Yes, you can open most Chase accounts entirely online

Chase lets you open a checking or savings account from your computer or phone without visiting a branch. The process takes about 10 minutes. You'll need a valid government ID, a Social Security number, and an initial deposit (the amount varies by account type). Chase will verify your identity using information from your credit report and may ask you security questions to confirm who you are.

Not every account type is available online. Money Market accounts and some specialty products require a branch visit or a phone call to complete. If you're opening a joint account, both account holders need to be present — either both online at the same time or both in a branch.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase checking and savings accounts open online in about 10 minutes using your ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit.
  • You'll need to verify your identity through security questions based on your credit history, which Chase pulls automatically.
  • Money Market accounts and some specialty products cannot be opened online and require a branch visit or phone call.
  • Joint accounts require both account holders to complete the process together, either both online simultaneously or both in person at a branch.
  • Your account is usually active when ready after you finish, though it may take one business day for your debit card to be ordered.

What you need before you start

Have these items ready before you begin: a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and a way to make an initial deposit. The minimum deposit amount depends on which account you're opening — Chase's basic checking account currently requires $0 to open, but some accounts have a $25 or $100 minimum. You can fund the account with a transfer from another bank, a debit card, or a check deposited through mobile deposit after your account opens.

You'll also need a phone number and email address that you can access during the signup process. Chase will send you a confirmation code to verify both. If you're opening a joint account, gather the same information for the other account holder.

The actual steps to open your account online

Go to Chase.com and select "Open an account" or "Sign up" from the homepage. Choose the account type you want — checking, savings, or money market (though money market will redirect you to call or visit a branch). Enter your personal information: name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. Chase will ask for your Social Security number at this point.

Next, Chase pulls information from your credit report to verify your identity. You'll answer security questions based on details from your credit history — questions like "Which of these addresses have you lived at?" or "Which of these credit accounts do you recognize?" Answer honestly. If you answer incorrectly, Chase may ask you to verify your identity another way, such as uploading a photo of your ID.

Review the account terms, set up online banking login credentials, and choose a PIN for your debit card. Then confirm your initial deposit method. Your account opens when ready, though your debit card typically ships within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your account number and routing number to transfer money from another bank while you wait for the card.

Identity verification and what happens if it fails

Chase uses a system called ChexSystems to check your banking history and verify your identity. This is an industry database that tracks accounts you've opened, closed, or had problems with at other banks. If you've had accounts closed due to fraud or unpaid fees, ChexSystems will flag it, and Chase may deny your process or ask you to call a representative.

If the security questions don't verify you — for example, if you don't recognize the credit accounts Chase asks about, or if you've never had a credit report — you can upload a photo of your ID instead. Take a clear photo of the front and back of your driver's license or passport. Chase reviews these within one business day. If you still can't verify, you'll need to visit a Chase branch in person or call 1-800-935-9935 to complete the process by phone.

When your account is ready to use

Your account is active when ready after you finish the online process. You can log into your Chase account online and see your account number and routing number right away. You can transfer money from another bank using these details, or deposit checks through the Chase mobile app if you have a smartphone.

Your physical debit card ships separately and usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can use your account number to set up bill pay, receive direct deposits, or make transfers. If you need cash before the card arrives, you can visit any Chase ATM and withdraw using your temporary digital wallet or by calling the number on the back of your temporary card.

Accounts you cannot open online

Chase Money Market accounts must be opened in a branch or by phone. Some specialty accounts — like Chase Sapphire accounts or accounts tied to investment products — also require a branch visit or phone call. If you select one of these during the online process, you'll be redirected to schedule a branch appointment or call a representative.

Joint accounts require both account holders to complete the process together. You can both do this online at the same time if you're in the same location, or you can both visit a branch together. One account holder cannot open a joint account alone online.

What happens after your account opens

You'll receive a welcome email with your account details and a link to set up online and mobile banking. read the Chase mobile app and log in with the credentials you created during signup. You can then set up alerts for low balances, large transactions, or deposits.

Your first statement will arrive 30 to 45 days after you open the account, depending on your statement cycle date. You can view statements online when ready after they're generated. If you have questions about your account or need to report fraud, call the number on the back of your debit card or log into your Chase account online to reach customer service.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to open a Chase account online?

The process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish. Your account is active when ready after you complete the steps, though your debit card ships separately and arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

What if I don't have a credit history or credit report?

If Chase can't verify you through security questions because you have no credit history, you can upload a photo of your government ID instead. Chase reviews ID uploads within one business day. If that doesn't work, visit a Chase branch in person with your ID and Social Security card.

Can I open a joint account online with someone who lives in a different state?

Both account holders need to be present during the process, either both online at the same time or both in a Chase branch. If you're both online, you'll need to be in the same location or use a video call so Chase can verify both of you. Call 1-800-935-9935 to ask about remote joint account opening options.

Do I need an initial deposit to open a Chase checking account?

Chase's basic checking account (Chase Total Checking) currently requires $0 to open. Some other checking products have a $25 or $100 minimum. You can fund your account when ready with a transfer from another bank, or deposit a check through mobile banking after your account opens.

What if Chase denies my online process?

Chase will tell you why during the process process — usually because of ChexSystems history, identity verification failure, or account closure at another bank. You can call 1-800-935-9935 to discuss the denial and ask whether you can complete the process in person at a branch instead.