You can change to Chase College Checking online, but only if you meet their age requirement
Chase College Checking is available to students between 17 and 24 years old. If you fall within that age range, you can convert your existing Chase account to College Checking through Chase's website or mobile app without visiting a branch. The process takes a few minutes and happens when ready — your account type changes right away, though it may take a day or two for the new benefits to show up in your app.
If you're outside that age range, you cannot switch to College Checking online or in any other way. Chase's age requirement is firm. You would need to keep your current account type or explore other Chase products designed for your age group.
Key Takeaways
- You must be between 17 and 24 years old to convert to Chase College Checking; this is Chase's requirement and does not change based on your school status.
- The conversion happens through your Chase app or website under account settings — you do not need to call or visit a branch.
- Your account converts when ready, though it may take until the next business day for College Checking features like the monthly fee waiver to take effect.
- Once you turn 25, Chase automatically converts your College Checking back to a standard checking account, and monthly fees resume unless you meet other fee-waiver requirements.
How to convert your account through the Chase app
Open the Chase mobile app and tap the account you want to convert. Look for "Account Services" or "Settings" — the exact location varies slightly depending on your phone type. Scroll down until you see an option labeled "Change Account Type" or "Upgrade Account." Tap it and select "College Checking" from the list of available accounts.
Chase will ask you to confirm your birth date to verify you meet the age requirement. Once you confirm, the conversion is complete. You should see your new account type reflected in the app within minutes, though the monthly fee waiver and other College Checking benefits may not set up until the next business day.
Converting through Chase.com on a computer
Log into your Chase account at chase.com. Click on the account you want to convert, then look for "Account Services" or "Settings" in the left menu. Select "Change Account Type" or a similar option. You will see a list of accounts you are may be able to access for based on your age and account history. Click "College Checking" and confirm your birth date when prompted.
The conversion completes when ready. If you do not see College Checking as an option, it means Chase has determined you do not meet the age requirement — either you are under 17 or over 24. In that case, you would need to contact Chase directly to understand why, though the age requirement is the most common reason.
What happens to your money and account number
Your existing balance stays in the account. Your routing number and account number do not change. Any automatic deposits, bill payments, or transfers you have set up continue to work exactly as they did before. The conversion only changes the account type and the fees or benefits attached to it — nothing about the underlying account itself changes.
If you have a debit card linked to your current account, you can keep using it. Chase does not issue a new card when you convert account types. Your PIN and online login remain the same.
What College Checking includes and what it costs
Chase College Checking waives the monthly maintenance fee as long as you remain between 17 and 24 years old. You get unlimited debit card transactions, online bill pay, and access to Chase's ATM network. There are no minimum balance requirements.
Once you turn 25, Chase automatically converts your account to Chase Total Checking or another standard account type. At that point, a monthly fee applies unless you meet one of Chase's other fee-waiver conditions — such as maintaining a minimum daily balance, setting up direct deposit, or keeping a linked savings account with a certain balance. You will receive notice before the conversion happens, usually a few weeks in advance.
If the conversion option does not appear
If you log in and do not see College Checking as an option to convert to, the most likely reason is that you do not fall within Chase's 17–24 age range. Chase verifies your age against the birth date on file with your account.
A second possibility is that your account type is not may be able to access for conversion — for example, if you have a business account or a specialty account, you may not be able to switch. If you believe you meet the age requirement and still cannot find the option, contact Chase directly through their website or call the number on the back of your debit card. They can tell you whether your specific account is may be able to access.
What to do after you convert
Once your account is College Checking, check your app or online dashboard to confirm the monthly fee waiver is active. It usually appears within a day. You do not need to do anything else — your account works the same way it did before, just without the monthly fee.
Set a reminder for the month you turn 25. Chase will send you a notice before converting your account, but it is straightforward to miss. Knowing the conversion is coming gives you time to decide whether you want to switch to a different account type or meet the requirements to keep the fee waived on your current account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a student to get College Checking?
No. Chase College Checking is based only on age — you must be between 17 and 24. You do not need to show proof of enrollment, a student ID, or anything else related to school. If you are within that age range, you can convert.
What happens if I convert and then turn 25?
Chase automatically converts your account to a standard checking account, usually on or shortly after your 25th birthday. A monthly maintenance fee then applies unless you meet other fee-waiver requirements, such as maintaining a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit. Chase sends notice before this happens.
Can I convert back to College Checking after I turn 25?
No. Once you are no longer may be able to access by age, you cannot return to College Checking. You would need to choose a different Chase account type or explore accounts at other banks if you want to avoid monthly fees.
Will converting affect my credit score?
No. Converting between checking account types does not trigger a credit check and does not affect your credit score. It is an internal change to your account type only.
What if I have overdraft protection or linked accounts?
These features stay in place after you convert. Your linked savings account, overdraft protection settings, and any other account features continue to work. The conversion only changes your account type and associated fees or benefits.