You can add a savings account to Chase through their mobile app, website, or by visiting a branch in person
If you already have a Chase checking account, opening a linked savings account takes about 10 to 15 minutes online. Chase lets you open a savings account without leaving home — you do not need to go to a branch unless you prefer to. The process is the same whether you use the Chase mobile app or their website, and you can fund the account when ready from your existing Chase checking account.
The main reason people add a savings account is to keep money separate from their everyday spending. When your savings sits in a different account, you are less likely to spend it on things that are not emergencies. Chase also pays interest on savings balances, meaning your money grows slightly over time — though the rate changes and is typically small.
Key Takeaways
- You can open a Chase savings account online through the app or website in about 10 to 15 minutes if you already have a Chase checking account.
- Chase offers several types of savings accounts, including a basic savings account and a high-yield savings account that pays more interest.
- You will need your Social Security number, a government-issued ID, and your current Chase login information to open the account online.
- Once approved, you can move money between your checking and savings accounts when ready through the app or website.
- If you do not have a Chase checking account yet, you will need to open one first before you can add a savings account.
Opening a savings account through the Chase mobile app
Start by opening the Chase mobile app and logging in with your username and password. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner, then select "Open an Account" or "Accounts." You should see an option to open a savings account. Chase will ask you to choose which type of savings account you want — the basic savings account or the high-yield savings account. The high-yield account pays more interest but may have different monthly fees depending on your balance.
After you choose the account type, Chase will ask you to confirm your personal information: your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number. They use this to verify your identity and check for fraud. You will also need to agree to their account terms. Once you finish, Chase usually approves you right away, and the account appears in your app within minutes. You can then transfer money from your checking account to fund it.
Opening a savings account through the Chase website
Go to chase.com and log in to your account. Look for a link that says "Open an Account," "New Account," or "Products" — the exact wording changes, but it is usually near the top of the page or in the main menu. Select "Savings Account" from the list of products. Chase will walk you through the same steps as the app: choosing your account type, confirming your identity, and reviewing the terms.
The website version works the same way as the app, and you will see the new account in your online banking within minutes. Some people find the website easier to use on a computer because the screen is larger, but both methods take the same amount of time.
What information you need before you start
Gather these items before you begin, so you do not have to stop halfway through:
- Your Chase username and password
- Your Social Security number
- A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
- Your current address
- Your phone number
You do not need to upload or photograph your ID — Chase only asks you to confirm the information matches what they have on file. If your address or phone number has changed since you opened your checking account, update it in your Chase profile before you start, or Chase may ask you to verify the new information.
The difference between Chase savings account types
Chase offers a basic savings account and a high-yield savings account. The basic savings account has a lower interest rate but no monthly maintenance fee as long as you keep a small balance. The high-yield savings account pays more interest — sometimes several times more — but may have a monthly fee if your balance drops below a certain amount.
Which one makes sense depends on how much money you plan to keep in savings. If you are saving small amounts and do not want to worry about fees, the basic account is simpler. If you are saving larger amounts and want your money to grow faster through interest, the high-yield account may be worth it. You can always switch between them later if your situation changes, so do not worry too much about choosing perfectly the first time.
Moving money between your checking and savings accounts
Once your savings account is open, transferring money is when ready. Open the Chase app or website, go to your checking account, and look for a "Transfer" or "Move Money" button. Select how much you want to move and choose your savings account as the destination. The money appears in your savings account right away — there is no waiting period.
You can also set up automatic transfers if you want to move a fixed amount every week or month. This is useful if you want to build savings without thinking about it. Go to "Transfers" in the app, select "Set Up Recurring Transfer," and tell Chase how much and how often to move.
If you need to open a checking account first
If you do not have a Chase checking account yet, you will need to open one before you can add a savings account online. You can open a checking account through the same app or website process — just select "Checking Account" instead of "Savings Account." Chase offers several checking account types, including a basic checking account with no monthly fee.
Once your checking account is approved and funded, you can when ready open a savings account using the steps above. Some people prefer to do both at once, while others open the checking account first and add savings later. Either way works.
Opening a savings account at a Chase branch
If you prefer to open your account in person, you can visit any Chase branch. Bring your government-issued ID and ask to speak with a banker about opening a savings account. They will walk you through the same information — your identity, address, and which account type you want — but they will do it on their computer while you sit with them.
Opening an account at a branch takes about 20 to 30 minutes because you have to wait for a banker to be available. The online process is faster, but some people feel more comfortable doing it face-to-face, especially if they are new to banking. Either way, you end up with the same account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a savings account if I do not have a checking account?
No, you need a Chase checking account first. You can open both at the same time — open the checking account, wait for approval, then open the savings account. Or open them on separate days. Either way, the checking account has to exist before the savings account can be linked to it.
How much money do I need to open a savings account?
You do not need a minimum amount to open the account. However, some savings account types charge a monthly fee if your balance falls below a certain amount — usually $300 to $500. Check the account details before you open to see if there is a fee and what balance keeps you out of it.
How long does it take to get approved?
Most of the time, Chase approves you when ready and the account shows up in your app or website within minutes. Occasionally, Chase may need to verify additional information, which can take a few hours or a business day. You will see a message in your app if this happens.
Can I have more than one savings account with Chase?
Yes. Some people open multiple savings accounts to save for different goals — one for emergencies, one for a vacation, one for a car. You can open as many as you want and manage them all from the same app or website.
What if I change my mind and want to close the savings account?
You can close it anytime through the app or website, or by calling Chase customer service. Move any money out first, and Chase will close the account. There is no penalty for closing early.