Chase checking accounts come in three main versions, and the right one depends on how often you use your account and whether you want to avoid monthly fees
Chase offers Chase Total Checking, Chase Sapphire Checking, and Chase Premier Plus Checking. Each one has different monthly maintenance fees, minimum balance requirements, and perks. The account that costs you the least money is the one that matches how you actually bank — not the one with the most features you won't use.
If you want to avoid fees without keeping a large balance, Total Checking is usually the answer. If you want rewards on debit card spending and don't mind a higher balance requirement, Sapphire Checking pays you back. If you have substantial money to keep at Chase, Premier Plus Checking offers the most benefits but requires the highest balance.
Key Takeaways
- Chase Total Checking has no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit, making it the lowest-barrier option for most people.
- Chase Sapphire Checking charges $25 per month but gives you cash back on debit card purchases and waives the fee if you maintain a $20,000 balance.
- Chase Premier Plus Checking requires a $100,000 combined balance across Chase accounts and offers the most perks, including higher interest rates and fee waivers.
- All three accounts include FDIC protection up to $250,000, fraud protection on unauthorized transactions, and access to Chase's ATM network.
- The fee you actually pay depends on whether you meet the balance requirement or income threshold — not on which account you choose.
Chase Total Checking: No fee if you meet one simple condition
Total Checking has a $12 monthly maintenance fee, but you avoid it in two ways: keep a $500 minimum daily balance, or set up direct deposit of any amount. Most people who get a paycheck deposited automatically never pay this fee. If your balance drops below $500 on a day when you don't have direct deposit set up, you pay the $12 that month.
This account includes a debit card, online and mobile banking, and access to over 4,700 Chase ATMs nationwide. You get fraud protection on unauthorized transactions, meaning if someone uses your card without permission, Chase will reverse the charge after you report it. There is no interest paid on the balance — your money just sits there.
Total Checking makes sense if you receive regular paychecks by direct deposit, or if you can keep $500 in the account at all times. It is the most common choice for people who want a basic checking account without complications.
Chase Sapphire Checking: Pay $25 per month to earn cash back on debit purchases
Sapphire Checking charges $25 monthly but gives you 1% cash back on all debit card purchases. If you spend $2,500 per month on your debit card, you earn $25 in cash back — meaning the fee is free. If you spend more, you come out ahead. If you spend less, you pay the fee without getting it back.
You can waive the $25 fee by maintaining a $20,000 minimum daily balance instead. This account also includes the same debit card access, online banking, and fraud protection as Total Checking, plus a few extras: you get a higher interest rate on your balance (though still very low), and some fee waivers on other Chase products.
Sapphire Checking is worth considering if you use your debit card frequently for everyday purchases and can either spend enough to earn back the $25 monthly fee or keep $20,000 in the account. The cash back is real money — it posts to your account monthly — but only if your spending justifies the fee.
Chase Premier Plus Checking: For people with substantial Chase balances
Premier Plus Checking has no monthly maintenance fee, but it requires a $100,000 combined balance across all your Chase deposit and investment accounts. This means if you have a checking account, savings account, or brokerage account at Chase, the balances add up toward this threshold. If your combined balance drops below $100,000, you pay a $25 monthly fee.
The perks are substantial if you meet the balance requirement: higher interest rates on savings and money market accounts, waived fees on wire transfers and cashier's checks, and priority customer service. You also get the same debit card and fraud protection as the other accounts, plus access to a dedicated phone line.
Premier Plus Checking is only relevant if you already have or plan to keep at least $100,000 at Chase. If you do, the account pays for itself through higher interest rates and fee waivers. If you don't, the $25 monthly fee makes it more expensive than Total Checking.
How to compare what you will actually pay
The real cost of each account depends on your specific situation. Create a simple comparison: write down your expected monthly direct deposits, your typical account balance, and how much you spend on your debit card each month. Then check which fees you would actually owe.
| Account | Monthly Fee | Fee Waived If | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Checking | $12 | $500 minimum balance OR direct deposit | People with regular paychecks or $500+ balance |
| Sapphire Checking | $25 | $20,000 minimum balance OR $2,500+ monthly debit spending | Frequent debit card users or people with $20,000+ to keep at Chase |
| Premier Plus Checking | $25 | $100,000 combined balance across Chase accounts | People with substantial money at Chase |
If you have direct deposit, Total Checking costs you nothing. If you don't have direct deposit but can keep $500 in the account, Total Checking still costs nothing. If you spend heavily on your debit card and want cash back, Sapphire Checking may pay for itself. If you have six figures at Chase, Premier Plus Checking offers the most value.
What happens if you do not meet the balance requirement
If you open an account and later fall short of the balance requirement or lose your direct deposit, Chase charges the monthly fee automatically. You will see it on your statement. The fee comes out of your account balance, so if you are already running low, it can push you into overdraft territory.
You can switch accounts at any time without closing the original one. If you realize Total Checking is costing you $12 per month because you cannot maintain $500, you can open a different account or set up direct deposit. Chase does not charge you to change accounts, and you keep the same routing number and account number if you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have more than one Chase checking account?
Yes. You can open multiple checking accounts at Chase, and each one is separate. Some people keep one account for bills and another for savings transfers. However, the balance requirements and fee waivers apply to each account individually — you cannot combine balances from two Total Checking accounts to waive the fee on one of them.
Do I earn interest on my checking account balance?
Total Checking and Sapphire Checking earn very little interest — typically less than 0.01% annually. Premier Plus Checking earns slightly more, but still minimal. If you want meaningful interest, you need a separate savings account or money market account at Chase, which pay higher rates.
What if I get paid by direct deposit but also want cash back on debit purchases?
You could open both Total Checking (to waive the fee with direct deposit) and Sapphire Checking (to earn cash back), then use each for its purpose. However, this adds complexity. Most people choose one account and stick with it unless they have a specific reason to split.
Is my money safe in a Chase checking account?
Yes. Chase checking accounts are FDIC insured up to $250,000 per account holder per bank. This means if Chase fails, the government backs your money up to that limit. Unauthorized transactions are also protected — if someone uses your card fraudulently, Chase reverses the charge after you report it.
Can I switch from one Chase checking account to another without closing my current account?
Yes. You can open a new account while keeping your old one open. However, if you want to close the old account later, you will need to transfer any remaining balance and stop using the old debit card. Chase can walk you through the process over the phone or online.