What you need to open a Chase account

Chase requires a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and a way to fund the account—either a debit card, bank transfer, or cash deposit at a branch. You can open most Chase accounts online in about 10 minutes, or in person at a branch if you prefer to hand over documents and cash on the spot.

The ID must be current and show your photo: a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Chase will verify your Social Security number against their records and run a soft credit check, which does not affect your credit score. If you have had a Chase account closed for negative balance or fraud in the past, you may not be able to open a new one—Chase reports closed accounts to ChexSystems, a banking history database.

You will also need an initial deposit. The amount varies by account type: checking accounts often require $0 to $25, while savings accounts may require $0 to $300. Some accounts waive the minimum if you set up direct deposit. Check the specific account page on Chase.com to see the current requirement for the account you want.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open a Chase account online with a photo ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit, usually within 10 minutes.
  • Chase runs a soft credit check and checks ChexSystems; if you have been flagged for fraud or left an account negative, you may be denied.
  • Opening in person at a branch lets you deposit cash immediately and speak to someone if you have questions about account features.
  • Chase offers different checking and savings products with different minimum balances and fee structures—read the account details before you start.

Opening an account online

Go to Chase.com and click the button for the account type you want—usually "Open a Checking Account" or "Open a Savings Account." You will enter your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and email. Chase will ask for your phone number and a password to create your online login.

Next, you upload or photograph your ID. Chase's system reads the ID automatically; if it cannot read yours clearly, you can type in the information manually. The system verifies your identity against public records and checks ChexSystems. This usually takes a few seconds, but can take up to 24 hours if Chase needs to review your application by hand.

Once your identity is verified, you choose how to fund the account. If you have another bank account, you can transfer money from it—Chase will ask for your routing number and account number. If you want to use a debit card, enter the card number and expiration date. The transfer or charge usually posts within one to three business days. Your account number and routing number appear on screen immediately after approval, even if the deposit has not cleared yet.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Find your nearest Chase branch on Chase.com or Google Maps. Walk in during business hours with your photo ID, Social Security number (or have it memorized), and cash or a debit card for your deposit. Tell a banker you want to open an account and they will walk you through the process on their computer or tablet.

The banker will verify your identity, run the ChexSystems check, and ask the same questions as the online form. If you bring cash, they will deposit it immediately and your account will be funded right away. If you use a debit card or bank transfer, the deposit still takes one to three business days to clear, but your account opens the same day.

Opening in person takes 15 to 30 minutes because the banker explains account features, overdraft protection, and fee structures. This is useful if you are not sure which account type fits your needs or if you want to ask about waiving monthly fees.

Account types and what they cost

Chase offers several checking and savings accounts, each with different features and fees. Chase Total Checking is the most common checking account; it has no monthly fee if you keep a $500 minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or maintain a linked savings account with at least $300. If you do not meet any of those, the fee is $12 per month.

Chase Savings is a basic savings account with no monthly fee. It earns interest, though the rate is low—currently less than 0.01% for most customers. You can withdraw money up to six times per month before Chase charges a $10 fee for each withdrawal over that limit.

Chase Premier Plus Checking is designed for customers who want higher interest on their checking balance and more perks. It requires a $25,000 minimum balance to avoid a $25 monthly fee, and it earns a higher interest rate than Total Checking. Read the fee schedule on Chase.com before you open, because rates and minimums change.

What happens after you open your account

Your account is active immediately, but your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can withdraw cash at any Chase ATM using your temporary card number, or transfer money online. You can also set up bill pay and send money to other people through Chase's mobile app or website.

Your routing number and account number are available on screen the moment your account opens. If you need them before your debit card arrives—for example, to set up direct deposit with your employer—write them down or screenshot them. You can also find them in the Chase mobile app under "Account Details."

If you opened your account online and funded it with a transfer or debit card charge, that deposit takes one to three business days to clear. Until it does, your available balance shows as $0, even though your account exists. Once the deposit clears, your balance updates and you can spend the money.

If Chase denies your application

Chase will tell you immediately if you are denied—either on screen during the online process or in person at the branch. The most common reasons are a ChexSystems flag (a history of fraud, unpaid overdrafts, or closed accounts), a mismatch between the name on your ID and your Social Security records, or an address that does not match public records.

If you were denied because of ChexSystems, you can request your ChexSystems report for free at ChexSystems.com. The report shows why you were flagged. If the information is wrong, you can dispute it. If it is correct but old, ChexSystems records fall off after five years, and some banks will open accounts for people with older flags.

If your name or address did not match, bring additional documents to a Chase branch—a utility bill, lease, or recent tax return can help verify your identity. Some branches will override a denial if you can prove your information is correct.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase account without a Social Security number?

No. Chase requires a Social Security number to verify your identity and comply with federal banking rules. If you do not have one, you cannot open a Chase account. Some banks offer accounts for people with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), but Chase does not.

Do I need to go to a branch, or can I do everything online?

You can open most Chase accounts entirely online. The only reason to visit a branch is if you want to deposit cash immediately, need help choosing an account type, or were denied online and want to try in person with additional documents.

How long does it take to get my debit card?

Chase mails debit cards within 7 to 10 business days of account opening. You can use your temporary card number in the app to withdraw cash at ATMs or make online purchases while you wait for the physical card to arrive.

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

You can open multiple Chase accounts. Go through the same process online or at a branch. Chase will recognize you as an existing customer and may waive some verification steps, but you still need to fund the new account separately.

Can I open a joint account with someone else?

Yes. Both people need to be present in person at a Chase branch with photo ID and Social Security numbers. You cannot open a joint account online. The branch banker will add both names to the account and both people will receive debit cards and online access.