What you need before you start

Chase requires specific documents and information before you can open an account. You will need a valid government-issued photo ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number, and a current mailing address. If you are opening an account online, Chase will also ask for your date of birth and a phone number where they can reach you.

You do not need an existing bank account to open one at Chase, and you do not need to bring money with you to start the process. However, you will need to fund the account within a certain timeframe after opening it — Chase typically requires an initial deposit, though the amount varies by account type. Some accounts require $25, others $100 or more.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still open an account using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), though not all account types are available through this route. Call Chase directly at 1-800-935-9935 to ask which accounts accept ITIN.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open a Chase account online, on the phone, or in person at a branch, and the process takes 10 to 15 minutes if you have your ID and Social Security number ready.
  • Chase will run a background check using ChexSystems, a banking history database, and may deny you if you have unpaid overdrafts or fraud flags from other banks.
  • Most Chase checking accounts require a minimum opening deposit, which ranges from $25 to $100 depending on the account type.
  • You can link an external bank account to fund your new Chase account, or deposit cash at a Chase ATM or branch once the account is open.

Opening an account online

The online route is the fastest if you have all your documents ready. Go to chase.com, click "Open an Account," and select the account type you want — Chase offers checking accounts, savings accounts, and money market accounts, each with different features and fee structures. The site will walk you through entering your personal information: name, address, date of birth, phone number, and Social Security number.

Chase will ask you to verify your identity by uploading a photo of your ID. Take a clear picture of both the front and back of your driver's license or passport and upload it through the browser. The system checks this against your personal information to confirm you are who you say you are. This step usually takes a few minutes, though Chase may flag your process for manual review if the photo is unclear or your information does not match their records.

Once your identity is verified, you will choose how to fund the account. You can link an external bank account and transfer money from there, or you can wait until your Chase account is fully open and deposit cash at a branch or ATM. Chase will give you your account number and routing number when ready, even before your debit card arrives.

Opening an account by phone or in person

If you prefer to speak with someone, call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to open an account over the phone. A representative will ask the same questions the online form does: your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth. They will also ask which account type you want and how you plan to fund it. The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Opening an account in person at a Chase branch takes about the same amount of time. Bring your photo ID and Social Security number (or ITIN), and a banker will help you choose an account and complete the paperwork. You can fund the account on the spot by depositing cash or a check, or by linking an external account. If you open in person, you will leave with a temporary debit card that works when ready, and your permanent card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days.

What Chase checks before approving you

Chase runs your information through ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking history across most U.S. banks. ChexSystems records overdrafts, bounced checks, closed accounts due to fraud, and other red flags. If you have unpaid overdraft fees from another bank or a history of fraud, Chase may deny your process or restrict which accounts you can open.

You can request your own ChexSystems report for free at chexsystems.com before you explore to Chase, which gives you a chance to see what flags might be in your file. If there is an error — for example, an overdraft you already paid — you can dispute it with ChexSystems before explore to Chase.

Chase also runs a soft credit check, which does not affect your credit score. This check looks for signs of identity theft or fraud, not your creditworthiness. If you have recently opened many accounts or have active fraud alerts on your credit file, Chase may ask for additional verification.

Funding your new account

Chase requires an initial deposit before your account is fully active, though you can begin the process process without one. The minimum deposit depends on the account type: most basic checking accounts require $25 to $100, while premium accounts may require $500 or more.

You have several ways to fund the account. The easiest is to link an external bank account and transfer money electronically — this usually takes one to two business days. You can also deposit cash at any Chase branch or ATM, which posts when ready. If you have a check, you can deposit it at a branch, through the Chase mobile app (using mobile check deposit), or at an ATM.

If you do not have another bank account and cannot visit a branch, you can ask Chase to mail you a temporary debit card that works at ATMs, then deposit cash at an ATM to fund the account. However, this route takes longer because the card must arrive first.

Your debit card and account access

Once your account is open and funded, Chase will issue you a debit card. If you opened in person at a branch, you may receive a temporary card when ready that works right away. If you opened online or by phone, your permanent debit card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days. You can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or make transfers before the card arrives.

You can access your account through the Chase mobile app or at chase.com using your username and password. Set these up during the account opening process or when ready after. The app lets you check your balance, transfer money, pay bills, and deposit checks by taking a photo.

Chase offers 24/7 customer service at 1-800-935-9935 if you have questions about your new account or need to report a lost or stolen card.

Account types and what they cost

Chase offers several checking and savings accounts with different features and monthly fees. The Chase Total Checking account has no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Without either, the fee is $12 per month. The Chase Sapphire Checking account requires a $500 minimum balance and charges $25 per month if you do not meet it.

Savings accounts at Chase typically charge $5 per month in maintenance fees unless you maintain a minimum balance (usually $300 to $500). Some accounts waive the fee if you set up direct deposit or link a Chase checking account.

Before you open, compare the account types on chase.com to see which one fits your needs and whether you can meet the balance requirements or direct deposit conditions to avoid monthly fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to open a Chase account?

The process itself takes 10 to 15 minutes online, by phone, or in person. Identity verification usually completes within a few minutes, though Chase may take up to one business day if your process is flagged for manual review. Your account is typically ready to use the same day you open it.

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

It depends on why you were denied. If the reason was an unpaid overdraft or fraud flag in ChexSystems, you can request your ChexSystems report, dispute any errors, and wait for the negative item to age off (usually after five years). If you were denied for identity verification issues, gather clearer documents and try again.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can open an account using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Not all account types are available with an ITIN, so call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to ask which accounts you can open and what additional documents you will need to verify your identity.

Do I need to go to a branch to open an account?

No. You can open an account entirely online or by phone without visiting a branch. However, opening in person lets you fund the account when ready and receive a temporary debit card on the spot, which can be faster if you need access to your money right away.

Can I open multiple Chase accounts at once?

Yes. You can open a checking account and a savings account in the same process, or open additional accounts later. There is no limit to how many accounts you can hold at Chase, though each account requires its own minimum balance if one is required for that account type.