Yes, you can open a Chase checking account entirely online
Chase lets you open most of their checking accounts through their website or mobile app without visiting a branch. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you'll have an account number and routing number the same day. You won't fund the account online — you'll need to transfer money in separately — but you can start using it within 24 hours in most cases.
The catch is that Chase has different rules depending on where you live and which account you choose. Some accounts require a minimum opening deposit, some don't. Some states have restrictions on online-only accounts. And if you already have a Chase account, the process is faster.
Key Takeaways
- Chase checking accounts can be opened online in most states, but a few states require you to visit a branch or have an existing Chase account first.
- You will need a valid government ID, Social Security number, and proof of address to complete the online process.
- Most Chase checking accounts do not require a minimum opening deposit, but some accounts (like Chase Premier Plus) do.
- Your account opens when ready after approval, but you cannot fund it online — you must transfer money from another bank or deposit a check through mobile deposit.
- If you are denied, it is usually because of your ChexSystems report or banking history, not your credit score.
What documents and information you need before you start
Have these ready before you open the app or website: a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail — anything dated within the last 60 days with your name and address on it. If you don't have a recent document, Chase will ask you to verify your address a different way, which can delay approval by a day or two.
You'll also need to decide which checking account you want. Chase offers several: the basic Chase Total Checking (no monthly fee if you set up direct deposit or keep a $500 minimum balance), Chase Premier Plus Checking (requires $25,000 minimum balance but waives fees and gives you higher ATM limits), and Chase Student Checking (for people under 24, no monthly fee). Each has different rules about minimum balances and monthly fees, so look at which one fits your situation before you explore.
States where you cannot open a Chase account online
A handful of states require you to open a checking account in person or have an existing Chase account already. These states are Hawaii, Montana, and Vermont. If you live in one of these states and don't have a Chase account, you'll need to visit a branch. If you already have any Chase account (savings, credit card, or another checking account), you can open a new checking account online even in these states.
For all other states, the online process works the same way. Chase does not restrict online account opening by age, income, or employment status — only by state.
The actual steps to open your account online
Go to chase.com or open the Chase mobile app and look for "Open an account" or "New customer." You'll be asked to enter your email address, create a password, and confirm you're opening the account for yourself (not as a business or on behalf of someone else). Then you'll choose which checking account you want.
Next, Chase will ask for your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, and phone number. You'll upload a photo of your ID — both the front and back — and Chase will verify it using facial recognition. This usually takes a few seconds. Then you'll confirm your address using the document you prepared, either by uploading it or answering questions about your address history.
Finally, you'll review the account terms, set up a username and password if you haven't already, and choose whether you want paperless statements. Once you submit, Chase will tell you whether you're approved when ready or within 24 hours. If approved, you'll see your account number and routing number right away.
How to fund your new account after it opens
Chase will not let you deposit money during the online process. Once your account is open, you have three ways to fund it: transfer money from another bank account, deposit a check through mobile deposit, or visit a Chase ATM and deposit cash.
The fastest way is usually a transfer from another bank. Log into your new Chase account, go to "Transfer money," and choose "From another bank." Chase will ask for the routing number and account number of the bank you're transferring from. The transfer usually takes one to three business days. If you're in a hurry, mobile deposit (taking a photo of a check with the Chase app) usually clears within one business day.
You can start using your debit card and online bill pay before money arrives, but transactions will be declined if you don't have funds. Chase will send you a debit card by mail within 7 to 10 business days, but you can request a card expedited to arrive in 2 to 3 business days for a fee (usually $10 to $15).
Why Chase might deny you online and what to do
Chase uses ChexSystems, a banking history report similar to a credit report, to decide whether to open your account. If you've had accounts closed for overdrafts, fraud, or unpaid fees at other banks, Chase will likely deny you. A poor credit score alone won't disqualify you — Chase doesn't check your credit for checking accounts — but banking history will.
If you're denied, Chase will send you a letter explaining why within a few days. You can request a copy of your ChexSystems report for free at chexsystems.com. If there's an error on your report, you can dispute it directly with ChexSystems, and Chase may reconsider your process after the dispute is resolved. This usually takes 30 days.
If your denial was because of recent overdrafts or closed accounts, you can try again in a few months once your banking history improves. Some people in this situation open an account at a bank with looser requirements (like Chime or LendingClub) first, use it responsibly for a few months, and then explore to Chase again.
What happens after your account is open
Your account is live when ready, but you won't receive your physical debit card for 7 to 10 business days. In the meantime, you can use your account number to set up direct deposit, pay bills online, or transfer money. You can also request a temporary digital card through the Chase app that works with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay right away.
If you set up direct deposit within 60 days of opening your account, Chase will waive the monthly fee on Total Checking even if you don't keep a $500 minimum balance. This is the easiest way to avoid fees long-term. If you don't set up direct deposit, you'll need to keep $500 in the account at all times to avoid a $12 monthly fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to be approved for a Chase checking account online?
Most people get approved when ready or within a few hours. Chase will tell you at the end of the process whether you're approved. If they need more information, they'll email you within 24 hours. The entire process from process to having an account number usually takes less than one day.
Do I need an existing Chase account to open a checking account online?
No, unless you live in Hawaii, Montana, or Vermont. In those states, you either need to visit a branch or have an existing Chase account. Everywhere else, you can open a checking account as a brand-new customer entirely online.
Can I open a Chase checking account if I have a bad banking history?
It depends on what "bad" means. Recent overdrafts, fraud, or unpaid fees will likely get you denied. If your ChexSystems report has errors, you can dispute them and reapply. If the issues are accurate, wait a few months and try again — Chase's records go back about five years, and older items matter less.
What's the difference between opening online and opening in a branch?
The end result is the same account. Opening online is faster and you don't have to travel. Opening in a branch lets you ask questions face-to-face and sometimes get a debit card the same day. If you're comfortable with the online process, there's no advantage to going to a branch.
Can I open a business checking account online with Chase?
No. Chase requires business account owners to open business checking accounts in person or by phone. You'll need to call Chase business banking or visit a branch with your business license, EIN, and ID.