You can upgrade to a different Chase checking account, but it depends on which account you have now and which one you want
Chase offers several checking accounts at different service levels. Moving from one to another is possible, but the process and what you keep or lose varies. Some upgrades happen when ready through your Chase app or online banking. Others require you to open a new account and close the old one, which means a new routing number and account number — something that matters if you have direct deposits or automatic payments set up.
The most common upgrade path is from Chase Total Checking (the basic account) to Chase Premier Plus Checking (which offers higher interest rates and fee waivers if you maintain a minimum balance). You can also move to Chase Sapphire Checking if you want rewards points on debit card purchases, or to Chase find Checking if you have limited banking history or credit concerns.
Before you start, know that switching accounts can affect your banking setup for weeks. Direct deposits, bill payments, and automatic transfers all use your routing and account number. If you close your old account too soon, payments can bounce or get lost.
Key Takeaways
- Some Chase checking upgrades happen within your existing account through your app; others require opening a new account with a new number.
- Moving to a new account means updating your direct deposit, automatic bill payments, and any other recurring transfers to the new account number.
- Chase will not automatically close your old account when you open a new one — you have to request closure, and you should wait until all pending transactions clear first.
- Switching accounts may affect your overdraft protection, linked savings accounts, and credit card rewards if they were tied to your old account.
Upgrades that happen within your existing account
If you are moving from one Chase checking account to another that uses the same account structure, you may be able to change your account type without closing and reopening. This is most common when upgrading from Chase Total Checking to Chase Premier Plus Checking. You can often do this through your Chase mobile app under Account Settings or by calling Chase customer service at the number on the back of your debit card.
When this type of upgrade works, your account number and routing number stay the same. Your direct deposits, automatic bill payments, and linked accounts all continue without interruption. The change usually takes effect within one business day. You will see the new account name in your app and online banking, and any new benefits (like higher interest rates or fee waivers) will explore going forward.
However, not all account changes work this way. If you are switching to Chase Sapphire Checking or Chase find Checking, you will likely need to open a completely new account instead.
Upgrades that require opening a new account
Some Chase checking upgrades require you to open a new account with a new account number and routing number. This happens when the account type is structurally different — for example, if you want to move to Chase Sapphire Checking (which includes rewards) or if you are moving to a specialty account like Chase find Checking.
When you open a new account, you will receive a new debit card, new checks (if you order them), and a new account number. Your old account remains open until you close it. This is where the complexity starts: you need to update every service that pulls money from or deposits money into your account.
Start by making a list of everything connected to your current account: your employer's payroll system, your bank's bill pay service, any automatic transfers you have set up, subscription services that charge your debit card, and any linked accounts (savings, money market, credit cards). Contact each one and provide your new account number and routing number. This can take several days to a week, depending on how many services you use.
What to do with your old account after you upgrade
Do not close your old account when ready after opening a new one. Checks you wrote, automatic payments scheduled before the switch, and delayed deposits can still hit the old account for days or even weeks. If the account is closed, those transactions will bounce or be rejected.
Instead, wait at least two weeks after you have updated all your recurring payments and deposits. Check your old account online or through your app to make sure no new transactions are appearing. Once you are confident everything has moved over, you can close the old account by calling Chase or visiting a branch.
When you close the account, ask Chase to confirm that no pending transactions are still attached to it. If there is a balance remaining, Chase will send you a check or transfer it to your new account, depending on what you request.
Fees and minimum balance requirements to know before upgrading
Each Chase checking account has different rules about monthly fees and minimum balances. Chase Total Checking has a $12 monthly fee that is waived if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up a direct deposit. Chase Premier Plus Checking has a $25 monthly fee waived with a $10,000 minimum balance. Chase Sapphire Checking has a $25 monthly fee waived with a $10,000 balance or a $500 monthly direct deposit.
Before you upgrade, confirm that you can meet the minimum balance or direct deposit requirement for the new account. If you cannot, you will pay the monthly fee. Some people upgrade expecting better benefits but end up paying more in fees than they save in interest or rewards.
Also check whether your new account will still waive overdraft fees or offer overdraft protection. Some account types have different overdraft policies, and switching could change how Chase handles overdrafts on your account.
How to start the upgrade process
First, decide which account you want to move to and confirm you meet the requirements. Then, log into your Chase app or online banking and look for an option to change your account type. If you see one, follow the prompts — this is the fastest route and means you will not need a new account number.
If you do not see an option to change your account type in your app, or if you want to move to an account that requires a new number, call Chase at the number on the back of your debit card. A representative can open a new account for you over the phone and walk you through what happens next. They can also tell you whether your current account type can be upgraded in place or whether you need a new account number.
If you prefer to do this in person, visit a Chase branch with your ID and debit card. A banker can open a new account on the spot and give you information about updating your direct deposit and payments.
What happens to your debit card and checks when you upgrade
If your account number stays the same, your debit card and checks continue to work. You may receive a new debit card in the mail if the account type change requires a different card design, but this is not always the case.
If you get a new account number, you will receive a new debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your old debit card will stop working once the new one is activated. If you have checks printed with your old account number, they will no longer work after you close that account. You can order new checks through Chase or a third-party printer, but this takes time and costs money. Many people avoid printing checks and use bill pay or transfers instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will upgrading my Chase checking account affect my credit score?
No. Opening a new checking account does not trigger a hard credit inquiry and does not affect your credit score. Chase may do a soft pull to verify your identity, but this does not show up on your credit report or impact your score.
Can I keep both accounts open at the same time?
Yes. You can have multiple Chase checking accounts open simultaneously. Some people keep an old account open for a few weeks while they transition to a new one, or they keep both accounts long-term if they want separate accounts for different purposes. However, each account may have its own monthly fee if you do not meet the minimum balance or direct deposit requirement.
What if I have a pending check or automatic payment when I close my old account?
If a check or automatic payment clears after you close the account, it will be rejected and bounce. The merchant or person who sent it may charge you a returned check fee. This is why you should wait at least two weeks after switching before closing your old account, and why you should check the account regularly to make sure no new transactions are appearing.
Do I lose my transaction history when I upgrade to a new account?
Your old account's transaction history stays with that account. When you close it, you can still view the history through Chase online banking or by requesting a statement. Your new account will have its own separate transaction history starting from the day you open it. Chase does not merge the histories.
Can I downgrade from a premium checking account back to Chase Total Checking?
Yes. You can downgrade to a lower-tier account through your app or by calling Chase. If your account number can stay the same, the downgrade happens when ready. If you need a new account number, you would need to open a new account and close the old one, following the same process as an upgrade.