Chase checking accounts have no monthly opening fee
You do not pay Chase to open a checking account. There is no set up fee, no setup charge, and no deposit required to start the account itself. You can walk into a branch or open one online with zero dollars and have an active account within minutes.
What matters instead is what happens after you open it. Chase charges a monthly maintenance fee on most checking accounts — but that fee disappears if you meet one of their conditions, which most people do without trying.
Key Takeaways
- Opening a Chase checking account costs nothing; there is no fee to create the account or minimum deposit to start.
- Most Chase checking accounts charge a $12 monthly fee, but the fee waives if you keep $500 or more in the account or set up direct deposit.
- Chase offers a student checking account with no monthly fee for customers under 25, and a basic account called Chase find Banking for people building credit history.
- You will need a government ID and Social Security number to open an account, whether you go to a branch or open one online.
- If you cannot meet the fee waiver conditions, Chase find Banking has no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement.
The monthly fee and how to avoid it
Chase's standard checking account is called Chase Total Checking, and it charges $12 per month. That fee goes away automatically if you do either of these things: keep a minimum balance of $500 in the account, or set up direct deposit from your employer or benefits provider.
Direct deposit is the easier route for most people. It means your paycheck or government benefit (like Social Security) goes straight into your Chase account instead of you depositing a check. Once direct deposit is set up, the $12 monthly fee stops — you do not have to maintain any balance at all.
If you cannot set up direct deposit and do not want to keep $500 in the account, Chase offers Chase find Banking. This account has no monthly fee and no minimum balance. It is designed for people who are new to banking or rebuilding their credit, and it works like any other checking account.
What you need to bring or have ready
To open a Chase checking account, you will need a government-issued photo ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and your Social Security number. If you are opening the account online, you can upload photos of your ID instead of showing it in person.
You will also need an initial deposit to fund the account — but this is not a fee. It is your own money going into your account. You can deposit as little as $25 to start, and you can withdraw it whenever you want. Some people deposit $1 just to get the account open, then add money later.
If you are opening the account at a branch, bring your ID and be ready to provide your Social Security number. If you are opening online, have your ID ready to photograph and your Social Security number available.
Student and basic account options
If you are under 25 and a student, Chase offers Chase Student Checking with no monthly fee at all. You do not have to meet any balance requirement or set up direct deposit. The account works the same as Chase Total Checking, but the fee is waived as long as you stay enrolled in school and under 25 years old.
Chase find Banking, mentioned above, is another no-fee option. It is designed for people new to banking or those rebuilding credit after past banking problems. It has no monthly fee, no minimum balance, and no direct deposit requirement. The main difference from Chase Total Checking is that find Banking comes with a lower initial debit card limit while you build a history with Chase.
Opening online versus in a branch
You can open a Chase checking account entirely online through their website or mobile app, or you can go to a Chase branch in person. Both routes are free and take about the same amount of time.
Opening online is faster if you have a government ID you can photograph and a working email address. The account is usually ready to use within a few minutes. You can order a debit card online, and it arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days.
Opening in a branch takes longer (usually 20 to 30 minutes) but you can get a temporary debit card on the spot and start using it when ready. A branch is also helpful if you have questions about which account type fits your situation, or if you are not comfortable opening accounts online.
What happens after you open the account
Once your account is open, you can deposit money by transferring it from another bank account, depositing a check through the mobile app, or going to a Chase branch with cash or a check. You can also set up direct deposit from your employer or benefits provider — this is the easiest way to avoid the monthly fee.
Your debit card arrives by mail if you opened online, or you can get one when ready at a branch. You can use it to withdraw cash from any Chase ATM for free, or from other banks' ATMs (though some charge a fee). You can also use it to pay for things in stores or online.
Chase will send you statements by email or mail, depending on what you choose. You can check your balance anytime through the mobile app or website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a minimum deposit to open a Chase checking account?
No minimum deposit is required to open the account itself. You can open it with $0 and deposit money later. However, most people deposit at least $1 to $25 to fund the account and start using it right away.
What if I do not have direct deposit and cannot keep $500 in the account?
Open Chase find Banking instead. It has no monthly fee, no minimum balance, and no direct deposit requirement. It works like any other checking account and costs nothing to maintain.
Can I open a Chase account if I have had banking problems in the past?
Chase find Banking is designed for people in this situation. It has no monthly fee and does not require a perfect banking history. You can open it even if you have been denied other accounts or had problems with banks before.
How long does it take to open an account online?
Opening online usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. Your account is active when ready, though your debit card arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. You can use your account to transfer money or set up direct deposit before the card arrives.
Is there a fee if I close my account?
No. You can close a Chase checking account anytime with no penalty or fee. Chase will help you transfer any remaining money to another account or issue you a check.