Chase checking accounts have no opening fee
Chase does not charge you to open a checking account. You can open most Chase checking products online, by phone, or in a branch without paying an account opening fee. The bank makes its money from monthly maintenance fees (if you do not meet the waiver requirements), overdraft fees, and other service charges — not from the act of opening the account itself.
What you do need is an initial deposit. Chase requires a minimum opening deposit that varies by account type, typically ranging from $0 to $25 depending on which checking product you choose. Some accounts waive this requirement entirely if you set up direct deposit.
Key Takeaways
- Chase charges no fee to open a checking account, but most accounts have a monthly maintenance fee unless you meet specific waiver conditions.
- The minimum opening deposit ranges from $0 to $25 depending on the account type, and some accounts waive it if you arrange direct deposit.
- Monthly maintenance fees typically run $12 to $15 but disappear if you maintain a minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or meet other requirements.
- You will need a government-issued ID, Social Security number, and initial funding source (cash, debit card, or linked bank account) to complete the opening process.
Monthly maintenance fees and how to avoid them
Most Chase checking accounts charge a monthly maintenance fee of $12 to $15, but the bank offers several ways to waive it. The most common path is setting up direct deposit of your paycheck or other regular income — this alone eliminates the fee on most accounts. Maintaining a minimum daily balance (usually $500 to $1,500 depending on the account) also waives the fee.
Chase also waives monthly fees for students under 25 with a student checking account, and for customers who link their checking account to a Chase savings account and maintain a combined minimum balance. Read the account terms carefully before opening, because the waiver conditions differ between Chase Total Checking, Chase Sapphire Checking, and other products.
What you need to bring or have ready
To open an account online or by phone, you will need your Social Security number, a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and your current address. Chase will verify this information against its internal records and third-party databases.
You will also need a funding source for your opening deposit. This can be cash deposited at a Chase branch, a debit card from another bank, or a transfer from an existing bank account. If you are opening online, you cannot deposit cash directly — you will need to fund it by card or transfer, or complete the account setup in a branch.
Opening online versus in a branch
Opening online takes 10 to 15 minutes and you can do it from home. Chase will ask for your personal information, verify your identity, and let you choose your account type. You fund the account by debit card or bank transfer, and your account number appears when ready. You can use it for direct deposit and bill pay right away, though your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Opening in a branch takes longer but lets you deposit cash when ready and walk out with a temporary debit card. A banker will review account options with you, verify your ID in person, and process the opening on the spot. This route makes sense if you want to deposit cash or prefer talking through the options with someone.
Account types and their opening requirements
| Account Type | Opening Fee | Minimum Opening Deposit | Monthly Fee (if not waived) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Total Checking | None | $0 | $12 |
| Chase Sapphire Checking | None | $0 | $25 |
| Chase Student Checking | None | $0 | $0 (no monthly fee) |
| Chase Premier Plus Checking | None | $25 | $25 |
Chase Total Checking is the most common account and has no opening deposit requirement. Chase Sapphire Checking is designed for customers who want higher rewards on linked savings and investment accounts. Chase Premier Plus Checking requires a $25 opening deposit and a higher monthly fee, but waives it if you maintain a $15,000 combined balance across Chase accounts.
If you are under 25 and a student, Chase Student Checking has no opening deposit and no monthly fee at all, making it the lowest-cost option. You will need to provide proof of enrollment (a student ID or enrollment letter) when you open it.
What happens after you open the account
Once your account is open, you can use it when ready for bill pay, transfers, and direct deposit. Your physical debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you opened in a branch, you may receive a temporary card on the spot.
Your first statement arrives 30 to 45 days after opening. Chase will begin charging the monthly maintenance fee on your first statement cycle unless you have already met a waiver condition (such as setting up direct deposit before the account opens). If you set up direct deposit during the opening process, the fee is waived from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have money in the account to keep it open?
No. Once the account is open, you can let the balance drop to zero without the account being closed. However, if you do not meet a monthly fee waiver condition (direct deposit, minimum balance, or student status), Chase will charge the monthly maintenance fee even if your balance is zero.
Can I open a Chase checking account if I have had problems with another bank?
Chase uses ChexSystems, a banking history database, to screen new account applications. If you have unpaid overdrafts, fraud disputes, or other serious issues on record, Chase may deny your process. You can request your ChexSystems report to see what is on file.
What if I want to close the account right after opening?
You can close a Chase checking account at any time without penalty. There is no early closure fee. If you have already been charged a monthly maintenance fee, you can ask a banker whether it can be refunded, though this is not may provide.
Do I need to open a savings account too?
No. A checking account stands alone. However, Chase waives the monthly fee on some checking accounts if you link them to a savings account and maintain a combined minimum balance, so opening both may lower your costs.
Can I open an account for someone else?
No. The person whose name is on the account must open it themselves or be present in the branch. You cannot open an account on behalf of another adult. For minors, a parent or guardian must open a custodial account with the child present.