What You Need to Open a Chase Checking Account
You can open a Chase checking account online, by phone, or in person at a branch. The fastest route is online — you can finish in about 10 minutes if you have your documents ready. Chase will ask for your Social Security number, a government-issued ID, and your initial deposit amount (which can be as little as $0 for most accounts, though some require a minimum).
Before you start, decide which account type fits your situation. Chase offers several checking products: Chase Total Checking (the standard option), Chase Sapphire Checking (which requires higher balances but offers rewards), and Chase Premier Plus Checking (designed for customers with larger deposits). Each has different monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and features. You can compare them on Chase's website or ask a representative which one matches your needs.
You will also need to choose how you want to fund the account. You can transfer money from another bank account, deposit a check by mobile app, or bring cash to a branch. If you are opening the account online, you will typically link an existing bank account to move your first deposit.
Key Takeaways
- You can open a Chase checking account online in about 10 minutes using your Social Security number, a government-issued ID, and an initial deposit amount.
- Chase offers multiple checking account types with different fees and minimum balance requirements, so compare them before you choose.
- Online applications are fastest, but you can also open an account by phone or in person at a Chase branch.
- After your account opens, you will receive a debit card by mail within 7 to 10 business days and can use temporary digital card access immediately.
Opening Your Account Online
Go to Chase.com and click "Open an Account" or "New Checking Account." You will be asked to enter your email address, create a password, and confirm your identity. Chase will ask for your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. Have your government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) ready so you can verify the information matches.
Next, you will choose your account type and enter your initial deposit amount. If you are funding the account by linking another bank account, Chase will ask for that bank's routing number and your account number. You can find both on a check or by logging into your other bank's website. Chase will then verify the linked account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) and asking you to confirm those amounts within a few days.
Once you complete the application, Chase will tell you whether your account is approved immediately or if they need more information. Most approvals happen on the spot. You will receive a confirmation email with your new account number and temporary online access. Your physical debit card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use a temporary digital card in your Chase mobile app right away.
Opening Your Account by Phone or in Person
If you prefer to speak with someone, call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to open an account over the phone. A representative will walk you through the same questions as the online form and can answer questions about account types and fees in real time. You will still need your Social Security number and ID information, and you will need to arrange your initial deposit (either by transferring from another account or scheduling a visit to a branch).
Opening in person at a Chase branch takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Bring your government-issued ID, Social Security number, and your initial deposit (cash or a check). A banker will help you choose an account type, answer questions about fees and features, and set up online and mobile access on the spot. You can also order a debit card immediately, though it will still arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
What Happens After Your Account Opens
Your account is live as soon as your application is approved, even before your physical debit card arrives. You can log into Chase.com or the Chase mobile app using your email and password to see your account number, set up bill pay, and transfer money. You can also receive direct deposits and set up automatic payments right away.
Your physical debit card will arrive by mail in 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 then, you can use a temporary digital card number in the app to make online purchases or contactless payments with your phone.
Within the first 30 days, Chase may send you offers for linked products like savings accounts or credit cards. You do not have to accept these — they are optional. If you have questions about your new account, fees, or features, you can call customer service at 1-800-935-9935 or visit a branch.
Understanding Chase Checking Account Fees
Chase Total Checking charges a $12 monthly service fee, but you can waive it by meeting one of these conditions: keeping a $500 minimum daily balance, setting up a direct deposit of at least $500 per month, or maintaining a linked Chase savings account with a $300 minimum balance. If none of these apply to you, you will pay the $12 fee each month.
Chase Sapphire Checking charges a $25 monthly fee and requires a $10,000 minimum daily balance to waive it. This account offers cash back on debit card purchases and higher interest on savings, so it is designed for customers who can maintain that balance. Chase Premier Plus Checking has a $25 monthly fee and requires a $50,000 minimum balance.
All Chase checking accounts include standard features: online and mobile banking, bill pay, mobile check deposit, and 24/7 customer service. Overdraft fees are $35 per transaction if you spend more than your balance, though Chase offers overdraft protection (linking to a savings account or credit card) to prevent this. Review the fee schedule on Chase.com or ask a representative which account type will cost you the least based on your typical balance.
Linking Your Existing Bank Account for Your First Deposit
When you open your account online, Chase will ask you to link an existing bank account to fund your new checking account. You will need your other bank's routing number and your account number. Both appear on a check: the routing number is the first set of numbers on the bottom left, and your account number follows it.
Chase will deposit two small test amounts (usually less than $1 each) into your linked account within 1 to 2 business days. You will then log back into your Chase application and confirm the exact amounts of those deposits. This confirms that you own the linked account and prevents fraud. Once you confirm, Chase will transfer your initial deposit to your new checking account.
If you do not have another bank account to link, you can bring cash or a check to a Chase branch to fund your account in person. You can also wait to deposit money after your account opens — there is no deadline to make your first deposit, though some account types charge a fee if you do not meet the minimum balance requirement.
What to Do If Your Application Is Denied or Delayed
Chase may deny your application if you have a history of unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or problems with a previous Chase account. If your application is denied, Chase will send you a letter explaining why. You can call 1-800-935-9935 to ask for details or to see if there is anything you can do to reapply.
Your application may be delayed if Chase needs to verify your identity or if there is a discrepancy in your information. This usually takes 1 to 3 business days. Chase will contact you by phone or email if they need more information. Respond as quickly as you can so your account can open.
If you have had problems with ChexSystems (a banking history report), Chase may review your application more carefully. ChexSystems tracks overdrafts, fraud, and closed accounts. You can check your ChexSystems report at chexsystems.com before you apply, and you can dispute any errors on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Chase checking 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 have an ITIN, you can use that instead. If you do not have either, you will not be able to open a Chase account.
How long does it take to open a Chase checking account?
Online applications take about 10 minutes and are approved immediately in most cases. Phone applications take 15 to 20 minutes. In-person applications at a branch take 20 to 30 minutes. Your physical debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use your account online and with a temporary digital card right away.
What is the minimum deposit to open a Chase checking account?
Most Chase checking accounts have no minimum opening deposit — you can open with $0. However, some accounts charge a monthly fee if you do not maintain a minimum daily balance. Chase Total Checking, for example, charges $12 per month unless you keep $500 in the account or meet other conditions.
Can I open a Chase checking account if I am under 18?
No. You must be at least 18 years old to open a Chase checking account in your own name. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian can open a Chase student checking account or add you as an authorized user on their account.
What if I already have a Chase account and want to open another one?
You can open multiple Chase checking accounts, but Chase limits how many accounts you can open in a certain time period to prevent fraud. If you have had a Chase account for less than 30 days, you may not be able to open another one. Call 1-800-935-9935 to ask if you are able to open a second account.