What you need to open a Chase checking account

You can open a Chase checking account online, by phone, or in person at a branch. The process takes about 10 minutes online and requires a few pieces of information: a valid government ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and an initial deposit. Chase does not require a minimum opening deposit for most checking accounts, though some accounts have monthly maintenance fees that you can avoid by keeping a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit.

If you are opening online, you will need an email address and a phone number where Chase can reach you. If you open in a branch, bring your ID and the payment method you want to use for your initial deposit — a debit card, another bank account, or cash.

Chase offers several checking account types. The most common are Chase Total Checking (which has a $12 monthly fee waived if you maintain a $500 balance or set up direct deposit) and Chase Premier Plus Checking (which requires a higher balance but offers more features). Read the fee schedule for whichever account type interests you before you start, because fees and balance requirements vary.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid government ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit to open a Chase checking account online or in person.
  • Most Chase checking accounts have monthly fees that are waived if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit from your employer.
  • Online opening takes about 10 minutes and you can start using your account the same day; in-branch opening is when ready.
  • Chase will verify your identity and check your banking history through ChexSystems, a system that tracks account closures and fraud.

Opening a Chase checking account online

Go to Chase.com and select "Open an account" from the homepage. You will be asked to choose which account type you want and whether you are a new customer or an existing Chase customer. If you are new, the system will ask for your email, phone number, date of birth, and address. Enter your Social Security number when prompted.

Next, Chase will ask you to verify your identity. You can do this by uploading a photo of your ID (front and back) or by answering security questions based on your credit history. The photo upload is usually faster. Once your identity is verified, you will choose a username and password, set up security questions, and review the account terms.

At the end, you will be asked for your initial deposit method. You can link an external bank account and transfer money, use a debit card, or wire funds. If you link another account, the transfer takes one to two business days. Your Chase account number and routing number will be ready to use when ready, even if your initial deposit has not cleared yet.

Opening a Chase checking account in person

Visit a Chase branch near you with your government ID and the payment method for your initial deposit. A banker will walk you through the account setup, which takes 15 to 30 minutes. They will verify your identity by scanning your ID, ask for your Social Security number, and run a ChexSystems check (a background check for banking history).

You will review the account terms and fee schedule on a tablet or computer, choose your account type, and decide on your initial deposit amount. The banker can accept cash, a check, or a transfer from another account. Your debit card will be ordered during the appointment and arrive in five to seven business days. You will receive temporary access to your account that day so you can start using online banking and mobile banking when ready.

If you want to deposit checks or withdraw cash before your debit card arrives, you can use the branch ATM or ask the banker for a temporary withdrawal slip.

What Chase checks before approving your account

Chase runs your information through ChexSystems, a national database that tracks closed bank accounts, overdrafts, and fraud. If you have been flagged in ChexSystems for unpaid overdrafts, multiple closed accounts, or fraud, Chase may deny your process or require you to pay outstanding balances first.

Chase also checks your credit report, though a poor credit score alone will not disqualify you. If you have recent fraud or identity theft on your record, Chase may ask for additional verification or deny the account. If your process is denied, Chase will send you a letter explaining why within five to seven business days.

If you have been denied by Chase in the past due to ChexSystems issues, you can request your ChexSystems report for free at ChexSystems.com. You may be able to dispute inaccurate information or pay off old balances to improve your record before explore again.

Fees and balance requirements

Chase Total Checking has a $12 monthly maintenance fee, which is waived if you maintain a $500 minimum daily balance, set up direct deposit, or are under 18. Chase Premier Plus Checking has a $25 monthly fee, waived with a $15,000 minimum balance or direct deposit. Chase Student Checking has no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement if you are a full-time student under 25.

Both accounts charge $3 for out-of-network ATM withdrawals (though Chase reimburses ATM fees charged by other banks). Overdraft fees are $35 per transaction if you overdraw your account. Chase offers overdraft protection, which links your checking account to a savings account or credit card and automatically transfers money to cover overdrafts, though this may trigger a transfer fee depending on your account type.

Review the current fee schedule on Chase.com before opening, because fees change and vary by account type and state.

Using your account after opening

Once your account is open, you can log into Chase.com or the Chase mobile app using your username and password. You can transfer money between accounts, set up bill pay, deposit checks by taking a photo with your phone, and view your transaction history. Your routing number is 021000021 (for most Chase accounts), and your account number appears in your online banking dashboard.

Your debit card will arrive in five to seven business days if you opened online, or in the same timeframe if you opened in a branch. You can request expedited shipping for an extra fee. Until your card arrives, you can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or transfer money electronically.

If you need to deposit cash before your debit card arrives, visit a Chase branch or use a Chase ATM. You can also set up mobile check deposit through the app, which lets you photograph checks and deposit them without visiting a branch.

What to do if your process is denied

If Chase denies your account process, you will receive a letter within five to seven business days explaining the reason. Common reasons include ChexSystems issues (unpaid overdrafts or fraud), an address that does not match your ID, or a Social Security number mismatch.

If the denial is due to ChexSystems, request your report at ChexSystems.com and dispute any inaccurate information. If you have unpaid overdrafts from a previous account, contact that bank and ask what it would take to settle the debt. Some banks will remove the ChexSystems flag once you pay what you owe.

If the denial is due to an address or identity mismatch, gather documents that show your current address (a utility bill or lease) and reapply in person at a branch with your ID and proof of address. If you are denied again, you may need to wait 30 to 90 days before reapplying, depending on Chase's policy at the time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase checking account if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. Chase requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open any account. If you have an ITIN, you can open an account in person at a branch with your ITIN, passport, and proof of address.

How long does it take to get my debit card?

Standard delivery is five to seven business days. If you open in a branch, the card is ordered during your appointment. If you open online, the card is ordered after your identity is verified. You can request expedited shipping for a fee, which usually arrives in two to three business days.

Can I use my account before my debit card arrives?

Yes. You can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit, transfer money electronically, or pay bills online. You can also deposit checks using mobile check deposit through the Chase app. You cannot withdraw cash or make in-person purchases until your debit card arrives.

What is the minimum opening deposit?

Chase does not require a minimum opening deposit for most checking accounts. You can open an account with $0 and deposit money later. However, some accounts have monthly fees that are waived only if you maintain a minimum balance, so check the fee schedule for your account type.

What happens if I close my Chase account soon after opening it?

Chase may flag your account in ChexSystems if you close it within a short time, especially if you have overdrafts or unpaid fees. This can make it harder to open accounts at other banks. If you need to close your account, pay any outstanding fees or overdrafts first and give Chase written notice.