You can open most Chase checking accounts entirely online, but the process depends on which account type you want and whether you're a new customer or existing one.
Chase offers several checking accounts you can start online: Chase Total Checking, Chase Premier Plus Checking, and Chase Sapphire Checking. The online process takes about 10 minutes, requires a valid government ID, a Social Security number, and an initial deposit (which varies by account type). You'll need an email address and phone number to complete the setup.
If you're an existing Chase customer with an online banking profile, opening a second checking account is faster — you can often do it in under five minutes without re-verifying your identity. New customers go through a more thorough verification step, which may include a temporary hold on your account while Chase confirms your information.
Key Takeaways
- Chase checking accounts can be opened online through Chase.com or the mobile app, and the process takes 10 to 15 minutes for new customers.
- You will need a government-issued ID, Social Security number, current address, and an initial deposit amount that varies by account type.
- New customers may experience a temporary verification hold before the account becomes fully active, which usually clears within one business day.
- Existing Chase customers can open additional checking accounts faster because Chase already has their identity information on file.
- Some Chase checking accounts waive monthly fees if you meet balance or direct deposit requirements, so compare the account terms before opening.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you begin the online process. You'll need a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Chase will ask you to verify information from the ID as part of the setup, so have it nearby when you start.
You also need your Social Security number, your current residential address, and a phone number where Chase can reach you. If you're opening the account on a mobile device, the app may ask you to photograph your ID, so make sure you have good lighting and the ID is fully visible in the frame.
Finally, know the initial deposit amount you plan to make. Chase Total Checking requires $25 minimum to open; Chase Premier Plus Checking requires $500; Chase Sapphire Checking requires $500. You can fund the account when ready during setup using a debit card, or you can link an external bank account and transfer funds after the account opens.
The online opening process step by step
Start at Chase.com or open the Chase mobile app. Look for "Open an account" or "New customer" — the exact link location changes, but it's usually in the top navigation or under a "Products" menu. Select the checking account type you want. Chase will show you the monthly fee, minimum balance requirements, and what you need to waive the fee for each option.
Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. Chase will run a soft credit check at this point — this does not affect your credit score. You'll then verify your identity by answering questions about your personal history (previous addresses, loan accounts, or credit cards you've held) or by uploading a photo of your ID.
Next, choose how you want to fund the account. You can enter a debit card number to make an when ready deposit, or you can skip this step and link an external bank account later. If you use a debit card, the deposit posts within minutes. If you link an external account, the transfer takes one to three business days.
Review the account terms and disclosures, then sign electronically. Chase will send a confirmation email with your account number and routing number. Your account is now open, though new customers may see a temporary hold status for up to one business day while Chase completes final verification.
What happens after you open the account
Your checking account number and routing number appear in your online banking profile when ready after you complete the process. You can use these to set up direct deposit or to receive wire transfers right away, even if the account shows a temporary hold status.
If you funded the account with a debit card during setup, that money is available to use when ready. If you linked an external bank account, Chase will make two small test deposits (usually under $1 each) to that account within one to three business days. You'll then need to confirm the amounts in your Chase online banking profile to fully verify the external account — this is a fraud prevention step.
Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can use your account number to make purchases online or set up bill pay through your Chase online banking profile. You can also withdraw cash at any Chase ATM using your temporary digital card, which appears in the Chase mobile app.
Why your account might be temporarily on hold
New customers sometimes see their account marked as "pending" or "on hold" for up to one business day after opening. This is not a problem — it means Chase is running final verification checks on your identity and address. During this time, you can still receive deposits and set up direct deposit, but you may not be able to withdraw funds or use your debit card.
The hold clears automatically once Chase completes verification, usually by the next business day. If the hold lasts longer than one business day, contact Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935 to ask about the status. Holds occasionally extend if Chase needs additional documentation, such as a utility bill or recent bank statement to confirm your address.
Comparing Chase checking account types
| Account Type | Minimum to Open | Monthly Fee | Fee Waiver Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Total Checking | $25 | $12 | Maintain $500 balance OR set up direct deposit |
| Chase Premier Plus Checking | $500 | $25 | Maintain $15,000 balance OR $5,000 in linked savings |
| Chase Sapphire Checking | $500 | $25 | Maintain $20,000 balance OR $5,000 in linked savings |
Chase Total Checking is the most accessible option for most people because the $25 minimum is low and the fee waiver is straightforward to meet — either keep $500 in the account or set up one direct deposit per month. This account includes unlimited debit card transactions, online bill pay, and access to Chase's ATM network.
Chase Premier Plus and Sapphire accounts are designed for customers who maintain higher balances or want premium features like higher interest rates on linked savings accounts or concierge services. If you're not sure which account fits your situation, start with Chase Total Checking — you can switch to a different account type later without closing and reopening.
What to do if the online process doesn't work
If you encounter an error during the online process, try these steps: clear your browser cache and cookies, then reload Chase.com. If you're using the mobile app, close it completely and reopen it. If the error persists, try opening the account on a different device or browser — sometimes a technical glitch is specific to one browser version.
If you've tried these steps and still can't complete the process, call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935. A representative can open the account over the phone using the same information you would provide online. Phone-based accounts take slightly longer (15 to 20 minutes) but result in the same account with the same features.
If Chase declines your process, you'll receive an email explaining the reason. Common reasons include a mismatch between the name on your ID and the name you entered, an address that doesn't match public records, or a ChexSystems report issue (a banking history report similar to a credit report). You can dispute ChexSystems information at www.chexsystems.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a Chase customer already to open an account online?
No. New customers can open a checking account entirely online. If you already have a Chase savings account or credit card, the process is faster because Chase already has your identity information, but it's not required to open a new checking account.
Can I open a Chase checking account if I don't have a Social Security number?
Chase requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open a checking account. If you have an ITIN, you can use that instead. If you don't have either, you'll need to contact Chase customer service to discuss other options.
How long does it take to receive my debit card after opening the account online?
Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your account number to make online purchases or set up bill pay when ready, and you can withdraw cash at Chase ATMs using a temporary digital card in the Chase mobile app while you wait for the physical card.
What if I want to open a joint checking account online?
Chase allows you to open a joint account online, but both account holders must be present and provide their own ID and Social Security number during the process. You can't add a joint owner after the account opens online — you'll need to visit a branch or call customer service to add someone later.
Can I open a checking account online if I have a negative ChexSystems report?
Chase may decline your process if your ChexSystems report shows unpaid overdrafts or fraud. You can view your ChexSystems report for free at www.chexsystems.com and dispute any errors. If the report is accurate, you may need to wait for the issue to age or contact Chase directly to discuss your options.