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 online route takes about 10 minutes and requires a valid government ID, a Social Security number or ITIN, and an initial deposit (usually $25 minimum, though this varies by account type). You'll need either a debit card from another bank or a bank account to fund the new account—Chase won't accept cash transfers online.

If you open in person at a branch, you can bring cash for the initial deposit and complete the process the same day. By phone, you can call 1-800-935-9935 and a representative will walk you through the application, though you'll still need to verify your identity and arrange the initial deposit.

Chase runs a background check using ChexSystems, a banking history database. If you've had accounts closed for overdrafts or fraud in the past five years, you may be denied. You can request your ChexSystems report before you apply to see if there are issues.

Key Takeaways

  • Online applications take about 10 minutes and require a government ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit of $25 or more.
  • You must fund the account from another bank account or debit card if you open online; in-person applications accept cash.
  • Chase checks your banking history through ChexSystems, and accounts closed for overdrafts or fraud in the past five years may result in denial.
  • You can open a checking account the same day in a branch, or wait 1 to 3 business days if you open online.
  • Different Chase checking accounts have different minimum balances and monthly fees; the basic account has no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 balance or set up direct deposit.

Which Chase Checking Account to Choose

Chase offers several checking accounts with different features and costs. The Chase Total Checking account has no monthly service fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit of at least $500 per month. If neither condition is met, the fee is $12 per month. This is the most common choice for everyday banking.

The Chase Premier Plus Checking account is designed for customers who want higher interest rates and more perks. It requires a $25,000 minimum balance to avoid the $25 monthly fee, so it's not practical for most people opening their first account.

The Chase Student Checking account has no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement, but you must be between 17 and 24 years old and enrolled in school. It converts to a regular checking account after you turn 25 or graduate.

For most people, Total Checking is the right choice because the $500 direct deposit threshold is easy to meet if you have a job, and the account has no fee otherwise.

Step-by-Step: Opening Online

Go to chase.com and click "Open an Account" or "Checking" in the top menu. Select the account type you want, then click "Open Now." Chase will ask for your name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number or ITIN. Have your government ID ready—you'll need to photograph or upload it.

Next, Chase will ask how you want to fund the account. Select "Link a Bank Account" and enter the routing number and account number from another bank. Chase will make two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to that account within 1 to 2 business days, then ask you to confirm the amounts to verify you own the account. Once verified, your Chase account is active.

You can also choose to fund the account by transferring money from a debit card, though this is less common. The initial deposit must be at least $25. Your debit card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days, and you can use your account number to set up bill pay or direct deposit before the card arrives.

Opening in Person at a Chase Branch

Bring your government ID, Social Security card (or ITIN documentation), and proof of address—a utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement dated within the last 60 days. You can bring cash for the initial deposit, which makes this the fastest route if you don't have another bank account to link.

A Chase representative will fill out the application with you, run the background check, and hand you a temporary debit card or account number on the spot. Your permanent debit card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days. The whole process takes 15 to 30 minutes, and your account is fully active the same day.

If you're not sure whether your local Chase branch is open or has the right hours, search for branches at chase.com/locations or call 1-800-935-9935 to confirm.

What Happens After You Open the Account

Your account is active immediately if you open in person, or within 1 to 3 business days if you open online. You can use your account number to set up direct deposit or bill pay right away, even before your debit card arrives. If you need cash before the card arrives, you can withdraw from any Chase ATM using your account number and ID.

Set up online banking by logging into chase.com with your username and password. From there, you can transfer money between accounts, pay bills, set up alerts for low balances, and monitor spending. Chase also offers a mobile app for checking your balance and depositing checks by photograph.

If you set up direct deposit, your employer's payroll department will need your routing number (021000021 for most Chase accounts) and your account number. Direct deposit usually takes one to two pay cycles to start, but once it does, you'll meet the requirement to waive the monthly fee.

What to Do If Your Application Is Denied

If Chase denies your application, they will send you a letter explaining the reason. The most common reason is a negative ChexSystems report—usually a closed account with unpaid overdrafts or fraud. You have the right to request your ChexSystems report for free at consumerdebit.equifax.com or by calling 1-800-428-9623.

If the report contains errors, you can dispute them directly with Equifax. If the report is accurate but the issue is old (more than five years), you can reapply after that time has passed. Some people in this situation open accounts at banks that don't use ChexSystems, such as some credit unions or online banks, and then reapply to Chase after their banking history improves.

If you were denied for a different reason—such as an issue with your ID or Social Security number—call 1-800-935-9935 and ask what the specific problem was. You may be able to fix it and reapply immediately.

Fees and Costs to Know

Chase Total Checking has a $12 monthly service fee if you don't meet the waiver requirements (either a $500 minimum balance or $500 in direct deposits per month). Overdraft fees are $35 per transaction if you spend more than your balance, and Chase allows up to four overdraft fees per day. If you go negative, you can also be charged a negative balance fee.

ATM withdrawals at Chase ATMs are free. Withdrawals at non-Chase ATMs cost $3 per transaction, though some ATM networks (like Allpoint) offer free withdrawals at partner locations. Wire transfers cost $15 for domestic transfers and $15 to $20 for international transfers.

There is no fee to close the account, and no penalty for closing it soon after opening. If you decide Chase isn't right for you, you can close it online, by phone, or in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. You'll need to bring documentation of your ITIN when you open in person, or upload it during the online application. Some branches may ask for additional identity documents, so calling ahead is a good idea.

How long does it take to get my debit card?

Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You can request expedited delivery in some cases, which takes 2 to 3 business days, but there may be an extra fee. You can use your account number to withdraw cash or make purchases online before the card arrives.

What if I want to close my account right after opening it?

You can close it anytime with no penalty or fee. Call 1-800-935-9935 or visit a branch. Make sure you've withdrawn all your money and paid any outstanding checks or transfers first. Chase will send you a confirmation letter.

Can I open a Chase account if I've been denied before?

It depends on why you were denied. If it was a ChexSystems issue, you can request your report and dispute errors, or wait until the negative item ages off (usually five years). If it was an ID or verification problem, you can reapply once you've fixed it. Call 1-800-935-9935 to ask about your specific situation.

Do I need to keep a minimum balance to avoid fees?

For Chase Total Checking, yes—either $500 in the account at all times, or $500 in direct deposits per month. If you have direct deposit set up, the balance can drop to zero and you won't be charged. If you don't have direct deposit, you need to keep at least $500 in the account every day to avoid the $12 monthly fee.