You can open most Chase accounts online in about 10 minutes, but the process depends on which account type you want
Chase lets you open a checking or savings account through their website or mobile app without visiting a branch. The basic steps are the same for both: you provide personal information, verify your identity, link a funding source, and choose your account settings. The whole process usually takes between 5 and 15 minutes, though identity verification can add time if Chase needs to confirm details by phone or mail.
The account becomes active when ready in most cases, though you won't be able to use your debit card until it arrives in the mail—usually within 7 to 10 business days. If you need when ready access to funds, you can transfer money from an external bank account or set up direct deposit before the card arrives.
Key Takeaways
- You'll need a Social Security number, valid government ID, current address, and a phone number to start an account online.
- Chase verifies your identity during signup, sometimes by asking security questions about your credit history or by sending a code to your phone.
- You must fund the account with at least $25 to open it, either by transferring from another bank or using a debit card.
- Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use your account for transfers and direct deposit when ready.
What information and documents you need before you start
Gather these items before you open your browser: your Social Security number, a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your current address, and a phone number where Chase can reach you. You'll also need access to an external bank account or a debit card to fund your new account with at least $25.
If you don't have a Social Security number, Chase offers accounts for non-citizens with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), but you'll need to call or visit a branch to open one—the online process doesn't support ITIN applications.
The actual steps to open an account online
Go to chase.com and click "Open an Account" or use the Chase mobile app. Select the account type you want—Chase Total Checking, Chase Savings, or another product. You'll be asked to choose whether you're opening a personal account or a business account, and whether you're a new customer or an existing Chase customer.
Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, phone number, and email. Chase will ask whether you've had a Chase account before and whether you've been denied a bank account in the past 24 months. Answer honestly—these questions affect whether you can open an account.
Chase will verify your identity by asking security questions based on your credit history, or by sending a verification code to your phone or email. Answer the questions or enter the code. If Chase can't verify you this way, they'll mail a verification code to your address, which adds 5 to 7 business days to the process.
Choose your account settings: whether you want paperless statements, whether you want overdraft protection, and whether you want to link a savings account for transfers. Then fund the account by transferring money from another bank account (using your routing and account number) or by entering a debit card number. The minimum is $25.
Review the account terms and disclosures, check the box to confirm you agree, and submit. You'll see a confirmation screen with your new account number and routing number. Save or screenshot this information—you'll need it to set up direct deposit or transfers before your debit card arrives.
How long it takes and when you can use your account
Your account is usually active within minutes of completing the online process. You can log in when ready, see your account number and routing number, and set up transfers or direct deposit right away. However, transfers from external banks typically take 1 to 3 business days to show up in your Chase account.
Your physical debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can't use a card to pay in stores or withdraw cash from ATMs. You can use your account for online transfers, bill pay, and direct deposit. If you need cash before the card arrives, you can withdraw from a Chase ATM using your account number and ID, or visit a branch with your ID.
What happens if identity verification fails or takes longer
If Chase can't verify your identity through security questions or a phone code, they'll mail a verification code to your address. This code arrives in 5 to 7 business days. You'll receive an email telling you to check your mail, and you'll enter the code on chase.com to complete verification. Your account will be frozen until you do this.
If you moved recently or your address on file doesn't match your current address, verification can be delayed. Call Chase at the number on your confirmation email if you think there's a problem. They can sometimes verify you over the phone by asking additional questions about your identity.
Choosing between account types and understanding fees
Chase offers several checking accounts with different features and monthly fees. Chase Total Checking has a $12 monthly fee but waives it if you maintain a $500 minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or have a linked savings account. Chase Sapphire Checking has a $25 monthly fee and is designed for customers who want premium features like higher interest rates and travel benefits.
Chase Savings accounts earn interest, though the rate varies and is usually low. There's no monthly fee if you maintain a $300 minimum balance; otherwise, you pay $5 per month. Some accounts have no minimum balance requirement but also no interest.
Read the account disclosures before you submit your process. They explain the monthly fee, minimum balance requirements, interest rates (if any), and overdraft policies. You can change your account type later if you decide a different product fits better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Chase account if I'm not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, if you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number. However, you cannot open an account online with an ITIN—you must visit a Chase branch or call to open one. Bring your ITIN documentation and a valid government ID.
What if I don't have a bank account to transfer money from?
You can fund your account with a debit card instead. Enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV during the funding step. The $25 minimum still applies. Some debit cards may be declined if the card issuer flags the transaction as unusual.
Can I use my account before my debit card arrives?
Yes. You can transfer money, set up direct deposit, and pay bills online when ready. You cannot withdraw cash or pay in stores until the card arrives. If you need cash urgently, visit a Chase branch with your ID and account number.
What if Chase denies my process?
Chase will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include a history of overdrafts or fraud at another bank, being listed in ChexSystems (a banking history database), or providing false information. You can dispute inaccurate information in ChexSystems by contacting them directly.
Do I have to open an account online, or can I do it in a branch?
You can do either. Opening online is faster if you have all your documents ready. Opening in a branch takes longer but lets you ask questions and sometimes get a debit card when ready instead of waiting for mail.