Chase offers multiple checking accounts, each with different fees, minimum balances, and features
Yes, Chase has checking accounts. The bank offers several versions: Chase Total Checking, Chase Premier Plus Checking, Chase Sapphire Checking, and Chase Student Checking. Each one has a different monthly fee structure, minimum balance requirement, and set of features. The account you choose depends on how much money you keep in the account, how often you use it, and whether you want rewards or premium services.
All Chase checking accounts come with a debit card, online banking, and mobile app access. The main differences are the monthly maintenance fee (which ranges from $0 to $25 depending on the account), what waives that fee, and what extra perks you get. Some accounts offer cash back on debit card purchases or interest on your balance. Others waive fees if you maintain a certain balance or set up direct deposit.
Key Takeaways
- Chase Total Checking has a $12 monthly fee that waives if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit.
- Chase Premier Plus Checking charges $25 per month and requires a $15,000 minimum balance, but includes higher ATM fee reimbursement and other premium features.
- Chase Sapphire Checking is designed for customers who also have a Chase credit card and offers cash back on debit purchases.
- Chase Student Checking has no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement, but is only available to customers under 24 years old.
Chase Total Checking: the standard option
Chase Total Checking is the most common account. It charges $12 per month, but the fee waives if you keep at least $500 in the account at all times or if you set up direct deposit from your employer. The account includes unlimited debit card transactions, online bill pay, and access to Chase's ATM network.
If you fall below the $500 minimum and have no direct deposit, you pay the $12 fee. You can also waive the fee by maintaining a linked savings account with a $500 minimum balance, though that ties up money in two places. The account comes with overdraft protection, which means Chase can cover a transaction if your balance goes negative—but you pay a fee for each overdraft.
Chase Premier Plus Checking: for larger balances
Chase Premier Plus Checking is aimed at customers who keep more money in the bank. The monthly fee is $25, but it waives if you maintain a $15,000 minimum balance. The account includes higher ATM fee reimbursement ($10 per month instead of $3), priority customer service, and other perks like discounted wire transfer fees.
This account makes sense only if you regularly keep $15,000 or more in checking. If your balance dips below that threshold, you pay the full $25 fee. The higher ATM reimbursement helps if you frequently withdraw cash from non-Chase ATMs, since those typically charge $2 to $3 per transaction.
Chase Sapphire Checking: paired with a credit card
Chase Sapphire Checking is designed for customers who also have a Chase Sapphire credit card. The account has no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement. The main feature is cash back on debit card purchases: you earn 0.1% cash back on all debit transactions, which deposits directly into the checking account.
The cash back rate is modest—$1 back for every $1,000 you spend—but it costs nothing to get. There is no minimum balance to maintain and no direct deposit requirement. If you already use a Chase Sapphire credit card for rewards, this checking account pairs well with it, though the debit rewards are separate from credit card rewards.
Chase Student Checking: for customers under 24
Chase Student Checking has no monthly maintenance fee and no minimum balance requirement. You can open it if you are under 24 years old and have a valid student ID or proof of enrollment. The account includes all standard features: debit card, online banking, mobile app, and bill pay.
Once you turn 24, Chase converts the account to Chase Total Checking, and the $12 monthly fee applies unless you meet one of the fee-waiver conditions. This account is useful for students who do not want to worry about maintaining a balance while they are in school.
How to compare these accounts
| Account | Monthly Fee | Minimum Balance to Waive Fee | Other Fee Waivers | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Checking | $12 | $500 | Direct deposit | Standard debit card, online banking |
| Premier Plus Checking | $25 | $15,000 | None | Higher ATM reimbursement, priority support |
| Sapphire Checking | $0 | None | N/A | 0.1% cash back on debit purchases |
| Student Checking | $0 | None | N/A | Available only to customers under 24 |
The right account depends on your situation. If you keep less than $500 in checking and do not have direct deposit, you will pay the $12 fee on Total Checking—so Student Checking or Sapphire Checking might be better if you are may be able to access. If you keep $15,000 or more, Premier Plus Checking may be worth the $25 fee because of the higher ATM reimbursement and other perks.
What happens with fees and overdrafts
Chase charges $34 per overdraft if your account goes negative and you do not have overdraft protection set up. Overdraft protection lets Chase cover the transaction, but you still pay a fee. You can also opt out of overdraft protection entirely, which means transactions will be declined if you do not have enough balance—no fee, but also no purchase.
Monthly fees are charged on the last day of the month if you do not meet the waiver conditions. If you are close to the minimum balance, watch your account in the days before the fee date. Some customers set up a small automatic transfer from savings to checking a few days before the fee posts, just to stay above the threshold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Chase checking account online?
Yes. You can open most Chase checking accounts through the Chase website or mobile app. You will need a valid government ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit. Some accounts require you to visit a branch in person, so check the specific account details before you start.
What is the difference between Chase Total Checking and Chase Premier Plus Checking?
Total Checking costs $12 per month and requires a $500 minimum balance to waive the fee. Premier Plus costs $25 per month and requires $15,000. Premier Plus includes higher ATM fee reimbursement and priority customer service. Choose Total Checking if you keep less than $15,000; choose Premier Plus if you keep more and want the extra perks.
Do I need direct deposit to avoid the monthly fee?
No. Direct deposit is one way to waive the fee on Total Checking, but maintaining a $500 minimum balance also waives it. You can choose whichever method works for you. Some customers do both to be safe.
What happens to my Student Checking account when I turn 24?
Chase automatically converts it to Chase Total Checking. The $12 monthly fee then applies unless you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit. You will receive notice before the conversion happens.
Can I have more than one Chase checking account?
Yes, but Chase limits how many accounts you can open in a certain time period. You can have multiple checking accounts if you have a legitimate reason—for example, one for bills and one for savings. Contact Chase directly to discuss your situation.