Yes, you can open a Chase savings account entirely online
Chase lets you open most of their savings accounts through their website or mobile app without visiting a branch. 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 an existing Chase account. The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes, and your account can be ready to use the same day.
The online path works best if you already have a Chase checking account, because the system recognizes you and moves faster. If you're new to Chase entirely, the process takes a bit longer because they need to verify your identity more thoroughly, but it still happens online.
Key Takeaways
- You can open a Chase savings account online using their website or mobile app with just an ID, Social Security number, and a funding source.
- If you already have a Chase checking account, opening a savings account online takes about 10 minutes and your account opens the same day.
- New Chase customers may wait 24 to 48 hours for identity verification before the account is fully active, even though you start the process online.
- Chase savings accounts have no monthly fee, but they also have very low interest rates — you'll earn almost nothing on the money you deposit.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you open your browser: a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Chase will ask for all three to verify who you are.
You'll also need a way to fund the account. You can use a debit card from any bank, transfer money from another bank account you own, or move money from an existing Chase account if you have one. Chase requires an opening deposit, though the amount varies — some accounts need $0, others need $25 or more. Check the current requirement on their website before you start, because it changes.
The online opening process, step by step
Go to chase.com or open the Chase mobile app and look for "Open an account" or "New accounts." You'll be asked whether you're a current Chase customer or new to the bank. Pick the one that applies to you — this determines which path you take.
Next, choose which savings account you want. Chase offers several: the basic Chase Savings, Chase Premier Savings (which requires a higher balance), and sometimes promotional accounts with slightly better rates for a limited time. Read the details for each one — the main differences are the interest rate, the minimum balance, and any monthly fees.
Fill in your personal information: name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and employment status. Chase asks about employment to meet federal banking rules, not to judge you. Answer honestly but know that being unemployed, retired, or a student won't stop you from opening the account.
Review the account terms, then choose how you'll fund it. If you use a debit card, enter the card number and the amount you want to deposit. If you transfer from another bank, you'll enter that bank's routing number and your account number there. The money usually arrives within one to three business days.
After you submit, Chase will send you a confirmation email with your new account number. If you're an existing Chase customer, your account is usually ready to use right away. If you're new to Chase, they may put a temporary hold on the account while they verify your identity — this usually clears within 24 to 48 hours.
What happens if you're new to Chase
New customers go through an extra verification step. Chase may ask you security questions based on your credit history, or they may call or email you to confirm details. This is normal and protects both you and the bank from fraud.
During this verification period — usually 24 to 48 hours — you can see your account in the Chase app or website, but you can't move money out of it yet. You can deposit more money, but withdrawals are blocked until verification is complete. Once it clears, your account works like any other.
If Chase can't verify you online, they'll tell you to visit a branch in person with your ID. This is rare, but it happens if your identity doesn't match their records or if something in your process looks unusual to their system.
Interest rates and fees to know about
Chase savings accounts have no monthly maintenance fee, which is good. The catch is that the interest rate is very low — often less than 0.01% per year. That means if you deposit $1,000, you'll earn less than 10 cents in a year. This is typical for big banks, but it's worth knowing if you're saving money for something specific.
If you want a higher interest rate, online banks (not Chase) often pay 4% to 5% on savings accounts. The tradeoff is that those banks have no physical branches and sometimes slower customer service. Chase's advantage is convenience — you can walk into a branch if you need help, and you can link your savings to a Chase checking account easily.
Linking your new savings account to checking
Once your savings account is open, you can link it to a Chase checking account if you have one. This lets you transfer money between them when ready through the app or website, and it makes it easier to move money to cover overdrafts or to save automatically.
If you don't have a Chase checking account yet, you can open one online the same way. Many people open both at once because the process is faster when you do them together.
What to do if the online process doesn't work
If Chase's website or app won't let you finish opening the account, or if you get stuck on a verification step, you have two options: try again later (sometimes the system has temporary glitches), or visit a Chase branch in person with your ID and Social Security card.
Visiting a branch takes longer — usually 20 to 30 minutes — but the banker can troubleshoot problems on the spot and open your account when ready. You can find your nearest branch on Chase's website by entering your zip code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a checking account to open a Chase savings account online?
No. You can open a savings account without a checking account. However, if you already have a Chase checking account, the process is faster because Chase already knows who you are and won't need to verify your identity as thoroughly.
How much money do I have to put in to open the account?
Chase's minimum opening deposit varies by account type and changes periodically. Some accounts require $0, while others require $25 or more. Check the specific account details on Chase's website before you start, because the requirement is listed there.
Can I open a Chase savings account if I have bad credit?
Yes. Chase doesn't check your credit score to open a savings account. They do check ChexSystems, which is a banking history report, but having problems there won't automatically disqualify you — it just means Chase will look more carefully at your process.
What if I want to close the account later?
You can close a Chase savings account anytime by calling customer service, visiting a branch, or using the app. There's no penalty for closing it. Just make sure you withdraw or transfer any money in it first, because Chase will close the account once it's empty.
Can I open multiple savings accounts with Chase?
Yes. Some people open more than one to separate money for different goals — one for an emergency fund, one for a vacation, one for a down payment. Chase allows this, though they may ask why you want multiple accounts.