Chase Total Checking is a standard checking account with no monthly fee if you meet one requirement
Chase Total Checking is a basic checking account from Chase Bank that charges no monthly service fee as long as you maintain a minimum balance of $500 or set up direct deposit. If you do neither, the fee is $12 per month. The account comes with a debit card, online and mobile banking, and access to Chase's ATM network and branches. There is no minimum opening deposit.
This account is designed for everyday banking—paying bills, receiving paychecks, withdrawing cash. It is not a savings account and does not earn interest on your balance. If you want to earn interest, you would need a separate Chase savings account.
Key Takeaways
- The $12 monthly fee is waived if you keep $500 in the account or receive direct deposits, so most people pay nothing.
- You get unlimited debit card transactions, check writing, and transfers between your own Chase accounts at no extra cost.
- Out-of-network ATM withdrawals cost $3 per transaction, though you can avoid this by using Chase ATMs or requesting cash back at stores.
- Overdraft fees are $35 per transaction if you spend more than your balance, and Chase allows multiple overdrafts per day.
- You can open the account online, by phone, or in a Chase branch without a credit check.
How the monthly fee works and when you pay nothing
Chase waives the $12 monthly service fee under either of two conditions: maintain an average daily balance of $500 or more, or have at least one direct deposit per month. Direct deposit means your employer, government agency, or other payer transfers money electronically into the account. A single direct deposit of any amount counts—it does not have to be your full paycheck.
If you do neither, you are charged $12 each month. This fee posts on the last day of the statement cycle. You can avoid it by adding $500 to the account before that date, or by setting up direct deposit before the next cycle begins.
What transactions cost extra
Most everyday transactions are free: debit card purchases, check writing, transfers between your own Chase accounts, and bill pay through Chase's website or app. ATM withdrawals at Chase machines are also free.
Out-of-network ATM withdrawals—using an ATM that is not owned by Chase—cost $3 per transaction. This fee is charged by Chase, not by the other bank. If you need cash and do not have a Chase ATM nearby, it is usually cheaper to ask a store cashier for cash back when you use your debit card, which is free.
Overdraft fees are $35 per transaction if you spend more than your available balance. Chase can charge multiple overdraft fees in a single day if you make several transactions that overdraw the account. You can opt out of overdraft coverage, which means transactions will be declined instead of charged a fee, but this must be done through your account settings.
Overdraft protection and what happens when you spend more than you have
Chase Total Checking includes overdraft coverage by default, which means the bank will allow transactions to go through even if your balance is negative. Each transaction that overdrafts costs $35. If you make five purchases that overdraw your account on the same day, you could be charged $175 in fees.
You can link your Chase savings account or another Chase checking account to provide overdraft protection instead. If you overdraw, Chase will transfer money from the linked account to cover it. This transfer is free and prevents the $35 fee. You must set this up in advance through your account settings.
If you do not want overdraft coverage at all, you can opt out. Transactions will then be declined if you do not have enough balance, and you will not be charged a fee. This is the safest option if you want to avoid surprise charges.
How to open a Chase Total Checking account
You can open the account online at Chase's website, by phone at 1-800-935-9935, or in person at a Chase branch. Online opening takes about 10 minutes and requires your Social Security number, date of birth, address, and government-issued ID. Chase does not run a credit check for checking accounts.
There is no minimum opening deposit, so you can open the account with $0 and add money later. However, you will be charged the $12 monthly fee starting the first month if you do not meet the $500 balance or direct deposit requirement by the end of that cycle.
Once your account is open, you can order a debit card online or request one in a branch. The card usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your debit card for purchases and ATM withdrawals immediately if you request a temporary card number through the Chase app.
Interest, limits, and what this account does not include
Chase Total Checking does not earn interest on your balance. The account is designed for spending and bill pay, not for saving. If you want to earn interest, you need to open a separate Chase savings account and transfer money into it. Chase savings accounts currently earn a small amount of interest, though the rate changes based on market conditions.
There is no limit on the number of debit card transactions, checks, or transfers you can make. However, federal rules limit the number of transfers and withdrawals from savings accounts to six per month. This limit does not apply to checking accounts.
Chase Total Checking does not include check imaging, which is the ability to deposit checks by taking a photo with your phone. That feature is available on some other Chase checking accounts. You can deposit checks by mail, at an ATM, or in a branch.
Fraud protection and what happens if someone uses your card without permission
Chase covers unauthorized debit card transactions under federal law. If someone uses your card or account number without permission, you are not liable for the charges if you report it promptly. You must notify Chase within 60 days of the unauthorized transaction appearing on your statement.
Report fraud by calling Chase at the number on the back of your card, through the Chase app, or by visiting a branch. Chase will investigate and typically refund the money within 10 business days. During the investigation, the funds may be temporarily unavailable, but you can request an advance credit while Chase verifies the claim.
To reduce the risk of fraud, use your debit card only at trusted merchants, monitor your account regularly through the Chase app or website, and enable transaction alerts so you are notified of large purchases or unusual activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a minimum balance to open the account?
No. You can open Chase Total Checking with $0 and add money later. However, if you do not maintain $500 or set up direct deposit, you will be charged $12 per month starting in the first billing cycle.
Can I use my Chase debit card at stores outside the United States?
Yes, but you may be charged a foreign transaction fee. Chase charges 1% of the transaction amount when you use your debit card abroad. ATM withdrawals in other countries may also incur fees from both Chase and the foreign bank.
What happens if I close my account and still owe money?
You must pay any negative balance before closing. If you close with an overdraft, Chase will charge the $35 overdraft fee and may send the debt to a collection agency if you do not pay it. You should settle any overdraft before requesting account closure.
Can I have multiple Chase Total Checking accounts?
Yes, but each account is subject to the same $12 monthly fee unless each one meets the $500 balance or direct deposit requirement separately. Most people do not need more than one checking account, but there is no rule preventing it.
How do I set up direct deposit?
Provide your employer or payer with your Chase account number and routing number. You can find both in the Chase app, on your checks, or by calling Chase. Once set up, direct deposits typically arrive on your regular payday. It usually takes one to two pay cycles for the first deposit to process.