You can change your Chase checking account type online, by phone, or in person at a branch
Chase lets you switch between its main checking accounts—such as moving from Chase Total Checking to Chase Premier Plus Checking, or downgrading to Chase find Checking—without closing your account or losing your account history. The process takes minutes if you do it online through your Chase account, or you can call the number on the back of your debit card to have a representative handle it over the phone.
The account you switch to must meet Chase's current requirements for that product. For example, some accounts require a minimum opening deposit, and some have monthly maintenance fees that waive only if you maintain a certain balance or set up direct deposit. Before you request the change, confirm that the new account type works for your situation.
Your routing number, account number, and direct deposit details stay the same when you change account types. Scheduled payments and transfers continue without interruption.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your checking account type online through Chase.com, by calling the number on your debit card, or by visiting a Chase branch in person.
- The new account type may have different monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, or direct deposit conditions, so review the terms before you switch.
- Your account number, routing number, and existing transfers or payments do not change when you switch account types.
- If you want to downgrade to a lower-tier account, Chase typically processes the change when ready; upgrades may require a brief review.
- Some account types are not available to all customers—Chase may restrict certain products based on your account history or credit profile.
Changing your account type online through Chase.com
Log into your Chase account on Chase.com or the Chase Mobile app. Go to the account settings or account details section—the exact menu name varies slightly depending on whether you are on desktop or mobile, but it is usually labeled "Account" or "Settings" in the main navigation.
Look for an option that says "Change Account Type," "Switch Accounts," or "Account Products." Click or tap it. Chase will show you a list of checking accounts you are currently may be able to access to switch to, along with the key terms of each: monthly maintenance fee, minimum opening deposit (if any), and conditions that waive the fee, such as direct deposit or maintaining a $500 balance.
Select the account type you want and confirm. Chase will process the change when ready in most cases. You will receive a confirmation email with your new account details and any updated terms. Your debit card remains active and does not need to be replaced unless Chase decides to issue a new one for the new account type—this is rare, but Chase will notify you if it happens.
Changing your account type by phone or in person
Call the customer service number on the back of your Chase debit card. Tell the representative you want to change your checking account type and mention which account you want to switch to. The representative will confirm your may be able to access, review the terms of the new account with you, and process the change over the phone. This usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.
If you prefer to do this in person, visit any Chase branch with your debit card or ID. A banker can show you the available account types, explain the differences, and switch you on the spot. Bring your debit card so the banker can look up your account quickly.
What happens to your existing account features when you switch
Your account number and routing number do not change. Any direct deposits, automatic bill payments, or standing transfers linked to your old account will continue to work without any action on your part. You do not need to notify your employer, creditors, or anyone else that you have switched account types.
Your account history—all past transactions, statements, and balances—stays with your account. You can still view and read old statements after the switch. If you had overdraft protection or linked savings accounts, those connections remain active unless you specifically ask Chase to remove them.
The only thing that may change is your monthly maintenance fee and the conditions under which it is waived. For example, if you switch from Chase Total Checking (which has no monthly fee) to Chase Premier Plus Checking (which has a $25 monthly fee that waives with a $15,000 balance or direct deposit), you will now be subject to that fee unless you meet one of the waiver conditions.
Reasons to downgrade to a lower-tier account
If you no longer use premium features or cannot maintain the balance required to waive fees, downgrading saves money. Chase find Checking has no monthly maintenance fee and no minimum balance requirement, making it the lowest-cost option. Chase Total Checking also has no monthly fee and is the most common choice for everyday banking.
Downgrading is straightforward because you are moving to an account with fewer restrictions and lower costs. Chase processes downgrades when ready, and you will not lose any account features you were already using—you straightforward lose access to perks that came with the higher tier, such as higher interest rates on savings or premium customer service lines.
Reasons to upgrade to a higher-tier account
Higher-tier accounts like Chase Premier Plus Checking and Chase Sapphire Checking offer benefits such as higher interest rates on your checking balance, waived fees for certain services (like wire transfers or cashier's checks), and access to a dedicated customer service line. If you maintain a large balance or want these perks, upgrading may be worth the monthly fee.
Chase may require a brief review before approving an upgrade, especially if you are moving to a premium tier. This review usually takes a few minutes and is done by the representative helping you switch. In rare cases, Chase may deny an upgrade if your account has recent overdrafts or other issues, but this is uncommon for customers in good standing.
What to do if you cannot find the account type you want
Not all Chase checking accounts are available to all customers. Some accounts are restricted based on your account history, credit profile, or the state where you live. If the account you want does not appear in the list of available options when you try to switch online, it means you are not currently may be able to access for it.
Call Chase customer service to ask why a specific account is unavailable to you. A representative can sometimes override restrictions or explain what you would need to do to become may be able to access—for example, maintaining a clean account for 90 days or paying off an overdraft. If the account is straightforward not offered in your state, Chase can tell you which accounts are available as alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my account type affect my credit score?
No. Switching between Chase checking accounts does not trigger a hard inquiry or appear on your credit report. Chase may do a soft pull of your account history to confirm you are may be able to access for the new account type, but this does not affect your credit score.
Do I need to close my old account and open a new one?
No. You are converting your existing account to a different type, not opening a new account. Your account number stays the same, so all your direct deposits and automatic payments continue without interruption.
Can I switch back to my old account type later?
Yes. You can switch back to any account type you were previously may be able to access for, or to any new account type you become may be able to access for. There is no limit on how many times you can change your account type, and Chase does not charge a fee for switching.
What if I have a negative balance or pending overdraft fees?
You can still switch account types, but Chase will not waive any overdraft fees or negative balance as part of the switch. Bring your account to a positive balance first if you want to avoid additional fees on the new account.
How long does it take for the change to take effect?
If you switch online or over the phone, the change is usually effective when ready. If you switch in person at a branch, it takes effect the same day. You will receive a confirmation email within a few minutes.