You can open a Chase savings account online in about 10 minutes, or visit a branch in person with an ID and initial deposit

Chase offers two main paths: online through their website or mobile app, or by walking into a branch. The online route is faster and works from anywhere. The in-person route lets you ask questions and hand over cash or a check on the spot. Either way, you'll need a valid government ID, a Social Security number, and money to deposit — Chase requires a minimum opening deposit that varies by account type, typically $0 to $25 for most savings accounts, though some higher-yield accounts ask for more.

The account opens immediately online if you're approved. In-branch, it takes the same day. You can start using the account within hours — transferring money in, setting up automatic transfers, or linking it to other accounts.

Key Takeaways

  • Online signup takes 10 minutes and requires your ID, Social Security number, and an opening deposit, which can come from another bank account or a debit card.
  • In-branch signup takes about 15 minutes and lets you deposit cash immediately if you bring it with you.
  • Chase savings accounts have no monthly fee if you maintain a low balance or set up direct deposit, depending on the account type.
  • After opening, you can link the account to Chase checking, transfer money between accounts, and set up automatic savings transfers.

Opening a Chase savings account online

Go to chase.com or open the Chase mobile app and select "Open an Account" or "Savings." You'll be asked to choose which type of savings account you want — Chase offers a standard savings account and a high-yield savings account (often called a money market account), each with different interest rates and minimum balance requirements. Read the current terms for each because rates and minimums change.

Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. Chase will run a soft credit check and verify your identity using information from your credit file. This takes a few minutes. If you don't pass this step, Chase will ask you to visit a branch in person or call their verification line.

Link a funding source — either a bank account at another bank (you'll enter the routing and account number) or a debit card. Enter the amount you want to deposit to open the account. Chase will process the transfer within one to three business days if you use another bank account, or immediately if you use a debit card. Your new account number appears on screen once the account is created, and you can start using it right away even if the deposit hasn't cleared yet.

Opening a Chase savings account in person at a branch

Bring a valid government ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and your opening deposit. The deposit can be cash, a check, or a transfer from another account — if you transfer from another bank, the branch can initiate it and it will post within a few days. If you bring cash or a check, it posts the same day.

A Chase banker will walk you through the account setup, which takes about 15 minutes. They'll ask the same questions as the online form: your name, address, phone, email, and Social Security number. They'll verify your ID by scanning or photocopying it. They'll show you the account options and help you choose. Once you sign the paperwork, the account is open and your deposit is recorded.

You'll receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can withdraw money from the account at any Chase ATM or by visiting a branch, or transfer it to another account online.

What happens after you open the account

Your account number and routing number appear in the Chase app or online banking immediately. You can use these to set up direct deposit from your employer, transfer money from other banks, or receive payments. If you opened online, you can log in to chase.com or the app right away using your Social Security number and a password you create.

If you have a Chase checking account, you can link the savings account to it in the app under "Accounts" or "Transfer Money." This lets you move money between them instantly. You can also set up automatic transfers — for example, moving $50 from checking to savings every payday — through the same menu.

Chase sends statements monthly by email or mail, depending on what you choose during setup. You can change this preference anytime in your account settings. Interest accrues daily and is deposited monthly, though the rate varies by account type and changes with the Federal Reserve rate.

Minimum deposits and monthly fees

Chase's standard savings account typically requires $0 to $25 to open, with no monthly maintenance fee as long as you maintain a $300 minimum balance. If your balance drops below $300, Chase charges a monthly fee (usually $5 to $12, depending on your state and account type). Some accounts waive the fee if you set up direct deposit of at least $500 per month.

Chase's high-yield savings account (often called a money market account) may require a higher opening deposit — typically $25 to $100 — and a higher minimum balance to avoid fees. The interest rate is higher, but the minimums are stricter. Check the current terms on chase.com because these change quarterly.

If you fall below the minimum and incur a fee, you can call Chase customer service or visit a branch to ask about a waiver, especially if it's your first time. Chase sometimes reverses one fee per year for customers in good standing.

What to do if your online application is denied

Chase may decline your online application if you don't pass identity verification, have a history of overdrafts or fraud at other banks (which shows up on ChexSystems, a banking history report), or if there's a discrepancy in your personal information. You'll receive an email explaining the reason, though it may be vague.

Visit a Chase branch in person with your ID and Social Security number. A banker can often open an account for you on the spot even if the online system declined you, because they can verify your identity face-to-face. Bring documentation if you have it — a recent utility bill or lease to confirm your address, for example.

If Chase still declines you, ask the banker for the specific reason. If it's a ChexSystems issue, you can dispute it by contacting ChexSystems directly at chexsystems.com. If it's a Social Security number mismatch, bring a Social Security card or tax return to prove the correct number.

Linking your Chase savings account to other banks

You can transfer money from a Chase savings account to another bank, or from another bank into Chase, through external transfers. In the Chase app or online banking, go to "Transfer Money" and select "Transfer to another bank." Enter the other bank's routing number and your account number there. Chase will send two small deposits to that account (usually $0.01 each) within one to two business days. You'll verify the amounts in the other bank's app or online banking, and then the link is confirmed.

Once linked, transfers between Chase and the other bank take one to three business days. You can also set up recurring transfers — for example, moving money to a savings account at another bank every month — through the same menu. If you need the money faster, use a debit card withdrawal or visit an ATM instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase savings account without a Social Security number?

No. Chase requires a Social Security number for all deposit accounts. If you don't have one, you'll need to obtain an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) from the IRS first, though Chase may not accept an ITIN for all account types. Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to ask what documents they'll accept.

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

Most Chase savings accounts require $0 to $25 to open. Some high-yield accounts ask for $25 to $100. Check the current terms on chase.com or ask a banker, because minimums change. You can deposit the opening amount from another bank account, a debit card, or cash at a branch.

Can I open a Chase savings account if I'm under 18?

No, you must be at least 18. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian can open a Chase youth savings account in their name with you as an authorized user, or they can open a standard account and add you later once you turn 18.

What's the difference between Chase's standard and high-yield savings accounts?

The high-yield account pays a higher interest rate — typically 4 to 5 times more than the standard account — but requires a higher opening deposit and minimum balance. The standard account is better if you want to keep a small balance; the high-yield account is better if you're saving a larger amount and want to earn more interest.

How long does it take to receive my Chase debit card?

Chase mails debit cards within 7 to 10 business days. If you opened in person, the banker can sometimes issue a temporary card number you can use immediately. You can also withdraw cash from any Chase ATM or branch without a card while you wait.