Chase charges a monthly service fee on most checking accounts, but you can waive it

Chase's most common checking accounts do charge a monthly fee — usually $12 per month — but the fee disappears if you meet one straightforward requirement. The requirement varies by account type, but it's typically maintaining a minimum balance, setting up direct deposit, or keeping a linked savings account open. If you don't meet the waiver requirement, you'll see the fee on your monthly statement.

The specific fee and waiver rules depend on which Chase checking account you have. Chase offers several versions, and each one has different terms. Before you open an account or if you already have one, it's worth knowing exactly which account you hold and what it costs.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase's most popular checking accounts charge $12 monthly, but the fee is waived if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit.
  • Chase Total Checking and Chase Sapphire Checking are the two main options, and they have different fee structures and waiver requirements.
  • You can see your account type and current fees by logging into your Chase account online or calling the number on the back of your debit card.
  • If you're charged a fee you believe was a mistake, Chase will often reverse one or two months if you call and ask, especially if you're a new customer.

Chase Total Checking: the standard account and its $12 monthly fee

Chase Total Checking is Chase's most widely offered account. It charges $12 per month, but you can waive the fee by doing any one of these: maintaining a $500 minimum daily balance, setting up direct deposit of any amount, or keeping a linked Chase savings account open with at least $300 in it.

The $500 balance requirement means you need that amount in the account every single day of the month. If your balance dips to $499 on even one day, the fee applies. For people who live paycheck to paycheck, this can be difficult. Direct deposit is often easier — it means having your employer or a government benefit (like Social Security) deposit money straight into the account. Even a small direct deposit counts.

If you have a Chase savings account with $300 or more, linking it to your checking account also waives the fee. This is useful if you already save with Chase, but it requires maintaining two accounts.

Chase Sapphire Checking: higher balance, no monthly fee

Chase Sapphire Checking is a premium version aimed at people with higher balances. It has no monthly service fee at all, but it requires maintaining a $10,000 minimum daily balance. If your balance falls below that, you'll pay $25 per month.

This account makes sense only if you regularly keep $10,000 or more in checking. For most people, Chase Total Checking with direct deposit is the better choice. Sapphire does come with some extra perks — like higher interest rates on the balance and travel protections — but the monthly fee is steep if you can't maintain the balance.

How to find out which account you have and what you're paying

Log into your Chase account online or through the Chase mobile app. Go to your account details or account information page. You'll see the account type listed there, usually as "Chase Total Checking" or "Chase Sapphire Checking." Your monthly statements will also show any fees charged.

If you're not sure how to find this information, call the number on the back of your debit card. A Chase representative can tell you your account type, your current monthly fee, and what you'd need to do to waive it. They can also tell you whether you're currently meeting a waiver requirement or not.

What happens if you're charged a fee you didn't expect

If you see a $12 fee on your statement and you believe you met the waiver requirement, call Chase and explain what happened. If you set up direct deposit, for example, but the fee still posted, Chase will often reverse it. The bank may also reverse one or two months of fees as a courtesy if you're a new customer or if this is your first time calling about it.

Chase won't reverse fees indefinitely, and they won't reverse a fee if you genuinely didn't meet the requirement. But one conversation can often fix a single month's charge. Keep your direct deposit confirmation or a screenshot of your balance if you think there's been an error.

Other Chase checking accounts with different fee structures

Chase also offers Chase find Checking, which is designed for people building or rebuilding credit. It charges $4.95 per month with no monthly fee waiver option — you pay it regardless. This account comes with a debit card and online banking, but it's meant as a stepping stone to a standard account once your credit improves.

Some Chase accounts are only available to specific groups. For example, Chase offers accounts for students, seniors, and military members, and these may have different or no monthly fees. If you fall into one of these categories, ask a Chase representative whether a specialized account might save you money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch from one Chase checking account to another to avoid the fee?

Yes. If you have Chase Sapphire Checking and can't maintain the $10,000 balance, you can switch to Chase Total Checking and waive the fee through direct deposit or the savings account link. Call Chase or visit a branch to make the change. There's no penalty for switching, and it takes a few days to process.

Does the direct deposit have to come from my employer, or can it be from anywhere?

Direct deposit from any source counts — employer paycheck, government benefits like Social Security or unemployment, or even transfers from another bank. The amount doesn't matter; even $1 per month will waive the fee. Set it up through your employer's payroll system or the government agency sending the payment.

What if I don't have direct deposit and can't keep $500 in the account?

Open or link a Chase savings account with at least $300 in it. This waives the checking account fee. If you can't do that either, you'll pay the $12 monthly fee. Some people in this situation switch to a different bank with no monthly fees, which is a reasonable choice if Chase's requirements don't fit your situation.

Does Chase charge fees for other things, like overdrafts or ATM use?

Yes. Chase charges overdraft fees (currently $35 per overdraft) and out-of-network ATM fees ($3 per withdrawal). The monthly service fee is separate from these. You can reduce overdraft risk by setting up overdraft protection, which links your checking to a savings account or credit card.