What you need to open a Chase checking account

Chase will ask for a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit before your account opens. You can start the process online, on the phone, or in a branch — the fastest route is usually online if you have a debit card or bank account from another bank to link for the initial deposit.

The initial deposit amount varies by account type. Some Chase checking accounts require $25 to open; others have no minimum. Once your account is open, there is no monthly fee on most Chase checking products, though some accounts charge a fee if your balance drops below a certain amount or if you do not set up direct deposit.

You will also need to choose whether you want a debit card mailed to you (which takes 7 to 10 business days) or whether you want to use a temporary digital card in the Chase mobile app right away while you wait for the physical card.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID, your Social Security number, and money to deposit before opening a Chase checking account.
  • Opening online is usually fastest if you have another bank account or debit card to link for the deposit.
  • Most Chase checking accounts have no monthly fee, but some charge a fee if your balance falls below a set amount.
  • You can use a temporary digital card in the Chase app while waiting for your physical debit card to arrive by mail.
  • The whole process typically takes 5 to 10 minutes online, and your account can be ready to use the same day.

Opening an account online through Chase.com

Go to Chase.com and look for the "Open an Account" button, usually near the top of the page. You will be asked to choose which checking account you want — Chase offers several types, and the page will show the features and any monthly fees for each one. Read the fee schedule carefully, as some accounts waive fees only if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.

Once you choose an account type, you will enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and Social Security number. Chase will ask whether you are a U.S. citizen and whether you have had a Chase account before. Answer honestly — if you have had a Chase account that was closed due to unpaid fees or fraud, Chase may decline to open a new one.

Next, you will link a funding source. This is where the money for your initial deposit comes from. You can link a debit card from another bank, a savings account from another bank, or a transfer from an external account. Chase will verify the account by sending two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to that account, which you will then confirm in the Chase app or online.

After verification, your account opens when ready and you can start using it. Your debit card will be mailed to the address you provided and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can use a temporary digital card in the Chase mobile app to make purchases online or in stores using your phone.

Opening an account by phone or in a branch

If you prefer to talk to someone, call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 and say you want to open a checking account. A representative will walk you through the same questions you would answer online: your name, address, Social Security number, and which account type you want. Have your ID ready so you can answer questions about it.

For the funding source, you will need to provide the routing number and account number from another bank account, or you can give your debit card number. The representative will set up the verification deposits just as the online process does.

Opening in a Chase branch is also an option. Bring your government photo ID and Social Security number, and tell the banker you want to open a checking account. They will show you the account options, help you choose, and process the process on a computer in front of you. Your account opens the same day, and you can sometimes get a temporary debit card printed in the branch so you do not have to wait for one by mail.

What happens after you open the account

Your account number and routing number will be available in the Chase app or online as soon as your account opens. You can use these to set up direct deposit with your employer, to transfer money from another bank, or to receive payments from other people. You do not have to wait for your physical debit card to arrive.

If you linked another bank account for the initial deposit, Chase will send two small test deposits to that account within 1 to 2 business days. You will need to log into that other bank's website or app, find those deposits, and confirm the amounts in the Chase app. This step proves you own the other account and prevents fraud.

Once you confirm the test deposits, your account is fully set up and the small deposits are reversed (you do not keep them). If you do not confirm within a certain time, Chase may freeze your account until you do, so check your other bank account within a few days of opening.

Choosing the right Chase checking account for your situation

Chase offers several checking accounts with different features and fees. The Chase Total Checking account has no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or keep a linked savings account with at least $500. If you do not meet any of these, the fee is $12 per month.

The Chase Premier Plus Checking account is designed for people who want more benefits, like higher interest rates and fee waivers. It requires a higher minimum balance and has a higher monthly fee if you do not meet the balance requirement.

If you are under 18, Chase offers Chase First Banking, which has no monthly fee and is designed for young people. It requires a parent or guardian to open it with you.

Read the fee schedule for each account type before you open. The fee schedule is a document that lists every charge Chase can make, when they charge it, and how much it costs. This document is available on Chase.com and will be shown to you before you finish opening the account.

If Chase declines to open your account

Chase uses a system called ChexSystems to check your banking history. If you have unpaid overdraft fees, a history of fraud, or other serious banking problems, Chase may decline to open an account. If this happens, you will receive a letter explaining the reason.

You have the right to see your ChexSystems report for free. Go to ChexSystems.com and request your report. If there is an error on it, you can dispute it directly with ChexSystems. Fixing errors can sometimes allow you to open a Chase account on a second try.

If your report is accurate but you still want a checking account, look for banks that do not use ChexSystems or that are more lenient with banking history. Community banks and credit unions sometimes have different standards than large national banks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money do I need to deposit to open a Chase checking account?

It depends on which account type you choose. Some Chase checking accounts require a $25 minimum deposit; others have no minimum. The account details page on Chase.com will show the minimum for each account type before you open.

Can I open a Chase account if I do not have another bank account?

Yes. Instead of linking another bank account for the initial deposit, you can use a debit card from any bank, or you can go to a Chase branch in person and deposit cash. If you have neither, a Chase banker can help you find another way.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

Chase requires a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open an account. If you have an ITIN, you can use that instead. If you have neither, you will not be able to open a Chase account.

How long does it take to open a Chase checking account?

Online, the whole process takes about 5 to 10 minutes and your account opens the same day. In a branch or by phone, it usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use a digital card in the app right away.

Do I have to use direct deposit to avoid monthly fees?

Not necessarily. On most Chase checking accounts, you can avoid the monthly fee by maintaining a minimum balance or by keeping a linked savings account with a minimum balance. Direct deposit is one way to waive the fee, but it is not the only way.