What Chase requires you to keep in your checking account

Chase checking accounts do not all have the same minimum balance requirement. The amount you must keep depends on which specific account you open. Some Chase checking accounts have no minimum balance at all, while others require you to maintain a set amount — usually between $500 and $1,500 — to avoid a monthly fee.

The most common Chase checking account for everyday banking is the Chase Total Checking account, which has no minimum balance requirement. If you open this account, you will not lose money or face penalties for letting your balance drop to zero. However, other Chase checking products work differently, and the fee structure changes if you do not meet their requirements.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase Total Checking has no minimum balance requirement and no monthly service fee under any circumstances.
  • Chase Premier Plus Checking requires a $25,000 minimum balance to waive its $25 monthly fee, though the fee can also be waived by setting up direct deposit.
  • Chase Sapphire Checking requires a $10,000 minimum balance to avoid a $10 monthly fee, or you can waive the fee with a may have access to direct deposit.
  • If your balance falls below the required minimum, you will be charged a monthly fee, not a penalty on the shortfall itself.
  • Minimum balance requirements can change, so confirm the current terms when you open an account or check your account agreement online.

Chase Total Checking — no minimum balance

Chase Total Checking is designed for people who want straightforward checking without balance requirements. You can open this account with any amount of money, and there is no monthly service fee no matter how low your balance goes. This account includes a debit card, online banking, and the ability to deposit checks through your phone.

Because there is no minimum balance to maintain, this account works well if you are new to banking, if your income is irregular, or if you prefer not to keep a large amount sitting in checking. You will still earn interest on the balance you do keep, though the rate is typically very low.

Chase Premier Plus Checking — $25,000 minimum

Chase Premier Plus Checking is aimed at customers who maintain larger balances or who want premium features. This account charges a $25 monthly service fee unless you meet one of two conditions: keep a minimum balance of $25,000 in the account, or set up a direct deposit of at least $500 per month.

If you choose the direct deposit route, the fee is waived even if your balance drops below $25,000. This option works well if your paycheck or regular income is deposited directly into the account. If you do not have direct deposit and your balance falls below $25,000 even once during a month, you will be charged the full $25 fee for that month.

Chase Sapphire Checking — $10,000 minimum

Chase Sapphire Checking sits between Total Checking and Premier Plus in terms of requirements and features. This account has a $10 monthly service fee unless you maintain a $10,000 minimum balance or set up a direct deposit of at least $500 per month.

Like Premier Plus, the direct deposit option gives you a way to waive the fee without keeping a large balance. Sapphire Checking includes some additional perks compared to Total Checking, such as higher interest rates on your balance, though you should confirm current rates when you open the account.

How the minimum balance is calculated

Chase calculates your minimum balance based on the lowest amount in your account during the statement period — usually one month. If your balance dips below the requirement even once, you do not automatically lose money. Instead, the monthly fee is charged to your account at the end of the statement period.

For example, if you have a Sapphire Checking account with a $10,000 minimum and your balance is $10,500 for most of the month but drops to $8,000 for three days, you will be charged the $10 monthly fee. The fee itself is not based on how far below the minimum you went — it is a flat monthly charge.

What happens if you do not meet the minimum

If your account requires a minimum balance and you fall short, Chase charges the monthly service fee to your account. This fee is deducted from your balance, which can push you further below the minimum in the following month. If this happens repeatedly, the fees can add up quickly.

The fee does not affect your credit score or your ability to use the account. You can still make deposits, withdrawals, and transfers. However, if your balance becomes negative after the fee is charged and you do not deposit money to cover it, your account may be closed and reported to ChexSystems, which is a banking history system that other banks check when you try to open new accounts.

How to avoid monthly fees

The simplest way to avoid fees is to open Chase Total Checking, which has no minimum balance and no monthly fee. If you prefer features offered by Premier Plus or Sapphire Checking, set up direct deposit. Most employers can arrange this at no cost, and it takes just a few minutes to set up through your employer's payroll system or your Chase online banking portal.

If you do not have direct deposit available, you can keep the required minimum balance in the account. Keep in mind that money sitting in checking typically earns very little interest, so you might consider keeping only the minimum in checking and putting extra money into a savings account where it can earn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch from one Chase checking account to another without closing my current account?

Yes. You can open a new Chase checking account while keeping your current one open. Once the new account is set up, you can transfer your balance and close the old account if you want. Chase does not charge a fee to close a checking account.

Does the minimum balance requirement explore to money in a linked savings account?

No. The minimum balance must be in the checking account itself. Money in a linked savings account does not count toward the checking account minimum, even though both accounts are connected.

What if my direct deposit stops — will I be charged a fee?

Yes. If you are using direct deposit to waive the monthly fee and your direct deposit stops, you will be charged the fee starting the next month unless you meet the balance requirement instead. Contact your employer to restart direct deposit, or maintain the required minimum balance in your checking account.

Do I need to keep the minimum balance at all times, or just on a certain day?

Chase looks at the lowest balance during your statement period. You do not need to keep the minimum at all times — only that your balance never falls below it during the month. If it does drop below the minimum even once, the fee applies for that month.

Can I move money between my Chase checking and savings accounts to meet the minimum?

Yes. You can transfer money between your Chase checking and savings accounts as often as you want, and transfers between your own accounts do not count against any limits. However, remember that only the balance in the checking account counts toward the minimum requirement.