Yes, Chase offers multiple checking accounts with different features and monthly fees

Chase does not have one checking account. They offer several versions, each designed for different banking habits and account balances. The main ones are Chase Total Checking, Chase Premier Plus Checking, and Chase find Checking. Each has a different monthly fee structure, minimum balance requirement, and set of features. Understanding which one matches your situation means you do not pay for services you will not use.

The differences matter because they affect how much you pay each month and what you can do with your account. Some accounts waive their monthly fee if you keep a certain balance or set up direct deposit. Others charge a fee no matter what. Knowing this upfront helps you pick the account that costs you the least.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase Total Checking is the most common option and waives its monthly fee if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.
  • Chase Premier Plus Checking is designed for customers with higher balances and offers additional perks like higher interest rates and fee waivers at lower thresholds.
  • Chase find Checking is for people building or rebuilding credit and does not require a credit check to open.
  • You can have more than one checking account at Chase, though you will manage them separately and each one has its own monthly fee unless you meet the waiver requirements.
  • The monthly fee for most Chase checking accounts ranges from $12 to $25, but you can avoid it by meeting one of the waiver conditions.

Chase Total Checking: The standard option

Chase Total Checking is the account most people open when they start banking with Chase. It has a $12 monthly fee, but Chase waives it if you meet one of these conditions: keep a $500 minimum daily balance, set up direct deposit of any amount, or maintain an average daily balance of $1,500 or more. For many people, direct deposit is the easiest path to avoiding the fee.

This account comes with a debit card, online and mobile banking, and the ability to write checks. You get access to Chase's ATM network, which includes over 16,000 ATMs nationwide. If you travel or move around frequently, this wide network can save you money on out-of-network ATM fees.

Chase Premier Plus Checking: For larger balances

Chase Premier Plus Checking is aimed at customers who keep more money in their accounts. The monthly fee is $25, but Chase waives it if you maintain a $15,000 minimum daily balance or set up direct deposit. The main advantage over Total Checking is that it comes with higher interest rates on your balance and some fee waivers that are harder to get with other accounts.

If you regularly keep $15,000 or more in your checking account, this account may cost you less overall because the interest you earn can offset the fee. However, if your balance typically falls below that, the $25 monthly fee makes it more expensive than Total Checking. You should do the math for your own situation before switching.

Chase find Checking: For people new to banking or rebuilding credit

Chase find Checking is designed for people who do not have a traditional banking history or who are rebuilding their credit after past problems. This account does not require a credit check to open, which makes it accessible when other accounts might not be. The monthly fee is $4.95, which is lower than the other options.

The trade-off is that this account has fewer features. You get a debit card and online banking, but the account comes with spending limits and transaction limits that are lower than other Chase checking accounts. As you build a positive banking history with Chase, you can move to a different checking account later.

How to choose between Chase checking accounts

Start by thinking about how much money you typically keep in your checking account. If it is usually under $500, Chase Total Checking with direct deposit is probably your best choice because the fee gets waived. If you keep $15,000 or more and want to earn interest, Premier Plus Checking might make sense. If you are new to banking or rebuilding credit, find Checking is the right starting point.

Next, consider whether you can set up direct deposit. If your employer or a government program deposits money directly into your account, you can waive the monthly fee on Total Checking without keeping a large balance. If you do not have direct deposit, you will need to maintain the minimum balance to avoid paying the fee each month.

You can also call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 or visit a local branch to ask about current promotions. Chase sometimes offers bonus incentives for opening new accounts, and these can offset the monthly fee for the first few months.

Can you have more than one checking account at Chase?

Yes, you can open multiple checking accounts at Chase. Some people do this to separate their money — for example, keeping one account for bills and another for savings goals. However, each account has its own monthly fee unless you meet the waiver requirements for each one separately. If you open two Total Checking accounts, you would need to maintain the minimum balance or set up direct deposit for both accounts to avoid paying $24 per month in fees.

Having multiple accounts can be useful for organization, but it also means more accounts to monitor and more potential fees. Before opening a second account, think about whether you actually need it or whether you could use savings tools within a single checking account instead.

Moving between Chase checking accounts

If you start with one type of account and later want to switch to another, you can do this without closing your original account. You can open a new account and transfer your money over time, or you can ask Chase to convert your existing account to a different type. Converting is usually simpler because your account number and routing number stay the same, so you do not have to update direct deposit or automatic payments.

When you switch accounts, your old debit card will stop working, and Chase will send you a new one for the new account. This typically takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need the card sooner, you can visit a Chase branch and ask for a temporary card while you wait for the permanent one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I do not meet the minimum balance or set up direct deposit?

Chase will charge you the monthly fee for that account. For Total Checking, that is $12 per month. If you know you cannot maintain the balance, it is better to choose find Checking ($4.95 per month) or to set up direct deposit if possible.

Can I use my Chase debit card at any ATM?

You can use it at any ATM, but you will pay an out-of-network fee if it is not a Chase ATM. Chase does not charge the fee, but the ATM operator does. Using Chase's 16,000 ATMs keeps you from paying this extra charge.

Do I earn interest on my checking account balance?

Chase Total Checking does not pay interest on your balance. Chase Premier Plus Checking does, but the rate is typically very low — often less than 0.01%. If you want to earn meaningful interest, a savings account or money market account is a better choice.

What if I want to close one of my checking accounts?

You can close any Chase checking account by visiting a branch, calling 1-800-935-9935, or using the Chase mobile app. Make sure you have moved any remaining money out first. If you close an account within 90 days of opening it, Chase may charge a $25 early closure fee.

Is there a way to avoid monthly fees entirely?

Yes. Set up direct deposit on Chase Total Checking, and the $12 monthly fee is waived. If you cannot set up direct deposit, maintain the minimum daily balance for the account type you choose. find Checking has the lowest fee at $4.95 per month if you cannot meet either condition.