Chase charges fees on most checking accounts, but the amount depends on which account you open and how you use it

Chase's most common checking account, the Chase Total Checking, carries a $12 monthly maintenance fee. However, you can waive it by meeting one of these conditions: maintain a $500 minimum daily balance, set up a direct deposit of any amount, or link a Chase savings account with $500 in it. The Chase Premier Plus Checking costs $25 per month and requires either a $15,000 minimum balance or a direct deposit to waive the fee. If you're under 18, the Chase First Banking account has no monthly fee.

Beyond the monthly maintenance fee, Chase charges for specific actions: overdraft fees ($35 per transaction if you go negative), non-Chase ATM withdrawals ($2.50 per transaction outside their network), and stop payment requests ($30 each). Some of these fees can stack quickly if you're not careful about how you use the account.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase Total Checking has a $12 monthly fee that disappears if you maintain $500 in the account, set up direct deposit, or link a savings account with $500.
  • Overdraft fees are $35 per transaction, and Chase will charge multiple fees in a single day if you make several purchases while overdrawn.
  • Using ATMs outside the Chase network costs $2.50 per withdrawal, so sticking to Chase branches or partnering ATMs saves money.
  • Chase First Banking for customers under 18 has no monthly maintenance fee and no overdraft fees, making it the lowest-cost option for young people.
  • The Premier Plus Checking account is designed for people who maintain high balances or receive regular direct deposits and costs $25 monthly otherwise.

How to waive the monthly maintenance fee on Chase Total Checking

The $12 monthly fee on Chase Total Checking is avoidable if you meet just one requirement. A direct deposit of any size—even $1—counts, so if you receive a paycheck, pension, or government benefit electronically, you're covered. This is the easiest path for most people because it requires no ongoing balance management.

If you don't have direct deposit, keeping $500 in the account works, but that money is tied up and earns no interest. Linking a Chase savings account with $500 is another option, though again, that requires maintaining the balance somewhere in the Chase system. Many people find the direct deposit route simplest because it happens automatically once set up.

Overdraft fees and how they compound

Chase charges $35 for each transaction that overdraws your account. If you make five purchases while your balance is negative, you'll face five $35 fees—$175 total—even if the overdrafts were small. Chase does not limit the number of overdraft fees per day, so a busy day of spending can result in multiple charges.

You can opt out of overdraft coverage entirely, which means transactions will be declined rather than processed and charged. This prevents the fee but may cause embarrassment at checkout or failed bill payments. To change your overdraft settings, log into your Chase account online or call the number on the back of your card.

ATM fees and how to avoid them

Chase charges $2.50 for each withdrawal at an ATM that is not part of the Chase network. Chase operates thousands of ATMs nationwide, so the easiest solution is to use only those machines. You can find Chase ATMs through their mobile app or website.

If you frequently travel or live far from a Chase branch, consider whether the ATM fee will add up. A single $2.50 fee per withdrawal might seem small, but four withdrawals a month equals $10—nearly the cost of the monthly maintenance fee itself. Some people factor this into their decision about whether Chase is the right bank for them.

Other fees to watch for

Stop payment requests cost $30 each if you need to cancel a check you've written. Wire transfer fees vary: domestic wires are $15, and international wires are $45. Returned deposit items (checks that bounce) cost $25 per item. Expedited delivery of a replacement debit card is $15, though standard delivery is free.

Account research requests—when Chase has to dig into your history to investigate a transaction—cost $25. Most of these fees are avoidable by managing your account carefully, but they exist if you need them. Read the full fee schedule on Chase's website or ask at a branch if you're unsure about a specific transaction.

Chase First Banking for customers under 18

Chase First Banking is designed for minors and has no monthly maintenance fee, no overdraft fees, and no ATM fees at Chase machines. Parents or guardians set up the account and maintain oversight until the account holder turns 18. This makes it the lowest-cost way to bank with Chase if you're may be able to access.

The account includes a debit card, online banking, and mobile app access. Once the account holder turns 18, the account automatically converts to Chase Total Checking, at which point the $12 monthly fee applies unless one of the waiver conditions is met. Many families use this as a way to teach banking habits without the risk of overdraft fees.

Comparing Chase checking to other banks

Chase's $12 monthly fee is higher than some competitors but lower than others. Banks like Ally and Charles Schwab offer checking accounts with no monthly fees and no overdraft fees. However, those banks have fewer physical branches, which matters if you prefer in-person banking or need to deposit cash frequently.

Regional banks and credit unions often have lower fees or no fees at all, but they may not have the branch network or ATM access that Chase offers. The right choice depends on how you bank: if you use direct deposit and rarely overdraw, Chase Total Checking is affordable. If you carry high balances or need overdraft protection, the fee structure might push you elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the monthly fee waived without direct deposit?

Yes. You can waive the $12 fee by maintaining a $500 minimum daily balance in the account, or by linking a Chase savings account that holds $500. Direct deposit is just one of three options, not the only one.

What happens if I go over my overdraft limit?

Chase does not have a hard overdraft limit. Instead, they charge $35 per transaction that overdraws the account. You can opt out of overdraft coverage so transactions are declined instead of charged, which prevents the fee but may cause payment failures.

Are there any Chase checking accounts with no fees?

Chase First Banking has no monthly fee, no overdraft fees, and no ATM fees, but it's only for customers under 18. For adults, all Chase checking accounts carry a monthly fee unless you meet a waiver condition.

Do I have to pay the $2.50 ATM fee every time?

Only if you use a non-Chase ATM. Chase has thousands of ATMs nationwide, and withdrawals from those machines are free. You can find Chase ATMs through their app or website to avoid the fee.

What's the difference between Chase Total Checking and Premier Plus Checking?

Premier Plus Checking costs $25 monthly (versus $12 for Total Checking) and requires a $15,000 minimum balance or direct deposit to waive the fee. It's designed for people with higher balances who want premium features and customer service.