What you need to open a Chase account

Chase requires a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit to open most accounts. You can open an account online, on the phone, or in person at a Chase branch. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes if you have your documents ready, though some accounts require a minimum opening deposit that ranges from $0 to $25 depending on the account type.

Before you start, decide which account type fits your needs. Chase offers checking accounts (for everyday spending), savings accounts (for money you want to keep separate), and money market accounts (which pay higher interest but require larger balances). Each has different monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and interest rates. You can compare them on Chase's website or ask a representative in a branch.

If you do not have a government ID yet, you will need to visit a branch in person with an alternative form of identification — a passport, military ID, or state ID card works. Chase will not open an account online without a photo ID.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID, Social Security number, and an opening deposit (usually $0 to $25) to open a Chase account online or by phone.
  • Chase accounts come in three main types — checking, savings, and money market — each with different fees, minimum balances, and interest rates.
  • Opening online takes 10 to 15 minutes; in-person at a branch takes about the same time but lets you ask questions and handle complications on the spot.
  • If you do not have a government photo ID, you must visit a branch in person with an alternative form of ID like a passport or military card.
  • After your account opens, you can set up direct deposit, link external accounts, and order a debit card — most of which you can do immediately online.

Opening an account online

Go to Chase.com and select "Open an Account" from the homepage. You will answer questions about the account type you want, your personal information, and your address. Chase will ask for your Social Security number and date of birth to verify your identity. The system checks your identity against databases in real time, so you will know within minutes whether you can proceed.

After verification, you will choose your opening deposit amount and how to fund it. You can transfer money from another bank account (using routing and account numbers), use a debit card, or wire money. If you transfer from another bank, the money usually arrives within one to three business days. Debit card funding is instant. Once the deposit clears, your account is active and you can use it immediately.

Chase will send you a debit card by mail, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can request expedited shipping for a fee, or you can use a temporary digital card in the Chase mobile app to make purchases right away while you wait for the physical card.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Find your nearest Chase branch using the branch locator on Chase.com. Bring your government photo ID, Social Security number, and your opening deposit (cash or a check). A Chase representative will walk you through the account setup, answer questions about fees and features, and help you choose the right account type. The whole process takes about 15 minutes.

Opening in person is useful if you have questions about which account fits your situation, if you want to set up additional services like a safe deposit box, or if you have had banking problems in the past. Chase uses ChexSystems, a banking history database, to screen new customers. If you have unpaid overdrafts or closed accounts in bad standing at other banks, a representative can sometimes work with you on the spot or explain what you need to do before opening an account.

When you open in person, you can fund the account with cash or a check right there. Your account is active immediately, and you can order a debit card before you leave. Some branches can issue a temporary card on the spot, though this varies by location.

What happens after you open your account

Once your account is open, you can set up direct deposit, link external bank accounts, and order checks. Direct deposit is the fastest way to get paid — your employer sends money straight to your Chase account, usually on payday. To set it up, give your employer your Chase routing number (which is 021000021 for all Chase accounts) and your account number. You can find both in the Chase app or by calling the number on the back of your debit card.

Linking external accounts lets you transfer money between Chase and other banks. Go to the Transfer tab in the Chase app or website, select "Add External Account," and enter the routing and account numbers. Chase will make two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to that account to verify you own it. You confirm the amounts in your other bank's system, and the link is complete. This takes one to two business days.

You can order checks, set up bill pay, and enable mobile check deposit (where you photograph a check and deposit it through the app) all from the Chase app or website. Mobile check deposit is instant — the money is usually available within one business day.

Monthly fees and minimum balance requirements

Chase checking accounts charge a monthly fee unless you meet one of these conditions: maintain a minimum daily balance (usually $500 to $1,500 depending on the account), set up direct deposit, or keep a linked savings account with a minimum balance. The fee is typically $12 per month if you do not meet any of these. Savings accounts have lower or no monthly fees but pay interest on your balance — the rate changes based on Federal Reserve decisions and varies by account type.

Money market accounts require higher minimum balances (often $2,500 or more) but pay higher interest rates. If your balance drops below the minimum, you may be charged a fee or moved to a different account type. Check the current fee schedule and rates on Chase.com, as these change periodically.

Some Chase accounts, like Chase Premier Plus Checking, waive fees if you maintain a higher balance or have a certain amount in linked accounts. If you are not sure whether you will meet the minimum, ask a representative — they can recommend an account that fits your situation.

If Chase denies your account

Chase may deny your account if you have a history of unpaid overdrafts, closed accounts in bad standing, or fraud at other banks. This information comes from ChexSystems, a database that banks use to screen customers. You have the right to see what ChexSystems has on file about you. Request your report at ChexSystems.com or by calling 1-800-428-9623. If there is an error, you can dispute it directly with ChexSystems.

If Chase denies you, ask why. Sometimes the issue is a mistake in the database or a misunderstanding about a past account. If you can explain or fix the problem, Chase may reconsider. If not, you can open an account at a bank that does not use ChexSystems, though these are less common. Some credit unions and online banks have different screening standards.

You can also ask Chase to review your case after a certain period — usually six months to a year — if you have fixed the underlying problem (like paying off an old overdraft).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase account without going to a branch?

Yes. You can open most Chase accounts online or by phone if you have a government photo ID and Social Security number. The online process takes 10 to 15 minutes. If you do not have a photo ID, you must visit a branch in person with an alternative form of ID like a passport or military card.

How much money do I need to open a Chase account?

Most Chase checking and savings accounts require an opening deposit of $0 to $25. Money market accounts usually require $2,500 or more. The exact amount depends on the account type. You can fund the account with a transfer from another bank, a debit card, or cash at a branch.

How long does it take to get my debit card?

Chase mails debit cards within 7 to 10 business days. You can pay for expedited shipping to receive it faster, or use a temporary digital card in the Chase app to make purchases right away. If you open in person at a branch, some locations can issue a temporary card on the spot.

What if I have had banking problems before?

Chase uses ChexSystems to check your banking history. If you have unpaid overdrafts or closed accounts in bad standing, Chase may deny your account. You can request your ChexSystems report to see what is on file and dispute any errors. If denied, ask Chase why and whether you can reapply after fixing the problem.

Do I need direct deposit to avoid monthly fees?

Direct deposit is one way to waive Chase's monthly checking fee, but not the only way. You can also avoid the fee by maintaining a minimum daily balance (usually $500 to $1,500), keeping a linked savings account with a minimum balance, or choosing an account type with no monthly fee. Check the current fee schedule for your specific account.