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

Chase offers two main paths: online through their website or mobile app, or by walking into a branch with an ID and initial deposit. The online route is faster and available 24/7. The in-person route lets you ask questions and hand over cash or a check on the spot. Both lead to the same account — the difference is just timing and how you prefer to work.

You'll need a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and an initial deposit. Chase savings accounts require a minimum opening deposit that varies by account type — typically $0 to $25 depending on which savings product you choose. You'll also need a way to fund the account: a debit card, bank transfer, or cash if you go to a branch.

The account opens when ready if you go online. If you open in person, you walk out with a debit card and can use the account the same day. Online accounts may take one business day before you can move money in and out.

Key Takeaways

  • Online opening takes 10 minutes and works any time; in-person opening takes 30 minutes during branch hours and lets you hand over cash when ready.
  • You need a valid ID, your Social Security number, and a minimum opening deposit ranging from $0 to $25 depending on the account type.
  • Chase offers multiple savings products with different interest rates and features — the basic savings account, high-yield savings, and money market accounts are the most common.
  • Once your account is open, you can set up automatic transfers, link it to checking, or use it to earn interest on money you're setting aside.

Opening a savings account online through Chase.com or the mobile app

Go to Chase.com or open the Chase Mobile app and look for "Open an Account" or "New Account" — it's usually at the top of the page or in the menu. You'll be asked to choose which type of savings account you want. Chase typically offers a basic savings account, a high-yield savings account (which earns more interest but may have different terms), and sometimes a money market account. Read the interest rate and any monthly fees before you choose — they differ by product.

Next, enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and Social Security number. Chase will ask about your employment and income — this is standard for banks opening new accounts. You'll create a username and password for online banking. Then you'll review the account terms and agree to them.

Finally, you'll link a funding source. You can transfer money from another bank account using routing and account numbers, or use a debit card to fund the new account. Some debit cards take 1–3 business days to process; bank transfers are usually faster. Once you submit, your account opens and you'll see it in your Chase dashboard. You can start using it the next business day.

Opening a savings account in person at a Chase branch

Find your nearest Chase branch using the branch locator on Chase.com. Bring your valid ID, your Social Security number (or have it memorized), and your initial deposit — cash, a check, or a debit card to fund the account. Walk in during business hours and tell a banker you want to open a savings account.

The banker will walk you through the same questions as the online form: personal details, employment, income, and which savings product you want. They'll print the account agreement for you to sign. If you're funding with cash or a check, hand it over and they'll deposit it when ready. If you're using a debit card, they'll process it the same way.

You'll leave with a debit card (if you don't already have one with Chase) and your account number. The account is active the same day, and you can use it right away. Some branches can also set up online banking access before you leave, so you can log in from home.

What happens after your account opens

Your savings account is now linked to your Chase online banking profile. You can log in anytime to check your balance, see your interest earnings, and set up automatic transfers. If you have a Chase checking account, you can move money between them when ready using the mobile app or website.

Interest begins accruing on your balance according to the account's annual percentage yield (APY). Chase publishes current rates on their website — they change over time and vary by account type. You'll see interest posted to your account monthly or daily, depending on the product.

If you set up direct deposit or automatic transfers, your paycheck or regular payments can flow straight into savings without you doing anything. This is useful if you're trying to build an emergency fund or save toward a goal. You can also set up alerts so Chase notifies you when your balance drops below a certain amount or when interest is posted.

Minimum deposits and account fees

Chase savings accounts typically require a minimum opening deposit of $0 to $25, depending on which account you choose. Some accounts have no minimum at all; others ask for $25. This is a one-time requirement to open the account — you don't have to maintain a minimum balance afterward, though some accounts do charge a monthly fee if your balance falls below a certain level.

Monthly maintenance fees vary by account type. Basic savings accounts may have a $5 monthly fee if your balance stays below $300 or $500 (the threshold depends on the specific product). High-yield savings accounts often have no monthly fee. You can avoid fees by keeping a minimum balance or by setting up direct deposit. Check the account details before you open to understand the fee structure for the specific product you're choosing.

Choosing between Chase savings products

Chase offers several savings options, and the right one depends on how much money you're saving and what you plan to do with it. The basic savings account is straightforward and has no special requirements — it earns a small amount of interest and may have a monthly fee if your balance is low. The high-yield savings account earns significantly more interest (the rate is posted on Chase.com and changes with the market) but may have different terms or a higher minimum balance.

A money market account is a hybrid between savings and checking — it earns interest like savings but lets you write checks or use a debit card like checking. It usually requires a higher opening deposit and minimum balance. If you're saving for an emergency fund or a short-term goal, a basic or high-yield savings account is usually the right choice. If you want to earn more interest and don't mind keeping a larger balance, high-yield is worth comparing.

Linking your new savings account to checking or other banks

Once your savings account is open, you can link it to a Chase checking account (if you have one) or to accounts at other banks. In the Chase mobile app or website, go to "Transfers" or "Move Money" and select "Add External Account." You'll enter the other bank's routing number and your account number there. Chase will send two small test deposits to verify the account is yours — you'll confirm the amounts to complete the link.

Once linked, you can transfer money between your Chase savings and the external account anytime. Transfers to other banks usually take 1–3 business days. Transfers between two Chase accounts (checking to savings, for example) happen when ready. This setup is useful if you want to keep savings separate from your main checking account but still move money quickly when you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase savings account without a Social Security number?

No. Chase requires a Social Security number to open any deposit account. If you don't have one, you may be able to open an account with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead — call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to ask about ITIN accounts, as policies vary by location.

How long does it take to access my money after I open the account?

If you open online, your account is active when ready, but transfers from external banks take 1–3 business days to clear. If you open in person and fund with cash or a check, the money is available the same day. Transfers between Chase accounts happen when ready.

What if I already have a Chase checking account?

Opening a savings account is faster. You can open online in minutes using your existing login, or go to a branch and they'll link it to your current account on the spot. You won't need to re-verify your identity.

Do I need a minimum balance to keep the account open?

It depends on the account type. Some Chase savings accounts have no minimum balance requirement. Others charge a monthly fee if your balance falls below $300 or $500. Check the specific account's terms before opening, or ask a banker in person.

Can I open a savings account for someone else, like a child?

Chase offers youth savings accounts for minors, but a parent or guardian must open it and be the account owner. Go to a branch with the child's birth certificate and Social Security number, or call 1-800-935-9935 to ask about opening a youth account online.