You can open most Chase accounts online in about 10 minutes using your Social Security number, a government ID, and a funding source

Chase lets you open a checking or savings account from your computer or phone without visiting a branch. The process is straightforward: you provide your identity information, choose an account type, link a funding source (another bank account or debit card), and make an initial deposit. Most accounts are active within one business day, though some verification steps can take longer if Chase needs additional documents.

The exact steps and requirements depend on which account you choose and whether you already have a Chase relationship. New customers and existing Chase customers follow slightly different paths, and some account types have minimum deposit requirements.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid government ID, Social Security number, and proof of current address to open an account online.
  • Chase offers different checking and savings accounts with different features and minimum deposit amounts, ranging from $0 to $25.
  • You can fund your new account immediately from another bank account or debit card, or deposit a check by mail.
  • Account verification usually completes within one business day, but Chase may request additional documents if your identity cannot be confirmed automatically.
  • If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to open an account with you, either online or at a branch.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you begin the online application. You will need a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, state ID, or passport. Chase will ask you to verify information from this ID during signup.

You also need your Social Security number and proof of your current address. Chase accepts a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government document showing your name and address. If you do not have a document, you can provide your address during signup and Chase will verify it through other means, though this may slow the process.

Finally, have a funding source ready. This is how you will deposit money into your new account. You can use another bank account (checking or savings) or a debit card. If you do not have either, you can mail a check after your account opens, but your funds will take several business days to clear.

The step-by-step process for new Chase customers

Go to Chase.com and click "Open an Account" or "Sign Up" (the exact link location changes occasionally, but it is always on the homepage). You will be taken to Chase's account opening portal.

Select the account type you want. Chase offers several checking accounts — Chase Total Checking, Chase Sapphire Checking, and others — plus savings accounts. Each has different features, monthly fees (which can be waived), and minimum deposit requirements. Read the details for each before choosing.

Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, email address, and phone number. Chase will use this to search its records and verify your identity. If you have never had a Chase account, the system will confirm you are a new customer and proceed to the next step.

Verify your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history, or by uploading a photo of your government ID. Chase typically asks questions like "Which of these addresses have you lived at?" or "Which of these is your current car loan provider?" Answer based on your actual history. If you cannot answer the questions or do not have a credit history, you can upload your ID instead — take a clear photo of the front and back.

Provide your current address and confirm it matches your ID. If it does not, update it now. Chase will mail your debit card and any account documents to this address.

Link a funding source. Enter the routing number and account number from another bank account, or your debit card number. Chase will verify this account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into it within one to two business days. You will then need to log back in and confirm those amounts to prove you own the account. Alternatively, if you want to fund your account immediately, you can use a debit card instead — the charge posts right away.

Review the account terms and sign the agreement electronically. Chase will ask you to agree to the account rules, fee schedule, and privacy policy. Read these before you proceed, especially the fee section.

Confirm your email address. Chase will send you a verification link; click it to activate your account. Your account is now open and ready to use, though your debit card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If you already have a Chase account

Existing Chase customers can open a second account faster. Log into your Chase online banking or mobile app, find the "Open an Account" option (usually under "Accounts" or "Services"), and select the new account type you want.

Chase will use your existing identity information on file, so you will not need to re-verify your Social Security number or upload your ID again. You can link your new account to your existing Chase account for transfers, and you can fund it from your current Chase account immediately.

The entire process takes about 5 minutes for existing customers. Your new account is usually active within hours, and your debit card arrives in the same timeframe as for new customers.

Minimum deposits and account features

Chase checking accounts have minimum deposit requirements that vary by account type. Chase Total Checking requires a $0 minimum deposit to open, but some premium checking accounts require $25 or more. Savings accounts typically require $0 to open as well.

Some accounts waive monthly fees if you meet certain conditions — for example, setting up direct deposit, maintaining a minimum balance, or using Chase's bill pay service. Read the fee schedule for your chosen account to understand what fees apply and how to avoid them.

Premium accounts like Chase Sapphire Checking offer higher interest rates on savings, fee waivers, and other perks, but they may have higher minimum balance requirements or require you to link a Chase credit card.

What happens after you open your account

Your account is active immediately after you complete the online application, but some features may be limited until verification is complete. You can log in, view your account number, and set up transfers right away. Your debit card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If you funded your account with another bank account, Chase will deposit two small verification amounts within one to two business days. Log back in and confirm those amounts to fully activate transfers from that account. If you funded with a debit card, the deposit posts immediately and no verification is needed.

If Chase cannot verify your identity automatically, you will receive an email asking for additional documents — usually a copy of your ID or proof of address. Respond within the timeframe given (usually 10 days) to avoid account closure. Upload documents through your online account or by replying to the email.

If you are under 18

Chase does not allow minors to open accounts entirely online. You will need to visit a Chase branch with a parent or legal guardian, who will co-own the account with you. Some branches offer teen checking accounts with parental controls and lower or no fees.

Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to find a branch near you and confirm they offer teen accounts before you visit. Bring your government ID, Social Security number, and proof of address, plus the parent or guardian's ID and Social Security number.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for my Chase account to be fully active?

Your account is active for basic use immediately after you complete the application. Your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you funded the account with another bank account, verification deposits arrive in 1 to 2 business days, and you must confirm them before transfers are fully enabled. If Chase requests additional documents, the process can take up to 10 additional days.

Can I open a Chase account if I do not 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 use it in place of a Social Security number during the application.

What if my identity verification fails online?

Chase will email you asking for additional documents, usually a photo of your government ID or proof of address. Upload these through your online account or reply to the email within the timeframe given. If verification still fails, you can visit a Chase branch in person to complete the process.

Can I open a joint account online?

No. Joint accounts must be opened at a Chase branch with both account owners present. Call 1-800-935-9935 to find a branch and confirm they can open a joint account.

What if I do not have another bank account to fund my new Chase account?

You can use a debit card to fund your account immediately during signup. Alternatively, after your account opens, you can deposit a check by mail or visit a Chase branch to deposit cash. Mailed checks take 5 to 7 business days to clear.