What you need to open a Chase account

Chase requires you to bring a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit before you can open an account. The deposit amount depends on the account type — checking accounts typically start at $0, while savings accounts may require $25 or more. You can open an account in person at a Chase branch, online through their website, or by phone.

If you do not have a Social Security number, Chase will accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You will also need a current address, which Chase verifies against public records or accepts with a recent utility bill or lease if verification fails.

Chase does not require a minimum balance to open most checking accounts, but some account types do charge monthly fees if you fall below a threshold. The fee is waived if you set up direct deposit, maintain a minimum balance, or meet other conditions depending on the account tier.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a photo ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and proof of address to open any Chase account.
  • Most Chase checking accounts have no minimum deposit to open, but some savings products require $25 or more.
  • You can open an account online in minutes, at a branch in person, or by calling Chase directly.
  • Chase will run a ChexSystems check to verify your banking history, and you may be denied if you have unpaid overdrafts or fraud flags from other banks.
  • Your account is active when ready after opening, though debit cards and checks arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Opening an account online

The online route is the fastest. Go to chase.com, click "Open an Account," and select the account type you want — Chase Total Checking, Chase Savings, or another product. You will enter your name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. Chase will ask for your Social Security number and verify your identity by asking security questions based on your credit history.

After identity verification, you will choose a username and password, set up online banking access, and link a funding source. You can transfer money from another bank account to fund your new Chase account, or you can skip the initial deposit if the account type allows it. Chase will display your account number and routing number on screen when ready, though your debit card and checks will arrive separately by mail.

The entire process takes 10 to 15 minutes. Your account is open and usable for transfers and bill pay the same day, but you cannot use the debit card until it arrives. If Chase cannot verify your identity online, they will ask you to visit a branch or call to complete the account opening.

Opening an account at a Chase branch

Walk into any Chase branch with your photo ID, Social Security number, and proof of address. A banker will ask you which account type you want and answer questions about your banking needs. They will run a ChexSystems check — a report of your banking history at other institutions — while you wait. This check takes a few minutes and shows whether you have unpaid overdrafts, fraud flags, or other issues that might disqualify you.

If the check clears, the banker will complete the account opening on their computer while you are there. You will sign documents, choose a username and password for online banking, and decide whether to order a debit card. The banker will give you your account number and routing number on a receipt before you leave. Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and checks take 10 to 14 days.

The in-person process takes 20 to 30 minutes. Your account is active when ready, and you can use it for transfers and bill pay the same day. Some branches offer expedited debit card delivery for an extra fee, usually $15 to $25, if you need the card sooner.

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 process — name, address, Social Security number, date of birth, and employment information. They will verify your identity by asking security questions based on your credit file, then run a ChexSystems check.

Once verified, the representative will assign you an account number, set up online banking, and ask how you want to fund the account. You can authorize a transfer from another bank, or you can mail a check to Chase. The representative will mail your debit card and checks to your address on file. This process takes 15 to 20 minutes.

Phone opening is useful if you cannot visit a branch or prefer not to use the website. Your account is active the same day, though you will not have a debit card until it arrives by mail. If you need to deposit cash or checks before the card arrives, you can visit a Chase branch and ask a teller to process the deposit to your new account.

What happens after you open the account

Your account number and routing number are active when ready, which means you can receive direct deposits, set up bill pay, and transfer money from other banks right away. Your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. When it arrives, you will need to set up it by calling the number on the back of the card or using the Chase mobile app.

Checks take 10 to 14 business days to arrive. If you need to write a check before they arrive, you can visit a branch and ask a teller to issue a counter check — a temporary check drawn on your account that works the same way as a regular check.

Chase will send you a welcome packet by mail with your account agreement, fee schedule, and other disclosures. Read the fee schedule carefully — it shows what you will be charged for overdrafts, wire transfers, and other services. If you set up direct deposit within 60 days of opening, some Chase accounts waive the monthly service fee for the first year.

Why Chase might deny your account

Chase uses ChexSystems, a banking history report, to decide whether to open your account. If you have unpaid overdrafts from another bank, a history of fraud, or multiple accounts closed for cause, Chase may deny you. You cannot see your ChexSystems report unless you request it, but you can ask Chase why they denied you — they are required to tell you.

If you are denied, you have the right to dispute inaccurate information on your ChexSystems report. You can request your report for free at chexsystems.com and file a dispute if something is wrong. Fixing errors can take 30 to 60 days, after which you can reapply to Chase.

Chase also denies accounts if they cannot verify your identity — for example, if your name does not match public records or if you provide conflicting information. If this happens, visit a branch in person with your ID and proof of address, and a banker can often complete the account opening manually.

Account types and what they cost

Chase offers several account types, each with different features and fees. Chase Total Checking has no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or keep a linked savings account with $300. If you do not meet any of these, the fee is $12 per month.

Chase Savings has a $25 minimum deposit to open and charges $5 per month if your balance falls below $300. The fee is waived if you maintain the minimum or set up direct deposit. Chase also offers high-yield savings accounts with higher interest rates but the same minimum balance requirements.

Money Market accounts require a higher minimum balance — usually $2,500 — and charge higher fees if you fall below it. These accounts pay interest on your balance and allow you to write checks, making them a hybrid between checking and savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase account if I have been denied before?

Yes. If Chase denied you in the past, the reason was likely a ChexSystems issue — unpaid overdrafts or fraud flags. You can request your ChexSystems report for free, dispute any errors, and reapply after 30 to 60 days. If the denial was due to identity verification, bring your ID and proof of address to a branch and ask a banker to open the account in person.

Do I need to deposit money when I open the account?

Most Chase checking accounts require no deposit to open. Savings accounts and Money Market accounts do require a minimum deposit — usually $25 to $2,500 depending on the type. You can fund the account with a transfer from another bank, a check by mail, or cash at a branch.

How long does it take to receive my debit card?

Debit cards arrive in 7 to 10 business days by mail. Some Chase branches offer expedited delivery for $15 to $25, which can reduce the wait to 2 to 3 business days. You can also visit a branch and ask a teller to issue a temporary card while you wait for the permanent one.

What is the routing number and account number used for?

Your routing number identifies Chase as your bank and is the same for all Chase customers in your region. Your account number identifies your specific account. Together, they allow employers to set up direct deposit, creditors to collect payments, and other banks to transfer money to you.

Can I open a joint account with someone else?

Yes. Both account holders must be present in person or complete the online process together. Each person will need their own photo ID, Social Security number, and proof of address. Both names appear on the account, and both people can access the account and make withdrawals.