You cannot open a Chase High School Checking Account entirely online by yourself

Chase requires a parent or legal guardian to open the account with you, and that person must be present either in person at a branch or on a video call with a Chase representative. You cannot complete the process through the website or mobile app alone, even if you are 16 or 17 years old.

The account itself is designed for teenagers — it has no monthly fees, no minimum balance, and comes with a debit card — but the opening step requires adult involvement. Chase calls this the Chase First Banking account, and it is the only checking product they offer for high school students.

Key Takeaways

  • A parent or guardian must be present to open the account, either at a Chase branch in person or through a video call with Chase.
  • You will need a Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of address for the parent or guardian opening the account.
  • The account has no monthly maintenance fee, no minimum balance requirement, and includes a debit card and online banking access.
  • Once open, you can manage the account online or through the Chase mobile app, but the initial setup cannot happen without an adult present.

What documents you need to bring

Both you and your parent or guardian need to bring identification. For you, Chase accepts a school ID, state ID, passport, or driver's license. For the adult, they need a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or passport.

The adult also needs to bring proof of address — a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement showing their name and current address. Chase uses this to verify their identity and meet federal banking requirements. If you do not have a Social Security number yet, you can still open the account, but Chase will need to collect it later.

Opening the account in person at a Chase branch

This is the most straightforward route. Go to any Chase branch with your parent or guardian during business hours. Tell a representative you want to open a Chase First Banking account. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

The representative will ask for the documents listed above, verify your information in their system, and explain the account features. You will choose a PIN for your debit card on the spot. The debit card itself is usually issued when ready, though it may take a few days to arrive by mail depending on the branch.

Opening the account through a video call

If you cannot visit a branch, you can open the account through a video appointment with Chase. Call 1-800-935-9935 or visit the Chase website to schedule a time. Both you and your parent or guardian must be present on the video call together.

During the call, a Chase representative will verify your identities using the same documents required for an in-person opening. They will ask you to hold up your ID to the camera and may ask security questions. The call typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes. After approval, Chase will mail your debit card to the address on file.

What happens after the account opens

Once the account is active, you can log in to Chase.com or the Chase mobile app using your own username and password. You will have access to your balance, transaction history, and the ability to set up bill pay or transfers. Your parent or guardian will also have access to the account through their own login, which allows them to monitor activity and set spending limits if they choose.

The debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can use the account for transfers and bill pay, but not for in-person or online purchases. Once you have the card, you can use it at any ATM or merchant that accepts Visa.

Spending limits and parental controls

Chase First Banking accounts come with optional parental controls. Your parent or guardian can set daily spending limits on the debit card, restrict certain types of transactions, or turn the card on and off through the mobile app. These controls are not automatic — your parent has to set them up after the account opens.

There is no overdraft protection on this account, which means if you try to spend more than your balance, the transaction will be declined. This prevents you from going into debt, but it also means you need to keep track of how much money is available.

Age requirements and account limitations

Chase First Banking is available to customers ages 13 to 17. If you are younger than 13, Chase does not offer a checking account product. If you turn 18, your account automatically converts to a standard Chase checking account, and your parent or guardian's access ends.

The account does not come with a credit card or a way to build credit history. It is a debit account only, meaning you can only spend money that is already in the account. If you want to start building credit later, you would need to open a different product.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open the account if my parent does not have a Chase account?

Yes. Your parent does not need to be a Chase customer to open your account. They just need to provide their identification and proof of address. If they want to monitor your account later, they can create a Chase login, but it is not required to open the account.

What if I do not have a Social Security number yet?

You can still open the account. Chase will issue you a temporary number for banking purposes and ask you to provide your Social Security number within a certain timeframe. If you never provide it, the account may be closed, so follow up on this if Chase contacts you about it.

Can I use the account for online shopping before the debit card arrives?

No. You need the physical debit card to make purchases at stores or online. You can use the account for transfers and bill pay through the Chase app or website, but not for retail transactions. Once the card arrives, you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted.

What happens to the account when I turn 18?

The account automatically converts to a Chase Total Checking or Chase Sapphire account, depending on your branch. Your parent or guardian loses access at that point. You keep the same account number and debit card, but the account terms change to the adult version.

Are there any fees on this account?

No. Chase First Banking has no monthly maintenance fee, no minimum balance, and no overdraft fees. There are no fees for debit card transactions, ATM withdrawals at Chase ATMs, or transfers. Some out-of-network ATM fees may explore if you use a non-Chase ATM.