Chase charges monthly fees on most checking accounts, but several accounts have no monthly fee at all
Chase does charge a monthly service fee on most of its checking accounts — typically $12 per month — but this fee is waived if you meet certain conditions. The most common way to avoid the fee is to keep a minimum balance, usually $500 to $1,500 depending on the account type. You can also waive the fee by setting up direct deposit, maintaining a linked savings account with a minimum balance, or by being a student or young adult on an account designed for your age group.
Chase offers several checking accounts with different fee structures. The Chase Total Checking account charges $12 per month but waives the fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit. The Chase Premier Plus Checking account charges $25 per month and requires either a $1,500 minimum balance or direct deposit to waive it. The Chase Student Checking account has no monthly fee for students under 25, and the Chase First Banking account is designed for young adults aged 18 to 24 and also has no monthly fee.
If you do not meet the waiver conditions, the monthly fee will be charged to your account automatically. Chase does not send a separate bill — the fee straightforward appears as a debit on your statement. There are no additional fees for basic account activities like deposits, withdrawals, or transfers, but other services such as overdraft protection, wire transfers, or cashier's checks may carry separate charges.
Key Takeaways
- Chase Total Checking charges $12 per month but waives the fee if you keep $500 on deposit or set up direct deposit.
- Chase Premier Plus Checking charges $25 per month and requires either $1,500 minimum balance or direct deposit to waive the fee.
- Chase Student Checking and Chase First Banking have no monthly fees if you meet age requirements.
- Monthly fees are deducted automatically from your account if you do not meet the waiver conditions.
- Basic transactions like deposits and withdrawals are free, but specialty services like wire transfers carry separate fees.
How to waive the monthly fee on your Chase checking account
The easiest way to waive your monthly fee is to set up direct deposit. This means your employer or another source (such as Social Security or a pension) deposits money directly into your Chase account. You do not need to maintain any minimum balance if direct deposit is active. Chase counts any regular direct deposit, including payroll, government benefits, or transfers from another account, as long as it happens at least once per month.
If direct deposit is not an option, you can waive the fee by maintaining a minimum daily balance. For Chase Total Checking, this is $500. For Chase Premier Plus Checking, it is $1,500. The balance must be in your checking account itself — money in a linked savings account does not count toward the checking account minimum, though some accounts allow a combined balance across both accounts. Chase checks your balance at the end of each day, so you need to stay above the threshold throughout the month.
A third option is to link a Chase savings account with a minimum balance. Some Chase checking accounts waive the fee if you maintain $300 or more in a linked savings account. This is less common than the other methods, so check your specific account terms or call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to confirm whether your account allows this.
What happens if you do not meet the waiver conditions
If you do not maintain the minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or meet any other waiver condition, Chase will charge the monthly fee automatically. The fee appears as a line item on your statement and reduces your account balance. There is no warning or notice before the charge — it straightforward posts each month on the same date.
If your account balance falls below zero because of the monthly fee, Chase may charge an overdraft fee in addition to the monthly service fee. Overdraft fees at Chase are typically $35 per transaction. This can happen quickly if your balance is already low when the monthly fee posts. You can set up overdraft protection by linking a savings account, which transfers money automatically to cover the shortfall and may cost less than an overdraft fee.
You can dispute a monthly fee if you believe it was charged in error — for example, if you set up direct deposit but it did not post in time. Contact Chase through your online account, call 1-800-935-9935, or visit a branch with your account statement. Chase will review the charge and may refund it if you can show you met the waiver conditions.
Other fees to know about
Beyond the monthly service fee, Chase charges for specific transactions and services. Overdraft fees are $35 per transaction if you spend more than your balance. Wire transfer fees are $15 for domestic transfers and $15 for incoming international transfers. Cashier's check fees are $10 per check. Stop payment fees are $30 if you ask Chase to stop payment on a check you wrote.
ATM fees vary depending on whether you use a Chase ATM or another bank's machine. Chase ATMs are free for all Chase checking account holders. Using an out-of-network ATM typically costs $2.50 per transaction, though the other bank may charge an additional fee on top of that. Some Chase accounts include a monthly reimbursement for out-of-network ATM fees — check your account terms to see if yours does.
Account inactivity does not trigger a fee at Chase. You can leave your checking account open without using it, and Chase will not charge you for that. However, if your account is inactive for a long period (typically two years or more), Chase may close it and send any remaining balance to your state's unclaimed property program.
Comparing Chase checking accounts side by side
| Account | Monthly Fee | Fee Waiver Options | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Total Checking | $12 | $500 minimum balance OR direct deposit | General use, everyday banking |
| Chase Premier Plus Checking | $25 | $1,500 minimum balance OR direct deposit | Higher account activity, premium features |
| Chase Student Checking | $0 | No fee for students under 25 | College students and high school students |
| Chase First Banking | $0 | No fee for ages 18–24 | Young adults building credit |
How to change your account or switch to a no-fee option
If you are paying a monthly fee and want to stop, you have several options. The fastest is to set up direct deposit if your employer or benefit provider offers it. This takes a few days to process, and the fee waiver typically begins the month after your first direct deposit posts. You can set up direct deposit through your Chase online account or by calling 1-800-935-9935.
If you cannot set up direct deposit, you can transfer money into your account to meet the minimum balance requirement. You can transfer from another bank account, deposit cash at a Chase ATM or branch, or have someone send you money. The balance must stay above the threshold for the entire month to waive the fee.
If you are a student or young adult, you may be able to switch to Chase Student Checking or Chase First Banking, both of which have no monthly fee. You will need to provide proof of age or student status. Visit a Chase branch or call 1-800-935-9935 to ask about switching. If you switch accounts, your old account will close and your funds will transfer to the new one.
If you want to leave Chase entirely, you can close your account at any time without penalty. Visit a branch, call 1-800-935-9935, or request closure through your online account. Make sure you have moved your direct deposits and automatic payments to your new bank before closing, as this typically takes a few business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Chase charge me a fee without my permission?
Chase can charge the monthly service fee if you do not meet the waiver conditions, even if you did not explicitly authorize it. The fee is part of your account agreement, which you signed when you opened the account. However, you can dispute any fee you believe was charged in error by contacting Chase through your account or visiting a branch.
What if I set up direct deposit but the fee still posted?
Direct deposit can take several days to process, and the fee waiver may not begin until the month after your first deposit posts. If the fee was charged before your direct deposit went through, contact Chase and ask for a refund. Bring proof of your direct deposit arrangement, such as a pay stub or confirmation from your employer.
Do I have to keep $500 in my account at all times to avoid the fee?
Yes, for Chase Total Checking, the $500 minimum must be maintained throughout the month. If your balance drops below $500 even for one day, you may still be charged the monthly fee. Chase checks your balance daily, so you need to stay above the threshold consistently.
Are there any Chase checking accounts with zero fees and no requirements?
Chase Student Checking and Chase First Banking have no monthly fees and no minimum balance requirements, but they are only for students under 25 or young adults aged 18 to 24. If you do not meet the age requirement, you will need to either maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit to avoid the $12 monthly fee on Chase Total Checking.
Can I get a refund for monthly fees I already paid?
Chase may refund a monthly fee if you can show you met the waiver conditions and the fee was charged in error. Contact Chase with your account statement and proof of direct deposit or minimum balance. Refunds are not may provide, but Chase often grants them for recent charges if you have a valid reason.