What you need before you start

Chase requires you to bring or have ready a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit. The ID can be a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, but you do need a valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

The initial deposit amount depends on the account type. Chase checking accounts typically require $25 to open, though some accounts have higher minimums. Savings accounts also start at $25. If you are opening an account online, you can fund it when ready from another bank account you control. If you are opening in a branch, you can deposit cash or a check.

Have your phone number and email address ready. Chase will use these to send you account confirmations and security alerts. If you already have a Chase account, opening a second one is faster because Chase already has your identity information on file.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and at least $25 to open a Chase checking or savings account.
  • You can open an account online in about 10 minutes, in a branch in person, or by phone — all three routes are available and take different amounts of time.
  • Online accounts are funded from another bank account; branch accounts can be funded with cash or check on the spot.
  • Chase will ask you to choose a username and password during setup, and you will receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Opening an account online

Go to chase.com and click "Open an Account" or "Sign Up" in the top navigation. Select the account type you want — Chase Total Checking, Chase Savings, or another product. You will be asked to enter your name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number or ITIN.

Chase will verify your identity by asking security questions based on your credit history. Answer these questions accurately; if you get too many wrong, the online process will stop and you will need to visit a branch or call 1-800-935-9935 to finish opening the account. Once verified, you will set up your username and password, then link a bank account to fund the new Chase account. The transfer usually takes one to two business days to complete.

You will receive a confirmation email when ready. Your debit card ships within 7 to 10 business days. You can start using your account online and through the Chase mobile app right away, even before the card arrives — you can transfer money, set up direct deposit, and pay bills.

Opening an account in a Chase branch

Find your nearest Chase branch at chase.com/locations or by searching "Chase near me." Walk in during business hours with your ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and your initial deposit. You do not need an appointment, though calling ahead can sometimes reduce wait time.

A Chase banker will ask you the same identity questions as the online process — name, address, date of birth, phone, email, and Social Security number. They will verify your ID and run a background check. This takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You can deposit cash or a check at that moment, and your account will be funded when ready.

The banker will give you a temporary debit card on the spot in some branches, or you will receive your permanent card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You will also receive your username and password before you leave, so you can log into your account online that day.

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 as the online and branch processes. They will verify your identity using security questions, then ask how you want to fund the account.

If you fund by phone, you will need to transfer money from another bank account you control. The representative will guide you through linking that account and initiating the transfer. If you prefer to deposit cash or a check, you will need to visit a branch after the account is open.

Your debit card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive your username and password by email or mail, depending on what Chase offers at the time you call.

Choosing between account types

Chase offers several checking and savings products, each with different features and fees. Chase Total Checking is the most common checking account and has no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit. If you do not meet either requirement, the fee is $12 per month.

Chase Savings has a $12 monthly fee if you do not maintain a $500 minimum balance. Interest rates on savings accounts change based on the Federal Reserve rate; check chase.com for the current rate before you open. Chase also offers high-yield savings accounts and money market accounts with higher interest rates but higher minimum balances.

If you are under 18, Chase has a student checking account with no monthly fee and no minimum balance. If you are 65 or older, Chase offers a senior checking account with similar benefits. Ask the banker or representative which account fits your situation.

What happens after you open your account

Once your account is open, you can log into chase.com or the Chase mobile app using your username and password. You will see your account number, routing number, and current balance. You can set up direct deposit by giving your employer your account and routing number — this usually takes one to two pay periods to start.

Your debit card will arrive in the mail with a temporary PIN. You can change this PIN at any Chase ATM or in the mobile app. The card works at any ATM and any merchant that accepts Visa. Chase has over 16,000 ATMs nationwide, so you can withdraw cash without a fee at most locations.

If you need to deposit checks, you can use mobile check deposit in the Chase app — take a photo of the front and back of the check, and it will be deposited into your account. Processing usually takes one to two business days. You can also deposit checks at any Chase branch or ATM.

If you are denied or the online process stops

Chase may deny your account if you have a history of overdrafts or fraud with another bank, or if you fail identity verification. If the online process stops during verification, you will see a message telling you to visit a branch or call. This does not mean you cannot open an account — it means Chase needs to verify your identity in person or over the phone.

Visit a Chase branch with your ID and Social Security number, or call 1-800-935-9935. A representative can complete the verification and open your account. If Chase denies you, ask why — the reason will help you understand whether you can open an account elsewhere or whether the issue can be resolved.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to open a Chase account?

Online takes about 10 minutes if identity verification is automatic. In a branch, plan for 15 to 20 minutes. By phone, allow 20 to 30 minutes. Your debit card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days, but you can use your account online when ready.

Can I open a Chase account without a Social Security number?

No, but you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. An ITIN is issued by the IRS and is available to non-citizens who file taxes. Bring your ITIN documentation to a branch or have it ready when you call.

What if I do not have a government photo ID?

You will need to visit a Chase branch in person. Bring whatever ID you have — a passport, state ID, or tribal ID. If you have no photo ID at all, call 1-800-935-9935 to ask what documents Chase will accept in your situation.

Do I have to keep a minimum balance to avoid fees?

It depends on the account. Chase Total Checking has no fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Chase Savings has a $12 monthly fee unless you keep $500 in the account. Student and senior accounts have no minimum balance requirement.

Can I open multiple Chase accounts at the same time?

Yes. If you already have a Chase account, opening a second one is faster because Chase has your identity information on file. You can open a checking and savings account together, or multiple accounts of the same type if you want to organize your money separately.