Chase's main payment and banking products

Chase offers checking and savings accounts, credit cards, debit cards, and loan products. For payments specifically, Chase lets you move money through checking accounts, pay bills online, send transfers to other people, and use a debit card at merchants or ATMs. If you carry a balance or need to borrow, Chase credit cards and personal loans are available, though they charge interest and fees.

The bank also runs Chase Pay (a digital wallet tied to your Chase card or bank account) and offers bill pay through its online banking platform. You can set up automatic payments for recurring bills, make one-time payments to businesses, and transfer money between your own Chase accounts or to external bank accounts via ACH.

Chase is a large national bank with branches and ATMs across the country, so deposits and cash withdrawals are available in person. Online and mobile banking are available 24/7, and customer service is reachable by phone, chat, or in-branch appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase checking accounts include online bill pay, person-to-person transfers, and debit card access for everyday payments.
  • Chase credit cards carry interest rates and annual fees that vary by card type, and you can pay the balance online or through automatic payments.
  • Transfers to other banks take one to three business days via ACH, and Chase does not charge a fee for outgoing transfers to external accounts.
  • Chase Pay is a digital wallet option, but it works only at merchants that accept it, so a debit or credit card remains necessary for most payments.
  • Chase charges overdraft fees, monthly maintenance fees on some accounts, and ATM fees if you use an out-of-network machine.

Checking accounts and bill pay

Chase checking accounts come in several tiers: Chase Total Checking, Chase Premier Plus Checking, and Chase Sapphire Checking. Each has different monthly maintenance fees (ranging from $0 to $25 depending on the account and whether you meet balance or deposit requirements) and different ATM networks. All include online bill pay at no extra charge.

Bill pay through Chase works by logging into your account online or through the mobile app, entering the payee's name and address, and scheduling a payment date. Chase sends the payment electronically or by check, depending on the payee. Most payments arrive within one to three business days. You can set up recurring payments for bills that stay the same amount each month, or make one-time payments.

Chase also offers person-to-person transfers through its app to other Chase customers at no fee. Transfers to people at other banks go through the ACH system and take one to three business days. Chase does not charge for outgoing ACH transfers, though the receiving bank may.

Credit cards and how interest works

Chase credit cards include the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Freedom Unlimited, Chase Freedom Flex, and many others. Each card has an annual fee (ranging from $0 to $550), a purchase APR (annual percentage rate), and a cash advance APR. The APR you receive depends on your credit score and history.

When you use a Chase credit card, you are borrowing money from Chase. If you pay the full balance by the due date each month, you pay no interest. If you carry a balance into the next month, Chase charges interest at the APR listed in your card agreement. For example, if your APR is 18% and you carry a $1,000 balance, you will owe roughly $15 in interest that month (the exact amount depends on your daily balance and the number of days in the billing cycle).

You can pay your Chase credit card balance online, through the mobile app, by phone, or by mail. Chase offers automatic payments so you never miss a due date. Late payments trigger a late fee (typically $25 to $40 for the first late payment) and may raise your APR.

Debit cards and ATM access

Every Chase checking account comes with a debit card. You can use it to buy things at stores, online, or over the phone. The money comes directly from your checking account, so you are not borrowing. There is no interest charged, and no credit impact.

Chase debit cards work at any ATM that accepts Visa (the network Chase uses). Chase owns thousands of ATMs nationwide, and you can withdraw cash for free at any of them. If you use an out-of-network ATM (one that is not owned by Chase), you will be charged a fee—usually $2.50 to $3.50 per withdrawal. Some out-of-network ATMs also charge their own fee on top of Chase's fee.

If your account balance goes negative, Chase charges an overdraft fee (typically $34 per transaction) unless you have overdraft protection linked to another account or a savings account. You can turn off overdraft protection in your account settings to prevent charges, though transactions will then be declined.

Personal loans and installment payments

Chase offers personal loans ranging from $500 to $100,000, depending on your credit and income. You borrow a lump sum, agree to repay it in fixed monthly installments over a set term (typically 24 to 84 months), and pay interest at a rate determined by your creditworthiness. The interest rate and monthly payment are locked in when you take out the loan.

Chase also offers Chase Pay Later, an installment plan that lets you split certain purchases into four equal payments over six weeks with no interest (if you pay on time). This is different from a personal loan—it is tied to a specific purchase and does not require a credit check in the traditional sense, though Chase does verify your identity and account status.

Both personal loans and installment plans are repaid through automatic deductions from your Chase checking account on the due date each month. If a payment is missed, Chase charges a late fee and may report the missed payment to credit bureaus.

Digital wallet and mobile payments

Chase Pay is Chase's digital wallet. You add a Chase debit card or credit card to the app, and then you can pay at merchants that accept Chase Pay by scanning a QR code or tapping your phone at the register. Chase Pay is not widely accepted compared to Apple Pay or Google Pay, so you will still need a physical card or another payment method for most transactions.

You can also add your Chase debit or credit card to Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. These wallets are accepted at far more merchants than Chase Pay alone. The payment still comes from your Chase account, but the wallet provider handles the transaction.

All digital wallet payments are protected by the same fraud rules as your physical card: if an unauthorized payment occurs, you can dispute it through Chase, and Chase will investigate and refund you if the charge is fraudulent.

Fees and what they cost

Chase charges several types of fees depending on your account and how you use it. Monthly maintenance fees range from $0 to $25 depending on the checking account type and whether you meet balance or direct deposit requirements. Overdraft fees are $34 per transaction. Out-of-network ATM fees are $2.50 to $3.50 per withdrawal. Wire transfer fees (if you send money by wire) are $15 to $25 depending on whether the wire is domestic or international.

Credit card annual fees range from $0 to $550 depending on the card. Some cards waive the annual fee for the first year. Late payment fees on credit cards are typically $25 to $40. Cash advance fees (if you withdraw cash using a credit card) are usually 3% to 5% of the amount withdrawn, with a minimum fee.

You can avoid most fees by maintaining a minimum balance, setting up direct deposit, using Chase ATMs, paying bills on time, and choosing a no-annual-fee credit card. Chase's website lists all fees in the account or card agreement before you open an account.

Fraud protection and dispute resolution

Chase covers unauthorized transactions on debit cards and credit cards under federal law. If someone uses your card without permission, you can dispute the charge through your Chase account online or by calling customer service. Chase will investigate and refund you if the charge is fraudulent, usually within 10 business days for credit cards and up to 45 days for debit cards.

For ACH transfers and bill payments, if money is sent to the wrong account or a payment is made in error, you can contact Chase to attempt a reversal. Chase cannot always recover the money, especially if the receiving account has already withdrawn it, but they will try. Reversals are faster if you report the error within one business day.

Chase also offers purchase protection on credit cards, which covers items damaged or stolen within a certain period after purchase (usually 90 days). This is an added benefit of the card, not a separate service you have to request.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to transfer money from Chase to another bank?

ACH transfers from Chase to another bank take one to three business days. The exact timing depends on when you schedule the transfer and the receiving bank's processing speed. Transfers scheduled on a weekend or holiday are processed the next business day.

Can I pay a bill through Chase if the company does not accept Chase bill pay?

Yes. You can use your Chase debit card or credit card to pay almost any bill online, by phone, or by mail. You can also set up an ACH transfer from your Chase checking account to the company's bank account if they provide that option. Bill pay through Chase's platform is limited to payees Chase can reach, but your card works anywhere.

What happens if I miss a credit card payment?

Chase charges a late fee (typically $25 to $40) and reports the missed payment to credit bureaus after 30 days. Your APR may also increase. If you miss multiple payments, Chase may close your account and send the debt to collections. Contact Chase immediately if you miss a payment to discuss options.

Does Chase charge a fee to transfer money between my own Chase accounts?

No. Transfers between your own Chase checking and savings accounts are free and happen instantly online or through the app.

Can I use Chase Pay at any store?

No. Chase Pay is accepted only at merchants that have specifically set up to accept it. Acceptance is limited compared to Apple Pay or Google Pay. For broader acceptance, add your Chase card to Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay instead.