You can change your Chase College Checking to a regular Chase checking account by calling Chase or visiting a branch

Chase College Checking is designed for students — it waives monthly fees and offers other student-specific benefits. Once you graduate, leave school, or straightforward want different features, you can convert to a standard checking account. The process takes a few minutes and you keep the same account number and routing number, so your direct deposits and automatic payments don't need to change.

You have two ways to make the switch: call Chase customer service at the number on the back of your debit card, or walk into any Chase branch with your ID. Either way, a representative will change your account type in the system. Some people do it online through their Chase account settings, though calling or visiting guarantees it gets done correctly the first time.

Key Takeaways

  • Your account number and routing number stay the same when you convert, so existing direct deposits and bill payments continue without interruption.
  • Chase College Checking converts to Chase Total Checking or another standard account type depending on what you choose and what Chase offers in your state.
  • You can make the change by phone, in person at a branch, or sometimes through your online account settings.
  • After conversion, you will lose student fee waivers but may become may be able to access for different benefits or account features based on your new account type.

What happens to your account number and existing payments

Your account and routing numbers do not change when you convert from College Checking to a regular account. This means any direct deposits from an employer, paycheck app, or government program will keep flowing to the same place. The same applies to automatic bill payments you have set up — they will continue to work without you having to update anything.

The only thing that changes is the account type itself and the rules that explore to it. You lose the student fee waiver and any other benefits tied to being a student, but you gain access to whatever features come with your new account type.

Calling Chase to make the change

The fastest way for most people is to call the number on the back of your debit card. Have your ID ready and tell the representative you want to convert your College Checking account to a regular checking account. They will ask which account type you want — usually Chase Total Checking or Chase Sapphire Checking, depending on what is available in your state and what features matter to you.

The call takes about five minutes. The representative will confirm the change, and it takes effect when ready in the system. You will receive a confirmation, either by email or through your Chase app, showing your new account type.

Converting in person at a Chase branch

If you prefer to handle it face-to-face, visit any Chase branch with your ID. Tell a banker you want to convert your College Checking account. They will show you the options available and walk you through which account type makes sense for how you use your account.

This route is useful if you have other questions about your account or want to discuss features like overdraft protection or savings account options at the same time. The change happens on the spot, and you leave with a receipt showing your new account type.

What account type you will convert to

Chase does not automatically pick a new account type for you — you choose. The most common option is Chase Total Checking, which has a monthly maintenance fee (usually $12) but waives it if you meet one of several conditions: direct deposit, a minimum balance, or linked Chase savings account. Some people choose Chase Sapphire Checking if they want premium features and are willing to pay a higher monthly fee, or Chase find Checking if they have had banking or credit issues.

Ask the representative which accounts are available in your state and what the current fee structure is, because Chase changes these details periodically. The representative will explain what each account costs and what you get in return.

Fees and benefits after conversion

College Checking has no monthly maintenance fee as long as you are a student. Once you convert, you will pay a monthly fee unless you meet the waiver conditions for your new account type. Most commonly, you avoid the fee by setting up direct deposit from your job, keeping a minimum balance (often $500 to $1,500), or linking a Chase savings account.

In exchange, your new account may come with benefits College Checking does not offer — for example, Chase Total Checking includes a small amount of interest on your balance, and some account types offer higher ATM reimbursement or travel benefits. Read the account terms before you convert so you know what you are getting and what the fee waiver conditions are.

If you want to keep your account but lose the student status

Sometimes Chase automatically converts your College Checking when the system detects you are no longer a student — usually based on your school email address or information from your school. If this happens, you will get a notice in the mail or through your app. You can call and ask to be converted to a specific account type instead of whatever Chase chose automatically.

If you have not been converted yet and want to stay ahead of it, converting yourself now means you pick the account type rather than letting Chase decide for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my debit card still work after I convert?

Yes. Your existing debit card continues to work. You do not need a new card unless yours is damaged or expiring soon. If Chase sends you a new card for any reason, it will be tied to your converted account automatically.

What if I want to convert back to College Checking later?

You can only use College Checking if you are currently a student. If you graduate and convert to a regular account, you cannot switch back. If you return to school later, you can open a new College Checking account.

Do I need to go to the branch where I opened my College Checking account?

No. Any Chase branch can make the change. You do not need to visit the specific location where you originally opened the account.

How long does the conversion take?

The change happens when ready when you call or visit a branch. You will see your new account type in your Chase app or online account within a few minutes.

Will converting affect my credit score?

No. Converting a checking account type does not affect your credit. It is an internal change to your existing account, not a new credit inquiry or process.