Yes, you can open most Chase accounts online from start to finish
Chase lets you open a checking or savings account entirely online using a computer or their mobile app. You do not need to visit a branch, though you can if you prefer. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and you can start using your account the same day in most cases.
The main requirement is that you must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. resident with a valid Social Security number. Chase will ask you to verify your identity during the process — they use information you provide to check against their records and sometimes request additional documents afterward.
Not every Chase account type is available online. The most common accounts — Chase Total Checking, Chase Savings, and Chase Money Market — can all be opened online. Some specialty accounts or those requiring a minimum deposit may direct you to a branch or phone line instead.
Key Takeaways
- You can open a Chase checking or savings account online in about 10 to 15 minutes using a computer or the Chase mobile app.
- Chase will verify your identity during signup using your Social Security number and personal information, and may ask for additional documents by email afterward.
- You need to be at least 18 years old, a U.S. resident, and have a valid Social Security number to open an account online.
- Your account is usually ready to use the same day, though it may take a few business days for your debit card to arrive by mail.
- If you already have a Chase account, opening a second one online is faster because Chase already has your verified information on file.
What documents and information you will need
Before you start, gather a few pieces of information. You will need your Social Security number, a valid government-issued photo ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your date of birth, and your current address. Have your phone number and email address ready as well.
If you are opening an account with another person — for example, a joint account with a spouse — both people will need to provide their own Social Security number and photo ID. Chase will verify both of you separately during the process.
Chase does not require an initial deposit to open most checking or savings accounts online, though some accounts have a minimum balance requirement once the account is open. Check the specific account details before you start to see whether there is a minimum you need to maintain.
The step-by-step process for opening an account online
Start by going to Chase.com or opening the Chase mobile app. Look for the option to open a new account — it is usually on the homepage or in a menu labeled "Open an Account" or "New Accounts." Select the type of account you want: checking, savings, or money market.
Chase will ask you to enter your personal information: your name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. They will also ask about your employment status and annual income, though this is optional. Next, you will choose your account settings — things like whether you want paperless statements and what your online username will be.
At the end of the process, Chase will ask you to verify your identity. They typically do this by asking security questions based on your credit history, or by requesting a photo of your ID. Once you complete this step, your account is usually open when ready. You can log in, set up online banking, and start using your account right away.
If Chase needs more information to verify you, they will send you an email with instructions. This usually happens within a few hours. They may ask you to upload a photo of your ID or provide additional documents. Once you submit what they ask for, verification typically takes one to two business days.
When Chase may ask you to visit a branch or call instead
Most people can complete the entire process online, but Chase sometimes directs you to a branch or phone line if something in your process does not match their records or if you are opening a specialty account. This is not a rejection — it just means a person needs to help verify your information.
If you see a message saying you need to visit a branch, you can call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to ask whether you can complete the process over the phone instead. Some situations can be resolved this way without a branch visit. If you do need to go to a branch, bring your photo ID and Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number on it.
If you have had fraud or identity theft issues in the past, or if your credit report shows recent problems, Chase may require extra verification steps. This is a security measure to protect your account. The process takes longer but follows the same basic steps.
How long it takes to use your new account
Your account is usually ready to use when ready after you finish the online process. You can log into online banking right away, set up bill pay, and transfer money between your own accounts at Chase. You can also receive direct deposits and wire transfers to your new account the same day.
Your debit card arrives by mail, which typically takes five to seven business days. Until it arrives, you can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or transfers. If you need cash right away, you can visit a Chase branch and withdraw from your new account using your ID.
If Chase asks you to verify your identity after you open the account, your account stays open and usable while they review your documents. Verification does not freeze your account or prevent you from using it.
Opening a second Chase account online
If you already have a Chase account, opening another one online is faster. Chase already has your verified information on file, so you skip most of the identity verification steps. The process takes about five minutes.
Log into your existing Chase account online or in the app. Look for an option like "Open Another Account" or "Add an Account." Select the type of account you want and confirm your information. Chase will usually open it when ready without asking for additional verification.
You can have multiple checking accounts, multiple savings accounts, or a combination of both at Chase. Each account has its own account number and debit card (if it is a checking account). You can transfer money between your own Chase accounts when ready online.
What happens if you do not have a Social Security number
Chase requires a Social Security number to open an account online. If you do not have one, you will need to visit a branch in person. Bring your passport or other government-issued ID and ask about opening an account without a Social Security number.
Some Chase branches can open accounts for people who are in the process of getting a Social Security number or who have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. The process is different from the online route and takes longer, but it is possible. Call your local Chase branch ahead of time to confirm they offer this option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Chase account online if I have bad credit?
Yes. Chase does not check your credit score to open a checking or savings account. They may review your banking history through ChexSystems, a system that tracks past banking problems like overdrafts or fraud, but a low credit score does not prevent you from opening an account online.
What if Chase denies my online process?
Chase will tell you why they cannot open your account — usually because of information that did not verify, a ChexSystems issue, or a past banking problem. You can call 1-800-935-9935 to ask whether you can resolve it over the phone or in a branch. Some issues can be cleared up with an explanation.
Do I need a minimum deposit to open a Chase account online?
No minimum deposit is required to open most Chase checking or savings accounts online. However, some accounts have a minimum balance you must keep after opening — usually $500 or $1,500 depending on the account type. Check the account details before you start.
Can I open a joint account online with someone else?
Yes. Both account holders can complete the process online together, or one person can start the process and the other can finish it. Both of you will need to verify your identity separately. You will need both Social Security numbers and both people's photo IDs.
How do I log in after I open my account online?
Chase will give you a username and password during the signup process. You can use these to log into Chase.com or the mobile app when ready after your account opens. Write down your username and password in a safe place, or use your device's password manager to store them securely.