Yes, you can open most Chase accounts online from start to finish
Chase lets you open a checking or savings account entirely online without visiting a branch. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you can fund the account when ready. You will need a Social Security number, a valid government ID, and a debit card or bank account to make an initial deposit.
Not every Chase account type is available online. Money Market accounts and some specialty products still require a branch visit or phone call. But the two most common accounts—Chase Total Checking and Chase Savings—can both be opened on Chase.com or through the Chase mobile app.
Key Takeaways
- Chase checking and savings accounts open online in about 10 minutes with just your Social Security number, ID, and a way to fund the account.
- You will need to verify your identity during signup, which Chase does by checking your information against credit bureaus and public records.
- Your account becomes active when ready after approval, though deposits may take one to two business days to appear depending on how you fund it.
- Some Chase account types, including Money Market accounts, cannot be opened online and require a branch visit or phone process.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before opening your account. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. Chase will ask for a government-issued ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Have the ID number and expiration date ready.
You also need a way to fund your new account. Chase accepts transfers from an existing bank account or a debit card. If you use a debit card, have the card number, expiration date, and CVV ready. If you transfer from another bank account, you will need the routing number and account number from that bank.
Chase will pull your credit report and check your identity against public records during the signup process. This is standard for all banks and does not require your permission in advance—it happens automatically as part of opening the account.
The step-by-step process on Chase.com
Start at Chase.com and click "Open an Account" in the top navigation. Select the account type you want—Chase Total Checking is the most common choice. Click "Open Online" to begin.
Enter your personal information: name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. Chase will verify this information against credit bureaus and public records. This verification usually takes seconds, though occasionally Chase flags an account for manual review, which can add a few hours.
Next, you will choose how to fund your account. If you use a debit card, enter the card number and expiration date. If you transfer from another bank, enter that bank's routing number and your account number there. Chase will make a small deposit (usually under $1) to verify the account is real, then ask you to confirm the amount. This verification step takes one to two business days.
Once verification is complete, your Chase account is active. You can use your debit card when ready if you ordered one, though it will arrive by mail in five to seven business days. Until then, you can withdraw cash at any Chase ATM using your temporary card number in the app.
Opening an account through the Chase mobile app
The Chase mobile app follows the same process as the website. read the app, tap "Open an Account," and select your account type. The steps are identical: personal information, identity verification, and funding method.
One difference: if you already have a Chase account, the app may pre-fill some information, which speeds up the process. If you are opening your first Chase account, the app and website take roughly the same time.
How long approval takes and when you can use the account
Most Chase accounts are approved when ready or within a few hours. You will receive an email confirmation with your account number and routing number as soon as approval is complete. Your account is ready to use when ready—you can set up direct deposit, transfer money, or pay bills right away.
Deposits take longer to show up. If you fund the account with a debit card, the money appears in one to two business days. If you transfer from another bank account, it takes one to three business days depending on that bank's processing speed. Until the deposit clears, your account balance will show as zero, but the account itself is active.
If Chase flags your process for manual review, approval can take up to five business days. Chase will email you if this happens and may ask you to verify your identity by phone or upload a photo of your ID.
Account types you cannot open online
Chase Money Market accounts must be opened at a branch or by phone. The same applies to Chase Private Client accounts and some business accounts. If you want one of these products, call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 or visit a local branch.
Student checking accounts can be opened online, but you will need to verify your student status. Chase accepts a current student ID or a letter from your school showing your enrollment status. Have this document ready before you start the process.
What happens if your process is denied
Chase denies applications for a few reasons: a history of unpaid overdrafts at other banks, fraud or identity theft on your credit report, or a ChexSystems report showing problems with previous bank accounts. ChexSystems is a banking history database that most banks check during signup.
If Chase denies you, they will send a letter explaining why. You can request a copy of your ChexSystems report from ChexSystems.com to see what information is on file. If there is an error, you can dispute it directly with ChexSystems.
If you are denied because of ChexSystems history, some banks offer second-chance checking accounts designed for people with banking problems. These accounts have higher fees and lower limits, but they can help you rebuild your banking history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to open a Chase account online?
You need a Social Security number, which typically means you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, you will need to open an account at a branch, not online. Bring your ITIN, passport, and proof of address.
Can I open a joint account online with someone else?
No. Joint accounts require both account holders to be present, either in person at a branch or on a phone call with Chase. One person can open an account online, then add a joint owner later by visiting a branch together.
What if I do not have a debit card or another bank account to fund the account?
You cannot complete the online process without a funding method. Visit a Chase branch and bring cash or a check. A banker can open the account and deposit your money in person. Some branches also accept wire transfers if you have access to another bank's wire service.
How long does my temporary debit card number work?
Your temporary card number in the Chase app works until your physical debit card arrives, which usually takes five to seven business days. After your physical card arrives, use that instead. The temporary number stops working once the physical card is activated.
Can I open a Chase account if I have had problems with banks before?
It depends on what the problems were. If you have unpaid overdrafts or fraud on your record, Chase may deny you. If you were just inactive or closed an account normally, you can usually open a new one. The only way to know is to try the process—it does not hurt your credit score.