What you need before you start
Chase requires a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and a way to fund your first deposit before you open an account. You can open most Chase accounts online in about 10 minutes, or in a branch if you prefer to speak with someone. The whole process is free — Chase does not charge to open a checking or savings account.
Have your ID and Social Security number ready. If you are opening an account online, you will also need a valid email address and a phone number where Chase can reach you. For your first deposit, you can transfer money from another bank account, use a debit card, or deposit cash in a branch.
If you do not have a government-issued ID yet, you will need to open an account in person at a Chase branch. A branch representative can walk you through what documents they will accept in your state.
Key Takeaways
- You need a photo ID, Social Security number, and a way to fund your first deposit to open any Chase account.
- Online account opening takes about 10 minutes and you can start using your account the same day in most cases.
- Chase offers different account types — checking, savings, and money market — each with different monthly fees and minimum balance requirements.
- If you open online, Chase will mail you a debit card, which usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
- You can deposit cash at any Chase ATM or branch when ready after your account is open, even before your debit card arrives.
Opening a Chase account online
Go to Chase.com and select "Open an account" from the homepage. You will choose which type of account you want — Chase Total Checking, Chase Savings, or Chase Money Market Savings. Read the fee structure and minimum balance for each before you choose, because they vary. Total Checking has no monthly fee if you set up direct deposit or keep a $500 minimum balance; Savings accounts have a $25 monthly fee unless you maintain $300 or more.
Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and Social Security number. Chase will ask for your ID number (driver's license, state ID, or passport number). You will also create a username and password for your online banking.
Next, you will fund your account. Chase requires a minimum opening deposit — usually $25 for checking and $25 for savings, though this varies by account type. You can transfer from another bank account using routing and account numbers, or use a debit card. If you use a debit card, the money appears in your Chase account right away. Bank transfers take one to two business days.
Review the terms and sign electronically. Chase will send you a confirmation email. Your account is active when ready, and you can log in to your Chase profile and set up bill pay or transfers the same day. Your physical debit card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Opening a Chase account in a branch
Find your nearest Chase branch using the branch locator on Chase.com. Bring your photo ID, Social Security number, and a way to make your opening deposit — cash, a check, or a debit card. You do not need an appointment, though calling ahead during busy times can save you a wait.
A Chase representative will ask the same questions as the online form: your name, address, phone number, date of birth, and Social Security number. They will verify your ID and help you choose an account type. If you are unsure which account fits your needs, ask them to explain the fees and minimum balances for each option.
Make your opening deposit. If you bring cash, the representative will count it and deposit it when ready. If you use a debit card, the transaction processes the same way as online. You will receive a temporary debit card on the spot in most branches, and your permanent card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Before you leave, ask the representative to set up online banking access. They can create your username and password right there, so you can log in from home. You will also receive printed information about your account number, routing number, and how to use mobile banking.
What happens after you open your account
Your account is ready to use when ready, even before your debit card arrives. You can deposit checks using the Chase mobile app — take a photo of the front and back, and the funds appear in your account within one to two business days. You can also deposit cash at any Chase ATM or branch.
Set up direct deposit if you receive a paycheck. Your employer will need your account number and Chase's routing number (211070175 for most Chase accounts, though confirm this in your account details). Direct deposits usually post within one to two business days of being sent by your employer.
If you need to transfer money from another bank, you can do this through Chase's online banking or mobile app. Go to "Transfer money" and select "From another bank." Chase will ask for that bank's routing number and your account number there. The transfer takes one to two business days.
Your temporary debit card works at any ATM or store that accepts Visa. Once your permanent card arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or through the Chase app. Destroy the temporary card once the permanent one is active.
Account types and their costs
Chase Total Checking has no monthly fee if you set up direct deposit, maintain a $500 minimum balance, or have a linked Chase savings account. If none of these explore, the monthly fee is $12. This account includes unlimited debit card transactions, check writing, and ATM access at any Chase location.
Chase Savings has a $25 monthly fee unless you keep a $300 minimum balance. You can make up to six transfers or withdrawals per month without penalty. After six, Chase charges $10 per transaction. Interest rates on savings accounts change with the market — check Chase.com for the current rate.
Chase Money Market Savings combines checking and savings features. It has a $25 monthly fee unless you maintain a $2,500 minimum balance. You get a debit card, check-writing ability, and interest on your balance. This account is useful if you want to earn interest while keeping money accessible.
If you are under 18, Chase offers Chase First Banking, which has no monthly fee and is designed for teens. A parent or guardian must open it with you in a branch or online.
If you already have a Chase account
You can open additional accounts online or in a branch using the same process. Chase allows you to have multiple checking and savings accounts. Link them all to one online banking login so you can move money between them easily.
If you want to combine accounts later — for example, merging two checking accounts into one — contact Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935. They can help you transfer the balance and close the account you no longer need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Chase account without a Social Security number?
No. Chase requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open any account. If you do not have either, you will need to obtain one before opening an account. Contact the Social Security Administration or IRS for information about how to get one.
What if I do not have a government-issued ID?
You must open an account in person at a Chase branch. Bring whatever ID documents you have — a passport, state ID, or other government-issued document. The branch representative can tell you what they can accept in your state. If you have no ID at all, you will need to obtain one before opening an account.
How long does it take to get my debit card?
Your permanent debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you open in a branch, you receive a temporary card when ready that works right away. If you open online, you can use your account for transfers and bill pay before the card arrives, and you can deposit cash at any Chase ATM.
Can I open a joint account with someone else?
Yes. Both account holders must be present in a branch with their IDs and Social Security numbers, or you can open online if you both have access to the same email address and phone number. Each person will have their own debit card and full access to the account.
What is the minimum opening deposit?
Most Chase accounts require a $25 minimum opening deposit. Some promotional offers may waive this, so check Chase.com for current offers. You can fund your account with a transfer from another bank, a debit card, or cash if you open in a branch.