Chase does not charge a fee to open a checking or savings account

You can open a Chase checking account, savings account, or both without paying an opening fee. Chase makes money from the accounts you keep open — through overdraft fees, monthly maintenance charges if your balance falls below a minimum, and interest they earn on deposits — not from the act of opening them.

What you do need to bring is a valid government-issued ID, a Social Security number or ITIN, and an initial deposit. The deposit amount depends on which account type you choose. Some accounts have no minimum; others require $25 or more to get your free guide.

Key Takeaways

  • Opening a Chase account costs nothing, but you must make an initial deposit to fund it.
  • Chase checking accounts require deposits ranging from $0 to $25 depending on the account type; savings accounts typically require $25.
  • Monthly maintenance fees explore to most accounts if your balance drops below a set threshold, usually $500 to $1,500.
  • You can open an account online, by phone, or in person at a Chase branch with an ID and Social Security number.
  • Chase waives monthly fees for accounts linked to direct deposit or if you maintain the required minimum balance.

Initial deposit amounts by account type

Chase offers several checking and savings products, each with different opening deposit requirements. Chase Total Checking requires a $25 opening deposit. Chase Sapphire Checking, which includes higher cash back rewards on debit card purchases, also requires $25 to open. Chase Savings accounts require a $25 minimum deposit.

Some accounts, like Chase Premier Plus Checking, may have higher opening deposit requirements — typically $25 or more — depending on the features included. You can fund the account with a debit card, transfer from another bank, or cash if you open in person at a branch.

Monthly maintenance fees and how to avoid them

Most Chase checking accounts charge a monthly maintenance fee of $12 unless you meet one of several conditions. The fee disappears if you set up direct deposit of any amount, maintain a minimum daily balance (usually $500 to $1,500 depending on the account), or keep a linked savings account with a $300 minimum balance.

Chase Savings accounts charge $5 per month in maintenance fees unless you maintain a $300 minimum balance or have a linked checking account with direct deposit. If you do not meet these conditions, the fee is deducted from your account each month.

How to open an account without visiting a branch

You can open a Chase account entirely online through their website or mobile app. The process takes about 10 minutes. You will need your Social Security number, a valid ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your current address, and a funding source — either a debit card from another bank or an external bank account to transfer from.

Chase will verify your identity during the online process. Once approved, your account opens when ready, though it may take one to two business days for transfers from other banks to appear. You can begin using a debit card once the account is active, though the physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Opening an account in person at a Chase branch

If you prefer to open an account face-to-face, bring your government-issued ID, Social Security number, and your initial deposit. A Chase representative will walk you through the process, which takes 15 to 30 minutes. You can fund the account with cash, a check, or a transfer from another bank.

Opening in person has one advantage: you can request a debit card on the spot, and some branches can issue a temporary card when ready. The permanent card still arrives by mail, but you can use the temporary version right away at ATMs and in stores.

What happens if your account goes negative

If you overdraw your account — spend more than you have — Chase charges an overdraft fee of $35 per transaction. This is separate from the monthly maintenance fee. You can link a savings account to your checking account so that Chase automatically transfers money to cover overdrafts, which avoids the fee but may trigger a transfer fee instead (usually $0 to $3).

You can also turn off overdraft protection entirely, which means transactions will be declined rather than charged a fee. This is done through your online account settings or by calling Chase customer service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase account if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You will still need a valid government-issued ID. Call a Chase branch or visit in person to confirm they can process an ITIN, as not all branches handle them.

What if I cannot make the $25 opening deposit right now?

Chase requires the opening deposit at the time you open the account — you cannot open with $0 and deposit later. If $25 is not possible, you may want to wait until you have the funds, or explore whether a family member or friend can help you meet the minimum.

Do I have to keep a minimum balance after I open the account?

Not if you set up direct deposit or link a savings account with the required balance. Without one of these, most Chase checking accounts charge $12 monthly unless you maintain $500 to $1,500 in the account. The exact amount depends on which checking account you choose.

How long does it take for my debit card to arrive?

Physical debit cards arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your account online and at ATMs when ready after opening. If you opened in person, ask whether the branch can issue a temporary card you can use right away.

Can I open multiple Chase accounts at once?

Yes. You can open a checking and savings account in the same session, either online or in person. Each account requires its own opening deposit, so you would need at least $50 total ($25 for checking, $25 for savings) to open both.