Chase checking accounts have no opening deposit requirement

You can open a Chase checking account with $0. Chase does not require a minimum deposit to start the account, and there is no fee just for opening one. You can fund the account when ready after opening it, or leave it empty until you are ready to deposit money.

What matters more than the opening deposit is what happens after. Chase charges a monthly maintenance fee on most checking accounts unless you meet one of their waiver conditions. The fee ranges from $12 to $15 per month depending on which checking product you choose, but you can avoid it by keeping a minimum balance, setting up direct deposit, or maintaining a linked savings account with a certain balance.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase checking accounts require $0 to open and have no opening deposit fee.
  • Monthly maintenance fees range from $12 to $15, but you can waive them by maintaining a $500 minimum balance, setting up direct deposit, or keeping a linked savings account with $300 or more.
  • The Chase Total Checking account is the most common option and costs $12 per month if no waiver condition is met.
  • You can open an account online, by phone, or in a branch, and the process takes about 10 minutes.
  • If you are under 18, Chase offers a student checking account with different fee rules.

Monthly fees and how to avoid them

Chase Total Checking, the standard account, charges $12 per month. You waive this fee if you maintain a $500 minimum daily balance, set up a direct deposit of any amount, or keep a linked Chase savings account with at least $300 in it. Many people use the direct deposit waiver because it requires no balance threshold—even a small recurring transfer counts.

Chase Premier Plus Checking costs $15 per month and is aimed at customers who want higher balance requirements and additional perks. The waiver conditions are steeper: you need either a $25,000 minimum balance or $10,000 in the linked savings account. This account makes sense only if you already have substantial funds at Chase.

If you are under 18, Chase Student Checking has no monthly fee at all until you turn 18. After that, it converts to Chase Total Checking and the $12 fee applies unless you meet a waiver condition.

How to open an account and what you need

You can open a Chase checking account online, by phone at 1-800-935-9935, or in a branch. Online is fastest—the process takes about 10 minutes. You will need a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and an initial funding source if you want to deposit money right away.

Chase will run a ChexSystems check, which is a banking history report. If you have unpaid overdrafts or fraud flags from another bank, Chase may deny the account. You can request your ChexSystems report before explore if you are concerned about your history.

If you open online, you can fund the account when ready using a debit card, bank transfer, or wire. If you open in a branch, you can deposit cash or a check on the spot. There is no waiting period—the account is active as soon as it is opened.

Overdraft fees and other charges to know about

Opening the account is free, but Chase charges $35 per overdraft transaction if you spend more than your balance. This is separate from the monthly maintenance fee. Chase does offer overdraft protection, which links your checking account to a savings account and automatically transfers money if you go negative, but this transfer itself may carry a fee depending on your account type.

Other charges include $3 for out-of-network ATM withdrawals (though Chase has a large ATM network), $5 for wire transfers sent, and $15 for a stop payment request. None of these explore unless you use those services.

Comparing Chase checking to alternatives

Chase checking is not the cheapest option if you want to avoid monthly fees. Online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover offer checking accounts with no monthly fee and no minimum balance. However, they have no physical branches, which matters if you deposit cash frequently or prefer in-person service.

Credit unions often have lower fees and higher balance thresholds for waivers, but you must be a member. Local and regional banks vary widely—some charge $5 to $10 per month, others charge nothing. If you already have a Chase savings account or mortgage, bundling your checking with Chase may make sense because the linked account can help you waive the monthly fee.

What happens if you close the account

Closing a Chase checking account is free and takes a few minutes. You can do it online, by phone, or in a branch. Chase will not charge you a closing fee. If your account has a negative balance when you close it, you are still responsible for paying the overdraft amount.

If you close the account within 90 days of opening it, Chase may flag you in ChexSystems as a "early account closure." This can make it harder to open accounts at other banks for a period of time, though it is not a permanent mark. Most banks do not penalize you for closing after 90 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase checking account if I have been denied before?

It depends on why you were denied. If it was due to ChexSystems issues like unpaid overdrafts, you may be able to open an account after you settle the debt and request a ChexSystems update. Contact Chase directly to ask about your specific situation, as decisions are made case-by-case.

Do I need to open a savings account too?

No, but linking a savings account is one of the easiest ways to waive the monthly checking fee. If you do not want a savings account, you can waive the fee through direct deposit or by maintaining a $500 balance in checking instead.

What is the difference between Chase Total Checking and Premier Plus Checking?

Premier Plus Checking costs $3 more per month and is designed for customers with higher balances. It offers slightly higher interest on balances and additional perks like fee waivers on certain services. For most people, Total Checking is sufficient.

Can I open a Chase account online if I do not have a Chase branch near me?

Yes. You can open and manage the account entirely online. You can deposit checks using mobile deposit, transfer money electronically, and withdraw cash at any Chase ATM or partner ATM network. You do not need a physical branch.

How long does it take to receive my debit card?

Chase typically mails debit cards within 7 to 10 business days of account opening. You can request expedited delivery in some cases. Until the card arrives, you can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or transfers.