What you need before you start

Chase lets you open a checking account online, by phone, or in a branch. You will need a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and an initial deposit. The deposit amount depends on the account type — some Chase checking accounts require a minimum opening deposit of $25, while others have no minimum. You can fund the account with a debit card, transfer from another bank, or cash if you open in person.

Chase also runs a background check through ChexSystems, a banking history database. If you have been flagged for fraud or unpaid overdrafts at another bank, Chase may deny your application. You can request your ChexSystems report before applying if you want to know whether you have a history that might block you.

Have your current address ready, and if you have moved in the last 60 days, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or government mail). If you are opening an account for a minor, a parent or guardian must be present and provide their own ID.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open a Chase checking account online in about 10 minutes, or in a branch with an ID and initial deposit.
  • Chase requires a valid government ID, Social Security number, and an opening deposit that varies by account type — some accounts have no minimum.
  • Chase checks your banking history through ChexSystems; a record of fraud or unpaid overdrafts may result in denial.
  • Online applications are usually approved or denied within minutes, but in-branch applications may take longer if the branch is busy.
  • Once approved, you can use your account immediately for transfers and bill pay, but your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Opening an account online

Go to chase.com and select "Open an account" from the homepage. Choose the checking account type you want — Chase offers several, including Chase Total Checking, Chase Premier Plus Checking, and Chase Sapphire Checking. Each has different minimum balance requirements and monthly fees. Read the fee schedule for the account you choose so you know what you will owe if you do not maintain a minimum balance.

Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, phone number, and email. Chase will ask whether you are a current customer; if you are, you may be able to link an existing account to fund the new one. If you are new to Chase, you will need to provide an external bank account or debit card to make your opening deposit.

Review the terms and conditions, then submit. Chase will run a background check and usually approve or deny you within minutes. You will receive a confirmation email with your account number and routing number. Your debit card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, but you can use your account for transfers and bill pay immediately.

Opening an account in a Chase branch

Bring your government-issued ID, Social Security number, and your opening deposit to any Chase branch. A banker will walk you through the account application, which takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You can deposit cash, a check, or transfer funds from another bank account on the spot. If you transfer from another bank, the funds may take one to three business days to arrive.

The banker will explain the account features, fees, and minimum balance requirements. Ask about any current promotions — Chase sometimes offers cash bonuses for opening a new account and meeting deposit or spending requirements within a set timeframe. These offers vary by location and change frequently, so the banker can tell you what is available at that branch.

You will receive a temporary debit card at the branch if you ask, though it may have a daily spending limit until your permanent card arrives. Your account is active immediately, and you can use it for transfers and bill pay the same day.

Opening an account by phone

Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to open an account over the phone. A representative will ask for the same information as the online application: your name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, and phone number. They will explain the account options and help you choose one based on your banking habits and balance.

You will need to provide a debit card or external bank account number to fund your opening deposit. Chase will process the application and usually approve or deny you within minutes. The representative will give you your account number and routing number on the call, and you will receive a confirmation email. Your debit card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens after approval

Once your account is open, you can log into Chase's website or mobile app using your Social Security number and a temporary password. Change your password to something you will remember, then set up online bill pay, mobile check deposit, and any other features you want to use. Your account is fully functional for transfers and payments immediately, even if your debit card has not arrived yet.

Your debit card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. When it arrives, you will need to activate it by calling the number on the back of the card or using the Chase mobile app. Until you activate it, you cannot use it at ATMs or in stores, though your account itself is ready to use.

Set up direct deposit if your employer or a government agency sends you regular payments. You can find your routing number and account number in the Chase app or on your first statement. Direct deposit usually takes one to two pay cycles to start, so set it up as soon as possible if you want your next payment to go directly to your new account.

If your application is denied

Chase will tell you why your application was denied. Common reasons include a ChexSystems flag, insufficient ID, or a mismatch between the information you provided and what Chase found in its records. If you were denied because of ChexSystems, you can request a copy of your report and dispute any errors on it directly with ChexSystems.

If you were denied for another reason, call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 and ask what you can do to reapply. Some denials are temporary — for example, if your address could not be verified, you may be able to reapply once you have received mail at your new address. Other denials, such as those based on fraud, may be permanent.

If Chase will not open an account for you, consider a second-chance banking program or a credit union, which may have less strict background checks. Some credit unions will open an account even if you have a ChexSystems flag, though they may require a larger opening deposit or charge higher fees.

Account types and fees

Chase offers several checking accounts with different features and costs. Chase Total Checking has no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Chase Premier Plus Checking requires a $25,000 minimum balance to avoid a $25 monthly fee, but it includes benefits like higher interest rates and waived fees on certain services. Chase Sapphire Checking is designed for customers who want premium features and is paired with a savings account.

All Chase checking accounts charge overdraft fees if you spend more than your balance. The overdraft fee is $35 per transaction, and Chase allows up to four overdraft fees per day. Some accounts offer overdraft protection, which links your checking account to a savings account or credit line so that overdrafts are covered automatically. Ask about overdraft protection when you open your account if you want to avoid overdraft fees.

Chase also charges fees for certain services: $2.50 for each out-of-network ATM withdrawal, $15 for a returned check, and $25 to $35 for a wire transfer, depending on whether it is domestic or international. Review the fee schedule for your account type so you know what to expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 any account. If you do not have either, you will not be able to open a Chase account. Some credit unions and community banks may accept an ITIN or passport number instead, so those are worth exploring if you do not have a Social Security number.

How long does it take to open a Chase account?

Online applications usually take 10 to 15 minutes to complete, and Chase approves or denies you within minutes. In-branch applications take 15 to 20 minutes if the branch is not busy. Phone applications take about 20 minutes. Once approved, your account is active immediately, but your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What if I have a ChexSystems flag?

Chase will likely deny your application if you have a flag for fraud or unpaid overdrafts. You can request your ChexSystems report to see what is on it, and you can dispute errors directly with ChexSystems. If the flag is accurate, you may need to wait for it to age off your report (usually five years) or look for a second-chance banking program that accepts customers with ChexSystems flags.

Can I open a joint account with someone else?

Yes. Both account holders must be present with valid ID and Social Security numbers. You can open a joint account online, by phone, or in a branch. Both people will have access to the account and can make withdrawals and transfers. Ask Chase about the rules for joint accounts, including what happens if one account holder wants to close the account or remove the other person.

Do I need to keep a minimum balance?

It depends on the account type. Chase Total Checking has no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Other accounts have different minimums. If you do not meet the minimum, Chase charges a monthly maintenance fee. You can check your balance anytime in the Chase app or online, so you will know whether you are at risk of falling below the minimum.