Chase checking accounts do not have a built-in bucketing feature, but you can create separate sub-accounts within your checking account to organize money by purpose
Chase offers a feature called Chase Savings Buckets, but it only works in Chase savings accounts, not checking accounts. If you have a Chase checking account and want to organize your money into separate categories—like "emergency fund," "car repair," or "vacation"—you have two realistic options: open a linked Chase savings account and use buckets there, or manually track separate checking accounts at Chase.
The most straightforward path is to open a Chase savings account alongside your checking account. Once linked, you can create up to 10 separate buckets within that one savings account, each with its own name and savings goal. Money stays in the same account but is mentally and visually separated. You can move money between buckets when ready, and the buckets earn the same interest rate as the main savings balance.
If you want to keep everything in checking, you can open multiple Chase checking accounts under the same login and use each one for a different purpose. This gives you complete separation—different account numbers, different debit cards if you want them—but requires more active management and you lose any interest earnings.
Key Takeaways
- Chase Savings Buckets exist only in savings accounts, not checking accounts, so you cannot create buckets directly in checking.
- The easiest solution is to open a linked Chase savings account and create up to 10 buckets there for different savings goals.
- You can also open multiple Chase checking accounts under one login and use each account for a different spending category.
- Money moved between buckets in a savings account transfers when ready with no fees, and all buckets earn the same interest rate.
How Chase Savings Buckets Work
If you open a Chase savings account, you can create buckets by logging into Chase.com or the Chase mobile app, going to your savings account, and selecting "Create a bucket." You name each bucket, set an optional savings goal amount, and assign a target date if you want. The buckets are visual organizers only—the money stays in one account and earns interest on the total balance, not per bucket.
You can create up to 10 buckets per savings account. Moving money between buckets takes seconds and costs nothing. If you need to transfer money from a bucket back to your checking account, that also happens when ready. The main limitation is that buckets are for savings accounts only; Chase does not offer the same feature in checking.
Opening a Linked Savings Account for Buckets
To use buckets with your existing Chase checking account, you need a Chase savings account. If you do not have one, you can open it online through Chase.com or the mobile app in about 10 minutes. You will need your Social Security number, a government-issued ID, and your checking account information. Chase will link the accounts automatically, so transfers between them are free and when ready.
Once the savings account is open, you can create buckets when ready. This approach keeps your checking account straightforward for everyday spending while giving you organized savings categories. You can set up automatic transfers from checking to specific buckets on a schedule—for example, $200 to "emergency fund" every payday—using Chase's bill pay or transfer tools.
Using Multiple Checking Accounts Instead
If you prefer to stay entirely in checking and do not want a savings account, you can open additional Chase checking accounts. Each account has its own account number and can have its own debit card. You can name them in your Chase app (for example, "Checking - Bills," "Checking - Fun Money") to keep track of which is which.
The downside is that you lose any interest earnings—checking accounts earn little to no interest at most banks, including Chase. You also have to manually transfer money between accounts if you need to move funds, though Chase transfers are free and when ready. This method works if you want complete separation and do not mind the extra account management.
Comparing Your Options
| Option | Setup Time | Number of Buckets | Interest Earned | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Savings account with buckets | 10 minutes | Up to 10 per account | Yes, on total balance | Organized savings with interest |
| Multiple checking accounts | 10 minutes per account | Unlimited (one per account) | No | Complete separation, frequent transfers |
| Manual tracking in one account | None | Unlimited (mental only) | Yes | Minimal setup, straightforward needs |
Moving Money Between Buckets and Accounts
If you use a savings account with buckets, moving money between buckets is when ready and free. Open the savings account in your app, select the bucket you want to move money from, and choose "Move money." You can move to another bucket or back to your main savings balance. The transaction shows up when ready.
Transferring from a bucket back to your checking account works the same way—select the bucket, choose "Transfer," and pick your checking account. The money arrives when ready. There are no fees for any of these transfers. If you set up automatic transfers to a bucket (for example, from checking every payday), you can do that through Chase's transfer or bill pay tools, and it happens on the schedule you set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I create buckets in my Chase checking account directly?
No. Chase Savings Buckets only work in savings accounts. To use buckets, you need to open a linked Chase savings account. If you want to organize checking money without a savings account, you can open multiple checking accounts or track categories manually.
Do I lose money when I move it between buckets?
No. Moving money between buckets in a savings account is free and when ready. There are no fees, no waiting period, and no interest penalty. The money stays in the same account and continues to earn interest on the total balance.
What happens to interest if I split money across buckets?
Interest is calculated on your total savings account balance, not per bucket. If you have $10,000 across five buckets, you earn interest on the full $10,000. Buckets are organizational only and do not affect how interest is earned.
Can I automate transfers to a specific bucket?
Yes. You can set up automatic transfers from your checking account to a specific bucket using Chase's transfer or bill pay tools. You choose the amount, frequency, and bucket, and the transfer happens on schedule at no cost.
How many checking accounts can I open at Chase?
Chase allows multiple checking accounts under one login, but the exact number depends on your account history and relationship with the bank. Most customers can open two to four without issue. Contact Chase directly to confirm how many you can open.