Chase checking accounts have no monthly fee and no minimum opening deposit

You can open a Chase checking account with zero dollars. Chase does not require you to deposit money upfront, and most of their checking accounts have no monthly maintenance fee. The account itself is free to start.

What you pay depends on how you use the account after you open it. If you keep a low balance or make certain types of transactions, you might face fees. If you avoid those situations, your account costs nothing to maintain.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase checking accounts have no opening deposit requirement and no monthly fee on most accounts.
  • You can incur fees for overdrafts, out-of-network ATM use, and returned checks, but these are optional costs you can avoid.
  • You need a government-issued ID, Social Security number, and initial funding method (debit card, bank account, or cash) to open an account.
  • You can open an account online in minutes, at a Chase branch, or by phone, and your debit card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Fees you might pay after opening

While the account itself is free, Chase charges fees for specific actions. An overdraft fee applies when you spend more money than you have in the account — Chase charges this fee each time it happens. An out-of-network ATM fee applies when you withdraw cash from an ATM that is not owned by Chase. A returned check fee applies if a check you write bounces because you do not have enough money.

You can avoid all of these fees by keeping track of your balance, using Chase ATMs or branches, and not writing checks you cannot cover. Many people with Chase accounts never pay any fees at all.

Chase also offers accounts with higher monthly fees that come with extra benefits like higher interest rates or travel rewards. These are optional — the basic checking account has no fee and no perks, which is fine if you just need a place to keep your money.

What you need to bring or have ready

To open an account, you will need a government-issued photo ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number, and an initial way to fund the account. That funding method can be a debit card from another bank, a checking or savings account number, or cash if you are opening in person at a branch.

You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, but you do need a valid Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you are under 18, a parent or guardian will need to be present or sign documents.

How to open an account online, by phone, or in person

The fastest way is online through Chase's website. You can complete the entire process in about 10 minutes on a computer or phone. You will enter your personal information, verify your identity, choose your account type, and link a funding source. Chase will tell you when ready whether your account is open.

You can also call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to open an account over the phone. A representative will walk you through the same steps and can answer questions as you go. This takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

If you prefer to open in person, visit any Chase branch with your ID and Social Security number. A banker will help you fill out the paperwork, and you can deposit cash or a check on the spot. The account opens the same day, and you can get a temporary debit card before you leave.

When your debit card and checks arrive

If you open online or by phone, your debit card usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your account before the card arrives — you can transfer money in, set up direct deposit, or pay bills online. If you opened in a branch and received a temporary card, you can use that when ready.

Checks take longer. If you order them through Chase, they arrive in 7 to 10 business days as well. You can also order checks from a third-party printer, which is sometimes cheaper, but Chase checks are included in your account setup.

Different Chase checking account types and their costs

Chase offers several checking accounts, and they all have no opening deposit requirement. The Chase Total Checking account has no monthly fee and is the most common choice. The Chase Premier Plus Checking account has a monthly fee but includes benefits like higher interest rates and waived fees for certain transactions — you choose this only if those benefits matter to you.

For most people starting out, Total Checking is the right choice. It has everything you need: a debit card, online banking, mobile app access, and no monthly cost. You can switch to a different account type later if your needs change.

What happens if you close the account

If you close your Chase checking account, there is no fee. You can close it online, by phone, or in person at a branch. Chase will ask you how you want to receive any remaining balance — they can mail you a check, transfer it to another bank account, or give you cash if you close in person.

If you close the account within a short time of opening it (Chase's policy varies), they may flag your account in a banking database called ChexSystems. This can make it harder to open accounts at other banks later. If you need to close an account, it is usually fine to do so, but do not open and close multiple accounts in a short period.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Chase Total Checking has no minimum balance requirement. You can keep $0 in the account and pay no monthly fee. Some other Chase accounts do have minimum balance requirements, but the basic checking account does not.

Can I open an account if I have been denied before?

Maybe. Chase uses ChexSystems, a banking history database, to review applications. If you were denied at another bank, that information is in ChexSystems, but Chase may still open an account for you. Call 1-800-935-9935 and ask — they can tell you whether your history will block you before you explore online.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. An ITIN is issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but do not have a Social Security number. Bring your ITIN documentation when you open the account.

Can I open an account for someone else?

No, not directly. If you want to open an account for a minor, a parent or guardian must be the account holder. If you want to open an account for an adult, that person must open it themselves, though you can help them through the process.

Is there a fee if I keep a very low balance?

No. Chase Total Checking charges no monthly fee regardless of your balance. You will not pay anything for having $1 or $1,000 in the account — the monthly fee is zero either way.