What you need to start a Chase account

Chase requires a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit to open most accounts. You can start the process online, on the phone, or in a branch. The fastest route is usually online if you have your documents ready — you'll get a temporary account number the same day and a debit card within 7 to 10 business days.

The initial deposit amount depends on the account type. Chase checking accounts typically require $0 to $25 to open, though some premium accounts ask for more. Savings accounts usually start at $0. If you don't have the deposit amount on hand, you can fund the account after opening it, but Chase will hold the account in a pending state until money arrives.

If you don't have a photo ID or Social Security number yet, you'll need to visit a branch in person with alternative documents — a passport, state ID, or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) may work, but policies vary by location. Call your local Chase branch before going in to confirm what they accept.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit (often $0 to $25) to open a Chase checking or savings account.
  • Opening online is fastest and takes minutes; you'll receive a temporary account number immediately and a physical debit card in 7 to 10 business days.
  • Chase will run a ChexSystems check, which looks at your banking history — if you've had accounts closed for overdrafts or fraud, you may be denied.
  • If you're denied, you can request a copy of your ChexSystems report and dispute inaccuracies, or wait and reapply after your record improves.

Opening an account online

Go to chase.com and select "Open an Account" from the homepage. Choose the account type — Chase Total Checking, Chase Savings, or another product — and answer questions about your personal information, employment, and income. You'll enter your Social Security number, date of birth, address, and phone number.

Chase will ask for your ID number (driver's license or passport number) and verify your identity by checking your credit report or asking security questions based on your financial history. This verification usually takes seconds to a few minutes. Once approved, you'll see your temporary account number on screen and can set up online banking access immediately.

You'll need to fund the account within a set timeframe — usually 10 days — to complete the opening. You can transfer money from another bank account, deposit a check by photo, or wait for a check to arrive from Chase. If you miss the funding deadline, Chase will close the pending account.

Opening an account by phone or in a branch

Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to open an account over the phone. A representative will walk you through the same questions as the online process and verify your identity. Phone applications take 15 to 20 minutes. You'll receive your account number by phone and can set up online banking the same day.

Visiting a Chase branch in person is useful if you want to deposit cash immediately, have questions about account features, or need to use alternative ID documents. Bring your photo ID, Social Security number, and the cash or check you want to deposit. A banker will complete the application in about 10 minutes and give you a debit card on the spot at some locations, though most will mail it within 7 to 10 business days.

Branch hours vary by location. Use the Chase branch locator on chase.com to find the nearest branch, confirm hours, and check whether you need an appointment. Many branches now require appointments for account openings, especially during busy times.

What happens if Chase denies your application

Chase uses ChexSystems, a banking history report similar to a credit report, to decide whether to open your account. If you've had accounts closed due to overdrafts, fraud, unpaid fees, or suspicious activity, ChexSystems will flag it and Chase may deny you. You'll receive a letter explaining the reason within 5 to 7 business days.

You have the right to request a free copy of your ChexSystems report from Chex Systems directly. Go to chexsystems.com or call 1-800-428-9623 to order your report. If information is wrong — for example, if an old overdraft was paid or a fraud claim was resolved — you can dispute it in writing. ChexSystems must investigate within 30 days.

If your report is accurate but you were denied, you can reapply after your banking history improves. Most negative items stay on ChexSystems for five years, but some banks have shorter memories. In the meantime, you might open an account at a bank with looser ChexSystems policies, such as a second-chance banking program, and rebuild your history there.

Setting up online banking and your debit card

Once your account is open, you can log into Chase.com or the Chase mobile app using your account number and a temporary password. You'll be prompted to create a username and password, set up security questions, and enroll in two-factor authentication (usually a code sent to your phone).

Your debit card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. When it arrives, you'll activate it through the app or by calling the number on the card. Until you activate it, the card won't work. Some Chase branches can issue a temporary card or expedited card for a fee if you need one sooner.

Once activated, you can use your debit card at Chase ATMs for free, at any ATM in the Allpoint network (over 55,000 ATMs worldwide) for free, or at other ATMs for a fee. You can also set up direct deposit, bill pay, and transfers to other accounts through online banking.

Fees and account maintenance

Chase Total Checking has no monthly maintenance fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or keep a linked savings account with $300. If you don't meet any of these, the fee is $12 per month. Chase Savings has no monthly fee but pays a variable interest rate that changes based on market conditions.

Overdraft fees are $35 per transaction if you spend more than your balance. Chase allows up to four overdraft fees per day. You can opt out of overdraft protection, which means transactions will be declined instead of charged a fee — this is useful if you want to avoid surprise charges.

Other fees to know: ATM fees outside Chase and Allpoint networks ($2.50 to $3.50), wire transfer fees ($15 to $25 depending on direction), and stop payment fees ($30). Review the full fee schedule on chase.com before opening to understand what you might pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Chase requires you to be at least 18 years old to open an account in your name. If you're younger, a parent or guardian can open a Chase First Banking account for you, which is a checking account designed for minors with parental controls and oversight.

How long does it take to receive my debit card?

Standard delivery is 7 to 10 business days. Chase offers expedited shipping for a fee (usually $10 to $15) if you need it faster. Some branches can issue a temporary card immediately if you open in person, though this varies by location.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

You can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. You'll need to visit a Chase branch in person with your ITIN documentation and photo ID. Call ahead to confirm the branch accepts ITINs, as policies vary.

Can I open a joint account with someone else?

Yes. Both account holders must be present (in person or by phone) with their own ID and Social Security number. Each person has full access to the account and can withdraw, transfer, or close it without the other's permission.

What happens if I close my Chase account and want to reopen it later?

You can reopen a closed account within 90 days without a new application. After 90 days, you'll need to apply as a new customer. If your account was closed due to fraud or policy violations, Chase may not let you reopen it.