Yes, you can open most Chase checking accounts entirely online

You can open a Chase checking account from your computer or phone without visiting a branch. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you'll have an account number and routing number the same day. You'll need a valid government ID, a Social Security number, and a way to fund the account — either a debit card, another bank account, or a transfer from someone else's account.

Chase offers several checking account types online, each with different monthly fees and minimum balance requirements. The most common are Chase Total Checking (which has a monthly fee but is waived if you meet certain conditions) and Chase Premier Plus Checking (which requires a higher opening deposit). The account you can open depends partly on your state — Chase does not offer accounts in all states, and some account types are limited to certain regions.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid government ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit to open a Chase checking account online.
  • Chase Total Checking is the most widely available option and has a monthly fee that can be waived by meeting one of several conditions, such as setting up direct deposit.
  • The online signup process takes about 10 minutes and gives you an account number when ready, though your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • Chase does not operate in all states, and some account types are only available in certain regions, so you should check Chase's website for your state first.
  • If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to open the account with you, either online or at a branch.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you begin the online signup. You will need a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. You will also need your Social Security number. Chase uses this information to verify your identity and check your banking history through ChexSystems, a system banks use to see if you have had problems with accounts at other banks.

You will need an initial deposit to fund the account. This can come from a debit card, a savings account or checking account at another bank, or a wire transfer from someone else. Chase does not require a specific minimum deposit to open the account online, though some account types have higher opening deposit amounts. Check the account details on Chase's website before you start, because the requirements vary by account type.

Have your phone number and email address ready. Chase will send you a verification code by text or email during signup, and you will need to enter it to confirm your identity. If you are opening the account from outside the United States, you may need additional documents — Chase's website will tell you what is required for your situation.

The step-by-step process

Go to Chase.com and select "Open an account" or "New checking account" — the exact link changes, but it is usually on the homepage or under a "Products" menu. You will be asked to choose which type of checking account you want. Read the fee and minimum balance information for each one, because they differ. Chase Total Checking is the most common choice for people new to banking.

Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. Chase will ask whether you are a U.S. citizen and whether you have a Social Security number. Answer honestly — if you do not have a Social Security number, Chase has separate processes, and the website will direct you to them.

Verify your identity by uploading a photo of your government ID. You will take a picture of the front and back with your phone or computer camera. The image needs to be clear enough to read — if it is blurry, the upload will fail and you will be asked to try again. Some people find it easier to use a phone camera rather than a computer webcam.

Enter your initial deposit method. If you are transferring from another bank account, you will need the account number and routing number from that bank. If you are using a debit card, enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit code on the back). Chase will process the deposit when ready, though it may take one to two business days to appear in your new Chase account.

Review the account agreement and disclosures. These are long documents, but they explain the fees, how Chase handles your money, and your rights as a customer. You must agree to them to finish opening the account. If something is unclear, Chase has a customer service number on the website.

Create your online banking username and password. Make the password strong — use uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. You will use this to log in to your account online and through the Chase mobile app.

What happens after you finish

You will see your new account number and routing number on the screen as soon as you complete the signup. Write these down or take a screenshot — you may need them right away if you want to set up direct deposit or transfer money from another account. Some employers need your routing number and account number to set up direct deposit, and you can provide these when ready even though your physical debit card has not arrived yet.

Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can still use your account online and through the Chase mobile app to transfer money, pay bills, or move funds to another account. You cannot withdraw cash from an ATM or make purchases in stores until the card arrives and you set up it.

set up your debit card when it arrives. Chase will send you instructions by mail or text. Usually this means calling a phone number or using the mobile app to confirm you received the card. Once activated, you can use it at Chase ATMs, other banks' ATMs (though you may be charged a fee), and stores.

When Chase cannot open your account online

Chase may ask you to visit a branch in person if the online system cannot verify your identity. This happens sometimes when your ID is expired, when your address does not match Chase's records, or when ChexSystems flags your banking history for review. If this happens, Chase will tell you during signup and direct you to the nearest branch. Bring your ID and the initial deposit method you planned to use.

If you are under 18, you cannot open an account entirely on your own. You will need a parent or guardian to open a Chase Teen Checking account with you. One parent or guardian can do this online if they have their own Chase account, or you can both go to a branch together. The teen account has different rules and fees than adult accounts.

If you do not have a Social Security number, Chase has a separate process. You will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, and you will likely need to visit a branch or call Chase to complete the account opening. The website will direct you to the right option based on your answers during signup.

Avoiding common problems during signup

Make sure your address matches what is on file with your ID. If you recently moved, update your address with your state's DMV before opening the Chase account, or be ready to explain the difference to Chase if they ask. Mismatched addresses are one of the most common reasons the online process stalls.

Use the same name on your ID as you enter during signup. If your ID says "Robert" but you go by "Bob," use "Robert" in the process. You can change your name in the account later if you need to, but it should match your ID at the time you open the account.

Make sure your initial deposit method has enough money. If you are transferring from another bank account, confirm the account has at least the amount you plan to transfer. If the transfer fails, Chase will tell you why, and you can try again with a different payment method.

Check that your phone number and email are correct. Chase sends verification codes to these addresses, and if they are wrong, you will not be able to complete the signup. Double-check before you submit.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The signup process itself takes about 10 minutes. You will have your account number and routing number when ready. Your physical debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use your account online and through the app before the card arrives.

Can I open a Chase account if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes, but you will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. The online process will direct you to a different path if you answer "no" to the Social Security number question. You may need to call Chase or visit a branch to complete the account opening.

What if my online process is denied?

Chase will tell you why during the signup process. Common reasons include a ChexSystems issue, an address mismatch, or an identity verification problem. If this happens, you can visit a Chase branch in person and ask about opening an account there, or call Chase customer service to understand what went wrong.

Do I need to have money in the account to keep it open?

Chase Total Checking has a monthly fee, but the fee is waived if you meet one of several conditions: set up direct deposit, maintain a minimum balance, or link a Chase savings account. Check the specific account type you chose to see which conditions explore to you.

Can I use my account before my debit card arrives?

Yes. You can log into your account online or through the Chase mobile app and transfer money, pay bills, or move funds to another account. You cannot withdraw cash or make purchases in stores until your debit card arrives and you set up it.