What you need to open a Chase account

Chase offers several account types — checking, savings, money market — and the documents you need depend on which one you choose. For any account, you'll need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and an initial deposit. Chase doesn't require a minimum deposit to open most checking or savings accounts, though some premium accounts do.

You can open an account online, on the phone, or in a branch. Online takes 10 to 15 minutes and you can start using the account the same day. In-branch takes longer because the banker will verify your information in person, but you can ask questions and get a debit card on the spot. Phone applications take 20 to 30 minutes and require the same documents as online.

If you don't have a Social Security number, Chase will ask for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must co-sign the account, and Chase has separate student checking products with lower fees.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and an initial deposit to open any Chase account.
  • Online account opening takes 10 to 15 minutes and you can use the account immediately; in-branch takes longer but you can get a debit card the same day.
  • Chase offers checking, savings, and money market accounts with different fee structures and minimum balance requirements depending on the product.
  • If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must co-sign, and Chase has student checking accounts designed for younger account holders.

Opening an account online

Go to chase.com and click "Open an Account" or "get your free guide." Choose the account type you want — most people start with a checking account. You'll enter your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, phone number, and email. Chase will ask whether you're a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Next, you'll verify your identity. Chase uses a third-party service to check your information against public records. This usually takes a few minutes. If Chase can't verify you automatically, they'll ask you to upload a photo of your ID or answer security questions about your financial history.

Once verified, you'll choose how to fund the account. You can transfer money from another bank account (takes one to three business days), deposit a check using mobile deposit (takes one to two business days), or visit a branch to deposit cash. Your account opens immediately, but you won't see the money until the transfer clears. You can set up bill pay and direct deposit right away even if your initial deposit hasn't arrived yet.

Opening an account in a Chase branch

Bring your photo ID, Social Security number, and the amount you want to deposit. A banker will walk you through the account setup, answer questions about fees and features, and verify your information in person. This takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on how busy the branch is.

At the end of the appointment, the banker will issue you a debit card. You can use it immediately for online purchases and bill pay, though the physical card will arrive in the mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need cash right away, you can withdraw from the account the same day.

If you don't have a branch near you or prefer not to visit in person, you don't need to. Online and phone applications are just as complete; the only advantage of the branch is getting a debit card immediately and having someone answer questions in real time.

Opening an account by phone

Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 and tell them you want to open an account. A representative will ask for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and the account type you want. They'll verify your identity by asking questions about your credit history or by having you upload a photo of your ID through a secure link.

Once verified, you'll choose your initial deposit method. The representative will give you routing and account numbers so you can transfer money from another bank, or they can mail you a deposit envelope if you want to send a check. Your account opens the same day, and you'll receive your debit card in 7 to 10 business days.

Phone applications are slower than online because you're waiting for a representative, but they're useful if you have questions or if you're uncomfortable uploading documents online. Chase's phone lines are open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern, Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern, and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern.

Account types and fees

Chase's most common checking account is the Chase Total Checking. It has no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or have a Chase credit card. If you don't meet any of those, the fee is $12 per month. You get unlimited debit card transactions, online bill pay, and mobile deposit.

Chase also offers Chase Sapphire Checking, which requires a $25,000 minimum balance or $1,500 monthly direct deposit to waive the $25 monthly fee. This account includes higher interest rates on the linked savings account and priority customer service. For most people, Total Checking is the right choice.

For savings, Chase Savings has no monthly fee and earns interest, though the rate is typically lower than online banks. You can link it to your checking account for easy transfers. Chase Money Market accounts require a higher minimum balance (usually $2,500) but pay higher interest rates.

All Chase accounts include fraud protection: if someone uses your debit card without permission, you're not liable as long as you report it within 60 days. Transfers between your own Chase accounts are free and instant.

Setting up direct deposit and bill pay

Once your account is open, you can set up direct deposit immediately through the Chase mobile app or online banking. You'll need your employer's routing number and your new account number. Direct deposit usually takes one to two pay cycles to activate, but once it does, your paycheck arrives automatically on payday.

Bill pay lets you pay bills from your Chase account without writing checks. You can pay any company that has a mailing address — utilities, credit cards, loan servicers, rent. Payments take three to five business days to arrive, so schedule them accordingly. Some billers (like credit card companies) offer faster processing if you pay online directly through their website instead of through Chase bill pay.

You can also set up automatic payments for recurring bills. Chase will deduct the same amount on the same day each month. This is useful for fixed bills like insurance or loan payments, but be careful with variable bills like utilities — you'll need to adjust the amount manually if it changes.

What happens after you open the account

Your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You can activate it through the app, online, or by calling the number on the card. Once activated, you can use it at any ATM, store, or online retailer. Chase has over 16,000 ATMs nationwide, so you can withdraw cash without fees at most locations.

Set up mobile banking right away. Download the Chase Mobile app and log in with your online banking username and password. You can check your balance, transfer money, deposit checks by taking a photo, and turn your debit card on or off if it's lost or stolen. The app also shows you your transaction history and lets you set up alerts for low balances or large purchases.

If you have questions after opening, you can reach Chase customer service by phone, through the app, or in person at any branch. Most issues — lost cards, fraud disputes, balance questions — can be handled in 10 to 15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Chase accepts an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You'll need to bring your ITIN documentation to a branch or upload it during online verification. The process is the same otherwise.

How much money do I need to deposit to open an account?

Chase doesn't require a minimum deposit to open most checking or savings accounts. You can open with $1 or $25. Some premium accounts like Sapphire Checking do require a higher minimum balance to waive the monthly fee, but you can open the account first and fund it later.

Can I open a joint account with someone else?

Yes. Both account holders need to be present (in person or by phone) with their own photo ID and Social Security number. Joint accounts let both people access the money and make transactions, and both are responsible for overdrafts or fees.

What if I'm denied when I try to open an account?

Chase may deny an account if you have a history of overdrafts or fraud at other banks, or if there's an error in your identity verification. Ask Chase why you were denied — they're required to tell you. You can dispute errors or reapply after fixing the issue.

How long does it take to use my account after opening?

Your account is active immediately after opening, and you can set up bill pay and direct deposit the same day. Your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Money you deposit takes 1 to 3 business days to clear, depending on the deposit method.