What you need to open a Chase student account
Chase student checking accounts are designed for people under 25 and require you to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a valid Social Security number. You will need a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have an address in your name yet, a parent or guardian's address with a document showing your name will work.
You do not need an existing Chase account to open a student account, and you do not need to maintain a minimum balance. Chase waives monthly maintenance fees for student accounts as long as you remain under 25 years old. Once you turn 25, the account converts to a standard Chase checking account and the monthly fee applies unless you meet other fee-waiver requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Chase student accounts require you to be under 25, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and have a valid Social Security number and government ID.
- You can open an account online, by phone, or in person at a Chase branch, and the process takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Proof of address must be dated within the last 60 days, and a parent or guardian's address works if you do not have one in your own name.
- The account has no monthly maintenance fee while you are a student under 25, but converts to a standard account with fees once you turn 25.
- You will receive a debit card in 7 to 10 business days, and can use digital wallet services when ready after opening.
Opening an account online
The online route is the fastest and requires no branch visit. Go to chase.com, select "Open an Account," and choose "Student Checking." You will enter your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and contact information. Chase will ask for your address and verify it against their database. If your address does not match their records, you will need to upload a photo of your proof-of-address document.
Next, you will create your online banking username and password, set up security questions, and choose how you want to receive statements (online or paper). Chase will then perform a soft credit check and verify your identity using information from your credit file. This usually takes a few minutes. Once approved, you will receive a confirmation number and can set up direct deposit or transfers when ready. Your debit card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days.
Opening an account at a Chase branch
If you prefer to open your account in person, bring your government-issued ID and proof of address to any Chase branch. A banker will walk you through the process, which takes about 15 minutes. You can ask questions about features, overdraft protection, and linked savings accounts in real time. The banker will verify your identity on the spot and you will leave with temporary access to your account.
Your debit card will still arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use your account for transfers and bill pay when ready. Some branches can issue a temporary debit card on the spot, though this varies by location. Call your local branch ahead of time to confirm whether they offer this service.
Opening an account by phone
You can also open a student account by calling Chase at 1-800-935-9935. A representative will walk you through the process and ask for the same information as the online process. You will need to have your ID and proof of address in front of you. The call typically takes 15 to 20 minutes. After approval, you will receive a confirmation number and can set up online banking access when ready.
This route is useful if you have questions during the process or if you run into issues with online verification. However, you will still receive your debit card by mail rather than in person.
What happens after you open the account
Once your account is open, you can log into Chase's mobile app or website to check your balance, set up bill pay, and transfer money. You can also set up direct deposit for paychecks or financial aid. If your school uses a specific banking partner for financial aid disbursement, you may be able to link your Chase account directly to that system.
Chase offers overdraft protection, which you can set up to link your student checking account to a savings account or credit card. If you overdraw your checking account, Chase will automatically transfer funds from the linked account to cover the difference. This costs nothing if the transfer succeeds, but you will pay overdraft fees if the linked account does not have enough funds.
Age verification and account conversion
Chase tracks your age through the date of birth you provided when you opened the account. As you approach 25, Chase will send you a notice explaining that your account will convert to a standard Chase checking account. The conversion happens automatically on the date you turn 25. At that point, a monthly maintenance fee of $12 applies unless you meet one of Chase's fee-waiver requirements.
You can avoid the fee by maintaining a minimum daily balance of $500, setting up direct deposit of at least $500 per month, or keeping a linked Chase savings account with a $300 minimum balance. If none of these work for your situation, you can close the account and open a different type of checking account, though this will result in a new account number and routing number.
Documents you need to have ready
| Document Type | What Counts | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Government ID | Driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID | Must be current and show your photo |
| Proof of Address | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, insurance bill, or bank statement | Must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and address |
| Alternative Address Proof | Parent or guardian's utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name added | Must be dated within the last 60 days if you do not have an address in your own name |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Chase student account if I do not have a Social Security number?
No. Chase requires a valid Social Security number for all checking accounts. If you are an international student, you may be able to open an account with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) in some cases, but this varies. Contact Chase directly at 1-800-935-9935 to discuss your specific situation.
What if I do not have a government-issued ID?
You will need one to open the account. A state ID, passport, or military ID all work. If you do not have any of these, you can get a state ID from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. This typically takes one to two weeks.
Can my parent open the account for me?
No. You must open the account yourself and be present (either online or in person) to verify your identity. A parent can help you gather documents or walk you through the process, but Chase will not allow someone else to open an account in your name.
What fees does a Chase student checking account have?
There is no monthly maintenance fee while you are under 25. However, you may incur fees for overdrafts ($35 per occurrence), out-of-network ATM withdrawals ($2.50 per transaction), or wire transfers. These fees explore the same way they do on any Chase checking account.
How long does it take to open the account?
Online and by phone, the process takes 10 to 15 minutes. In person at a branch, it takes about 15 minutes. You can use your account when ready after approval, but your physical debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You can request a temporary card at some branches while you wait.