What Chase charges for checking accounts

Chase does not charge a monthly fee for most of its checking accounts, but it does charge fees for specific actions or account types. The Chase Total Checking account, which is the most common option, has no monthly maintenance fee. However, you will pay fees if you overdraft your account, use an out-of-network ATM, or request a paper statement.

The Chase Premier Plus Checking account does charge a monthly fee—currently $25 per month—but waives it if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. The Chase Sapphire Checking account, tied to the credit card rewards program, also has a monthly fee of $25 but waives it under the same conditions.

Fees vary by account type and your account activity. The key is knowing which fees apply to your account and which actions trigger them, so you can avoid unnecessary charges.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase Total Checking has no monthly maintenance fee, making it free to hold if you avoid overdrafts and out-of-network ATM use.
  • Overdraft fees at Chase are $35 per transaction, and you can be charged multiple times in a single day if you make multiple overdrafts.
  • Out-of-network ATM withdrawals cost $3 per transaction at Chase ATMs outside your region, plus any fee the other bank charges.
  • Premier Plus and Sapphire Checking accounts charge $25 monthly but waive the fee if you keep a $500 minimum balance or receive direct deposit.
  • Paper statements cost $2 per month if you opt out of electronic statements, though most accounts default to online-only.

Overdraft fees and how they stack up

An overdraft happens when you spend more money than you have in your account. Chase charges $35 per overdraft transaction, and this fee applies even if the overdraft is only a few dollars. If you make multiple transactions that overdraft your account on the same day, Chase can charge you $35 for each one—meaning a day of small purchases could result in $105 or more in fees.

Chase offers Overdraft Protection, which links your checking account to a savings account or credit line. If you overdraft, Chase transfers money from the linked account instead of charging an overdraft fee. This service is free to set up and use, though you may pay interest on a credit line transfer. You can also opt into Chase Overdraft Assist, which gives you a grace period to deposit funds before the overdraft fee kicks in, though this is not available on all account types.

The fastest way to avoid overdraft fees is to turn on account alerts through the Chase mobile app or online banking. You can set alerts to notify you when your balance drops below a certain amount, giving you time to transfer money before a transaction posts.

ATM fees and out-of-network charges

Chase does not charge a fee when you use a Chase ATM. However, if you use an ATM that is not part of the Chase network, you will pay $3 per withdrawal. Additionally, the bank that owns the ATM you use may charge its own fee—typically $1 to $3—on top of Chase's charge. This means a single out-of-network withdrawal can cost you $4 to $6 total.

Chase is part of the MoneyPass network, which includes ATMs at many grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores nationwide. You can use these ATMs without paying Chase's $3 fee. The Chase mobile app and website show you the nearest Chase and MoneyPass ATMs, so you can plan ahead and avoid out-of-network charges.

If you travel frequently or live far from a Chase branch, the out-of-network fees can add up quickly. In that case, consider whether a different bank with more ATM locations in your area would save you money.

Paper statement fees and other charges

Chase defaults all accounts to electronic statements delivered through online banking. If you request paper statements by mail, Chase charges $2 per month for this service. Most people do not pay this fee because electronic statements are free and available immediately through the app or website.

Other fees you may encounter include stop payment requests ($30 per request), wire transfers ($15 for domestic, $20 for international), and returned deposit items ($15 per item). Cashier's checks are free at most Chase branches, but some branches may charge a small fee—call ahead to confirm.

Account research and verification services, such as providing documentation for a third party, may also carry fees. These are less common but worth asking about if Chase requests payment for account information you need.

How to avoid monthly fees on Premier Plus and Sapphire accounts

If you hold a Premier Plus or Sapphire Checking account, the $25 monthly fee is waived if you meet one of two conditions: maintain a minimum balance of $500 or receive at least one direct deposit per month. Direct deposit is the easier path for most people because it requires no ongoing balance management.

Direct deposit means your employer, government agency, or other income source deposits money directly into your Chase account. This counts toward the waiver even if the deposit is small—$1 or more per month qualifies. You can set up direct deposit through your employer's payroll system or by providing your Chase routing number and account number to the organization sending the payment.

If you cannot meet either condition, you will pay $25 monthly. In that case, switching to Chase Total Checking—which has no monthly fee and no minimum balance—may save you money unless you value the rewards or other benefits tied to the Premier Plus or Sapphire account.

Comparing Chase checking fees to other banks

Many online banks and credit unions offer checking accounts with no monthly fees, no overdraft fees, and no minimum balance requirements. Banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover have checking accounts that reimburse out-of-network ATM fees, which can save you money if you do not have regular access to their ATM network.

However, Chase has advantages that may justify its fees for some people: a large branch network, extended hours at many locations, and integration with Chase credit cards and investment accounts. If you use Chase's branches frequently or hold multiple Chase products, the convenience may outweigh the fees.

The best choice depends on your habits. If you rarely overdraft, use Chase ATMs, and do not need paper statements, Chase Total Checking costs you nothing. If you overdraft often or frequently use out-of-network ATMs, a bank that reimburses these fees or does not charge them may be cheaper overall.

How to check your account for recent fees

You can see all fees charged to your account by logging into Chase online banking or the mobile app and viewing your transaction history. Fees appear as separate line items, usually labeled by type: "Overdraft Fee," "Out-of-Network ATM Fee," "Monthly Service Fee," and so on. Most fees post within one to two business days of the transaction that triggered them.

If you see a fee you believe was charged in error, contact Chase customer service through the app, by phone, or at a branch. Chase sometimes reverses one overdraft fee per year if you have a good account history, though this is not may provide. Requesting a reversal is worth doing if the fee was your first overdraft in a long time or if you can show you took steps to prevent it from happening again.

Set up account alerts to catch problems early. You can receive notifications for low balances, large transactions, or failed transactions, which gives you time to act before fees occur.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Chase charge a monthly fee for Total Checking?

No. Chase Total Checking has no monthly maintenance fee, no minimum balance requirement, and no direct deposit requirement. You only pay fees if you overdraft, use out-of-network ATMs, request paper statements, or use other paid services like wire transfers.

Can I get an overdraft fee reversed?

Chase may reverse one overdraft fee per year if you have a good account history and contact them to request it. There is no may provide, but it is worth asking, especially if it is your first overdraft or if you can show you have taken steps to prevent future overdrafts.

How much does it cost to use an out-of-network ATM?

Chase charges $3 per out-of-network withdrawal, and the other bank's ATM may charge an additional $1 to $3. You can avoid this by using Chase ATMs or MoneyPass network ATMs, which are free to Chase customers.

What is the difference between Premier Plus and Total Checking?

Premier Plus Checking charges $25 monthly (waived with a $500 balance or direct deposit) and offers higher interest rates on balances. Total Checking is free with no minimum balance. Choose Total Checking unless you want the higher interest rate and can easily meet the waiver conditions.

Do I have to pay for paper statements?

Yes, Chase charges $2 per month for paper statements. Electronic statements through online banking are free. Most people use electronic statements and do not pay this fee.