What You Need to Open a Chase Account

Chase requires five things before you can open an account: a government-issued ID, your Social Security number, your date of birth, an initial deposit (usually $25 minimum for checking), and a way to fund that deposit—either a debit card, another bank account, or cash at a branch. You do not need perfect credit or a checking history elsewhere. Chase will pull your banking history through ChexSystems, a system that tracks closed accounts and fraud, but a negative mark there does not automatically disqualify you.

You can open an account online, on the Chase mobile app, or in person at a branch. Online and app openings take about 10 minutes and you can start using the account the same day for some transactions. In-branch openings take longer but let you ask questions and hand over cash for your deposit when ready.

Chase has different account types—checking, savings, money market accounts—with different minimum balances and monthly fees. The most common choice is the Chase Total Checking account, which has no monthly fee if you set up direct deposit, maintain a $500 minimum balance, or keep an average daily balance of $1,500. If none of those explore, the monthly fee is $12.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit of at least $25 to open any Chase account.
  • Online and app openings are fastest and take about 10 minutes, while branch openings let you deposit cash when ready and ask questions.
  • Chase Total Checking has no monthly fee if you set up direct deposit, keep a $500 minimum balance, or maintain an average daily balance of $1,500.
  • Chase will check your banking history through ChexSystems, but a negative mark does not automatically prevent you from opening an account.
  • You can use your account for most transactions the same day you open it, though some features like debit card ordering may take a few business days.

Opening an Account Online or Through the Chase App

Go to chase.com or open the Chase mobile app and select "Open an Account." You will be asked to choose your account type—checking, savings, or money market—and then enter your personal information: name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and employment status. Have your ID ready to take a photo of it or verify the information matches what Chase has on file.

Next, you will choose how to fund your initial deposit. You can link a debit card from another bank, provide another bank account number for an electronic transfer, or choose to deposit cash at a Chase ATM or branch later. If you use a debit card or bank transfer, the deposit posts when ready and your account is ready to use. If you choose to deposit cash later, your account opens but you will need to complete the deposit within a set timeframe.

Once you finish, Chase sends you a confirmation email with your account number. Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can request expedited delivery for a fee, or you can use your account number to set up transfers and bill pay before the card arrives.

Opening an Account in Person at a Chase Branch

Bring your government ID, Social Security card (or know your number), and a way to fund your deposit—a debit card, checkbook, or cash. A Chase representative will walk you through the account type options and help you choose based on how you plan to use the account. They will verify your identity, pull your ChexSystems report, and ask about your employment and income.

You can hand over cash, a check, or use a debit card to fund your deposit right there. If you use a debit card, the deposit posts when ready. If you deposit cash or a check, it may take one business day to clear. The representative will give you a temporary debit card number you can use right away, and your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

In-branch openings usually take 20 to 30 minutes. This route is useful if you want to ask about account features, discuss fee waivers, or if you have a complicated banking history and want to talk through it with someone before explore.

What Happens If Chase Denies Your Account

Chase can deny an account if ChexSystems shows you committed fraud, wrote bad checks repeatedly, or have an unresolved dispute with another bank. You can also be denied if you have an outstanding negative balance at another bank that you have not paid. Chase will send you a letter explaining the reason if they deny you.

If you are denied, you have the right to request a copy of your ChexSystems report for free. Go to chexsystems.com or call 1-800-428-9623 to order your report. If there is an error on it—a closed account listed as fraud when it was not, or a dispute that was already resolved—you can dispute it directly with ChexSystems. Correcting errors can take 30 to 45 days.

While you wait for corrections, you can open an account at a bank that does not use ChexSystems or uses it less strictly, such as a credit union or a second-chance banking program. Once your ChexSystems report is corrected, you can reapply to Chase.

Monthly Fees and How to Avoid Them

Chase Total Checking costs $12 per month unless you meet one of three conditions: set up direct deposit of any amount, keep a minimum balance of $500, or maintain an average daily balance of $1,500 over the month. Most people avoid the fee through direct deposit—if your employer or a government benefit deposits into your account, you are covered.

If you do not have direct deposit, the $500 minimum balance is the easiest path. You do not have to keep $500 in the account at all times; Chase looks at your balance on the last day of each month. If it is $500 or more on that day, no fee. If it drops below $500 on the last day, you are charged $12 for the month.

Chase also offers Chase find Banking, designed for people with banking history issues. It has a $4.95 monthly fee, no minimum balance, and comes with a debit card and online banking. It does not offer overdraft protection, so transactions decline if your balance is too low. This account does not report to credit bureaus, so it will not help you build credit, but it lets you use Chase services while you rebuild your banking history.

Using Your Account Before Your Debit Card Arrives

Your debit card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. While you wait, you can still use your account. Set up bill pay through Chase's website or app to pay bills from your account. You can transfer money to other accounts you own using the transfer feature. You can also receive direct deposits and transfers from other people.

If you need to withdraw cash before your card arrives, go to any Chase ATM and use your account number and PIN (which Chase provides when you open the account) to withdraw. You can also visit a Chase branch and withdraw cash over the counter with your ID.

If you need a debit card faster, call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 and ask about expedited card delivery. There is usually a fee of $10 to $15, and the card arrives in 2 to 3 business days instead of 7 to 10.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a credit card to open a Chase checking account?

No. A checking account and a credit card are separate products. You can open a checking account with no credit history and no credit card. Chase will not check your credit score for a checking account; they check ChexSystems instead, which tracks banking behavior, not credit behavior.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

Chase requires a Social Security number or an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) to open an account. If you have an ITIN, you can use that instead. If you have neither, you will not be able to open a Chase account, but you may be able to open an account at a credit union or a bank that serves immigrants or undocumented residents.

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

Yes, if the reason you were denied has changed. If you were denied because of ChexSystems issues, wait for those to be resolved or corrected, then reapply. If you were denied for a different reason—like an unresolved negative balance—pay that balance first, then reapply. Chase does not have a permanent ban; you can try again once the underlying issue is fixed.

How long does it take to receive my first debit card?

Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. Expedited delivery costs $10 to $15 and takes 2 to 3 business days. You can use your account before the card arrives by withdrawing at ATMs, visiting a branch, or using bill pay and transfers online.

What is the difference between Chase Total Checking and Chase find Banking?

Chase Total Checking is the standard account with overdraft protection, a $12 monthly fee (waived with direct deposit or a $500 balance), and full features. Chase find Banking is for people rebuilding banking history, costs $4.95 per month with no minimum balance, has no overdraft protection, and does not report to credit bureaus. Choose find Banking if you have ChexSystems issues; choose Total Checking if you have clean banking history.