Yes, you can change your Chase checking account type, but the process and what you can switch to depends on which account you have now

Chase offers several checking account types — Total Checking, Premier Plus Checking, find Checking, and Student Checking are the main ones. You can move between most of them by calling Chase customer service or visiting a branch in person. The switch usually takes a few business days and does not require closing your current account or opening a completely new one. However, some moves are easier than others, and a few account types have restrictions on what you can change to.

The reason you might want to switch is straightforward: different account types have different monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and benefits. If your situation has changed — you no longer may have access to for Student Checking because you graduated, or you want to avoid the monthly fee on Total Checking — changing your account type is simpler than opening a new account from scratch.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Chase checking account type by calling 1-800-935-9935, visiting a branch, or using Chase's mobile app or website if the option appears in your account settings.
  • Switching accounts usually takes three to five business days and does not require you to close your existing account or move your money.
  • Some account types, like find Checking, have limited options for what you can switch to, so confirm what accounts you are may be able to access for before you request the change.
  • Your routing number and account number stay the same when you change account types, so direct deposits and automatic payments do not need to be updated.
  • Monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and benefits (like overdraft protection) differ between account types, so review what you are switching to before confirming the change.

How to request an account type change

The fastest way is to call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935. Have your account number ready. Tell them you want to change your account type and ask which types you are may be able to access for. They will explain the differences — mainly the monthly fee, any minimum balance requirement, and what perks come with each one — and then process the change over the phone. The whole call usually takes five to ten minutes.

You can also visit a Chase branch in person and ask a banker to make the change. This is useful if you want to ask questions face-to-face or if you prefer not to do it by phone. Bring your ID and your debit card or account number.

Some account changes may be available through the Chase mobile app or website under your account settings, though not all account types offer this option. Log in, look for account settings or account details, and see if a "change account type" option appears. If it does not, phone or branch are your only routes.

What happens to your account number and direct deposits

Your routing number and account number do not change when you switch account types. This is important because it means your employer, your bank, or anyone else sending money to your account does not need to be notified. Direct deposits, automatic bill payments, and transfers from other banks will keep working without interruption.

The change is internal to Chase — you are moving from one product to another within the same account. Your debit card stays active, your online banking login stays the same, and your transaction history stays attached to the account. Nothing you have set up stops working.

Account type restrictions and what you cannot switch to

Most people can switch between Total Checking, Premier Plus Checking, and Student Checking without trouble. However, find Checking — which is designed for people with a history of overdrafts or who are new to banking — has stricter rules. If you have find Checking, you may not be able to switch to every other account type, and Chase may require you to meet certain conditions (like maintaining a clean account for a set period) before allowing the move.

If you are under 18, you may be limited to Student Checking or accounts specifically designed for minors. Once you turn 18 or graduate, you become may be able to access for the full range of adult checking accounts.

The best way to know what you can switch to is to ask Chase directly. When you call or visit a branch, they will tell you which account types are available to you based on your current account and your banking history with Chase.

Fees and benefits that change when you switch

The main reason people switch accounts is to avoid a monthly fee or to gain a benefit they need. Total Checking has a monthly maintenance fee (currently $12, though this varies by region) that can be waived if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Premier Plus Checking has a higher monthly fee but comes with perks like higher interest on savings and fee waivers. Student Checking has no monthly fee as long as you remain a student.

Before you confirm the switch, ask Chase what the monthly fee will be for your new account type and what the conditions are to waive it. If you are switching to avoid a fee, make sure the new account type actually has no fee or that you can meet the waiver requirements (usually a minimum balance or a direct deposit).

How long the change takes

Once you request the change, Chase usually processes it within three to five business days. You will see the new account type reflected in your online banking and mobile app once it is complete. You do not need to do anything else — no paperwork to sign, no new card to wait for, no new account number to memorize.

If you are switching because you want to avoid an upcoming monthly fee, keep in mind that the fee may still appear on your next statement if the change processes after the billing cycle has already started. Contact Chase if you see a fee you believe should have been waived, and they can often reverse it if the timing was close.

What to do if Chase says you cannot switch

If Chase tells you that you are not may be able to access to switch to the account type you want, ask why. The most common reasons are that you have find Checking and have not yet met the conditions to move to a standard account, or that you are under 18 and trying to switch to an adult account type. If the reason is time-based (like needing to keep find Checking for six months), ask when you will become may be able to access.

If you are being told no for a reason that does not make sense to you, ask to speak with a supervisor or visit a branch and ask a manager. Sometimes the person on the phone has incomplete information, and a second conversation can clarify what is actually possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will switching account types affect my credit score?

No. Changing your Chase checking account type is an internal account change and does not trigger a credit check or appear on your credit report. Your credit score is not affected.

Do I need to close my old account and open a new one?

No. You are changing the type of account you already have, not opening a new account. Your account stays open, your account number stays the same, and your money stays where it is.

What if I change my mind after switching?

You can switch back to your previous account type by calling Chase or visiting a branch. There is no penalty for changing account types multiple times, though Chase may eventually ask questions if you are switching very frequently.

Can I switch if I have a negative balance or owe Chase money?

Chase may not allow you to switch if your account is overdrawn or if you owe money to the bank. Pay off any negative balance first, then request the change.

Does my debit card change when I switch account types?

No. Your debit card remains active and usable. You do not need a new card, and the card number does not change.