What you need to open a Chase account
Chase requires a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit to open most accounts. The deposit amount depends on the account type — checking accounts typically start at $0 to $25, while savings accounts may require $0 to $300. You can open an account online, by phone, or in a branch, and the process takes 10 to 15 minutes if you have your documents ready.
You will also need a valid email address and a phone number. If you are opening an account for a minor, a parent or guardian must be present and provide their own ID and Social Security number. Chase will run a background check through ChexSystems, a banking history database, but this does not affect your credit score.
If you do not have a Social Security number, you can open an account with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), though some account types may not be available. Bring your ITIN documentation and passport or other government ID to a branch.
Key Takeaways
- You need a government photo ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and an initial deposit to open a Chase account.
- Chase checks your banking history through ChexSystems, and accounts with negative history may be denied or require a higher deposit.
- Online account opening takes 10 to 15 minutes and you can start using your account the same day, though transfers may take one to two business days to clear.
- Chase offers different account types — checking, savings, and money market — each with different deposit minimums and monthly fees.
- If you have been denied a Chase account, you can ask why and may be able to reapply after six months or open a second-chance account at another bank.
Opening an account online versus in a branch
Online account opening is fastest if you have all your documents. You upload a photo of your ID, enter your Social Security number, choose your account type, and make your initial deposit using a debit card or bank transfer. Chase will send you a confirmation email within minutes, and you can log into your account and set up direct deposit or transfers the same day. Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Opening in a branch takes longer but lets you ask questions and handle complications on the spot. A Chase banker will verify your ID in person, run your background check, and process your deposit when ready. This route is better if you do not have a debit card for the online deposit, if you want to set up a joint account, or if you have been denied before and want to discuss your options. Bring all original documents — copies are not accepted.
Phone account opening is available but less common. Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 and a representative will walk you through the process, though you will still need to upload your ID photo online or visit a branch to complete verification.
What happens if Chase denies your account
Chase denies accounts based on ChexSystems records, which track overdrafts, bounced checks, closed accounts with unpaid balances, and fraud. If you are denied, Chase will send you a letter explaining the reason. You have the right to request your ChexSystems report for free at www.chexsystems.com and dispute any errors on it.
If the denial is accurate, you can reapply after six months. In the meantime, you can open a checking account at a bank that does not use ChexSystems or that offers second-chance accounts — these have higher fees but accept people with banking history issues. Once you have six months of clean banking history elsewhere, Chase may approve you on a second process.
Some Chase branches offer a Chase find Banking account for people with ChexSystems issues, though availability varies by location. Call your local branch to ask whether it is available in your area.
Account types and what each costs
Chase offers three main personal checking and savings options. Chase Total Checking has no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance, receive direct deposit, or have a Chase credit card. If none of those explore, the fee is $12 per month. Chase Savings has no monthly fee and earns interest, though the rate changes with the market. Chase Money Market combines checking and savings features, requires a $2,500 minimum balance, and earns higher interest on larger balances.
All accounts include online and mobile banking, bill pay, and access to Chase's 4,700 branches and 16,000 ATMs nationwide. Debit cards are free. Overdraft fees are $35 per transaction, and there is no limit to how many overdraft fees you can incur in a day — this is important to understand before you link your account to automatic payments.
Chase also offers student checking with no monthly fee for people under 25 with a .edu email address, and senior checking for people 65 and older. Both have the same features as Total Checking but waive some fees.
Setting up direct deposit and transfers after opening
Once your account is open, you can set up direct deposit when ready through the Chase mobile app or online banking. You will need your routing number (011000015 for most Chase accounts) and your account number, which you can find in the app. Give this information to your employer's payroll department, and your paycheck will deposit automatically on payday — usually one to two business days before you would receive a paper check.
You can also transfer money from another bank account to fund your Chase account. External transfers take one to two business days to clear. If you need money faster, use a debit card to make a deposit at a Chase ATM or branch, which posts when ready. Some Chase ATMs accept cash deposits 24 hours a day.
If you are moving money from another bank, that bank may charge a fee for the outgoing transfer. Chase does not charge for incoming transfers. Check your other bank's fee schedule before you move a large balance.
Documents to bring or upload
| Document | Why Chase needs it | Acceptable forms |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID | Verify your identity | Driver's license, passport, state ID card, military ID |
| Social Security number | Tax reporting and fraud prevention | Your SSN or ITIN if you do not have an SSN |
| Initial deposit | Fund your account | Debit card, bank transfer, or cash at a branch |
| Email and phone | Account access and security | Any working email and phone number |
| Parent/guardian ID (minors only) | Verify authority to open account | Photo ID and Social Security number |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Chase account if I have been denied before?
Yes, but only after six months have passed since the denial. Request your ChexSystems report to see what caused the denial, and dispute any errors. If the information is accurate, wait six months and reapply. In the meantime, open an account elsewhere to build clean banking history, which improves your chances on the second process.
What is the minimum deposit to open a Chase account?
Most Chase checking accounts require $0 to $25 to open. Savings accounts typically require $0 to $300. Money Market accounts require $2,500. Check the current requirements on Chase's website, as they change occasionally. You can make the deposit with a debit card online or with cash at a branch.
How long does it take to use my Chase account after opening?
You can log in and use your account the same day you open it online or in a branch. Transfers from other banks take one to two business days to clear. Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use your account number for direct deposit or bill pay when ready.
Do I need a minimum balance to avoid monthly fees?
It depends on the account type. Chase Total Checking waives the $12 monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance, receive direct deposit, or have a Chase credit card. Savings accounts have no monthly fee. Money Market accounts require a $2,500 minimum balance. Check your specific account terms in the app or online banking.
What happens if my account goes negative?
Chase charges a $35 overdraft fee for each transaction that overdraws your account. There is no daily limit on overdraft fees, so multiple transactions in one day can result in multiple fees. You can set up overdraft protection by linking a savings account or credit card, which prevents overdrafts but may charge a transfer fee instead.