What you need before you start

Chase requires a few pieces of information and documents before you can open an account. You'll need a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and a current address. If you're opening an account online or by phone, have these ready before you begin.

You'll also need to decide which type of account fits your situation. Chase offers checking accounts, savings accounts, and money market accounts. Checking accounts come with a debit card and are meant for regular spending. Savings accounts earn interest but limit how many times you can withdraw money each month. Money market accounts combine features of both but typically require a higher opening deposit.

Some Chase accounts have monthly fees, while others waive fees if you meet certain conditions—like keeping a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit. Before you start, look at the fee structure for the account type you want, because this affects what it costs you to keep the account open.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open a Chase account online, by phone, or in person at a branch, and the process takes about 10 to 15 minutes if you have your ID and Social Security number ready.
  • Chase requires a valid government-issued ID, your Social Security number, and a current address to open any account.
  • Different account types have different monthly fees, and some fees are waived if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.
  • Once your account is open, you can use Chase's mobile app or website to manage your money, and a debit card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Opening an account online

The online route is the fastest if you already have a Chase username and password. Go to Chase.com, click "Open an account," and select the account type you want. You'll enter your personal information, Social Security number, and current address. Chase will ask about your employment and income, though these are optional fields.

After you submit your information, Chase runs a background check through ChexSystems, which is a banking history database. This usually takes a few minutes. If you pass, your account opens when ready and you can start using it right away. If Chase needs more information or has questions about your history, they'll contact you by phone or email within one business day.

Once your account is open, you can transfer money into it from another bank account or deposit a check using the Chase mobile app. Your debit card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Opening an account by phone

Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to open an account over the phone. A representative will walk you through the same questions you'd answer online: your name, address, Social Security number, and which account type you want. The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Like the online process, Chase will run a ChexSystems check while you're on the phone. If you pass, your account opens during the call. If Chase needs to verify something or has questions, they'll tell you what they need and follow up within one business day.

After the call, you'll receive a confirmation email with your account number and login information. Your debit card ships within 7 to 10 business days, and you can start using your account when ready through the Chase app or website.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Walk into any Chase branch with your ID, Social Security number, and proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease works). A banker will help you choose an account type and fill out the paperwork. The whole process takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

In-person accounts also go through the ChexSystems check, which usually completes while you're still at the branch. If you pass, you can leave with a temporary debit card that works when ready, and a permanent card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If Chase needs more information, they'll tell you before you leave.

Opening in person is useful if you want to ask questions about account features, fees, or which type of account makes sense for your situation. Bankers can also help you set up online banking and the mobile app before you leave.

What happens after your account opens

Once your account is active, you can log into Chase.com or use the Chase mobile app to check your balance, transfer money, pay bills, and deposit checks by taking a photo. You can also set up direct deposit so your paycheck goes straight into your account.

Your debit card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. When it arrives, you'll need to set up it by calling the number on the back of the card or using the Chase app. After set up, you can use it to withdraw cash from any ATM, make purchases at stores, or pay bills online.

If you opened an account with a monthly fee, watch your balance to make sure you meet the conditions that waive the fee—usually a minimum balance or direct deposit. If you don't meet the conditions, the fee will be charged on the same day each month.

What to do if your account is denied

Chase may deny your account if you have a negative banking history in ChexSystems, such as unpaid overdrafts or fraud. If this happens, Chase will send you a letter explaining why. You have the right to request a copy of your ChexSystems report and dispute any errors on it.

To get your ChexSystems report, go to ChexSystems.com or call 1-800-428-9623. You can dispute inaccurate information directly with ChexSystems, and they have 30 days to investigate. If the dispute is successful, Chase may reconsider your account.

If you're denied and can't resolve the ChexSystems issue, some banks and credit unions offer second-chance accounts designed for people with banking history problems. These accounts have higher fees but let you rebuild your banking record.

Understanding Chase account fees

Chase's most common checking account is the Chase Total Checking, which has a $12 monthly fee. This fee is waived if you maintain a $500 minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or keep a linked savings account with at least $500 in it. If none of these explore to you, you'll pay $12 each month.

Savings accounts and money market accounts also have monthly fees, typically $5 to $25 depending on the account type and your balance. Chase waives these fees if you keep a minimum balance, which ranges from $300 to $2,500 depending on the account.

Beyond monthly fees, Chase charges overdraft fees ($35 per transaction) if you spend more than you have in your account. You can turn off overdraft protection to prevent this, though then your card will be declined instead of charging a fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase account if I don't have a Social Security number?

No. Chase requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open any account. If you have an ITIN, you can use that instead of a Social Security number. You'll need to bring documentation of your ITIN when you open the account in person, or provide it during the online or phone process.

How long does it take for my debit card to arrive?

Your debit card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days after your account opens. If you opened your account in person at a branch, you may receive a temporary card that works when ready while you wait for the permanent one. You can also use your account through the Chase app or website before your card arrives.

What if I have a negative ChexSystems report?

Chase will likely deny your account if you have unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or other serious issues in ChexSystems. You can request your report at ChexSystems.com and dispute any errors. If the dispute is successful, you can reapply to Chase. If not, look for second-chance banking accounts at other institutions.

Do I need to go to a branch to open an account?

No. You can open a Chase account online or by phone without visiting a branch. Online and phone accounts open just as quickly as in-person accounts. Going to a branch is useful only if you want to ask questions about account types or fees before you decide.

Can I open multiple Chase accounts at the same time?

Yes. You can open a checking account and a savings account at the same time, either online, by phone, or in person. Some people do this to separate spending money from savings. Just be aware that each account may have its own monthly fee unless you meet the waiver conditions for both.