Yes, you can open most Chase accounts entirely online

Chase lets you open a checking or savings account from your computer or phone without visiting a branch. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you can start using your account the same day in most cases. You will need a Social Security number, a government-issued ID, and a way to fund the account — either a debit card, another bank account, or a transfer from an existing Chase account.

Not every Chase product is available online. Money market accounts, CDs, and some specialty accounts require a branch visit or a phone call to a banker. But the two accounts most people open — Chase Total Checking and Chase Savings — both work online from start to finish.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase checking and savings accounts open online in about 10 minutes using your Social Security number, a government ID, and a funding method.
  • Your account number and debit card arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, but you can use your account when ready through Chase's app or website.
  • You must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. resident with a valid address to open an account online.
  • If you already have a Chase account, opening a second one online is faster because Chase already has your identity information on file.
  • Some account types — CDs, money market accounts, and certain business accounts — cannot be opened online and require a branch visit or phone call.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you begin the online process. Chase will ask for them in a specific order, and having them ready means you will not have to stop halfway through.

You need a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Chase scans it as part of the identity verification step. You also need your Social Security number. Chase runs a check against the Social Security Administration to confirm it matches your name and date of birth.

For funding, you have three options: a debit card from another bank, the routing and account number from another bank account, or an existing Chase account if you already have one. Chase will not let you open an account with zero dollars; you must fund it during signup. The minimum opening deposit is $25 for checking and $25 for savings, though some promotions require more.

You must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. resident with a current mailing address. Chase will mail your debit card and account statements to this address, so it needs to be somewhere you actually receive mail.

The step-by-step process

Start at chase.com and look for the "Open an Account" button, usually near the top of the page. Choose whether you want checking, savings, or both. Chase will ask you to enter your email address and create a password for your online banking login.

Next, Chase asks for your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. It will ask whether you are a U.S. citizen and whether you have an existing Chase account. If you do, the process moves faster because Chase skips the full identity verification.

Chase then asks you to verify your identity. If you are a new customer, you will photograph your ID using your phone or computer camera. Chase's system reads the ID and compares it to the information you entered. This step usually takes less than a minute. If you already have a Chase account, you may skip this step entirely.

After identity verification, you choose your account type and any add-ons like overdraft protection. Then you fund the account. Enter your debit card number, or provide the routing and account number from another bank. Chase processes the funding when ready, though the money may take one to two business days to appear in your new account.

The final step is reviewing the account agreement and signing electronically. You will receive a confirmation number and an email receipt. Your account is now open.

When you can use your account and when your card arrives

Your account is usable when ready after you complete the online signup. You can log into Chase's mobile app or website and see your account number, routing number, and available balance. You can set up direct deposit, transfer money to other accounts, and pay bills online right away.

Your physical debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you cannot use your card at an ATM or in a store. But you can use your account number to set up direct deposit from your employer, and you can transfer money in and out using Chase's app.

If you need cash before your card arrives, you can visit a Chase branch and withdraw from your new account using your ID and account number. You can also use your account number to request a wire transfer from another bank, though that carries a fee.

Account types you cannot open online

Chase CDs, money market accounts, and some business accounts must be opened by phone or in a branch. If you want a CD, call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 and speak to a banker. They will walk you through the process and can fund it from your existing Chase account or another bank account.

Business checking accounts, even sole proprietor accounts, also require a phone call or branch visit. Chase needs to verify your business structure and tax ID, which cannot be done through the online form. If you are self-employed, you can open a personal checking account online, but if you want an account in your business name, you will need to call or visit.

Student accounts and accounts for people under 18 must be opened with a parent or guardian present, either in a branch or over the phone with a banker.

What happens if identity verification fails

If Chase's system cannot read your ID or if the information on your ID does not match what you entered, you will see an error message. Do not close the browser. Instead, try photographing your ID again — make sure the entire card is visible, well-lit, and in focus.

If the photo still does not work, Chase will offer you the option to verify your identity by phone. A banker will call you within a few minutes and ask you to confirm your name, address, and date of birth. This usually resolves the issue when ready, and your account opens while you are still on the call.

In rare cases, Chase may ask you to visit a branch in person to open your account. This happens when the system flags something unusual — for example, if your address is very new or if your ID is close to expiring. If this happens, you will receive an email with instructions on what to bring to the branch.

Funding your account and moving money in

During signup, you fund your account with a debit card, another bank account, or an existing Chase account. The initial deposit must be at least $25. This money appears in your new Chase account when ready, though it may take one to two business days to clear if you used another bank account.

After your account is open, you can add more money in several ways. You can transfer from another bank account using Chase's app — this takes one to three business days. You can set up direct deposit from your employer, which usually appears within one business day of your employer sending it. You can deposit checks by photographing them with the Chase app. You can also visit a Chase ATM and deposit cash.

If you need money faster, you can use a wire transfer, but Chase charges a fee for incoming wires — usually $10 to $15. This is not the fastest way to fund a new account unless you are moving a large sum and the speed matters more than the cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have an existing Chase account to open one online?

No. You can open your first Chase account entirely online. If you already have a Chase account, the process is slightly faster because Chase already has your identity information, but new customers can open accounts online too.

Can I open a joint account online?

No. Joint accounts require both account holders to be present, either in a branch or on a phone call with a banker. You can open an individual account online, then call Chase to add a joint owner later.

What if I do not have a government ID?

You cannot open a Chase account online without a government-issued ID. If you do not have one, you will need to visit a branch in person with alternative documents like a passport, state ID, or tribal ID. Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to ask what documents they will accept.

How long does it take to open an account online?

The entire process takes 10 to 15 minutes. Identity verification is the longest step, usually one to two minutes. Your account is open and usable when ready after you finish, but your physical debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

Can I open an account if I have been denied by ChexSystems?

Chase uses ChexSystems, a banking history report, to decide whether to open accounts. If you have been denied before, you can still try to open an account online — Chase may approve you depending on what is on your report. If you are denied, you can visit a branch and ask a banker to review your case, or call 1-800-935-9935 to discuss your options.