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, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit (the amount varies by account type, but some accounts have no minimum). If you are opening online, you can complete the whole process in about 10 minutes and start using your account the same day.

Chase offers several checking account types: Chase Total Checking, Chase Premier Plus Checking, and Chase Secure Checking. Each has different monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and benefits. Total Checking is the most common choice for everyday banking and has no monthly fee if you set up direct deposit or maintain a $500 minimum balance.

You will also need to decide whether to open the account online, call 1-800-935-9935, or visit a Chase branch in person. Online is fastest; by phone takes longer but lets you ask questions; in-branch gives you a chance to set up other services at the same time.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a photo ID, Social Security number, and an opening deposit to start a Chase checking account online or in a branch.
  • Chase Total Checking has no monthly fee if you set up direct deposit or keep $500 in the account, making it the lowest-cost option for most people.
  • Online account opening takes about 10 minutes and your account is ready to use the same day, with a debit card arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If you have a history of overdrafts or closed accounts, Chase Secure Checking may be your option, though it has a monthly fee and lower spending limits.

Opening an account online

Go to chase.com and click "Open an Account" or "Checking" in the top menu. Select the account type you want, then enter your name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. Chase will ask for your Social Security number and run a soft credit check (this does not affect your credit score). You will also choose a username and password for online banking.

Next, you will fund the account with your opening deposit. Chase accepts transfers from another bank account, a debit card, or a wire transfer. If you transfer from another bank, the money usually arrives within one to two business days. Once the deposit clears, your account is active and you can use Chase's mobile app or website to check your balance, set up bill pay, and transfer money.

Your debit card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can request expedited shipping for a fee, or you can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or bill payments before the card arrives.

Opening an account by phone or in a branch

Call 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. You will still need to fund the account by transfer or wire, and the process takes about 20 to 30 minutes. This route works well if you want to ask about overdraft protection or other services before you commit.

In a Chase branch, a banker can open your account in person, answer questions face-to-face, and sometimes issue a temporary debit card on the spot. Bring your photo ID, Social Security number, and your opening deposit (cash, check, or transfer from another account). Branch hours vary by location, so check chase.com/locations to find a branch near you and confirm hours before you go.

What happens after you open the account

Your account is active immediately after you fund it, even if your debit card has not arrived yet. You can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit with your employer, receive ACH transfers from other accounts, or pay bills online. Your routing number is 021000021 for most Chase accounts (confirm this on your account page or by calling customer service).

Chase will send you a welcome packet by mail with your debit card, temporary checks, and information about online banking. If you do not receive your debit card within 10 business days, call 1-800-935-9935 and ask for a replacement. You can also request a rush card for a fee, usually $10 to $15.

Set up online banking and the Chase mobile app as soon as your account is active. This lets you monitor your balance, set up alerts for low balances or large transactions, and use mobile check deposit (take a photo of a check and deposit it without visiting a branch).

Monthly fees and how to avoid them

Chase Total Checking has a $12 monthly service fee, but you can waive it by setting up direct deposit or keeping a $500 minimum daily balance. If you receive a paycheck by direct deposit, the fee is automatically waived—you do not have to do anything. If you prefer to keep the balance high, make sure you never drop below $500 on any day of the month, or the fee will be charged.

Chase Premier Plus Checking has a $25 monthly fee and requires a $15,000 minimum balance. This account is designed for people who want higher spending limits and premium customer service. Chase Secure Checking has a $4.95 monthly fee and is for people rebuilding credit or with a history of overdrafts; it has lower daily spending limits and no overdraft protection.

Other ways to reduce costs: turn off overdraft protection to avoid overdraft fees (Chase charges $35 per overdraft), use Chase ATMs to avoid out-of-network fees, and set up low-balance alerts so you know when you are close to the minimum.

If you are denied or have trouble opening an account

Chase may deny your account if you have unpaid overdrafts from a previous Chase account, a history of fraud, or a negative record in ChexSystems (a banking history database that tracks closed accounts and overdrafts). You can check your ChexSystems report for free at chexsystems.com/consumer and dispute any errors.

If you are denied, ask Chase why. Common reasons are recent overdrafts, a closed account in the past two years, or too many inquiries in a short time. If the reason is ChexSystems, you can dispute the record or wait—most negative records fall off after five years. In the meantime, some banks and credit unions offer second-chance checking accounts with lower fees and no ChexSystems check.

If you already have a Chase account and want to open a second one, you can do so online or in a branch. Chase allows multiple accounts under the same Social Security number, though some account combinations have restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to open a Chase checking account?

Online opening takes about 10 minutes and your account is active the same day. By phone takes 20 to 30 minutes. In a branch, plan for 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the branch is. Your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days by mail.

Do I need a minimum deposit to open a Chase checking account?

Chase Total Checking has no minimum opening deposit. Other account types may require $25 to $100. Check the account details on chase.com before you start the application to see what deposit is required for the account you want.

Can I open a Chase account if I have been denied before?

It depends on why you were denied. If it was due to overdrafts or a closed account, you may be able to open Chase Secure Checking. If it was due to fraud or a ChexSystems record, wait at least 30 days and try again, or check your ChexSystems report to see if you can dispute the record.

What is the routing number for Chase checking accounts?

The routing number for most Chase checking accounts is 021000021. Confirm this on your account page, in the mobile app, or by calling 1-800-935-9935, because routing numbers can vary by state and account type.

Can I use my Chase account before my debit card arrives?

Yes. You can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit, receive transfers, or pay bills online. You can also use mobile check deposit in the Chase app. Your debit card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days, or you can request expedited shipping for a fee.