Yes, you can open most Chase checking accounts entirely online

Chase lets you open a checking account from your computer or phone without visiting a branch. You can complete the whole process in about 10 minutes if you have the documents ready. The account opens when ready in most cases, though you won't be able to use it until Chase verifies your identity—that usually takes one business day.

Not every Chase checking product is available online. Some accounts designed for specific situations (like student accounts or accounts for people under 18) require a branch visit or a parent's involvement. But the main checking accounts—Chase Total Checking, Chase Sapphire Checking, and Chase Premier Plus Checking—can all be opened online.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase's main checking accounts open online in about 10 minutes if you have your Social Security number, a government ID, and proof of address ready.
  • Your account number appears when ready, but you cannot deposit or withdraw money until Chase completes identity verification, which usually takes one business day.
  • You will need a valid email address and a phone number to set up online banking during the account opening process.
  • Some Chase checking products, including student accounts and accounts for minors, cannot be opened online and require a branch visit or parental signature.
  • If you already have a Chase account, opening a second checking account online is faster because Chase already has your identity information on file.

What documents and information you need before you start

Have these items ready before you go to Chase's website to open an account. The process will not move forward without them, and stopping to find them halfway through slows you down.

You need a valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Chase will ask you to enter the number and expiration date. You also need your Social Security number. For proof of address, Chase accepts a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government document with your current address on it. The document should be dated within the last 90 days.

Have your email address and a phone number ready. Chase uses these to set up online banking and to contact you if there are questions during verification. If you plan to link an external bank account to transfer money in, have that account number and routing number available—though you can add this after your account opens.

The actual steps to open an account online

Go to Chase.com and look for the "Open an Account" or "New Account" link, usually near the top of the page. Chase will ask you to choose which checking account you want. Read the features and monthly fees for each one, because they differ. Then select "Open Online."

Enter your personal information: name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. Chase will ask about your employment status and annual income—this is for fraud prevention and regulatory reasons, not to decide whether you can have an account. Answer honestly.

Review the account terms and disclosures. These are long, but they spell out the monthly fee (if any), overdraft policies, and what Chase will do with your information. Check the boxes to confirm you agree, then submit.

Chase will show you your new account number and routing number when ready. Write these down or take a screenshot. You will not be able to use the account yet—Chase needs to verify your identity first, which happens in the background. Check your email for a message from Chase within a few hours. If Chase needs more information, they will ask you to upload a photo of your ID or provide additional details. Once verification is complete (usually within one business day), you can start depositing and withdrawing money.

When Chase asks you to verify your identity

After you submit your process, Chase runs your information against databases to confirm you are who you say you are. This is called identity verification, and it is required by federal law. Most of the time it happens automatically and you never notice it.

Sometimes Chase cannot verify you automatically and will ask you to upload a photo of your ID or answer security questions about your credit history. If this happens, check your email for instructions. Chase usually gives you a few days to respond. Upload a clear photo of both sides of your ID if that is what they ask for. Make sure the photo is in focus and the text is readable.

If Chase cannot verify you online, they may ask you to visit a branch in person with your ID. This is rare, but it can happen if your address is new, if you have no credit history, or if something in your process does not match their records. If this happens, Chase will tell you which branch to visit and what to bring.

What happens after your account opens

Once verification is complete, your checking account is active and you can use it. Chase will mail you a debit card, which usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can request a card rush (faster delivery) through your online banking, though some accounts charge a fee for this.

You can start depositing money before your card arrives. Use mobile check deposit through the Chase app—take a photo of the front and back of a check and submit it. Checks usually clear within one business day. You can also transfer money from another bank account if you have linked one, or ask your employer to direct deposit your paycheck to your new Chase account.

Set up online banking right away. During account opening, Chase will have asked you to create a username and password. Log in to Chase.com or the Chase app to see your account, set up bill pay, and manage your money. You can also set up alerts so Chase texts or emails you when your balance drops below a certain amount or when a large transaction happens.

Accounts that cannot be opened online

Chase Student Checking and accounts for people under 18 must be opened at a branch or with a parent's signature. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian needs to be present or to sign documents. Chase does this to comply with laws about minors and financial accounts.

Some specialty accounts tied to investment or wealth management services also require a branch visit. If you are looking at an account that does not have an "Open Online" button, call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 or visit a local branch to ask about your options.

If you already have a Chase account

Opening a second checking account is faster if you are already a Chase customer. Log into your existing online banking, look for "Open Another Account" or similar language, and follow the prompts. Chase already has your identity information, so verification usually takes just a few hours instead of a full business day.

You can have multiple checking accounts with Chase. Some people do this to separate spending from savings, or to take advantage of different account features. Each account has its own number and debit card, but they all connect to the same online banking login.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to actually use my account after I open it online?

Your account number appears when ready, but you cannot deposit or withdraw money until Chase verifies your identity. This usually takes one business day, but can take longer if Chase needs you to upload documents or answer additional questions. Once verification is complete, you can start using the account right away.

Do I need to have money in my account before I open it?

No. You can open a Chase checking account with zero dollars. You do not need to make a deposit until after the account is verified and active. However, some Chase accounts have a monthly fee if you do not maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit, so check the fee structure for the account you choose.

What if Chase denies my process?

Chase rarely denies applications outright, but they may ask you to visit a branch or provide more information. If your process is denied, Chase will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include a history of fraud, unpaid bank fees at another institution, or a ChexSystems report (a banking history report) that raises concerns. You can dispute information in your ChexSystems report if it is wrong.

Can I open a Chase account if I do not have a Social Security number?

Chase requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open an account. If you do not have one, you will need to visit a branch and speak with a banker about your options. Some banks have different processes for people without a Social Security number, but Chase's online process does not support this.

Will opening an account online hurt my credit score?

No. Opening a checking account does not affect your credit score. Chase does a soft inquiry into your credit history during verification, which does not show up on your credit report and does not lower your score. Only hard inquiries (like when you explore for a loan or credit card) affect your credit.