You can open a Chase savings account online in about 10 minutes, or in a branch with an ID and initial deposit
Chase offers two main paths: online through their website or mobile app, or in person at a branch. The online route is faster and works from anywhere. The branch route lets you hand over cash or a check when ready and walk out with a debit card the same day. Either way, you'll need a valid government ID, a Social Security number or ITIN, and an initial deposit—Chase requires a minimum of $0 to open most savings accounts, though some accounts have higher minimums.
The account opens when ready online; in a branch, it takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You can start using the account to receive deposits the same day. Debit cards ordered online arrive in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use your account number to set up transfers or direct deposit before the card shows up.
Key Takeaways
- Chase savings accounts can be opened online through their website or app, or in person at any Chase branch with a valid ID and Social Security number.
- You will need an initial deposit to open the account; the amount varies by account type, but many Chase savings accounts have no minimum.
- Online accounts open when ready and you can use the account number for transfers the same day, though a physical debit card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive.
- In-branch openings take 15 to 30 minutes and you can receive a temporary debit card or use cash when ready if you deposit in person.
What documents and information you need to bring or have ready
Have your government-issued ID ready—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Chase will scan or photograph it. You'll also need your Social Security number or ITIN. If you don't have a Social Security number, Chase can open accounts for non-U.S. citizens with an ITIN and a passport or consular ID.
Bring or have access to your initial deposit. Online, you can transfer money from another bank account or provide a debit card. In a branch, you can hand over cash, a check, or use a debit card. If you're opening the account for a minor (under 18), a parent or legal guardian must be present and provide their own ID.
If you're opening an account online and want to verify your identity when ready, Chase may ask you to answer security questions based on your credit history—this takes a few minutes. If you can't answer them, the account still opens, but Chase may place a temporary hold on deposits until they verify you by phone or mail, which adds a few days.
The difference between opening online and opening in a branch
| Step | Online | In Branch |
|---|---|---|
| Time to open | 5 to 10 minutes | 15 to 30 minutes |
| Account active | when ready | when ready |
| Debit card | 7 to 10 business days by mail | Temporary card same day, or permanent card in 7 to 10 days |
| Initial deposit method | Transfer from another bank or debit card | Cash, check, or debit card |
| Can use account same day | Yes, for transfers and direct deposit | Yes, when ready |
Online is best if you want to move fast and don't need a physical card right away. In-branch is better if you want to hand over cash when ready, prefer talking to someone, or need a card the same day. Some people open online first, then visit a branch later to deposit cash or ask questions about features.
Step-by-step: opening online through Chase.com or the mobile app
Go to Chase.com and select "Open an Account" or open the Chase mobile app and tap the menu. Choose "Savings Account" and pick the account type—Chase offers several, including Chase Savings, Chase Premier Savings, and Chase Sapphire Savings, each with different interest rates and features. Read the details to see which fits your needs.
Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number or ITIN. Chase will ask whether you're a U.S. citizen and whether you have an existing Chase account. If you do, linking it makes the process faster.
Verify your identity. Chase will ask security questions based on your credit history, or they may ask you to upload a photo of your ID. This step usually takes 2 to 5 minutes. If you can't verify when ready, Chase will send you a verification code by email or text, or they'll call you—this adds a day or two.
Choose your initial deposit method. If you have another bank account, you can transfer money from it—Chase will ask for your routing number and account number. If you don't have another account set up yet, you can use a debit card. Enter the amount and confirm. The deposit usually shows up in 1 to 3 business days if you're transferring from another bank; debit card deposits are often faster.
Review the account agreement and disclosures, then sign electronically. Your account opens when ready. You'll receive a confirmation email with your account number. You can log in right away to see your account and set up transfers or direct deposit, even before your debit card arrives.
Step-by-step: opening in a Chase branch
Find a Chase branch near you using their branch locator on Chase.com. Walk in during business hours with your ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and your initial deposit. Tell the banker you want to open a savings account.
The banker will ask for your personal information and verify your ID by scanning or photographing it. They'll ask which account type you want and explain the differences—interest rates, monthly fees, and minimum balances. They'll also ask whether you want to link the account to an existing Chase checking account, which speeds up transfers between them.
Hand over your initial deposit. You can deposit cash, a check, or use a debit card. The banker will count the cash or process the check and confirm the amount. Some branches can issue a temporary debit card on the spot; others will tell you to expect your permanent card in 7 to 10 business days. Ask which applies at your branch.
Sign the account agreement and any other documents the banker provides. Your account opens when ready. You'll receive a receipt with your account number and routing number. If you received a temporary card, you can use it right away at ATMs and in stores. If not, you can still use your account number to set up direct deposit or transfers while you wait for your card.
What happens after you open the account
Your account is active the moment it opens, whether online or in branch. You can receive deposits—direct deposit from an employer, transfers from another bank, or checks deposited through mobile check deposit—when ready. You can also set up bill pay or transfers to other accounts right away.
If you opened online, your debit card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days. When it arrives, you'll need to set up it before you can use it—Chase sends instructions by mail or text, or you can set up it in the app. If you opened in a branch and received a temporary card, it works for about 30 days; your permanent card arrives separately.
Chase will send you a welcome packet by mail with your account agreement, disclosures, and sometimes a welcome offer. Read the disclosures to understand the interest rate, any monthly fees, and the minimum balance required to avoid fees. Interest rates change, so check Chase.com or your account statements to see what you're earning.
You can manage your account online or through the mobile app. You can view your balance, transfer money, deposit checks by taking a photo, set up alerts, and change your account settings. If you have questions, you can call Chase customer service at the number on the back of your debit card or visit a branch.
Common reasons an account opening might be delayed
Chase may place a temporary hold on your account if they can't verify your identity when ready online. This usually happens if you can't answer the security questions or if your information doesn't match their records. Chase will contact you by phone or email to verify you—this adds 1 to 3 business days. You can still use your account number for transfers and direct deposit during the hold.
If you're depositing a check, Chase may hold the funds for a few business days depending on the check amount and the bank it's drawn from. This is standard practice and doesn't delay the account opening itself—the account is active, but the money isn't available yet.
If you're opening an account for a minor, Chase requires a parent or guardian to be present and to provide their own ID. If the parent or guardian isn't available, the account can't open until they are. Some Chase branches can open custodial accounts for minors, but not all—call ahead to confirm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Chase savings account if I don't have a Social Security number?
Yes. Chase will open an account with an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. You'll need a valid passport or consular ID and your ITIN. The process is the same as with a Social Security number, though identity verification may take slightly longer.
What's the minimum deposit to open a Chase savings account?
Most Chase savings accounts have no minimum deposit requirement. However, some accounts like Chase Premier Savings may have higher minimums or require a linked checking account. Check the account details before you open to see what applies to the specific account you want.
Can I open a savings account for someone else, like a child or elderly parent?
For a minor, a parent or legal guardian must be present and provide their own ID. For an adult, they must open the account themselves or give you power of attorney. Chase won't open an account for someone else without their presence or legal authorization.
How long does it take to use my account after I open it?
Your account is usable when ready for transfers and direct deposit. If you opened online, your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you opened in a branch, you may get a temporary card the same day or a permanent card in 7 to 10 days. Deposits from other banks take 1 to 3 business days to show up; direct deposit from an employer usually arrives on payday.
What if I already have a Chase checking account?
Opening a savings account is faster if you link it to your existing checking account. Chase can verify you when ready using your existing account information, and transfers between the two accounts are when ready. You can open online or in a branch—either way, tell them you have an existing Chase account.