You can upgrade your Chase checking account, but "upgrade" means switching to a different account type within Chase—not adding features to the one you have.
Chase offers several checking accounts with different fee structures, minimum balances, and perks. If you currently have a basic Chase checking account and want access to higher rewards, lower fees, or premium features, you move your money to a different Chase checking product. You keep your routing number and account number; Chase straightforward converts your existing account to the new type. The process takes a few minutes online or at a branch, and you do not lose your debit card or direct deposits.
The catch: you cannot add features to your current account. You either switch account types or you stay where you are. This matters because some people think they can "upgrade" by paying a fee or meeting a balance requirement. That is not how Chase works. You have to choose a new account and move into it.
Key Takeaways
- Chase lets you convert your current checking account to a different checking product online, by phone, or at a branch without closing the account.
- The main Chase checking options are Chase Total Checking, Chase Premier Plus Checking, and Chase Sapphire Checking, each with different fees and balance requirements.
- You keep your existing debit card, routing number, and account number when you convert; direct deposits and automatic payments do not need to be updated.
- Some account types waive monthly fees if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit, so compare the fee structure before you switch.
- If you want to keep your old account open alongside a new one, you can open a second account instead of converting, though Chase limits the number of checking accounts per person.
The three main Chase checking account types and what separates them
Chase Total Checking is the baseline product. It has a $12 monthly fee, but the fee waives if you maintain a $500 minimum daily balance or set up a direct deposit of $500 or more per month. There is no interest paid on the balance. This account comes with a debit card, online bill pay, and access to Chase's ATM network.
Chase Premier Plus Checking requires a higher minimum balance—$25,000—and has a $25 monthly fee. The fee waives if you keep that balance. In return, you get higher ATM withdrawal limits, priority customer service, and a few perks like discounts on safe deposit boxes. You still earn no interest on the balance itself.
Chase Sapphire Checking is the newest option and is designed to pair with Chase Sapphire credit cards. It has no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement. The tradeoff is that it does not come with a physical debit card by default—you get a digital card for your phone wallet instead. You can request a physical card, but it may take longer to arrive. This account also earns no interest.
Chase also offers Chase Student Checking for people under 24, which has no monthly fee and no minimum balance. Once you turn 24, it converts to Chase Total Checking unless you change it yourself.
How to convert your account online or at a branch
The fastest route is Chase's website or mobile app. Log in, go to your account settings, and look for "Account Services" or "Change Account Type." Chase will show you which accounts you are may be able to access for and let you convert with a few clicks. The change usually takes effect when ready, though it may take a business day for the new account type to appear on your statements.
If you prefer to do it in person, visit any Chase branch with your ID. A banker can convert your account on the spot. You do not need an appointment, but going during off-peak hours (mid-morning on a weekday) means shorter waits.
You can also call Chase customer service at the number on the back of your debit card. They will walk you through the options and convert your account over the phone. This takes about 10 minutes.
No matter which method you use, your debit card stays active, your account number does not change, and direct deposits or automatic bill payments keep working without interruption. You do not have to notify your employer, creditors, or anyone else.
What happens to your debit card and account details
Your existing debit card continues to work after you convert. You do not get a new card in the mail unless you request one or your card is expiring soon. If you are switching to Chase Sapphire Checking, you will get a digital card when ready in your mobile app, but your physical card (if you have one) stays active until it expires.
Your account number, routing number, and online banking login remain the same. This is important because it means you do not have to update direct deposits, automatic bill payments, or any other recurring transactions. Everything flows to the same account.
If you have linked accounts—for example, a savings account or credit card tied to this checking account—those links stay in place. You do not have to re-link anything.
When you might want to open a second account instead of converting
If you want to keep your current account and add a new one, you can open a second checking account instead of converting. This is useful if you use your current account for specific purposes (like payroll) and want a separate account for something else (like a side business or shared household expenses).
Chase allows most customers to hold up to two checking accounts and up to two savings accounts at the same time. If you already have two checking accounts, you cannot open a third without closing one first. This limit exists to prevent fraud and account cycling.
Opening a second account takes about 10 minutes online or at a branch. You will get a new account number and a new debit card. Your original account stays exactly as it is.
Fee waivers and minimum balance requirements to know
Chase Total Checking waives its $12 monthly fee in two ways: keep a $500 minimum daily balance, or set up a direct deposit of $500 or more per month. If you do neither, you pay the fee every month. The balance requirement is checked daily, so dropping below $500 for even one day does not trigger the fee—but if your balance is below $500 on the day the fee is assessed (usually the last business day of the month), the fee posts.
Chase Premier Plus Checking waives its $25 monthly fee only with a $25,000 minimum daily balance. There is no direct deposit alternative for this account. If your balance drops below $25,000, the fee posts.
Chase Sapphire Checking has no monthly fee and no minimum balance, so there is nothing to waive. This makes it the lowest-cost option if you cannot maintain a high balance.
Before you convert, calculate which fee structure works for your situation. If you receive regular direct deposits, Chase Total Checking is usually free. If your balance is typically low, Sapphire Checking avoids fees altogether.
What to do if you want to switch back to your old account type
You can convert back to your previous account type at any time using the same methods: online, at a branch, or by phone. There is no penalty for switching, and you do not lose any history or data. Your account statements, transaction history, and account number all stay the same.
The only thing to watch for is timing. If you convert away from Chase Total Checking to avoid the monthly fee, then convert back later, you will owe the fee for the months you were away if you did not meet the waiver requirements during that time. Chase does not refund fees retroactively, so plan your switches accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I lose my debit card number when I convert accounts?
No. Your debit card number stays the same, and the card remains active. You do not get a new card in the mail unless you request one or it is expiring. Any recurring charges tied to your card number continue without interruption.
Will my direct deposits stop if I convert to a different account?
No. Your account number does not change, so direct deposits flow to the same place. You do not have to notify your employer or update anything. The conversion is invisible to anyone sending money to your account.
Can I convert my account if I have a negative balance or owe fees?
Chase typically allows you to convert even with a negative balance, but you will still owe the amount you are short. If you owe fees from your current account, those do not disappear when you convert—they stay on your account. Pay the balance first if you want a clean start.
What if I want to keep both my old account and a new one?
You can open a second checking account instead of converting. Chase allows most customers to hold two checking accounts at the same time. You will get a new account number and debit card for the second account, and your original account stays unchanged.
Does converting affect my credit score?
No. Converting between Chase checking accounts is an internal change and does not trigger a credit inquiry or appear on your credit report. It has no impact on your credit score.