What you need to open a Chase checking account

Chase lets you open a checking account online, by phone, or in a branch. You will need a government-issued photo ID, a Social Security number or ITIN, and an initial deposit (the amount varies by account type). If you are opening online, you can complete the whole process in about 10 minutes. If you go to a branch, bring your ID and be ready to sign documents in person.

Chase offers several checking account types, each with different monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and features. The most common are Chase Total Checking (which has a monthly fee unless you meet certain conditions), Chase Premier Plus Checking (for customers with higher balances), and Chase Student Checking (for people under 24). The account you choose depends on how much you plan to keep in the account and what features matter to you.

You do not need an existing Chase account to open a checking account. If you already have a savings account or credit card with Chase, the process is faster because Chase already has your information on file.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open a Chase checking account online, by phone, or in a branch, and you will need a photo ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and an initial deposit.
  • Chase Total Checking has a monthly fee unless you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit, so read the fee schedule before you choose an account type.
  • Online applications take about 10 minutes and you can start using your account the same day in many cases, though the debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If you open in a branch, bring your ID and be prepared to sign documents; a banker can answer questions about which account fits your needs.
  • Chase verifies your identity using information from credit bureaus and may ask follow-up questions if something does not match their records.

Opening an account online

Go to Chase.com and select "Open an Account" or "Checking Accounts." You will be asked to choose which type of checking account you want. Read the fee structure and minimum balance requirements for each one before you decide. Chase Total Checking is the most common choice, but it charges a $12 monthly fee unless you either keep $500 in the account, set up direct deposit, or maintain a linked savings account with $300.

Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number or ITIN. Chase will verify this information against credit bureau records. If everything matches, you will move to the next step. If Chase cannot verify you immediately, they may ask you to answer security questions or provide additional documents.

Choose how much to deposit to open the account. You can transfer money from another bank account or use a debit card. Chase will ask which bank your transfer is coming from and will walk you through the routing and account numbers. The transfer usually clears within one to two business days. Once your deposit is confirmed, your checking account is open and you can use it right away through Chase's mobile app or online banking.

Your debit card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can still withdraw money at Chase ATMs using your account number, or you can transfer money out through your online account.

Opening an account by phone

Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to open a checking account over the phone. A representative will walk you through the same questions as the online process: personal information, which account type you want, and how much you are depositing. The call usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.

You will need your photo ID and Social Security number or ITIN ready when you call. Chase will verify your identity during the call. If they cannot verify you immediately, they may ask you to mail in a copy of your ID or answer security questions. Once verification is complete, your account opens and you can make your initial deposit by transferring from another bank account or providing a debit card number over the phone.

Like online accounts, your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can use your account through Chase's app or website as soon as it is open.

Opening an account in a branch

Bring your government-issued photo ID and Social Security number or ITIN to any Chase branch. A banker will help you choose an account type and explain the fees and features of each one. This is a good option if you have questions about which account fits your situation or if you prefer to handle banking in person.

The banker will collect your personal information and verify your identity using the same process as online and phone applications. They will ask how much you want to deposit and can help you transfer money from another bank or accept a debit card payment. The whole process takes 20 to 30 minutes.

Your account opens immediately and you can use it through Chase's app or website the same day. Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Some branches can issue a temporary debit card on the spot, but this varies by location—ask the banker when you open your account.

What happens after you open your account

Once your account is open, Chase will send you a welcome packet by mail with your account number, routing number, and information about online banking and the mobile app. Set up online banking and download the Chase Mobile app so you can check your balance, transfer money, and deposit checks by phone camera.

Your debit card arrives separately in 7 to 10 business days. When it arrives, you will need to activate it before you can use it. Chase will send you a text or email with instructions, or you can activate it through the app or by calling the number on the back of the card.

If you set up direct deposit, your employer can start sending your paycheck to your new Chase account. You will need to provide your employer with your Chase routing number and account number, which you can find in your welcome packet or through online banking.

Fees and requirements to know

Chase Total Checking charges a $12 monthly fee, but you can waive it by meeting one of these conditions: keeping a $500 minimum daily balance, setting up direct deposit of at least $500 per month, or maintaining a linked Chase savings account with a $300 minimum balance. If you do not meet any of these, the fee will be charged every month.

Chase Student Checking has no monthly fee if you are under 24 years old and a full-time student. Once you turn 24 or are no longer a full-time student, the account converts to Chase Total Checking and the $12 monthly fee applies unless you meet the waiver conditions.

Chase Premier Plus Checking is designed for customers who maintain higher balances. It has different fee structures and benefits, including higher interest rates on some balances. Ask a banker if this account makes sense for your situation.

Overdraft fees apply if you spend more money than you have in your account. Chase charges $35 per overdraft transaction, and you can be charged multiple times per day. You can set up overdraft protection by linking a savings account or credit card, which prevents overdrafts but may charge a transfer fee instead.

If Chase cannot verify your identity

Chase uses information from credit bureaus to verify your identity during the application process. If your name, address, date of birth, or Social Security number does not match their records, they may ask follow-up questions or request documents.

Common reasons verification fails: you recently moved and your address has not updated in credit bureau records, you have a common name that matches multiple people in their system, or there is a typo in your Social Security number. If this happens, Chase will tell you what information did not match and may ask you to provide a copy of your ID by mail or upload it through their website.

The verification process can take a few extra days if documents are needed. Once Chase receives and reviews your documents, they will contact you to confirm your account is open. You can still use your account while verification is pending in most cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase checking account if I have had banking problems before?

Chase uses ChexSystems, a banking history report, to check whether you have unpaid overdrafts or closed accounts with other banks. If you have negative history, Chase may deny your application. You can request a copy of your ChexSystems report to see what is on file. Some banks offer second-chance checking accounts for people with banking history issues, though Chase does not have a specific program for this.

How much do I need to deposit to open an account?

Chase does not publish a minimum opening deposit amount, but most accounts require at least $25 to $100. Call a Chase branch or check Chase.com for the current requirement, as it can change. You can deposit more than the minimum, and the money is available in your account immediately if you transfer from another bank or use a debit card.

Can I open a Chase checking account if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes, you can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead of a Social Security number. You will need to provide your ITIN and a government-issued photo ID. The application process is the same as for customers with a Social Security number.

What if I want to close my Chase checking account later?

You can close your account online, by phone, or in a branch. Make sure you have withdrawn all your money and paid any outstanding checks or automatic payments. Chase will not charge a fee to close the account. If you have a negative balance, you will need to pay it before the account closes.

How long does it take to receive my debit card?

Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. Some branches can issue a temporary card in person, but this is not available everywhere. If you need a card faster, ask a banker about expedited shipping options when you open your account.