Chase does not charge a fee to open a checking account

Chase offers several checking accounts with no opening fee. You can open an account online, by phone, or in a branch, and Chase does not deduct money from your first deposit or charge you to create the account. The account becomes active once your initial deposit clears, which typically takes one to two business days.

What you do need to know is that some Chase checking accounts have monthly maintenance fees if you do not meet certain conditions. These fees are not charged at opening—they start only if you fail to maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit, depending on which account type you choose. The fee structure varies by account, so understanding which account fits your situation matters before you open.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase charges no fee to open any of its checking accounts, whether you open online, by phone, or in a branch.
  • Monthly maintenance fees explore only after the account is open and only if you do not meet the account's conditions, such as maintaining a minimum balance or receiving direct deposits.
  • Chase Total Checking has a $12 monthly fee that is waived if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit of any amount.
  • Chase find Checking and Chase Student Checking have no monthly maintenance fees regardless of balance.
  • You will need a government-issued ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit to open an account.

The three main Chase checking accounts and their fee structures

Chase Total Checking is the most common account. It has no opening fee, but it carries a $12 monthly maintenance fee. This fee is waived if you maintain a minimum daily balance of $500 or set up a direct deposit of any amount from an employer or government agency. If you do neither, you pay $12 each month the account is open.

Chase find Checking is designed for people building credit or with limited banking history. It has no opening fee and no monthly maintenance fee. You do need to open a linked savings account at the same time, and that savings account also has no opening fee. This account requires a minimum opening deposit of $25.

Chase Student Checking is available to customers under 25 with a valid student ID. It has no opening fee and no monthly maintenance fee as long as you remain a student. Once you turn 25 or are no longer a student, the account converts to Chase Total Checking, which then carries the $12 monthly fee unless you meet the waiver conditions.

What happens at the moment you open the account

When you open a Chase checking account, you provide your personal information, Social Security number, and government-issued ID. Chase verifies your identity and checks your banking history through ChexSystems, a banking verification system that tracks account closures and fraud. This check takes a few minutes if you open online or in a branch.

You then make an initial deposit. This can be as little as $25 for find Checking or any amount for Total Checking or Student Checking. Chase does not charge you to deposit this money—it goes directly into your new account. The funds are usually available the same day if you deposit in a branch, or one to two business days if you deposit by transfer from another bank.

No fee is deducted from your deposit, and no fee appears on your account statement for opening. Your first statement arrives about 30 days after opening and shows only the deposit and any activity you have made.

When monthly fees actually start

The $12 monthly maintenance fee on Chase Total Checking does not appear on your first statement. It begins on the first day of the second full month after you open the account. For example, if you open on March 15, your first fee would appear on May 1, not April 1.

The fee is waived automatically each month if you meet either condition: a minimum daily balance of $500 or at least one direct deposit. Chase checks these conditions at the end of each statement period. If you maintain $500 for the entire month, no fee is charged. If you receive even a small direct deposit during the month, no fee is charged, regardless of your balance.

If you do not meet either condition, the $12 fee posts to your account on the first business day of the following month. You can avoid this fee by depositing money to reach $500 or by setting up direct deposit before the statement period ends.

How to open an account without visiting a branch

Chase allows you to open a checking account entirely online through its website or mobile app. You will need your Social Security number, a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and a way to make your initial deposit. The process takes about 10 minutes.

You can also open by phone by calling Chase at 1-800-935-9935. A representative walks you through the same verification process and can answer questions about which account type suits your situation. Phone opening takes about 15 minutes and requires the same documents.

Opening in a branch is also free and allows you to ask questions face-to-face and deposit cash when ready. Bring your ID, Social Security number, and your initial deposit. The account is usually active the same day.

What you need before you open

Gather these items before you start: a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number, and your initial deposit. If you are opening online or by phone, you will also need a way to transfer money from another bank account or a debit card to fund the new account. If you are opening in a branch, you can deposit cash.

Chase will also ask for your address, phone number, and email. If you have moved recently, have your current address ready. If you are opening find Checking, you will set up a linked savings account at the same time, so be prepared to fund both accounts with your initial deposit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase checking account if I have been denied before?

Chase uses ChexSystems to check your banking history. If you were denied in the past due to unpaid fees or fraud, you may be denied again. However, you can contact ChexSystems to dispute inaccurate information, or you can try opening Chase find Checking, which has more lenient approval standards. There is no fee to try.

What 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 have an ITIN, you can open an account using that instead. Bring documentation of your ITIN when you open in a branch, or have it ready if you open online.

Do I have to keep a minimum balance to avoid fees?

Only on Chase Total Checking. You need either a $500 minimum daily balance or direct deposit to waive the $12 monthly fee. Chase find Checking and Chase Student Checking have no balance requirement and no monthly fee.

How long does it take for my account to be active?

Your account is usually active the same day you open it in a branch. If you open online or by phone, the account is active when ready, but funds you transfer from another bank take one to two business days to arrive. You can use your debit card as soon as the account is open, even while waiting for your transfer to clear.

Can I change account types after I open?

Yes. You can contact Chase by phone or visit a branch to convert from one checking account type to another. There is no fee to switch. If you convert from Student Checking to Total Checking after you turn 25, the $12 monthly fee begins on the first day of the next statement period unless you meet the waiver conditions.