What you need to open a Chase checking account

Chase lets you open a checking account online, by phone, or in a branch. You will need a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit. The deposit amount depends on which account type you choose — some accounts have no minimum, while others require $25 or more to open.

You will also need a current mailing address and a phone number. If you are opening the account online, Chase will verify your identity using information from your credit file, so the process moves faster if your Social Security number and address match what's on file with the credit bureaus. If verification stalls, you can complete it in a branch instead.

Chase offers several checking account types: Chase Total Checking (the most common), Chase Premier Plus Checking, Chase Secure Checking, and Chase Student Checking. Each has different features, fee structures, and minimum balance requirements. The account type you choose affects what you pay in monthly fees and what benefits you get.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID, Social Security number, current address, and an opening deposit to start a Chase checking account.
  • Online account opening usually takes 5 to 10 minutes, but Chase may need to verify your identity using your credit file, which can add a day or two.
  • Chase Total Checking is the standard option; other account types are designed for specific situations like being a student or having a limited credit history.
  • Monthly fees range from $0 to $15 depending on the account type and whether you meet balance or direct deposit requirements.

Opening an account online

Go to chase.com and select "Open an account" or "New account." Choose the checking account type that fits your situation. Chase will ask for your name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. You will also enter how much you want to deposit initially and choose how to fund it — from a bank account you already have, a debit card, or a wire transfer.

After you submit your information, Chase runs a verification check. If your details match what the credit bureaus have on file, you will see a confirmation screen within minutes and your account opens immediately. You can start using your debit card and online banking right away, though the card itself arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If Chase cannot verify you automatically, you will receive an email or phone call asking you to complete verification in a branch. This usually means your address or other details do not match the credit file exactly. Bring your ID and Social Security card to any Chase branch, and a banker will complete the process on the spot — your account opens that day.

Opening an account in a branch

Walk into any Chase branch with your photo ID, Social Security number, and your opening deposit. A banker will help you choose an account type and fill out the paperwork. The whole process takes 15 to 30 minutes. Your account opens immediately, and you can request a debit card on the spot — it arrives in 7 to 10 business days, or you can ask for expedited delivery in some branches.

Opening in a branch is useful if you want to ask questions about account features, fee waivers, or which account type makes sense for your situation. Bankers can also help if you do not have a Social Security number yet or if you want to add a second person to the account.

Opening an account by phone

Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to open a checking account over the phone. A representative will walk you through the same questions as the online form — name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, and opening deposit amount. They will verify your identity using information from your credit file.

Phone opening takes about 20 minutes. Your account opens the same day if verification succeeds. If Chase needs to verify you further, they will schedule a branch visit or send you a verification link by email. A debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Monthly fees and how to avoid them

Chase Total Checking charges $12 per month, but the fee is waived if you meet any one of these conditions: keep a $500 minimum daily balance, set up a direct deposit of any amount, or maintain an average daily balance of $1,500. Many people avoid the fee by setting up direct deposit from their paycheck or another income source.

Chase Premier Plus Checking charges $25 per month and requires either a $10,000 minimum daily balance or a $25,000 average daily balance to waive the fee. Chase Secure Checking has no monthly fee. Chase Student Checking has no monthly fee for students under 24 and no minimum balance requirement.

If you do not meet the waiver requirements, the monthly fee posts on the last day of each statement cycle. You can avoid it by switching to a different account type, setting up direct deposit, or maintaining the required balance. You can also request a one-time fee reversal by calling Chase customer service, though this is not may provide.

Funding your initial deposit

When you open your account, you can fund it from another bank account using ACH transfer, from a debit card, or by wire transfer. ACH transfers take 1 to 3 business days to appear in your new Chase account. Debit card funding is instant — the money shows up right away, though the transaction may take a day to fully process. Wire transfers arrive the same business day if sent before 2 p.m. Eastern Time.

You do not have to make a large opening deposit. Some Chase accounts have no minimum, while others require $25. If you are opening online and cannot fund the account immediately, you can complete the account setup and fund it later — Chase will hold the account open for a short time while you arrange the deposit.

What happens after your account opens

Once your account is open, you can use mobile banking, online banking, or visit a branch. Your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You can request a PIN at any ATM or through the Chase mobile app. Set up direct deposit by providing your employer with your routing number (021000021 for most Chase accounts) and your account number, which you can find in the Chase app or online banking.

Your first statement arrives 30 days after your account opens. You can view it online anytime or request paper statements by mail. If you have questions about fees, account features, or how to use your account, call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935 or visit a branch.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Online account opening takes 5 to 10 minutes if Chase can verify you automatically using your credit file. If verification requires a branch visit, the whole process takes a few days. In-branch opening takes 15 to 30 minutes and your account opens the same day.

Do I need a minimum balance to open a Chase checking account?

Most Chase checking accounts require $25 to open, though some have no minimum. Once the account is open, you do not have to maintain a balance unless you want to waive the monthly fee. Chase Total Checking waives its $12 monthly fee if you keep a $500 minimum daily balance.

Can I open a Chase checking account if I do not have a Social Security number?

Chase requires a Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) to open an account. If you do not have one, you can apply for an ITIN through the IRS. Once you have it, you can open an account online, by phone, or in a branch.

What if I cannot verify my identity online?

If Chase cannot verify you automatically, they will email or call you asking you to complete verification in a branch. Bring your photo ID and Social Security card to any Chase branch, and a banker will finish the process on the spot. Your account opens that day.

Can I add another person to my Chase checking account?

Yes. You can add a joint account holder when you open the account or afterward. Both people need to provide ID and Social Security numbers. You can add a joint owner in a branch or by calling Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935.