What You Need to Open a Chase Account

Chase lets you open a checking or savings account online, by phone, or in a branch. You'll need a 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 accounts require $0 to open, while others ask for $25 or more. You can fund the account with a debit card, transfer from another bank, or cash if you open in person at a branch.

Chase will run a background check through ChexSystems, a banking history database. This check looks at your past account closures, overdrafts, and fraud reports. If you've had problems with a bank account in the past, Chase may deny your application or require you to wait a certain period before opening an account. You can request your ChexSystems report for free at chexsystems.com if you want to know what's on file before you apply.

You'll also need a mailing address and a phone number. Chase uses these to verify your identity and send account statements and notices. If you don't have a permanent address, some branches may work with you, but this varies by location — call ahead to ask.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit to open a Chase account online, by phone, or in a branch.
  • Chase checks your banking history through ChexSystems; past overdrafts or fraud may result in denial or a waiting period.
  • Different Chase account types have different deposit minimums and monthly fees, so compare options before you choose.
  • Online applications take about 10 minutes and you can start using your account the same day; in-branch opens are faster if you need a debit card immediately.

Opening an Account Online

Go to chase.com and select "Open an Account" from the homepage. You'll choose between checking, savings, or both. Chase will ask you to enter your name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. The form takes about 10 minutes. You'll need to upload a photo of your ID — take a clear picture of the front and back of your driver's license or passport and upload both images.

After you submit your information, Chase verifies your identity in real time. If approved, you'll see your account number and routing number on screen. You can then transfer money from another bank account to fund your new Chase account, or you can add a debit card to make a deposit. Chase will send you a debit card by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or transfer money in.

If Chase cannot verify your identity online, you'll be asked to visit a branch in person with your ID and Social Security card. This usually happens if your address doesn't match records or if there's a discrepancy in your information.

Opening an Account at a Chase Branch

Walk into any Chase branch with your ID, Social Security card, and initial deposit. A banker will help you choose an account type and fill out the paperwork. The whole process takes 15 to 30 minutes. You'll receive a debit card on the spot or within a few days, depending on the branch and the card type you choose. If you need to use your account right away, opening in person is faster than waiting for a card by mail.

Bring cash or a debit card from another bank if you want to make your initial deposit the same day. Some branches can also process transfers from another bank account while you're there, though this may take a few business days to clear. Ask the banker what payment methods they accept for your opening deposit.

If you don't have a Social Security number but have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), some Chase branches will open an account for you, but policies vary by location. Call your local branch ahead of time to confirm they can work with an ITIN.

Chase Account Types and Their Costs

Chase offers several checking and savings accounts, each with different features and fees. Chase Total Checking has no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance, receive direct deposit, or set up Chase Mobile app alerts. If you don't meet any of these, the fee is $12 per month. Chase Sapphire Checking requires a $25 minimum opening deposit and has a $15 monthly fee unless you maintain a $20,000 balance or have a linked savings account with $20,000.

Chase Savings has no monthly fee and no minimum balance. Interest rates vary and change based on the Federal Reserve's rate decisions. Chase Money Market Account offers higher interest rates than regular savings but requires a $25 minimum opening deposit and charges a $25 monthly fee if your balance falls below $2,500.

Compare these options before you open. If you're opening your first account and want to avoid fees, Chase Total Checking with direct deposit is usually the simplest choice. If you want to earn interest on savings without monthly fees, Chase Savings works well. You can open both a checking and savings account at the same time.

What Happens After You Open Your Account

Once your account is open, you'll receive login credentials by email. Set up your online banking password and security questions immediately. Download the Chase Mobile app if you want to check your balance, transfer money, or deposit checks by phone. You can also set up alerts for low balances, large transactions, or unusual activity.

Your debit card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you opened online. Activate it by calling the number on the back of the card or through the Chase app. If you opened in a branch, you may have received your card immediately. You can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or receive transfers before your card arrives.

Chase will send you account statements by mail or email, depending on your preference. You can view statements anytime through online banking or the app. If you have questions about your account after opening, you can call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935 or visit a branch.

If Chase Denies Your Application

Chase will tell you why your application was denied. Common reasons include a negative ChexSystems report, too many recent overdrafts at other banks, or fraud flags. If you were denied, you can request your ChexSystems report at chexsystems.com to see what information is on file. You have the right to dispute inaccurate information.

If your denial was due to recent overdrafts or account closures, you may be able to reapply after a waiting period — usually 6 months to a year. Some people in this situation open an account at a bank that doesn't use ChexSystems, such as a credit union or online bank, and then reapply to Chase later once their history improves.

If you were denied and believe it was a mistake, call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 and ask to speak with someone in the new accounts department. They can review your application and sometimes override a denial if there's an error in the system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase account if I don't have a Social Security number?

Chase requires a Social Security number for most accounts. If you have an ITIN instead, some branches will open an account for you, but this varies by location. Call your local Chase branch to ask whether they can work with an ITIN before you visit.

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

The application takes about 10 minutes to complete. If Chase approves you immediately, your account opens the same day and you can start using your account number and routing number right away. Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What's the minimum deposit to open a Chase account?

Most Chase checking and savings accounts have no minimum opening deposit. Some accounts, like Chase Sapphire Checking and Chase Money Market Account, require a $25 minimum. Check the specific account type before you open to confirm the deposit requirement.

Can I open a Chase account for someone else?

No. The person whose name is on the account must be present to verify their identity, either online with a photo ID or in person at a branch. Parents can open custodial accounts for minors, but this requires the child's Social Security number and a parent or guardian's ID.

What if I want to close my Chase account later?

You can close your account anytime by calling Chase at 1-800-935-9935, visiting a branch, or using online banking. Make sure your account balance is zero and all pending transactions have cleared before you close. Chase will send you a confirmation letter in the mail.