Yes, you can open most Chase accounts online, but the process and requirements depend on which account type you want

Chase lets you open checking and savings accounts entirely online without visiting a branch. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you'll have access to your account the same day. However, some account types—like business accounts or accounts that require a minimum deposit you don't have on hand—still require a phone call or branch visit.

The online process asks for your Social Security number, date of birth, address, and employment information. Chase will run a soft credit check and verify your identity through ChexSystems, a banking history database. If you've had problems with a previous bank account (overdrafts, fraud, or unpaid fees), that history may show up and could affect whether Chase approves you.

You'll need a valid government ID, a current email address, and a phone number. If you want to fund the account when ready, you'll also need a routing and account number from another bank, or a debit card to transfer money from.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase checking and savings accounts can be opened online in about 10 minutes using a computer or the Chase mobile app.
  • You will need a Social Security number, valid ID, current address, and either another bank account or debit card to fund your new account.
  • Chase checks your banking history through ChexSystems, so previous overdrafts or unpaid fees may affect approval.
  • Your account is active the same day, but some features like debit card ordering or transfers may take 1 to 3 business days to fully set up.
  • Business accounts, accounts requiring large minimum deposits, and accounts for people under 18 require a phone call or branch visit instead.

What documents and information you need before you start

Gather these items before opening the online process. Having them ready means you won't have to stop midway through and come back later.

You need a valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Chase will ask you to verify information from it during the process. You also need your Social Security number, current mailing address, and a phone number where Chase can reach you. If you're explore from outside the United States, you may need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number; Chase's online form will tell you which one applies to you.

If you want to deposit money into the account right away, have a debit card or another bank account's routing and account number ready. You can also skip funding during signup and add money later through a branch deposit, ATM, or transfer.

How the online process works, step by step

Start on Chase's website or in the Chase mobile app. Look for "Open an Account" or "New Accounts" and select the account type you want—usually Chase Total Checking or Chase Savings Bank, depending on whether you need a checking or savings account.

The process will ask for your personal information: name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and employment status. Be accurate; mismatches between what you enter and what's on file with the Social Security Administration or your ID can delay approval. Chase will also ask whether you have an existing Chase account; if you do, the process is faster because they already have some of your information on file.

Next, you'll review the account terms and fee schedule. Chase checking accounts have different tiers—some have monthly fees if you don't maintain a minimum balance, and some waive fees if you set up direct deposit. Read which one applies to the account you're opening. You'll also agree to Chase's privacy policy and electronic delivery of statements.

Finally, you'll choose how to fund the account. You can link a debit card or another bank account and transfer money, or skip this step and fund it later. Once you submit, Chase will verify your identity and run a background check through ChexSystems. If everything clears, your account opens when ready and you'll see your account number and routing number on screen.

What happens if Chase denies you or puts you on a waiting list

Chase may deny your process if ChexSystems shows unpaid overdraft fees, a history of fraud, or repeated account closures due to negative balances. If this happens, Chase will send you a letter explaining the reason. You have the right to request a copy of your ChexSystems report and dispute any errors on it.

To check your ChexSystems report before you explore, visit chexsystems.com and request a free annual report. If you find errors—like an overdraft that was paid off but still showing as unpaid—you can file a dispute with ChexSystems directly. This usually takes 30 days to resolve.

If you were denied because of a recent overdraft or closed account, waiting 6 to 12 months before reapplying sometimes helps. In the meantime, you can look into second-chance banking accounts from other banks, which are designed for people with banking history problems. Some credit unions also have more flexible approval standards than Chase.

How long it takes to access your money and use your account

Your account is active the same day you open it, and you can log in to the Chase website or app when ready. However, some features take longer to set up.

If you transferred money from another bank account during signup, that transfer usually arrives within 1 to 3 business days. Debit card orders take 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. If you need when ready access to a debit card, you can visit a Chase branch and request a temporary card or cash withdrawal from your new account.

Checks take 5 to 7 business days to order and arrive. If you need to receive payments quickly, ask the person paying you to use a direct transfer or ACH payment instead of a check.

When you cannot open an account online and need to call or visit a branch

Chase requires a phone call or branch visit for business accounts, nonprofit accounts, and accounts for people under 18. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must be present at a branch to co-own the account.

You also cannot open an account online if you want to deposit a large amount of cash when ready—Chase has limits on how much you can transfer electronically during signup. If you have more than $10,000 to deposit, you'll need to visit a branch or call to arrange it. This is a federal reporting requirement, not a Chase policy, and applies to all banks.

If you're opening an account as a power of attorney for someone else, or if you need the account linked to a trust, you'll need to visit a branch with the relevant legal documents.

What to do if you run into problems during the process

If the process times out or closes before you finish, start over. Chase does not save partial applications, so you'll need to enter your information again. This usually only takes a few minutes the second time because you'll remember what you entered.

If Chase asks you to verify your identity through a text message or email and you don't receive it, check your spam folder. If it's not there, wait 5 minutes and request a new code. If you still don't receive anything, call Chase at the number on their website—do not use a number from a search result, as scammers sometimes pose as Chase.

If your process is denied and you believe it's an error, call Chase's customer service line and ask to speak with someone in the new accounts department. They can review your process and sometimes override a denial if the issue was a data entry mistake or a ChexSystems error.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have money in another bank account to open a Chase account online?

No. You can open the account without funding it during signup and deposit money later through a Chase ATM, branch, or transfer. However, if you want to fund it when ready during the process, you'll need a debit card or another bank account's routing and account number.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

If you're a non-citizen with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), you can use that instead. Chase's online form will ask whether you have a Social Security number or ITIN and route you accordingly. If you have neither, you'll need to call Chase or visit a branch.

How long does it take to get approved after I submit my process?

Most applications are approved within minutes. If Chase needs to verify additional information, it may take up to 24 hours. You'll receive an email or text message confirming approval, and your account number will appear in the app or on the website when ready.

Can I open multiple Chase accounts online at the same time?

You can open one account per process. If you want both a checking and savings account, you'll need to complete two separate applications. The second one is usually faster because Chase already has your information on file.

What if I'm denied because of my ChexSystems report?

Request a free copy of your ChexSystems report at chexsystems.com and look for errors. If you find any, file a dispute directly with ChexSystems—they have 30 days to investigate. If the report is accurate but old, waiting several months before reapplying sometimes helps, or you can look into second-chance accounts from other banks.