You can open a Chase savings account online in about 15 minutes using a computer or the Chase mobile app, and you'll need a Social Security number, government ID, and an initial deposit method.

Chase offers two main savings products online: a regular savings account and a high-yield savings account (called Chase Savings or Chase Premier Savings, depending on your balance). Both let you start the process on Chase.com or in the mobile app without visiting a branch. You'll verify your identity, link a funding source, and choose your account type — the whole thing takes one sitting if your documents are ready.

The process is the same whether you're opening your first Chase account or adding a savings account to an existing one. If you already have a Chase checking account, the process is faster because Chase already has your identity verified.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid government-issued ID, Social Security number, and a way to fund the account (debit card, checking account, or external bank account).
  • The online application takes 10 to 15 minutes and you can complete it on Chase.com or the mobile app without scheduling a branch visit.
  • Chase verifies your identity by asking security questions or requesting a photo of your ID, depending on what information they already have on file.
  • Your account opens immediately after approval, but transfers from external banks take one to three business days to show up.
  • Chase charges no monthly maintenance fee on savings accounts, but you'll earn interest only on the balance you keep in the account.

What You Need Before You Start

Gather these items before you open the app or go to Chase.com: a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and a way to fund the account. The funding method can be a debit card, a checking account at Chase (if you have one), or an account at another bank.

If you're opening an account as a minor (under 18), a parent or legal guardian must be present and will need to provide their own ID and Social Security number. Chase will set up a custodial account, which means the adult controls the account until you reach the age of majority in your state (usually 18).

Have your phone or computer ready with a stable internet connection. Chase may ask you to take a photo of your ID or answer security questions to verify your identity, so make sure you're in a place where you can do that without interruption.

Step-by-Step: Opening Your Account Online

Step 1: Go to Chase.com or open the Chase mobile app. If you're on the website, look for "Open an Account" or "Savings" in the top menu. In the app, tap the menu icon and select "Open an Account." You'll see options for different account types — select "Savings Account."

Step 2: Choose your account type. Chase offers a regular savings account and a Premier Savings account (which requires a higher minimum balance but pays more interest). The regular savings account has no minimum balance requirement. Pick the one that fits your situation and tap "Continue."

Step 3: Enter your personal information. You'll type in your name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. Chase uses this to search their records and verify your identity. If you already have a Chase account, this step is much faster because they already have most of this information.

Step 4: Verify your identity. Chase will ask security questions based on your credit history, or they may ask you to photograph your ID with your phone. Answer the questions or take the photo as instructed. This usually takes two to five minutes. If Chase can't verify you automatically, they may ask you to call a number or visit a branch, but this is rare for straightforward applications.

Step 5: Link your funding source. You'll enter the debit card number, checking account number, or external bank account details you want to use to fund the account. Chase will ask how much you want to deposit initially — there's no minimum, but most people deposit at least $25 to $100 to start earning interest right away.

Step 6: Review and confirm. Chase will show you a summary of the account details, interest rate, and funding amount. Read through it, then tap "Confirm" or "Open Account." Your account opens immediately.

When Your Money Shows Up and What Happens Next

If you funded the account with a debit card or an existing Chase checking account, the money appears in your savings account within one business day, sometimes the same day. If you linked an external bank account (from another bank), the transfer takes one to three business days because it goes through the ACH system, which is the standard network for moving money between banks.

Once your account is open, you can log into Chase.com or the app to see your balance, transfer money between your accounts, and set up automatic transfers. Chase will send you a confirmation email with your account number and details. You don't need a debit card or checks for a savings account — all transfers happen online or through the app.

Interest starts accruing on your balance immediately, though Chase calculates and deposits it monthly. The interest rate changes based on the Federal Reserve's decisions, so check Chase.com periodically to see your current rate.

Funding Your Account After It Opens

You can add money to your savings account in several ways after opening it. The fastest is to transfer from another Chase account you own — that's instant. You can also set up a recurring automatic transfer from your Chase checking account on a schedule (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly) so you build savings without thinking about it.

To add money from an external bank account, go to the app or website, select your savings account, tap "Transfer," and choose "From another bank." Enter the account number and routing number, and Chase will initiate an ACH transfer. The first transfer may take up to three business days; after that, Chase usually processes them faster.

You can also deposit cash at a Chase branch if you have one nearby, though you'll need to visit in person. There's no limit on how many deposits you can make, but federal rules used to limit withdrawals to six per month — Chase removed that limit, so you can withdraw as often as you want.

What Happens If Your Application Is Denied

Chase rarely denies applications for savings accounts, but it can happen if you have a history of fraud, unpaid overdrafts, or if you're listed in ChexSystems (a banking history database). If your application is denied, Chase will send you a letter explaining why. You can call Chase at the number on the letter to ask for more details.

If you were denied because of ChexSystems, you can request a copy of your report at www.chexsystems.com and dispute any errors. If you were denied because of a previous Chase account issue (like unpaid fees or fraud), you may need to wait a period of time or resolve the issue before reapplying. Some people in this situation open an account at a different bank first, then reapply to Chase later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Chase checking account to open a savings account?

No. You can open a savings account without any other Chase account. However, if you already have a Chase checking account, the process is faster because Chase already has your identity verified. You can also link an external bank account to fund your savings account.

What's the difference between Chase Savings and Chase Premier Savings?

Chase Premier Savings requires a higher minimum balance (usually $10,000 or more) and pays a higher interest rate. Chase Savings has no minimum balance and is better for most people starting out. You can switch between them later if your balance grows.

Can I open an account on my phone?

Yes. The Chase mobile app has the same account-opening process as the website. You'll need to photograph your ID as part of identity verification, so a phone actually makes this step easier.

How long does it take to get my debit card?

Savings accounts don't come with debit cards — you manage them entirely through online transfers and the app. If you need a debit card, you'd open a checking account instead. You can have both a checking and savings account at Chase.

What if I already have a savings account at another bank?

You can open a Chase savings account and keep your other account open. Many people maintain accounts at multiple banks. To move money from your old account to Chase, link it during the account-opening process or add it afterward in the app under "Transfer" and select "From another bank."