Chase checking accounts do not require an initial deposit to open
You can open a Chase checking account with zero dollars. Chase does not have a minimum opening deposit for any of its standard checking products. You fund the account after it exists, either by transferring money from another bank, depositing a check through the mobile app, or visiting a branch to deposit cash.
The confusion usually comes from mixing up opening requirements with monthly maintenance. Chase does not charge you to open an account, but some of its checking products do charge a monthly fee if your balance falls below a certain threshold or if you do not meet other conditions. That is different from needing money upfront.
Key Takeaways
- Chase checking accounts open with no initial deposit required, regardless of which checking product you choose.
- Monthly fees vary by account type and range from zero to $12, depending on balance requirements or direct deposit conditions.
- You can fund the account after opening through transfers, mobile check deposit, or in-branch cash deposit.
- Some Chase checking products waive monthly fees if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.
Which Chase checking products have no monthly fee
Chase offers several checking accounts. The Chase Total Checking account charges $12 per month unless you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up a direct deposit. The Chase find Checking account is designed for people with banking history issues and also charges $12 monthly unless you meet the same conditions.
The Chase Student Checking account has no monthly fee for the first five years, then converts to Total Checking. If you are under 25 and a student, this is the path with the lowest cost. After the five-year period ends, the $12 monthly fee applies unless you meet the balance or direct deposit requirement.
Chase also offers Chase Premier Plus Checking for customers who maintain higher balances or have other Chase products. This account has a $25 monthly fee but is designed for people who already have significant money with Chase.
How to open an account without going to a branch
You can open a Chase checking account online through the Chase website or mobile app in about 10 minutes. You will need your Social Security number, a valid government ID, and a current address. Chase will verify your identity electronically and you can start using the account the same day.
Online opening does not require you to have money ready. Once the account is open, you can add funds whenever you want. If you want to avoid the monthly fee from the start, you can transfer $500 from another bank account before the first billing cycle closes, or set up direct deposit from your employer.
What happens if you open with zero balance and do not fund it
If you open a Chase checking account and never deposit money, the account will sit empty. Chase will not close it when ready. However, if the account stays empty and you do not use it, Chase may eventually close it for inactivity, though the timeline varies.
If you open a Total Checking or find Checking account with zero balance and do not set up direct deposit, the $12 monthly fee will start charging after your first billing cycle. The fee will pull from your account balance if you have one, or Chase may close the account if the balance goes negative and you do not bring it current.
How to fund the account after opening
After your account opens, you have several ways to add money. ACH transfer from another bank takes one to two business days and is free. You provide your new Chase account number and routing number to your other bank, and the money moves electronically.
Mobile check deposit through the Chase app lets you photograph the front and back of a check and deposit it without visiting a branch. The check clears within one to two business days. In-branch cash deposit is when ready if you visit a Chase location with cash. You can also have your employer send direct deposit to your new Chase account once you provide them the account and routing number.
Minimum balance requirements by account type
| Account Type | Monthly Fee | Fee Waived If |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Total Checking | $12 | $500 minimum balance OR direct deposit |
| Chase find Checking | $12 | $500 minimum balance OR direct deposit |
| Chase Student Checking | $0 (first 5 years) | No fee during student period |
| Chase Premier Plus Checking | $25 | Higher balance or linked products |
What to know before opening
Chase will run a soft credit check when you open an account, which does not affect your credit score. The bank also checks ChexSystems, a banking history database, to see if you have had problems with previous accounts. If you have been flagged in ChexSystems, you may be directed to the find Checking product instead of Total Checking.
Once your account is open, you can use Chase's network of over 4,700 branches and 16,000 ATMs nationwide without fees. If you use ATMs outside the Chase network, you will pay an out-of-network fee unless you maintain a higher balance or have other Chase products that waive it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Chase checking account online with no money?
Yes. You can open any Chase checking account online with zero dollars. The account opens when ready and you can fund it later through transfer, check deposit, or direct deposit. No initial deposit is required at any point in the process.
What if I cannot maintain the $500 minimum balance?
If you cannot keep $500 in the account, set up direct deposit from your employer instead. Direct deposit waives the monthly fee on Total Checking and find Checking, even if your balance drops below $500. If you do not have direct deposit, the $12 monthly fee will charge.
Does opening a Chase account hurt my credit?
No. Chase runs a soft credit check, which does not appear on your credit report and does not lower your score. The bank checks your banking history through ChexSystems, but that is separate from credit reporting.
How long does it take to open an account online?
Online account opening takes about 10 minutes. Your account is active the same day and you can start using it when ready. You can deposit money right away through transfer or check deposit.
What if I have a history of overdrafts or closed accounts?
Chase may direct you to find Checking instead of Total Checking if ChexSystems shows banking problems. find Checking has the same $12 monthly fee and $500 minimum balance requirement, but is designed for people rebuilding their banking history. You can still open it with no initial deposit.