You can open a Chase account online in about 10 minutes, or in person at a branch

Chase offers two main ways to start: online through their website or app, or by walking into a local branch. The online route is faster and works from home. The branch route lets you talk to someone and handle everything face-to-face. Both paths ask for the same basic information — your name, address, Social Security number, and initial deposit — but the steps differ slightly.

Most people open accounts online because it takes less time and you can do it whenever you want. If you prefer to speak with someone or need help understanding which account type fits your situation, a branch visit works just as well. Either way, you'll have a working account and debit card within a few business days.

Key Takeaways

  • Online account opening takes about 10 minutes and requires your Social Security number, a valid ID, and an initial deposit (usually $25 minimum for checking).
  • Chase will verify your identity by asking questions about your credit history or by sending a verification code to your phone or email.
  • Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use your account when ready for transfers and bill pay.
  • You can open an account as an individual, or as a joint account with another person if you both provide identification and Social Security numbers.
  • Chase offers several checking and savings account types with different features and minimum balance requirements — the basic checking account has no monthly fee if you set up direct deposit.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before opening an account, whether online or in a branch. You'll need a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number, and your current address. Chase also asks for a phone number and email address so they can contact you and send statements.

Have your initial deposit amount ready. Most Chase checking accounts require a $25 minimum opening deposit, though some accounts ask for more. You can fund the account with a debit card, another bank account, or cash (if you're opening in person). If you're opening a joint account with someone else, both of you will need to provide ID and Social Security numbers.

Opening an account online

Go to chase.com and look for the "Open an Account" button, usually near the top of the page. You'll choose which type of account you want — Chase Total Checking is the most common choice for a first account. The site will ask you to enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number.

Chase will then verify your identity. This usually happens one of two ways. They may ask you security questions based on your credit history (like "which address did you live at in 2019?"), or they may send a code to your phone or email that you enter to confirm it's really you. Once you pass verification, you'll choose your initial deposit method and set up online banking login details.

After you submit everything, you'll get a confirmation number. Your account opens when ready, and you can log in right away to see your account number and routing number. Your physical debit card ships within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can still use your account for transfers between banks, bill pay, and setting up direct deposit.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Find your nearest Chase branch using the branch locator on chase.com. Bring your ID, Social Security number, and your initial deposit (cash, check, or debit card). You don't need an appointment for most branches, but calling ahead during busy times can save you a wait.

A Chase representative will walk you through the account options and help you choose the right one for your situation. They'll enter your information into their system, verify your identity (usually by checking your ID), and process your opening deposit. The whole process takes 15 to 30 minutes. You'll leave with temporary access to your account and a timeline for when your debit card will arrive.

Understanding Chase account types

Chase Total Checking is the standard account for most people. It has no monthly service fee if you set up direct deposit, maintain a $500 minimum balance, or keep an average daily balance of $1,500. If none of those explore, the fee is $12 per month. This account includes a debit card, online banking, mobile app access, and the ability to write checks.

Chase Savings is a separate account you can open at the same time or later. It earns a small amount of interest on the money you keep in it. The interest rate changes based on what the Federal Reserve does with interest rates — Chase publishes their current rate on their website. Savings accounts have a monthly fee of $5 unless you maintain a $300 minimum balance or link them to a may have access to checking account.

If you're under 18, Chase offers Chase First Banking, which is designed for young people and includes parental controls. If you're 62 or older, Chase Premier Plus Checking offers higher interest rates and waived fees. Most first-time account holders start with Total Checking and add a savings account later.

What happens after your account opens

Your account is active when ready, even before your debit card arrives. You can log into Chase online banking or the mobile app right away using the login credentials you created. From there, you can transfer money between your Chase accounts, send money to other banks, set up bill pay, and deposit checks using mobile check deposit (you photograph the check with your phone).

Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. When it comes, you'll need to set up it before you can use it at stores or ATMs. Chase sends set up instructions with the card, or you can set up it through the app or website. Once activated, you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted, and you can withdraw cash from any Chase ATM or any ATM in the MoneyPass network (which includes many grocery stores and convenience stores).

Set up direct deposit if your employer or a government agency pays you. This is how you avoid the monthly service fee on Chase Total Checking. You'll give your employer your Chase account number and routing number (both visible in your online banking), and they'll deposit your paycheck directly into your account.

If you already have a Chase account elsewhere

If you have a Chase account at another branch or opened one years ago and haven't used it, you can open a new account without closing the old one. Chase allows you to have multiple accounts. However, if you want to consolidate or close an old account, you can do that through online banking or by visiting a branch.

If you're returning to banking after a long gap and worried about your past banking history, know that Chase uses ChexSystems, a banking history report system, to check whether you've had problems with previous accounts (like overdrafts you didn't pay back or accounts closed due to fraud). If you have a negative ChexSystems record, some Chase accounts may not be available to you, but you can ask a branch representative about second-chance checking options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase account if I don't have a Social Security number?

Chase requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open an account. If you have an ITIN, you can open an account using that instead. If you don't have either, you'll need to obtain one before opening an account.

What's the difference between opening online and in a branch?

Online is faster (about 10 minutes) and you can do it anytime. In-branch takes longer (15 to 30 minutes) but a person can answer questions and help you choose the right account type. Both result in the same account and same timeline for receiving your debit card.

Do I need money to open a Chase account?

Yes, Chase requires an opening deposit to start an account. Most checking accounts require $25 minimum. You can fund it with cash, a check, or a debit card from another bank. Some accounts have higher minimums — ask about the specific account type you're interested in.

Can I use my account before my debit card arrives?

Yes. Your account works when ready for online transfers, bill pay, mobile check deposit, and ATM withdrawals using your temporary card number. You just can't swipe or tap a physical card at stores until your debit card arrives and you set up it.

What if I'm denied when I try to open an account?

Chase may deny an account if you have a negative ChexSystems record, outstanding bank fees from another institution, or fraud concerns. If this happens, ask the representative why and whether Chase offers a second-chance checking account. You can also dispute errors on your ChexSystems report by contacting ChexSystems directly.