'll leave with your account number, a temporary debit card or card number, and login credentials for online banking. If the branch printed your card, you can use it immediately.

What happens after you open your account

Your account is ready to use the same day you open it, even if your physical debit card hasn't arrived. You can log into Chase.com or the Chase mobile app, set up bill pay, transfer money between accounts, and deposit checks using mobile check deposit.

If you opened online, your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you opened in a branch and they didn't print your card there, expect the same timeline. Once it arrives, activate it by calling the number on the back or using the Chase app.

Chase will send you a welcome packet by mail with your account agreement, disclosures, and information about online banking. Read the fee schedule so you understand what triggers monthly charges—most Chase checking accounts waive fees if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.

Why Chase might deny your account

Chase uses ChexSystems, a banking history report similar to a credit report, to decide whether to open your account. If you have unpaid overdrafts, a history of fraud, or multiple closed accounts due to negative balances at other banks, Chase may deny you.

You can request your ChexSystems report for free at ChexSystems.com before you apply. If there's an error on your report, you can dispute it directly with ChexSystems. If Chase denies you because of your ChexSystems history, they'll send you a letter explaining why and telling you how to contact ChexSystems.

If you're denied, you have options. Some banks don't use ChexSystems or are more lenient with banking history. You can also wait 6 to 12 months and reapply to Chase once negative items age off your report.

Minimum deposit amounts and account fees

Chase's minimum opening deposit varies by account type. Most checking accounts require $25, though some premium accounts require $100 or more. Savings accounts typically require $25. If you don't have that amount, you can open with a smaller deposit at some branches, but call ahead to confirm.

Monthly maintenance fees range from $0 to $25 depending on the account. Chase Total Checking has a $12 monthly fee but waives it if you maintain a $500 minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or link a Chase savings account. Chase Premier Plus Checking has a higher fee but is designed for customers with larger balances.

Read the fee schedule for your specific account before you open it. Chase's website shows all fees clearly, and a banker can walk you through them if you're opening in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase account if I don't have a Social Security number?

No. Chase requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open an account. If you have an ITIN, you can open an account using that instead. Bring your ITIN documentation to a branch or have it ready when you open online.

How long does it take to get my debit card?

If you open online, your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days by mail. If you open in a branch, the banker can print your card on the spot at some locations, or it will be mailed to you. Ask before you leave the branch. You can use your account and make purchases online before your physical card arrives.

What if I already have a Chase account and want to open another one?

You can open multiple accounts at Chase. Go through the same process online or in a branch. If you're opening a second account online, Chase may recognize you and skip some verification steps. You'll have separate account numbers and can link them for easy transfers.

Do I need to open both checking and savings at the same time?

No. You can open just a checking account or just a savings account. Many people open both at once because it takes the same amount of time and some accounts offer perks for linking them. You can always open a second account later.

What if I'm under 18?

Chase offers accounts for minors, but they must be opened by a parent or guardian. You'll need to go to a branch with the minor and a parent or guardian. Both will need to provide ID and Social Security numbers. The parent or guardian becomes a joint owner of the account.