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'll have an account number and routing number the same day. You'll need a Social Security number, a government ID, a current address, and a funding source (debit card, another bank account, or wire transfer).

Not every account type is available online. Chase's basic checking and savings products work through their website or mobile app. Specialty accounts like some business accounts, certain investment products, or accounts for people under 18 may require a branch visit or phone call to complete.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase checking and savings accounts can be opened online in about 10 minutes using their website or mobile app.
  • You need a Social Security number, government-issued ID, current address, and a way to fund the account on the day you open it.
  • Your account number and routing number appear when ready after you finish, so you can use them right away.
  • Some account types, including most business accounts and accounts for minors, still require a phone call or branch visit.
  • Chase will run a background check through ChexSystems, which may take a few minutes to a few hours to complete.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before opening your account. You'll need your Social Security number, a valid government ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your current street address, and your date of birth. Chase will ask you to verify all of this during the process.

You also need a way to fund the account on the day you open it. Chase accepts a debit card from another bank, a bank account number and routing number to transfer from, or a wire transfer. You don't have to deposit a large amount—many accounts can be opened with $0 and funded later, but Chase will ask you to choose a funding method during signup.

If you've had banking problems in the past, Chase will check your history through ChexSystems, a banking background check system. This check happens automatically and usually takes a few minutes, though it can take up to a few hours. If you've been denied a bank account before, contact ChexSystems directly at 1-800-428-9623 to see what's on your record before you explore.

Step-by-step: opening an account on Chase.com

Go to Chase.com and click "Open an Account" or "get your free guide" (the button location changes). You'll see options for checking, savings, or both. Select the account type you want—most people choose a basic checking account, which has no monthly fee if you set up direct deposit or keep a minimum balance.

Enter your email address and create a password. Chase will send you a verification code to your email; enter it to confirm. Then fill in your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. Chase will ask whether you're a U.S. citizen and whether you have an existing Chase account.

Choose how you want to fund the account. If you're transferring from another bank, enter that bank's routing number and your account number. If you're using a debit card, enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV. Chase will process the transfer or charge when ready or within one to two business days, depending on the method.

Review the account terms and sign the agreement electronically. Chase will run the ChexSystems check at this point. If it clears (which it does for most people), your account opens when ready and you'll see your account number, routing number, and online banking login. If the check flags something, Chase will contact you by phone or email within one business day.

What happens after you open the account

Your account is live the moment you finish the online process. You can log into Chase.com or the Chase mobile app right away, set up bill pay, and transfer money. Your debit card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can use your account number and routing number to receive direct deposits or transfers from other banks.

If you funded the account with a debit card, that charge will post within one to two business days. If you transferred from another bank account, the transfer typically takes one to three business days to show up, depending on your other bank's processing speed. Chase does not charge a fee for incoming transfers.

You can set up online bill pay when ready, but checks you write won't clear until your checkbook arrives. If you need checks sooner, you can order them through Chase's website for a small fee, or use bill pay to send payments electronically instead.

Accounts you cannot open online

Chase requires a phone call or branch visit for business accounts, even if you're a sole proprietor. You'll need to call 1-800-935-9935 to start a business checking account, and you'll need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security number, a business license or formation documents, and a business address.

If you're under 18, you cannot open an account on your own online. A parent or guardian must open a Chase First Banking account at a branch or by phone. If you're 18 or older, you can open a standard account online with no restrictions.

Some specialty accounts—like Chase Sapphire checking (which requires a minimum balance) or accounts tied to investment products—may have different online opening rules. Check the specific account page on Chase.com to see whether it can be opened online or requires a call.

What to do if the ChexSystems check fails

If Chase denies your account because of the ChexSystems check, they will tell you why by phone or email within one business day. Common reasons include unpaid overdrafts at another bank, fraud flags, or a history of returned checks. You have the right to see what ChexSystems has on file about you.

Contact ChexSystems at 1-800-428-9623 or visit chexsystems.com to request your report. You can dispute inaccurate information in writing. If you resolve the issue (for example, by paying off an old overdraft), contact that bank to ask them to update ChexSystems, then try opening a Chase account again.

If you're denied, Chase may offer you a second-chance checking account or direct you to a branch to discuss other options. Some people in this situation open accounts at banks with less strict ChexSystems policies, then reapply to Chase after six months to a year.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to open a Chase account online?

The signup process itself takes about 10 minutes. Your account opens when ready after you finish, and you'll have your account number and routing number right away. Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Do I need a minimum deposit to open a Chase account online?

No. Most Chase checking and savings accounts have no minimum opening deposit. You can open with $0 and fund it later, though Chase will ask you to choose a funding method during signup. Some specialty accounts do have minimum balance requirements.

Can I open a Chase account if I don't have a Social Security number?

No. Chase requires a Social Security number to open any account. If you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead, you'll need to visit a branch or call 1-800-935-9935 to discuss your options.

What if I already have a Chase account and want to open another one?

You can open a second account online. Chase will recognize your existing login and may let you open the new account faster. You can manage both accounts from the same login.

Can I open a joint account online?

No. Joint accounts require both account holders to be present, either at a branch or on a phone call with a Chase representative. Call 1-800-935-9935 to open a joint account by phone.