You can start a Chase savings account online, but you will need to finish it in person or by phone
Chase allows you to begin the account opening process on their website or mobile app, but they do not complete the full account setup online. You will provide basic information—name, address, Social Security number, date of birth—through their digital form, but Chase requires identity verification that happens either at a branch or over the phone before the account becomes active. This is a compliance requirement, not a Chase preference; federal banking rules require banks to verify who you are before opening deposit accounts.
The practical path depends on what you have available. If you have a Chase branch near you, you can walk in with a government ID and complete the process in minutes. If you do not have a branch nearby or prefer not to visit one, you can complete the identity verification by phone with a Chase representative, which typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. Either way, you cannot open and fund a savings account entirely from your computer or phone.
Key Takeaways
- The online form gets you partway through, but Chase requires in-person or phone verification before the account is active.
- You will need a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) to complete verification at a branch.
- Phone verification is available if you cannot visit a branch, and the call takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
- You can fund the account when ready after verification, either at the branch, through a transfer from another bank, or by mail deposit.
What happens when you start online
When you go to Chase.com or open the Chase Mobile app and select "Open an account," you will see a form asking for personal information: your full name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number. Chase also asks whether you want a basic savings account or a higher-yield option like Chase Savings or Chase Premier Plus Savings (rates and features change, so check their current offerings). You choose a username and password for online banking access.
At the end of this form, Chase tells you what comes next: you must verify your identity before the account opens. The system will offer you the choice to verify at a branch or by phone. If you choose the branch, you will see a list of nearby locations and can schedule an appointment or just walk in during business hours. If you choose phone verification, Chase will call you or give you a number to call within a set timeframe—usually the same day or next business day.
Verifying your identity at a Chase branch
Bring a government-issued photo ID: a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. Chase will not accept a student ID, library card, or expired ID. The teller will check your ID against the information you entered online, confirm your address and phone number, and ask a few security questions. This usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.
Once verification is complete, your account is active. You can fund it when ready by depositing cash or a check at the branch, or you can leave and transfer money from another bank later. If you want to deposit cash or a check right then, bring it with you. If you are only verifying identity, you do not need to bring anything but your ID.
Verifying your identity by phone
Chase will either call you at the number you provided or send you instructions to call a specific number. The representative will ask you to confirm the personal information you entered online, ask security questions (often about your credit history or past addresses), and may ask you to read back numbers from your ID to confirm you have it in front of you. The call typically lasts 10 to 15 minutes.
After phone verification, your account is active, but you cannot deposit cash or checks by phone. You will need to fund the account by transferring money from another bank account (which can take one to three business days) or by visiting a branch to deposit cash or a check. Chase will send you debit card information by mail, which arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
Funding the account after verification
Once your account is open, you have several ways to add money. At a Chase branch, you can deposit cash or checks when ready. If you verified by phone and cannot visit a branch, you can transfer money from a checking or savings account at another bank using Chase's online transfer tool or by giving Chase your other bank's routing number and your account number. This transfer usually clears in one to three business days, depending on the other bank.
You can also set up direct deposit if your employer or a government agency (such as Social Security) sends you regular payments. This takes one to two pay cycles to set up but is the fastest way to move money into the account regularly. Chase will provide you with your routing number and account number once the account is open; you give these to your employer or benefits administrator.
What you need before you start
Have your Social Security number ready. Chase will ask for it during the online form and will use it to check your credit and banking history. You will also need a valid mailing address—Chase sends your debit card and statements to this address, so use one where you actually receive mail.
If you plan to verify at a branch, bring a government-issued photo ID. If you plan to verify by phone, have your ID nearby when the representative calls, because they may ask you to confirm information from it. You do not need to bring anything else to open the account, but if you want to deposit cash or a check at the branch during verification, bring that with you.
Timing and what to expect next
The online form takes about 5 to 10 minutes to complete. After you submit it, Chase will tell you when you can verify your identity—usually the same day or within 24 hours. Verification itself (at a branch or by phone) takes 5 to 15 minutes. Once verification is complete, your account is open and you can use it when ready, though your debit card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If you transfer money from another bank, expect that transfer to clear in one to three business days. If you deposit cash or a check at a branch, it is usually available the same day or next business day. Direct deposit takes one to two pay cycles to set up but then happens automatically on your regular schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to go to a Chase branch, or can I do everything by phone?
You can complete identity verification by phone, which means you do not have to visit a branch. However, if you want to deposit cash or checks, you will need to visit a branch at some point, because Chase cannot accept cash or checks over the phone. If you only plan to use transfers and direct deposit, phone verification is sufficient.
What if I do not have a government ID?
Chase requires a government-issued photo ID for in-person verification. If you do not have one, you may be able to complete phone verification instead, but you should contact Chase directly to ask what documents they will accept. Some states offer ID cards specifically for people who cannot obtain a driver's license.
Can I open a savings account if I have been denied by other banks?
Chase checks banking history through ChexSystems, a database that tracks closed accounts and fraud. If you have a history of overdrafts, fraud, or other issues, Chase may deny your process. There is no way to know in advance; you will find out after you submit the form. If denied, you can ask Chase why and may be able to reapply after a waiting period.
How much money do I need to open the account?
Chase does not require a minimum opening deposit for most savings accounts. You can open the account with zero dollars and fund it later. However, some Chase savings products (like Premier Plus Savings) may have minimum balance requirements to earn the advertised interest rate, so check the current terms before you choose which account type to open.
What if I started the online form but did not finish it?
If you began the form and closed your browser without submitting it, the information is not saved. You will need to start over. If you submitted the form but did not complete identity verification within a certain timeframe (usually 30 days), Chase may close the incomplete process and you will need to start again.