You can open a Chase Access Checking account online, by phone, or in a branch
Chase Access Checking is designed for people who have had banking problems in the past—it reports to ChexSystems (the banking history system) but does not require a minimum balance and has no overdraft fees. You can start the process entirely online at chase.com, by calling 1-800-935-9935, or by walking into any Chase branch with an ID.
The online route is fastest. You will need a valid government-issued ID, a Social Security number, and an initial deposit (usually $25, though this varies by location). The whole process takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and your account opens when ready. If you open in a branch or by phone, you will still need the same documents, but the timeline stretches to one or two business days before the account is active.
Key Takeaways
- Chase Access Checking requires a government ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit of around $25 to open.
- Online opening at chase.com is the fastest method and takes 10 to 15 minutes, with the account active the same day.
- The account has no monthly maintenance fee, no minimum balance requirement, and no overdraft fees.
- Chase will check your banking history through ChexSystems, but a negative history does not automatically disqualify you.
What documents and information you need before you start
Gather these items before you begin, whether online or in person: a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport), your Social Security number, and your date of birth. You will also need a way to make your initial deposit—a debit card, bank account, or cash if you are opening in a branch.
Chase will ask for your current address and phone number. If you have moved recently, have your previous address ready as well. The system cross-checks this information against ChexSystems, so accuracy matters. If your name, address, or Social Security number does not match what is on file from a previous banking relationship, the account may be delayed while Chase verifies the information.
Opening online at chase.com
Go to chase.com and select "Open an account" from the homepage. Choose Chase Access Checking from the list of checking products. The system will ask you to enter your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. It will then check ChexSystems in real time.
If there are no blocks on your record, you will move to the identity verification step. Chase will ask you to upload a photo of your ID or answer security questions based on your credit history. This usually takes two to five minutes. Once verified, you will set up your username and password, choose a PIN, and make your initial deposit using a debit card or linked bank account.
Your account number and routing number appear on screen when ready. You can start using your account the same day—deposit checks by mobile app, set up direct deposit, or transfer money from another bank. Your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
Opening by phone or in a branch
If you call 1-800-935-9935, a Chase representative will walk you through the same questions: Social Security number, date of birth, address, and ID information. They will verify your identity over the phone, which usually means answering security questions. The call takes 15 to 20 minutes.
In a branch, bring your ID and Social Security number. A banker will run the same ChexSystems check and identity verification, then open the account on the spot. You can make your initial deposit in cash or by debit card. Your account is active when ready, and you can order a debit card before you leave. The in-branch process takes 20 to 30 minutes.
Both phone and branch openings result in a one- to two-business-day delay before your account is fully set up and you can use online banking. Your debit card still arrives in 7 to 10 business days regardless of how you open the account.
What happens if ChexSystems shows a problem
Chase runs your name and Social Security number through ChexSystems, which is a record of closed accounts, unpaid fees, fraud reports, and other banking issues. A negative history does not automatically block you from opening Chase Access Checking—the account is specifically designed for people with banking problems.
If ChexSystems flags something, Chase may ask you to explain it before approving the account. This explanation might be a written statement or a phone conversation with a banker. The review usually takes one to three business days. In some cases, Chase will deny the account if the issue is very recent (within the last 12 months) or involves fraud, but most people with past banking problems are approved.
If you are denied, you can ask Chase to reconsider or open a different type of checking account if you meet the requirements. Chase will tell you the specific reason for the denial.
Setting up your account after it opens
Once your account is active, log into chase.com or the Chase Mobile app using your username and password. You can when ready set up direct deposit by giving your employer your account number and routing number (both visible in the account details section). Direct deposit usually takes one to two pay cycles to start.
You can also transfer money from another bank account using the "Transfer money" option in online banking. This takes one to three business days. If you need cash right away, you can deposit checks using mobile check deposit (available in the app) or visit a Chase branch to deposit cash or checks in person.
Your debit card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Once it arrives, you can set up it in the app or by calling the number on the back of the card. You can use it when ready at ATMs and stores.
Fees and account features
Chase Access Checking has no monthly maintenance fee, no minimum balance, and no overdraft fees. If you overdraw your account, transactions will be declined rather than charged a fee. There is no penalty for maintaining a zero balance.
You get unlimited debit card transactions, online bill pay, mobile check deposit, and access to over 4,700 Chase ATMs nationwide. If you use an out-of-network ATM, Chase charges $2.50 per transaction (the other bank may charge an additional fee). You can link other bank accounts for transfers, and you can set up alerts for low balances or large transactions.
The account does not earn interest on your balance. If you later want to move to a different Chase checking account with higher interest or different features, you can do that without closing this account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Chase Access Checking account if I have been denied by other banks?
Yes. Chase Access Checking is designed for people with banking history problems. A denial from another bank does not automatically disqualify you from Chase, though Chase will still check ChexSystems and may ask you to explain the previous denial. The account exists specifically because other banks turn people down.
How long does it take to get my debit card?
Your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days by mail. If you open in a branch, you can order an expedited card for a fee, which arrives in 2 to 3 business days. You can use your account online and by mobile check deposit before the card arrives.
What if my initial deposit is declined?
If you are using a debit card to fund the account and it is declined, try a different debit card or bank account. If you are opening in a branch, you can deposit cash instead. If your deposit is declined online, call 1-800-935-9935 and a representative can help you troubleshoot or process the deposit by phone.
Can I open this account if I do not have a Social Security number?
No. Chase requires a Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) to open any checking account. If you have an ITIN, you can use that instead of a Social Security number.
What is the difference between Chase Access Checking and a regular Chase checking account?
Chase Access Checking has no monthly fee and no minimum balance, while some other Chase checking accounts charge monthly fees or require a minimum balance. Access Checking does not earn interest. The main difference is that Access Checking is designed for people with banking problems and does not penalize overdrafts—transactions are straightforward declined instead.