You can open most Chase accounts online in one sitting, but you need an ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit ready before you start

Chase lets you open a checking or savings account through their website or mobile app without visiting a branch. The process takes about 15 minutes if you have the right documents. You'll need a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and a way to fund the account — either a debit card from another bank or a transfer from an existing account.

The account opens when ready after you complete the online steps, though some verification can take a few hours. You can start using your account right away through Chase's mobile app or website, but your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need a card faster, you can pick one up at a Chase branch the same day.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid government ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit source before starting the online process.
  • The account opens when ready after you finish the online steps, and you can use it through the app or website right away.
  • Your physical debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days, but you can get one same-day at a Chase branch if you need it sooner.
  • Chase offers different account types with different minimum balances and monthly fees, so choose the one that matches how you plan to use it.
  • If you already have a Chase account, opening a second one online takes even less time because Chase already has your information on file.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you open your browser. You'll need a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID. Chase will ask you to verify your identity by answering questions about your ID, so have it in front of you. You also need your Social Security number and your date of birth.

For the initial deposit, you have two options. You can use a debit card from another bank to fund the account (Visa, Mastercard, or Discover), or you can transfer money from an existing bank account using your routing and account numbers. The minimum deposit varies by account type — some Chase accounts require $25, others require $100 or more. Check which account type you want before you start so you know what to deposit.

If you're opening an account as a minor (under 18), a parent or guardian must be present and will need to provide their own ID and Social Security number. Chase will set up a joint account with the adult as the primary account holder.

The step-by-step process

Go to Chase.com or open the Chase mobile app and look for "Open an account" or "New account" — the button is usually on the homepage. Select the account type you want: Chase Total Checking, Chase Savings, or another product. Read the account details so you understand the monthly fee (if any) and minimum balance requirements.

Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, email address, and phone number. Chase will ask for your current address and whether you're a U.S. citizen. Answer honestly — Chase uses this information for fraud prevention and regulatory reasons.

Next, Chase verifies your identity by asking questions about your ID. This usually takes 2 to 3 minutes. You'll answer multiple-choice questions like "Which of these addresses have you lived at?" or "Which of these is your middle name?" based on information from your ID and credit history. Get these right and you move forward when ready.

Then you'll set up your online login credentials: username and password. Chase will send a verification code to your email or phone — enter it to confirm. Finally, fund your account using either a debit card or a bank transfer. Review the account agreement, agree to the terms, and submit. Your account opens right away.

What happens after you submit

Your account is active when ready. You can log in to Chase.com or the mobile app and see your account number, routing number, and balance. You can set up direct deposit, transfer money, pay bills, and send money to other people through Zelle right away — all without a physical card.

Your debit card ships within 1 to 2 business days and arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You'll get an email and text when it ships. If you need a card faster, visit any Chase branch with your ID and account number, and they can issue you a temporary card on the spot or order an expedited card.

Chase may place a temporary hold on your initial deposit for 1 to 2 business days while they verify the funding source. This is normal and doesn't affect your ability to use the account. If you funded the account with a debit card, the charge appears on that card's statement as a pending transaction until it clears.

Account types and what they cost

Chase offers several checking and savings accounts online. Chase Total Checking is the most common option — it has no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance, get direct deposit, or have a linked savings account with at least $300. If you don't meet any of those, the fee is $12 per month.

Chase Savings earns interest on your balance. The monthly fee is $5 if you drop below $300, but it's waived if you maintain that balance. Interest rates change based on the Federal Reserve, so check Chase.com for the current rate before you open.

Chase Premier Plus Checking requires a higher minimum balance ($25,000) but offers benefits like higher interest rates, fee waivers, and priority customer service. This account is designed for people who keep larger balances.

If you're under 18, Chase offers Chase First Banking, which is designed for minors and has no monthly fee. It comes with parental controls and the ability to earn interest on savings.

If something goes wrong during the process

If your identity verification fails, Chase will tell you why and give you the option to try again or visit a branch in person. Common reasons for failure include mismatched information (your name spelled differently on your ID than your credit report) or an address that doesn't match. If this happens, you can call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 and ask to verify your identity over the phone, or visit a branch with your ID.

If your debit card from another bank is declined during funding, try a different card or use a bank transfer instead. Some banks block transfers to new accounts as a fraud prevention measure — if that happens, contact your bank and ask them to allow the transfer, then try again.

If you don't receive a verification code via email or text, check your spam folder or ask Chase to resend it. If you still don't receive it, you can verify your identity in a different way — Chase will offer alternatives like answering security questions or visiting a branch.

Opening a second Chase account online

If you already have a Chase account, opening another one is faster. Log into your existing account, look for "Open another account," and follow the same steps. Chase already has your ID and Social Security number on file, so the identity verification is quicker. You still need to fund the new account with an initial deposit.

You can have multiple checking accounts and multiple savings accounts with Chase. Each one has its own account number and debit card (if it's a checking account). This is useful if you want to separate money for different purposes — one account for bills, another for savings, another for a specific goal.

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 Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open any account. If you have an ITIN, you can use that instead. If you don't have either, you'll need to visit a branch in person and speak with a banker about your options.

What if I don't have a debit card from another bank to fund the account?

You can fund the account with a bank transfer instead. You'll need the routing number and account number from your existing bank. If you don't have another bank account, you can visit a Chase branch and deposit cash or a check to fund your new account.

How long does it take to receive my debit card?

Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need it faster, visit a Chase branch with your ID and account number — they can issue a temporary card when ready or order expedited delivery. Expedited cards typically arrive in 2 to 3 business days.

Will opening a Chase account hurt my credit score?

No. Opening a bank account is not a credit inquiry and does not affect your credit score. Chase checks your identity and may review your banking history, but this does not appear on your credit report.

Can I open a joint account online with someone else?

No. Joint accounts must be opened in person at a Chase branch. Both account holders need to be present with valid ID. If you want to add someone to an existing account later, you can do that online or at a branch.