Chase offers checking accounts with no monthly maintenance fee if you meet one straightforward requirement

Chase's free checking accounts don't charge you a monthly fee as long as you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. The most common option is the Chase Total Checking account, which has no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or have at least one direct deposit per month. If neither of those works for you, Chase also offers Chase find Checking, which is designed for people building or rebuilding their banking history and has different requirements.

You don't need a large opening deposit to start. You can open an account with as little as $25, though you'll need to meet the monthly requirement afterward to avoid the fee. The account comes with a debit card, online banking, and access to Chase's ATM network.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase Total Checking has no monthly fee if you keep $500 in the account or receive one direct deposit per month.
  • You can open an account in person at a Chase branch, online through their website, or by phone, and you need only $25 to start.
  • Chase find Checking is an alternative for people new to banking or returning after a gap, with different balance and deposit requirements.
  • Once your account is open, you can set up direct deposit through your employer to automatically meet the fee waiver requirement.

What you need to bring or have ready

To open a Chase checking account, you'll need a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You'll also need your Social Security number and a current address. If you're opening the account online or by phone, have this information typed or written down before you start.

If you plan to set up direct deposit right away, have your employer's name and your pay stub or offer letter handy. You don't need to have direct deposit set up before opening the account, but having the information ready speeds up the process.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Walk into any Chase branch during business hours with your ID, Social Security number, and current address. Tell the banker you want to open a checking account. They'll ask you which account type you want — Chase Total Checking is the standard free option — and whether you have direct deposit set up. The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

The banker will give you a temporary debit card on the spot, and your permanent card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your account is active when ready, so you can start using it online or at ATMs right away.

Opening an account online

Go to Chase.com and click "Open an Account" or "Checking Accounts." Select Chase Total Checking and follow the prompts. You'll enter your personal information, Social Security number, and address. Chase will ask about your employment and income — this is standard for all banks and helps them comply with federal banking rules.

The online process takes about 10 minutes. Chase will send you a confirmation email, and your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You can start using your account online when ready, but you won't have a physical card until it arrives. If you need cash before then, you can withdraw from any Chase ATM using your account number.

Opening an account by phone

Call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935 and ask to open a checking account. A representative will walk you through the same questions as the online process. Have your ID, Social Security number, and address ready. The call takes about 15 minutes.

You'll receive a confirmation by email, and your debit card ships within 7 to 10 business days. Like the online option, your account is active when ready even though your physical card is in transit.

Meeting the monthly requirement to avoid fees

Once your account is open, you need to do one of two things each month to keep the account free: maintain a $500 minimum balance, or receive at least one direct deposit. Most people find direct deposit easier because it happens automatically once it's set up.

To set up direct deposit, give your employer your Chase account number and routing number. You can find both on the bottom left of your checks, or in the Chase mobile app under account details. Your employer's payroll department will handle the rest. Direct deposits usually arrive on your regular payday, and they count toward the monthly requirement when ready.

If you don't have direct deposit and can't keep $500 in the account, Chase will charge you a $12 monthly maintenance fee. You can remove the fee by setting up direct deposit later, but the fee won't be refunded for past months.

Chase find Checking for people new to banking

If you're opening a bank account for the first time or returning after a long gap, Chase find Checking may be a better fit than Total Checking. This account has no monthly fee if you maintain a $300 minimum balance or set up direct deposit. The balance requirement is lower, which makes it easier to keep the account free.

find Checking comes with the same debit card and online banking as Total Checking. The main difference is that it's designed for people building banking history, so the requirements are gentler. You can switch to Total Checking later once you're comfortable with banking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have money in the account before I open it?

No. You can open a Chase checking account with as little as $25. However, you'll need to meet the monthly requirement — either $500 balance or one direct deposit — to avoid the $12 monthly fee after that.

Can I open an account if I have a bad banking history?

Chase checks ChexSystems, a banking history database, when you open an account. If you've had overdrafts or closed accounts with unpaid balances, you may be declined. If that happens, Chase find Checking is sometimes available to people who don't may have access to for Total Checking. Call 1-800-935-9935 to ask.

How long does it take to get my debit card?

Your temporary card is available when ready if you open in person at a branch. Your permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, whether you open online, by phone, or in person. You can use your account number to withdraw cash from Chase ATMs while you wait.

What if I can't keep $500 in the account?

Set up direct deposit instead. Once your employer sends even one paycheck to your account, the monthly fee is waived. You don't need to keep any balance at all if you have direct deposit.

Can I open more than one checking account?

Yes. You can open multiple Chase checking accounts, and each one has its own monthly requirement. However, having multiple accounts can make budgeting harder, so most people start with one.