Yes, you can open a Chase savings account entirely online, and the process takes about 10 minutes
Chase lets you open most of their savings accounts through their website or mobile app without visiting a branch. You start on Chase.com, choose the account type you want, enter your personal information, link a funding source, and the account opens when ready—though you cannot deposit money or use it until Chase verifies your identity, which usually happens within one business day.
The catch is that Chase has specific requirements before they will let you start: you need to be at least 18 years old, have a valid government ID, a Social Security number or ITIN, and a current address in the United States. If you do not meet these, you will need to open an account in person at a branch instead.
Key Takeaways
- Chase savings accounts open online in about 10 minutes, but you cannot use the account until Chase verifies your identity, which takes one business day on average.
- You will need a government-issued ID, Social Security number or ITIN, current U.S. address, and an initial deposit method (bank account, debit card, or wire transfer) to complete the process.
- Chase offers several savings account types online, including Chase Savings, Chase Premier Savings, and Chase Sapphire Savings, each with different minimum balances and interest rates.
- If you already have a Chase checking account, opening a linked savings account is faster because Chase has already verified your identity.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you open Chase.com or the Chase Mobile app. You will need your Social Security number or ITIN, a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your current street address, and a way to fund the account. Chase accepts funding from a linked bank account at another institution, a debit card, or a wire transfer.
If you are opening your first account with Chase, the process takes longer because they verify your identity against public records. If you already have a Chase checking or credit card account, they skip this step and your savings account opens faster—sometimes within minutes instead of a business day.
The step-by-step process on Chase.com
Start at Chase.com and click "Open an Account" or go directly to the savings account section. Choose which savings account type you want—Chase Savings is the basic option, Chase Premier Savings requires a higher minimum balance but pays more interest, and Chase Sapphire Savings is for customers with a Sapphire credit card. Each has different monthly fees and interest rates, so read the details before you choose.
Enter your name, date of birth, Social Security number or ITIN, and current address. Chase will ask whether you are a new customer or already have an account with them. Answer honestly—if you already bank with Chase, tell them, because it speeds up verification. Then enter your email address and create a password for your online account.
Next, you fund the account. Choose whether you are transferring from another bank account, using a debit card, or sending a wire transfer. If you use a bank account, you will enter the routing number and account number from that bank. If you use a debit card, enter the card number and expiration date. Chase will ask how much you want to deposit—there is no minimum for most savings accounts, though Chase Premier Savings requires $10,000 to open.
Review the account agreement and disclosures, check the box to confirm you agree, and submit. Chase will show you a confirmation number. At this point, your account exists but is not yet active for deposits or withdrawals.
What happens after you submit: the verification step
After you submit your process, Chase runs your information through identity verification systems. This usually takes a few minutes to a few hours. If Chase can verify you automatically—which happens most of the time—your account becomes active and your deposit processes. If you already have a Chase account, this step is nearly when ready.
If Chase cannot verify you automatically, they will contact you by email or phone within one business day and ask you to confirm information or upload a photo of your ID. This happens most often if your name, address, or other details do not match public records exactly, or if you are opening your first account with Chase and they need extra confirmation. Respond as soon as you can, because your account stays inactive until verification is complete.
Once Chase verifies your identity, your account is active and your initial deposit will post. If you funded the account with a transfer from another bank, that transfer takes one to three business days to arrive, depending on the other bank. If you used a debit card, the deposit usually posts within one business day.
Using your new savings account before the first deposit arrives
You can log into your Chase account and see your new savings account as soon as it opens, but you cannot withdraw money or use it until your initial deposit posts. If you funded it with a bank transfer, you are waiting for that transfer to clear at the other bank first, then for Chase to receive it—typically one to three business days total.
If you need to move money into the account faster, use a debit card to fund it instead. Debit card deposits usually post within one business day. Wire transfers are fastest—they post the same day if you send them before 2 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day—but wire transfers cost money at most banks.
If verification fails or Chase asks for more information
Chase may ask you to upload a photo of your ID, confirm your address, or answer security questions about your past. This is normal and does not mean something is wrong. Respond to their request within the timeframe they give you—usually a few days. Use a clear photo of the front and back of your ID, make sure your face is visible, and check that all text is readable.
If Chase cannot verify you after multiple attempts, they will close the process and you will need to open an account in person at a Chase branch instead. Bring your ID, Social Security card, and proof of address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days). A branch employee can open the account on the spot.
Differences between opening online and opening in a branch
Opening online is faster if verification goes smoothly—you are done in 10 minutes instead of waiting for a branch appointment. But if Chase needs to verify your identity manually, opening in a branch can actually be faster because a banker can do it while you wait. In a branch, you also have someone to answer questions about which account type fits your needs.
Online, you choose your account type yourself and cannot ask questions in real time. You also cannot deposit cash online—if you need to deposit cash, you will have to visit a branch or ATM later. In a branch, you can deposit cash, checks, or money orders when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for my Chase savings account to be ready to use?
If Chase verifies your identity automatically, your account is ready within a few hours. Your initial deposit takes one to three business days to arrive if you transferred from another bank, or one business day if you used a debit card. If Chase needs to verify you manually, add one to two business days for that step.
Can I open a Chase savings account online if I do not have a bank account to link?
Yes. Use a debit card instead of a bank transfer. If you do not have a debit card, you can send a wire transfer from another bank, though most banks charge a fee for outgoing wires. You cannot fund a Chase account with a credit card.
What if I already have a Chase checking account?
Opening a linked savings account is much faster. Chase has already verified your identity, so your savings account opens when ready and you can use it right away. You can transfer money between your checking and savings accounts when ready through the Chase app or website.
Do I need a minimum deposit to open a Chase savings account online?
Chase Savings and Chase Sapphire Savings have no minimum deposit to open. Chase Premier Savings requires $10,000 to open. You can open with $1 if you choose a basic account, though you will want to deposit more to earn meaningful interest.
What happens if Chase cannot verify my identity?
Chase will contact you and ask for more information or a photo of your ID. If they still cannot verify you after that, they will close the process. You can then open an account in person at a Chase branch with your ID and Social Security card.