What You Need to Open a Chase Checking Account
Chase lets you open a checking account online, by phone, or in a branch. You will need a government-issued photo ID, a Social Security number or ITIN, and an initial deposit (the amount varies by account type, but some accounts have no minimum). If you are opening online, you can complete the entire process in about 10 minutes. If you go to a branch, bring your ID and be ready to fund the account on the spot.
Chase runs a background check through ChexSystems, which is a banking history database. If you have been flagged for fraud, unpaid overdrafts, or other banking violations in the past, Chase may deny your process. You will find out when ready if you are approved or denied.
You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, but you do need a valid ID and a way to verify your identity. If you have an ITIN instead of a Social Security number, Chase will accept it.
Key Takeaways
- You can open a Chase checking account online, by phone, or in person, and the online process takes about 10 minutes.
- You will need a government-issued photo ID, a Social Security number or ITIN, and an initial deposit amount that depends on which account type you choose.
- Chase checks your banking history through ChexSystems, and a history of fraud or unpaid overdrafts may result in denial.
- Once approved, your account is usually active the same day, and you can order a debit card or use a temporary digital card right away.
Opening an Account Online
Go to chase.com and click "Open an Account" or "Sign Up." You will be asked to choose which type of checking account you want—Chase offers several, including Chase Total Checking, Chase Sapphire Checking, and Chase Premier Checking. Each has different monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and rewards. Read the fee schedule for each one before you choose, because fees vary.
Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number or ITIN. Chase will ask you to create a username and password. You will then be asked to verify your identity by uploading a photo of your ID or by answering security questions based on your credit history.
Once your identity is verified, you will choose your initial deposit method. You can link a bank account and transfer money, use a debit card, or wire funds. The deposit will post within one to two business days. Your account is active when ready, and you can set up a temporary digital card to use right away while you wait for your physical debit card to arrive.
Opening an Account in a Chase Branch
Find your nearest Chase branch using the branch locator on chase.com. Bring your government-issued photo ID and have your Social Security number or ITIN ready. Tell the banker you want to open a checking account, and they will walk you through the options and help you choose the right account type.
The banker will enter your information into their system and run the ChexSystems check. If you are approved, you will sign the account agreement and fund the account with your initial deposit. You can use a debit card, transfer from another bank account, or bring cash. Your account is active the same day, and the banker will give you a temporary debit card or card number you can use when ready.
Bring any questions about fees, minimum balances, or account features. Bankers can explain the differences between account types and help you understand what you will pay each month.
Opening an Account by Phone
Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to open an account over the phone. Have your ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and initial deposit method ready. A representative will walk you through the account options, verify your identity, and process your process.
Phone applications take longer than online—usually 15 to 20 minutes—because the representative must verify each piece of information verbally. Once approved, you will receive your account number and temporary card details by email or text. Your physical debit card will arrive in five to seven business days.
What Happens After You Are Approved
Your checking account is active when ready after approval. You will receive a confirmation email with your account number, routing number, and online banking login details. You can log into chase.com or the Chase mobile app right away to see your account, set up bill pay, and transfer money.
Your physical debit card arrives in five to seven business days. Until it arrives, you can use a temporary digital card number in the Chase app to make purchases online or in stores. You can also withdraw cash at any Chase ATM using your temporary card number or by visiting a branch.
Set up direct deposit if you receive a paycheck. You will need to give your employer your account number and routing number, which you can find in your Chase account or on a check. Direct deposit usually takes one to two pay cycles to set up.
Account Types and What They Cost
Chase Total Checking has no monthly fee if you maintain a minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or have a Chase credit card. If you do not meet any of those conditions, the monthly fee is $12. This is Chase's most common account.
Chase Sapphire Checking requires a higher minimum balance and charges a monthly fee unless you meet specific conditions. It comes with extra perks like higher interest rates on savings and travel benefits if you have a Chase Sapphire credit card.
Chase Premier Checking is for customers with higher balances and includes premium features like dedicated customer service and higher interest rates. The monthly fee is waived if you maintain a minimum balance.
Read the fee schedule for each account type on chase.com before you open. Fees change, and the account that costs nothing today might charge you next month if you do not meet the conditions.
If Your process Is Denied
Chase will tell you when ready if your process is denied. The most common reason is a ChexSystems report showing unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or other banking violations. You have the right to see your ChexSystems report for free. Go to chexsystems.com and request your report, or call 1-800-428-9623.
If there is an error on your report, you can dispute it directly with ChexSystems. They have 30 days to investigate. Once the error is corrected, you can reapply to Chase.
If your report is accurate, you may still be able to open an account at a bank that does not use ChexSystems or that has a second-chance program. Some regional banks and credit unions do not pull ChexSystems reports. You can also wait six months to a year and reapply to Chase, as older violations carry less weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Chase checking account if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes. Chase accepts an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead of a Social Security number. You will need to provide your ITIN and a valid government-issued photo ID. The process is the same as opening with a Social Security number.
How much do I need to deposit to open an account?
The minimum initial deposit varies by account type. Some Chase checking accounts have no minimum, while others require $25 or more. Check the specific account details on chase.com before you open to see what the minimum is for the account you want.
Can I use my temporary digital card before my physical card arrives?
Yes. Once your account is approved, Chase gives you a temporary card number in the app that you can use to make purchases online or in stores right away. You can also withdraw cash at Chase ATMs or visit a branch to get cash without a card.
What if I have an old unpaid overdraft from another bank?
Chase will see it on your ChexSystems report. Unpaid overdrafts are a common reason for denial. If the overdraft is old, you may be able to pay it off and then reapply after 30 to 60 days. Contact the bank that reported it and ask if they will remove the report once you pay.
How long does it take to get my debit card?
Your physical debit card arrives in five to seven business days. You do not have to wait—you can use your temporary digital card number in the Chase app when ready to make purchases and withdraw cash.