Documents and information Chase will ask for

Chase requires a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address to open a checking or savings account. The photo ID can be a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. Proof of address typically means a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days — a bill with your name and street address on it.

You will also need to bring or provide your phone number and email address. If you are opening an account online or by phone, Chase will verify your identity using information from credit bureaus, so you do not need to mail documents in most cases. If you open an account in person at a branch, bring the physical ID and address proof with you.

If you do not have a Social Security number, Chase offers accounts for non-citizens with an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) issued by the IRS. You will need to visit a branch in person and bring your ITIN documentation along with your ID and proof of address.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and proof of current address dated within 60 days.
  • Opening online or by phone is faster than visiting a branch, and Chase verifies your identity electronically without requiring you to mail documents.
  • Chase has a minimum opening deposit requirement that varies by account type — some checking accounts require $0, while others require $25 or more.
  • If you have had a Chase account closed for cause or owe money to Chase, you may not be able to open a new account.

Minimum deposit and account types

Chase offers several checking and savings accounts, and the minimum opening deposit varies. Some Chase checking accounts require no opening deposit at all, while others ask for $25 or $100. Chase savings accounts typically require $0 to open. Before you start the process, decide which account type fits your needs — Chase Total Checking, Chase Premier Plus Checking, Chase Savings, or Chase High Yield Savings — because the minimum deposit and monthly fees differ.

You can find the current minimum deposit for each account on Chase's website or by calling 1-800-935-9935. The deposit can come from a transfer from another bank account, a check deposit, or cash if you open in person at a branch.

Online, phone, or in-person opening

Chase lets you open most accounts online without visiting a branch. You will enter your personal information, upload or photograph your ID, and verify your address. The process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes, and you can fund the account immediately from another bank account using routing and account numbers. Online opening is available 24 hours a day.

You can also open an account by phone by calling 1-800-935-9935. A representative will walk you through the same questions and verify your identity. Phone opening takes about 20 minutes and is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time.

If you prefer to open in person, visit any Chase branch with your ID, proof of address, and your opening deposit. In-person opening takes about 30 minutes and you can set up a debit card on the spot. Some branches offer extended hours on weekdays and Saturday service.

What happens after you open the account

Once your account is open, Chase will issue you a debit card, which arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your debit card at Chase ATMs immediately, even before the physical card arrives, by using your online banking login or mobile app. Your account number and routing number are available in the app or online right away so you can set up direct deposit or transfers from other banks.

Chase sends your debit card PIN separately from the card itself for security. If you need cash before the card arrives, you can withdraw from any Chase ATM using your temporary digital card in the Chase Mobile app, or visit a branch with your ID.

ChexSystems and account closure history

Chase uses ChexSystems, a banking history report, to decide whether to open your account. If you have closed a previous bank account due to overdrafts, fraud, or other issues, that information may appear in ChexSystems and could prevent Chase from opening an account for you. If you have had a Chase account closed for cause — such as repeated overdrafts or suspicious activity — Chase may refuse to open a new account.

You can request your ChexSystems report for free at www.chexsystems.com. If there is incorrect information on your report, you can dispute it directly with ChexSystems. Some people who have been denied by Chase have had success applying again after 6 to 12 months, though Chase does not publish specific waiting periods.

Funding your account and setting up access

After opening, you can fund your account by transferring money from another bank, depositing a check through the mobile app, or depositing cash at a Chase ATM or branch. External transfers from another bank typically take 1 to 3 business days. Mobile check deposit usually clears within one business day.

Set up online banking and the Chase Mobile app as soon as your account opens. You will need your account number, online username, and password. The app lets you check your balance, transfer money, pay bills, and deposit checks without visiting a branch. You can also set up direct deposit for paychecks or government benefits — your employer or benefits administrator will need your account number and Chase's routing number, which is 021000021 for most Chase accounts.

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 use ChexSystems, which tracks banking history, not credit history. A low credit score will not prevent you from opening an account, but a history of overdrafts, fraud, or account closure may.

What if I do not have a permanent address?

Chase requires proof of address, but it does not have to be a home address. A PO box, shelter address, or care-of address may work. Call 1-800-935-9935 to ask whether your specific address will be accepted before you apply.

How long does it take to open a Chase account?

Online opening takes 10 to 15 minutes and your account is active immediately. Phone opening takes about 20 minutes. In-person opening at a branch takes 30 minutes to an hour. You can use your account the same day, though your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Can someone else open an account for me?

No. Chase requires the person whose name is on the account to be present or to verify their identity electronically. A parent can open an account for a minor, but the minor's Social Security number and the parent's ID are both required.

What if I lose my debit card before it arrives?

Contact Chase immediately at 1-800-935-9935 to report it lost. You can use your temporary digital card in the Chase Mobile app to withdraw cash at ATMs or make purchases online while you wait for a replacement card to arrive by mail.