What "upgrading" a Chase checking account actually means
Chase does not have a formal upgrade process. Instead, you open a new account with different features and then close the old one. The account types that might make sense to switch to are Chase Total Checking (the standard account with no monthly fee if you meet one condition), Chase Premier Plus Checking (requires higher balances but waives fees and pays interest), and Chase Sapphire Checking (paired with investment products). Which one fits depends on what you are paying now, what benefits matter to you, and how much money you keep in the account.
The process takes about 15 minutes to start and a few weeks to finish cleanly. You will need your Social Security number, a government ID, and your current account number. The main work is moving your direct deposits and automatic payments over, not the account opening itself.
Key Takeaways
- Chase requires you to open a new account rather than convert an existing one, then close the old account once transfers are complete.
- Total Checking has no monthly fee if you keep a $500 minimum balance or receive one direct deposit per month; Premier Plus requires $25,000 to $75,000 depending on your state but pays interest and waives ATM fees worldwide.
- You must move your direct deposits and automatic bill payments yourself — Chase does not transfer these automatically when you open a new account.
- Closing your old account takes one to two weeks after you have moved everything over, and you should keep the account open until all pending transactions clear.
- If you have a Chase credit card or other products, linking them to a new checking account is a separate step that takes a few minutes in the Chase app.
The three account types and what each one costs
Chase Total Checking is the most common choice. It has no monthly maintenance fee if you either keep a $500 minimum balance in the account or receive at least one direct deposit per month. If you do neither, the fee is $12 per month. You get a debit card, online bill pay, and access to Chase's ATM network. There is no interest paid on the balance.
Chase Premier Plus Checking requires a higher balance but removes the fee condition entirely. The minimum balance varies by state — it ranges from $25,000 to $75,000. In exchange, you get no monthly fee regardless of activity, interest paid on your balance (the rate changes monthly), waived ATM fees at any ATM in the world, and a few other perks like higher wire transfer limits. This account makes sense only if you keep that much money in checking anyway.
Chase Sapphire Checking is designed for people who also use Chase investment products. It requires a $10,000 minimum balance and offers no monthly fee, interest, and some fee waivers. Most people do not need this account unless they are already investing through Chase.
Before you open a new account, check your current statement to see what you are paying. If you are paying a $12 monthly fee and you receive a paycheck by direct deposit, switching to Total Checking saves you $144 per year with zero effort.
How to open a new Chase checking account
You can open the account online, on the Chase mobile app, or in a branch. Online and the app are faster — usually 10 to 15 minutes. You will need your Social Security number, a government-issued ID, your current address, and your employment information (or that you are retired). Chase will run a soft credit check, which does not affect your credit score.
When you open the account, you can choose to link it to an existing Chase savings account or credit card right away, or do that later. You will be given a new account number and routing number when ready. Write these down — you will need them to move your direct deposits and bill payments.
Chase will mail you a debit card to the address on file. It usually arrives within 5 to 7 business days. You can request a card be ready for pickup at a branch if you need one faster.
Moving your direct deposits and automatic payments
This is the step that takes the most time, not because it is hard but because you have to contact multiple places. Start by making a list of every direct deposit and automatic payment tied to your old account. Your bank statement shows automatic payments; your employer or benefits provider has your direct deposit information.
For direct deposits, contact your employer's payroll department or the benefits office (Social Security, unemployment, pension, etc.) and give them your new account number and routing number. They will update their records. The change usually takes effect on the next pay cycle, though some employers take up to two pay cycles. Ask them to confirm the change in writing.
For automatic bill payments, log into each biller's website or app and update your bank account information there. This includes utilities, insurance, subscriptions, loan payments, and any other recurring charges. Do not rely on Chase to move these — you must do it yourself. If a biller does not have an online portal, call them and provide your new account details over the phone.
Once you have moved everything, wait at least two full pay cycles before closing your old account. This gives you time to confirm that direct deposits are hitting the new account and that automatic payments are coming out of it.
Closing your old Chase checking account
You can close the account online, through the app, or in a branch. Before you close it, make sure your balance is zero or that you have arranged to transfer any remaining balance to your new account. Chase will not close an account with a negative balance — you must pay that first.
After you request closure, the account stays open for a few more days while any pending transactions clear. Do not be surprised if you see activity on the old account for up to two weeks after you request closure. Once everything clears, the account is closed and you will no longer see it in your online banking.
If you had overdraft protection linked to a savings account, that link will be removed when you close the checking account. If you want overdraft protection on your new account, you will need to set that up separately.
Linking your new account to Chase credit cards and other products
If you have a Chase credit card, you can link it to your new checking account in the Chase app or online banking. This does not happen automatically — you have to do it yourself. Go to your credit card settings, find the linked bank account section, and add your new checking account. You can remove the old account from there too.
The same applies to Chase savings accounts, money market accounts, or any other Chase products you own. Each one needs to be updated separately. This takes a few minutes per product and can be done as soon as your new account is open.
What to do if you have a Chase business account
If your account is a business checking account, the process is similar but requires additional documentation. You will need your Employer Identification Number (EIN), business license or articles of incorporation, and the Social Security number of the business owner or authorized signer. Business accounts cannot be opened online — you must go to a branch or call the business banking line.
The rest of the process — moving direct deposits, closing the old account, updating linked products — works the same way as personal accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert my existing account to a different type instead of opening a new one?
No. Chase requires you to open a new account and close the old one. There is no conversion option. The good news is that opening a new account takes about 15 minutes, and you can do it online without visiting a branch.
Will I lose my account history if I close the old account?
No. Your transaction history stays in your Chase online banking for seven years, even after the account is closed. You can read statements before you close the account if you want a backup copy.
What happens to checks I wrote from the old account?
Checks take time to clear. If you have written checks that have not cleared yet, keep the old account open until they do. Once a check clears, the account can be closed. If you are worried about a check, you can call Chase and ask whether it has cleared.
Do I need to update my Chase app or online banking after I open the new account?
The new account will appear in your Chase app and online banking automatically once it is fully set up. You do not need to do anything. You can switch between accounts in the app by tapping the account selector at the top of the screen.
How long does the whole process take from start to finish?
Opening the account takes 15 minutes. Moving direct deposits and bill payments takes a few days to a week depending on how many you have. Waiting for everything to clear before closing the old account takes two to four weeks. The entire process is usually done within a month.