You can open most Chase accounts online without visiting a branch, and the process takes about 15 minutes from start to finish

Chase lets you open a checking or savings account entirely through their website or mobile app. You'll need a valid government ID, a Social Security number, and a way to fund the account (a debit card, another bank account, or a wire transfer). The account opens immediately after approval, though you won't be able to use the debit card or write checks until they arrive by mail, which takes 7 to 10 business days.

The exact steps depend on which type of account you want and whether you already have a Chase login. If you're starting from scratch, the process is straightforward: you provide personal information, verify your identity, choose your account type, and link a funding source.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase opens most checking and savings accounts online immediately after you submit your application and pass identity verification.
  • You need a valid government-issued ID, your Social Security number, and at least $25 to open most accounts, though some accounts require higher opening deposits.
  • Your debit card and checks arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use your account for transfers and bill pay as soon as it opens.
  • If you already have a Chase account, opening a second account takes fewer steps because Chase already has your identity information on file.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you open your browser: a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number, and your current address. Chase will ask you to verify all of this during the application.

You'll also need a way to fund the account. Chase accepts debit cards, credit cards, or transfers from another bank account. If you're funding with a debit card, have the card number, expiration date, and CVV ready. If you're transferring from another bank, you'll need the routing number and account number from that bank.

Check which account type you want before you apply. Chase offers several checking accounts (Chase Total Checking, Chase Premier Plus Checking) and savings accounts (Chase Savings, Chase Premier Savings), each with different monthly fees, minimum balances, and interest rates. The differences matter if you want to avoid fees—some accounts waive the monthly fee if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.

The step-by-step process on Chase.com

Go to chase.com and click "Open an Account" or "Sign Up" (the button location varies). You'll be asked whether you want to open a checking account, savings account, or both. Select your choice and continue.

Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, email address, phone number, and current mailing address. Chase uses this to search their records and verify your identity. If you've never had a Chase account, this step takes a minute. If you have had one in the past, Chase may ask additional questions to confirm it's really you.

Next, Chase will ask you to verify your identity. This usually happens one of two ways: they'll ask security questions based on your credit history (questions like "Which of these addresses have you lived at?" or "Which lender issued your car loan?"), or they'll ask you to photograph your ID. The photo method is faster—you take a picture of the front and back of your driver's license or passport, and Chase's system reads it automatically. This step takes 2 to 3 minutes.

Once you're verified, choose your account type and review the terms. You'll see the monthly fee (if any), the minimum opening deposit, and the interest rate. Then link your funding source: enter your debit card number or your other bank's routing and account numbers. Chase will charge a small test deposit (usually $0.01) to confirm the account is real, then credit it back.

Review everything one more time and submit. You'll see a confirmation screen with your new account number. Your account is now open and ready to use.

What happens after you submit your application

Your account is active immediately, but with limits. You can log in right away, set up bill pay, transfer money between your Chase accounts, and receive deposits. You cannot use your debit card or write checks until they arrive in the mail.

Chase mails your debit card and checks separately, and both take 7 to 10 business days. The debit card usually arrives first. If you need to make purchases before the card arrives, you can use your account number and routing number to set up online bill pay, or ask the merchant if they accept ACH transfers.

If your application is not approved immediately, Chase will send you a message explaining why. Common reasons include a mismatch between the information you provided and what's in their system, or a flag from ChexSystems (a banking history database). If this happens, you can call Chase at the number in the message to resolve it, or visit a branch in person with your ID.

Opening a second Chase account if you already have one

If you already bank with Chase, opening another account is faster. Log into your existing Chase account, go to "Accounts" or "Products," and look for "Open an Account" or "Add an Account." Chase will skip the identity verification step because they already have your information, and the whole process takes 3 to 5 minutes.

You still need to choose an account type, review the terms, and link a funding source. If you want to fund it from your existing Chase account, you can transfer money immediately after opening. The new account opens right away, and your debit card and checks arrive in 7 to 10 business days.

Common reasons your application might be denied

Chase uses ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking history, to decide whether to open your account. If you've had accounts closed for overdrafts, fraud, or other issues, Chase may deny your application. You can request a copy of your ChexSystems report for free at chexsystems.com to see what's on file.

Other reasons for denial include providing false information, having an active fraud investigation, or owing money to another bank. If your application is denied, Chase will tell you why in a letter. You can dispute inaccurate information on your ChexSystems report, or wait—most negative items fall off after five years.

If you're denied by Chase but need a bank account, consider banks that don't use ChexSystems or that specialize in second-chance banking. Some credit unions also have more flexible policies.

Avoiding monthly fees on your new account

Most Chase checking accounts charge a monthly fee ($12 to $15) unless you meet one of these conditions: maintain a minimum balance (usually $500 to $1,500), set up direct deposit, or keep a linked savings account with a minimum balance. The easiest way to avoid the fee is to set up direct deposit from your employer—Chase waives the fee automatically once direct deposit posts.

If you don't have direct deposit, check the account terms before you open. Some Chase accounts waive the fee for students or people under 25. If you're not may be able to access for a waiver, you can open a Chase Savings account at the same time and link it to your checking account—some account combinations waive both fees if you maintain the minimum balance in the savings account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase account on my phone?

Yes. The Chase mobile app has an "Open an Account" option that works the same way as the website. You'll go through the same identity verification and funding steps. The app may be slightly faster because it can access your phone's camera to photograph your ID.

What if Chase denies my application?

Chase will send you a letter explaining why within a few days. Common reasons are ChexSystems records, fraud flags, or information mismatches. You can call the number in the letter to ask questions or dispute the decision. If you're denied, you can reapply after 30 days, or try a different bank.

Do I have to go to a branch to open an account?

No. You can open most accounts entirely online. However, if your application is denied or you have questions, visiting a branch in person with your ID may help resolve the issue faster than calling.

How much money do I need to open a Chase account?

Most Chase accounts require a $25 minimum opening deposit. Some accounts require more—check the specific account terms before you apply. You can fund it with a debit card, credit card, or transfer from another bank.

When can I use my new account?

Immediately for transfers, bill pay, and receiving deposits. Your debit card and checks arrive in 7 to 10 business days. If you need to make purchases before the card arrives, you can use your account number and routing number for online transactions or ACH transfers.