Documents and information Chase requires to open an account

To open a Chase checking or savings account, you need a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit. Chase accepts a driver's license, passport, or state ID. The initial deposit amount varies by account type—some checking accounts require $25, while others have no minimum. You can fund the account online, by mail, or in person at a branch.

Chase also runs a background check through ChexSystems, a banking history database. If you have unpaid overdrafts, fraud disputes, or other banking issues on record, Chase may deny your application or require you to resolve those items first. You can request your own ChexSystems report for free at chexsystems.com to see what's on file before you apply.

If you don't have a Social Security number, you can apply using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, though some account types may not be available to you. Bring documentation of your ITIN when you apply in person, or upload it during online signup.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and an initial deposit to open any Chase account.
  • Chase checks your banking history through ChexSystems, and past overdrafts or fraud disputes can block your application.
  • Minimum opening deposits range from $0 to $25 depending on the account type you choose.
  • You can open an account online, by mail, or in person at a Chase branch, and funding can happen the same day.
  • If you've been denied before, request your ChexSystems report to see what's blocking you and whether it can be resolved.

How to open an account online versus in person

Opening online takes 10 to 15 minutes and requires only your computer or phone. You enter your personal information, upload a photo of your ID, and confirm your Social Security number. Chase verifies your identity instantly in most cases. You can fund the account immediately using a debit card, bank transfer, or wire transfer. The account is usually active within one business day.

Opening in person at a Chase branch takes 20 to 30 minutes. Bring your ID, Social Security card or ITIN documentation, and the initial deposit in cash or by check. A banker will verify your information on the spot and you walk out with a debit card (or it arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days). In-person opening is useful if you have questions about which account type fits your needs or if you've been denied online and want to discuss it with a banker.

Opening by mail is slower and less common. Chase will send you an application, you complete it, mail it back with copies of your ID and proof of address, and wait 2 to 3 weeks for processing. Most people choose online or in-person instead.

What counts as proof of address

Chase does not always require proof of address to open an account, but you will need it if you're opening by mail or if the online system flags your application for additional verification. Acceptable documents include a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail (tax return, voter registration card, or benefits statement). The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 to 90 days.

If you don't have a traditional address—you're homeless, living with family, or in temporary housing—bring a letter from a shelter, social services agency, or the person whose address you're using, stating that you live there. Chase will accept this in place of a utility bill.

Account types and what each one costs

Chase offers several checking and savings accounts, each with different fees and minimum balance requirements. Chase Total Checking has no monthly fee and no minimum opening deposit. Chase Premier Plus Checking requires a $25 opening deposit and has a $12 monthly fee unless you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Chase Savings has no monthly fee and no minimum balance.

Many accounts waive monthly fees if you set up direct deposit of your paycheck or maintain a minimum balance—usually $500 to $1,500 depending on the account. Overdraft fees are $35 per transaction across most Chase accounts. You can turn off overdraft protection to prevent charges, which means transactions will be declined instead of approved and charged.

Compare the accounts on Chase's website or ask a banker which one fits your situation. If you're paid by direct deposit and rarely carry a balance, Total Checking costs nothing. If you want to earn interest on savings, the savings account is separate and has its own rate.

What happens if Chase denies your application

Chase will tell you the reason for denial in writing, usually within 5 to 10 business days. Common reasons are unpaid overdrafts or fraud disputes in ChexSystems, a very recent account closure at another bank, or a mismatch between the information you provided and what's on file with the credit bureaus.

If you were denied because of ChexSystems, request your report and dispute any errors. If the issue is legitimate—you owe money to another bank—contact that bank and pay the debt or work out a settlement. Once resolved, ask the other bank to update ChexSystems. Then reapply to Chase after 30 days.

If you were denied for other reasons, call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935 and ask what specifically blocked you. Some denials can be overturned if you provide additional documentation or clarification. If Chase continues to deny you, consider opening an account at a bank with less strict ChexSystems policies, such as Chime, LendingClub, or a local credit union, and then reapply to Chase after 6 to 12 months of clean banking history.

Age and legal name requirements

You must be at least 18 years old to open an account in your own name. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian can open a custodial account for you, which they control until you reach the age of majority (usually 18 or 21, depending on your state). The adult will need their own ID and Social Security number plus yours.

Your legal name on the account must match your ID exactly. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, update your ID first or bring both your old and new legal documents to explain the change. Mismatches between your ID and Social Security records will delay or block your application.

Funding your new account and getting your debit card

You can fund your account immediately during signup using a debit card from another bank, a wire transfer, or an ACH transfer from another checking account. Debit card funding is instant. ACH transfers take 1 to 3 business days. Wire transfers are instant but may have a fee from your sending bank.

Your Chase debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days of account opening. If you opened in person at a branch, ask if they can issue a temporary card or expedite the physical card. You can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or bill pay before your debit card arrives.

Once your account is open, you can also deposit checks using the Chase mobile app (photograph the front and back), at an ATM, or at a branch. Mobile check deposits clear within 1 to 2 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase account if I have bad credit?

Chase does not check your credit score to open a checking or savings account. They check ChexSystems, which tracks banking history, not credit history. Bad credit will not block you, but unpaid overdrafts or fraud disputes in ChexSystems will.

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

You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring your ITIN documentation when you apply in person, or upload it during online signup. Some account types may have restrictions for ITIN holders—ask Chase before you start.

How long does it take to open an account?

Online signup takes 10 to 15 minutes and the account is active within one business day. In-person opening takes 20 to 30 minutes and is active immediately. By mail takes 2 to 3 weeks.

Do I have to keep a minimum balance?

Most Chase checking accounts have no minimum balance requirement. Some premium accounts waive monthly fees if you maintain $500 to $1,500. Check the specific account terms before you open.

What if I want to add someone else to my account?

You can add an authorized user or joint owner after the account is open. Both people need to be present in person at a Chase branch with their IDs, or you can call customer service to add someone if they're already a Chase customer. Joint owners have equal access and responsibility for the account.