What you need to open a Chase account online

You can open most Chase checking and savings accounts entirely online without visiting a branch. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes and requires a few pieces of information: a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and a way to fund the account with an initial deposit.

Chase offers different account types online, each with different features and minimum balance requirements. The most common are Chase Total Checking (which has no monthly fee if you meet one of several conditions) and Chase Savings (a basic savings account). Some accounts require a minimum opening deposit—typically $25 to $100—though this varies by account type and your location.

You'll need either a computer or smartphone with internet access. Chase's website and mobile app both let you start an account, and you can finish on whichever device works best for you. You don't need to be a current Chase customer, and you don't need to have a Chase branch near you—online accounts work the same way whether you live in a city with dozens of branches or in a rural area.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid government ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit of $25 to $100 to open a Chase account online.
  • The entire process takes 10 to 15 minutes and can be completed on a computer or smartphone without visiting a branch.
  • Chase will verify your identity by asking questions about your financial history, and you may need to confirm your identity through a video call if you're a new customer.
  • Your account number and routing number are available when ready after approval, but it can take one to three business days for your debit card to be ordered and several more days to arrive by mail.
  • You can start using your account to receive direct deposits or transfers right away, even before your physical debit card arrives.

The online account opening process

Start by going to Chase.com or opening the Chase mobile app. Look for a button that says "Open an Account" or "get your free guide"—it's usually near the top of the page. You'll be asked to choose which type of account you want: checking, savings, or both. Read the details of each account type, since they have different features and fee structures.

Next, you'll enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. Chase will ask for your Social Security number at this stage. You'll also create a username and password for your online banking account. Make sure your password is strong—use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

Chase will then ask you to verify your identity. If you're opening your first account with Chase, you may be asked security questions based on your credit history—things like "Which of these addresses have you lived at?" or "Which of these credit cards have you held?" These questions help Chase confirm you are who you say you are. Answer based on your actual history, not what you think the answer should be.

After you answer the identity questions, Chase may ask you to verify your identity through a video call. This is a real person (or sometimes an automated system) who will ask you to show your ID to the camera and answer a few questions. This step usually takes less than five minutes. If you're not comfortable doing a video call at that moment, you can usually schedule it for later.

Funding your new account

Once your identity is verified, you'll need to make an initial deposit. Chase requires a minimum opening deposit that varies by account type—usually $25 for checking and $25 for savings, though some accounts may require more. You have several ways to fund the account:

  • Transfer from another bank account you own (this is the fastest method and usually clears within one to two business days)
  • Wire transfer from another bank (faster but may have a fee at your other bank)
  • Mobile check deposit (if you already have a Chase account, you can deposit a check through the app)
  • Mail a check to Chase (slowest method, takes one to two weeks)

If you transfer from another bank account, you'll need to provide that bank's routing number and your account number at that bank. Chase will walk you through this step. The money usually arrives within one to two business days, though it can sometimes take longer depending on your other bank.

What happens after you submit

Once you've completed all the steps and made your initial deposit, Chase will tell you whether your account has been approved. Most people get approval when ready or within a few minutes. You'll see your new Chase account number and routing number right away—you can use these to set up direct deposits or transfers even before your physical debit card arrives.

Chase will order a debit card for you automatically. The card is mailed to the address you provided during signup. Delivery usually takes five to seven business days, though it can be longer depending on where you live. While you wait for the card, you can still use your account: you can receive direct deposits, transfer money between accounts, pay bills online, and send money to other people through Chase's digital payment tools.

You'll receive an email confirmation with your account details and a temporary password. Check this email carefully and save it—it contains important information you may need later. If you don't see the confirmation email within a few minutes, check your spam or junk folder.

Setting up online and mobile banking

After your account is open, you can log into Chase.com or the Chase mobile app using the username and password you created during signup. Your first login may ask you to set up additional security features, such as a PIN or biometric login (fingerprint or face recognition on your phone).

Take a few minutes to explore the app or website. You can see your account balance, view transactions, set up alerts (like a notification when your balance drops below a certain amount), and link other bank accounts if you want to transfer money between them. Most of these features are free.

If you plan to receive a paycheck through direct deposit, you'll need your routing number and account number. Your employer or payroll department will ask for these. You can find them in the app or on your Chase statements once your account is active.

Common reasons accounts are delayed or declined

Most Chase accounts are approved within minutes, but some take longer or are not approved. The most common reasons are identity verification issues, a mismatch between the information you entered and what Chase's systems show, or a flag in your banking history (such as a previous account closure or unpaid fees at another bank).

If your account is not approved when ready, Chase will usually tell you why and what you can do next. You may be asked to call Chase or visit a branch in person with your ID. If you're asked to call, have your ID ready and be prepared to answer questions about your personal history and the information you entered online.

If you have a history of overdrafts, unpaid fees, or accounts closed by banks, approval may take longer or may not happen online. In these cases, visiting a Chase branch with your ID and speaking to a banker in person often works better than trying online.

Using your account before your debit card arrives

Your debit card is useful but not necessary to use your account. While you're waiting for it to arrive, you can do almost everything a debit card lets you do:

  • Receive direct deposits from your employer or government benefits
  • Transfer money to other people's bank accounts using Chase's digital payment system
  • Pay bills online through Chase's bill pay feature
  • Withdraw cash at any Chase ATM using your account number and PIN
  • Link your account to payment apps like Venmo, PayPal, or Apple Pay (once your card arrives, you can add it to these apps)

To withdraw cash at an ATM before your card arrives, you'll need to set up a PIN in the Chase app or online banking. Once you have a PIN, you can use it at any Chase ATM. Some Chase branches will also let you withdraw cash at the teller window if you show your ID and can verify your account information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase account if I don't have a Social Security number?

Chase requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open an account. If you don't have either, you'll need to visit a Chase branch in person and speak with a banker about your options. Some branches may be able to help you, but policies vary by location.

What if the identity verification questions seem wrong or I don't remember the answers?

Answer based on what you actually remember, not what you think the answer should be. If you get the answers wrong, Chase may ask you to verify your identity through a video call instead. If you're having trouble, you can also visit a Chase branch with your ID to open an account in person.

How long does it take to receive my debit card?

Chase usually mails debit cards within one to two business days of account approval, and delivery takes five to seven business days. In some cases, especially during high-volume periods, it can take up to two weeks. You can use your account and withdraw cash at ATMs while you wait.

Can I open a Chase account if I've had problems with banks before?

It depends on what happened. If you had an account closed due to unpaid fees or fraud, Chase may decline your online process. In this case, visiting a branch in person with your ID and explaining your situation to a banker sometimes works better. Be honest about what happened and what's changed since then.

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

Chase checking accounts have no monthly fee if you meet one of several conditions, such as maintaining a minimum balance, setting up direct deposit, or having a Chase credit card. Savings accounts typically have no monthly fee regardless of balance. Check the account details when you open to see which option works best for you.