You can open a Chase account online, by phone, or in a branch, and most accounts are ready to use within minutes

Chase offers several types of accounts — checking, savings, money market, and certificates of deposit — and the path to opening one depends on which type you want and whether you already have a relationship with Chase. The fastest route is online through Chase.com, where you can complete the entire process in about 10 minutes if you have your Social Security number, a government ID, and a funding source ready. If you prefer to speak with someone or need help choosing an account type, you can call 1-800-935-9935 or walk into any Chase branch.

What matters most is understanding what each account type does before you start, because you cannot always switch between them after opening. A checking account lets you write checks and use a debit card; a savings account earns interest but limits how many withdrawals you can make per month; a money market account combines both features but usually requires a higher opening balance; and a CD locks your money away for a set time in exchange for a may provide interest rate.

Key Takeaways

  • Online account opening takes about 10 minutes and requires your Social Security number, a valid government ID, and an initial deposit (usually $25 minimum for checking).
  • Chase will verify your identity by asking security questions based on your credit history, so have accurate personal information ready.
  • You can fund your new account when ready with a debit card, transfer from another bank, or a wire transfer.
  • Your account number and routing number are available as soon as you finish opening the account, so you can set up direct deposit or bill pay right away.
  • If you already have a Chase account, opening a second one takes even less time because Chase already has your information on file.

Opening an account online through Chase.com

Start at Chase.com and look for the "Open an Account" button, usually near the top of the page. You will be asked to choose your account type first — this matters because the next steps and minimum deposit requirements differ. Chase will then ask for your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. Have your government-issued ID ready because Chase will ask you to verify information from it, such as your driver's license number or passport number.

Next comes identity verification. Chase uses a third-party service to ask you security questions based on your credit history — questions like "which of these addresses have you lived at" or "which of these lenders have you borrowed from." These questions are designed to confirm you are who you say you are. Answer them accurately; if you get too many wrong, Chase will ask you to verify your identity in person at a branch instead.

Once verification is complete, you will choose your initial deposit method. Chase accepts debit cards, transfers from another bank account, or wire transfers. The minimum opening deposit is usually $25 for checking accounts, though some premium accounts require more. Your account opens when ready, and you will receive your account number and routing number on screen. You can take a screenshot or write these down — you will need them if you want to set up direct deposit or have someone transfer money to you.

Opening an account by phone or in a branch

If you call 1-800-935-9935, a Chase representative will walk you through the same questions you would answer online, but they can also answer questions about which account type fits your needs. This route takes longer — usually 20 to 30 minutes — but is useful if you are unsure which account to open or if you have a complicated financial history that might cause online verification to fail.

Walking into a Chase branch is the slowest option but the most hands-on. Bring your government ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit (cash or debit card). A banker will help you choose an account, answer questions, and complete the paperwork. You will leave with a debit card order form and your account number, though your physical debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Your account is usable when ready through Chase's mobile app or online banking, even before the card arrives.

What happens after you open the account

Your account is active as soon as the opening process completes, whether you opened it online, by phone, or in a branch. You can log into Chase.com or the Chase mobile app right away using the username and password you created. Your account number and routing number are available when ready, so you can set up direct deposit with your employer or have bills paid automatically from your new account.

If you opened the account online or by phone, your physical debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You can use your account before the card arrives by setting up bill pay through the app or by transferring money to another account. If you need cash when ready, you can withdraw from any Chase ATM using your account number and PIN, or visit a branch with your ID.

Chase will send you a welcome packet by mail with your account agreement, fee schedule, and other documents. Read the fee schedule carefully — Chase charges overdraft fees, monthly maintenance fees (on some accounts), and other charges depending on your account type and balance. Many of these fees can be waived if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.

Identity verification and what can go wrong

The most common reason an online account opening fails is failed identity verification. If Chase's security questions seem wrong to you — for example, if you do not recognize any of the addresses or lenders listed — do not guess. Instead, select "none of the above" if that option appears, or call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to verify your identity in person or by phone. Guessing wrong multiple times will lock you out of online opening and require a branch visit.

If you have a very thin credit history, no credit history, or a history of fraud alerts on your credit file, Chase may require you to open your account in a branch instead. Bring your ID, Social Security card, and initial deposit. A banker can verify your identity using additional documents like a utility bill or lease agreement.

If you are opening an account while you have an active fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit report, tell Chase when you call or visit. You may need to provide additional documentation, but you can still open an account — the freeze just means Chase cannot pull your credit report without your permission, so the process takes longer.

Choosing between Chase account types

Chase's most common checking account is the Chase Total Checking, which has no monthly maintenance fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit. It comes with a debit card, online bill pay, and access to Chase's ATM network. If you do not meet the minimum balance, Chase charges $12 per month.

Chase's most common savings account is the Chase Savings, which earns interest but limits you to six withdrawals per month (a federal rule, not Chase-specific). It has no monthly fee if you maintain a $300 minimum balance. If you want to withdraw money frequently, a checking account is better.

Chase also offers Chase Premier Plus Checking and Chase Sapphire Checking, which are premium accounts with higher minimum balances but more benefits like higher interest rates, fee waivers, and travel perks. These are worth considering only if you plan to keep a large balance or use Chase's investment services.

Funding your account and setting up transfers

When you open your account, you must make an initial deposit. Chase accepts debit cards, transfers from another bank, or wire transfers. If you use a debit card, the deposit appears in your Chase account within minutes. If you transfer from another bank, it usually takes one to three business days, depending on the other bank.

After your account is open, you can add money anytime by transferring from another bank account, depositing cash at a Chase ATM or branch, or setting up direct deposit with your employer. Direct deposit is the fastest and most reliable way to get paid — your employer deposits your paycheck directly into your Chase account, usually on payday.

You can also transfer money out of your Chase account to pay bills, send money to friends, or move money to another bank. Chase's bill pay feature lets you schedule payments to almost any company. Transfers to other banks take one to three business days unless you use Chase's real-time payment service, which is faster but not available for all banks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have money in the account before I open it?

Yes, Chase requires an initial deposit to open any account, usually a minimum of $25 for checking. You can use a debit card, transfer from another bank, or a wire transfer. The deposit does not have to stay in the account — you can withdraw it when ready after opening if you want, though you will then owe any monthly maintenance fees if your balance drops below the minimum.

Can I open a Chase account if I have been denied before?

Possibly. Chase uses ChexSystems, a banking history report, to decide whether to open accounts. If you were denied because of unpaid overdrafts or fraud, you may be denied again. However, you can request your ChexSystems report for free and dispute errors. If enough time has passed or if you have resolved the issue, Chase may approve you on a second attempt. Call 1-800-935-9935 to ask.

How long does it take to receive my debit card?

Your physical debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days by mail. You can use your account when ready through the app or online banking, including ATM withdrawals and bill pay, before the card arrives. If you need a card faster, some Chase branches can issue a temporary card on the spot.

What if I want to close my account after opening it?

You can close your Chase account anytime by calling 1-800-935-9935 or visiting a branch. Make sure your account balance is zero — withdraw or transfer any remaining money first. Chase will close the account and send you a final statement. There is no penalty for closing an account, but you cannot reopen the same account number.

Can I open multiple Chase accounts at the same time?

Yes. If you already have a Chase account, opening a second one is faster because Chase already has your information. You can have multiple checking accounts, multiple savings accounts, or a combination. However, Chase limits the number of savings accounts you can open in a short time period to prevent fraud, so if you try to open more than one savings account in a few days, you may be asked to wait.