What you need to open a Chase account

Chase requires a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and a way to fund the account — either a debit card, another bank account, or cash at a branch. You also need to be at least 18 years old. If you're opening an account online, you'll need an email address and a phone number where Chase can reach you.

The specific documents vary slightly by account type. A basic checking account needs less than a savings account that earns interest. If you're opening a joint account with someone else, both people need to be present (in person or verified online) with their own ID and Social Security number.

Chase does not require a minimum opening deposit for most checking accounts, though some savings products do. You can start with $0 if you're opening online, then fund it when ready or within a few days.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID, Social Security number, and a way to fund the account — either a debit card, another bank account, or cash.
  • Online accounts take about 10 minutes to set up and are active the same day, though transfers from other banks take 1 to 3 business days to arrive.
  • In-branch accounts require an appointment at most Chase locations, and you can fund the account when ready with cash or a debit card.
  • Chase checks your banking history with ChexSystems; if you've had accounts closed for overdrafts or fraud, you may be denied.
  • You can open an account online, by phone, or in person — the fastest route depends on whether you need to deposit cash when ready.

Opening an account online

Go to chase.com and select the account type you want — Chase Total Checking, Chase Savings, or another product. You'll enter your name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. Chase will ask for your driver's license or state ID number and expiration date. You do not upload the ID itself; you just provide the number.

Next, Chase verifies your identity by asking security questions based on your credit history — things like "which of these addresses have you lived at" or "which lender issued your auto loan." Answer correctly and you move forward. If you can't answer enough questions, Chase will ask you to come to a branch in person or call 1-800-935-9935 to complete the account opening by phone with a representative.

Once verified, you choose how to fund the account. You can link a debit card from another bank (the account opens when ready), transfer money from another bank account (takes 1 to 3 business days), or skip funding for now and add money later. The account is active the same day you open it, even if the money hasn't arrived yet.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Find your nearest Chase branch on chase.com and call ahead to schedule an appointment — walk-ins are possible but appointments are faster, especially during busy hours. Bring your government photo ID and Social Security number. You do not need to bring anything else; the banker will handle the rest.

The banker will ask the same questions as the online form: your address, phone, email, and employment status. They'll run a ChexSystems check (a banking history report) and verify your identity. If everything clears, you'll sign documents and choose your account type.

You can fund the account when ready with cash, a debit card, or a check. If you use cash or a debit card, the money appears in your account the same day. The account is active before you leave the branch.

What Chase checks before opening your account

Chase runs your information through ChexSystems, a banking history database that tracks closed accounts, overdrafts, and fraud. If you've had an account closed for negative balance, repeated overdrafts, or suspected fraud, Chase may deny you. The denial is not automatic — it depends on how recent the issue was and how serious it was.

If you're denied, Chase will send you a notice explaining why. You can dispute the information in ChexSystems by contacting them directly at 1-800-428-9623 or chexsystems.com. You have the right to see what's in your report and to correct errors.

Chase also checks your credit report, though a low credit score alone does not disqualify you. The main reason for denial is a negative ChexSystems history, not credit.

Account types and what they cost

Chase Total Checking has no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit. If you don't meet either condition, the fee is $12 per month. There's no minimum opening deposit.

Chase Savings has a $300 minimum balance to avoid a $5 monthly fee. Interest rates vary and are posted on chase.com; they change frequently and are typically low.

Chase also offers Money Market accounts (higher interest, higher minimum balance), CDs (fixed rate for a set term), and business accounts (different requirements). Each has different fees and minimums. Review the current terms on chase.com before opening, as fees and minimums change.

Funding your account after it opens

Once your account is open, you can add money by transferring from another bank, depositing a check through the mobile app, using a Chase ATM, or visiting a branch with cash. Transfers from other banks take 1 to 3 business days. Mobile check deposits clear the same day if you deposit before 9 p.m. ET on a business day. ATM deposits and branch deposits are available when ready.

If you opened online without funding the account, you can link another bank account and transfer money anytime. Chase will ask you to verify the account by confirming two small deposits (usually $0.01 and $0.02) that Chase sends to that account — this takes 1 to 2 business days.

What happens after you open your account

Your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or bill payments when ready, even before the card arrives. Your online banking login is active the same day you open the account.

Chase will send you a welcome package with your account agreement, fee schedule, and routing number. Read the fee schedule carefully — it lists all the ways Chase charges you (overdraft fees, ATM fees outside the Chase network, and others).

You can set up alerts in the Chase mobile app to notify you of low balance, large transactions, or deposits. These are free and help you avoid overdraft fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Chase requires a Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) for all account holders. If you have an ITIN, you can use that instead of an SSN. You'll need to open in person at a branch and bring documentation of your ITIN.

What if Chase denies me because of ChexSystems?

Request the reason in writing from Chase. Then contact ChexSystems to see your report and dispute any errors. If the information is accurate, you can try again in 6 to 12 months, or look into second-chance banking accounts at other banks that don't use ChexSystems as strictly.

Can I open a joint account online?

Yes, but both account holders must be verified. The primary account holder opens the account online, then adds the second person. Chase will send a link to the second person's email to verify their identity. Both people must complete identity verification before the account is fully active.

Do I need a minimum deposit to open a Chase checking account?

No. Chase Total Checking has no minimum opening deposit. You can open with $0 and fund it later. However, if you don't maintain a $500 balance or set up direct deposit, you'll pay a $12 monthly fee.

How long does it take to open a Chase account?

Online accounts take 10 to 15 minutes and are active the same day. In-person accounts take 20 to 30 minutes at a branch. If Chase needs to verify your identity by phone, add 1 to 2 business days.