What you need to bring and where to start

You can open a checking account at Chase in person at a branch, online through their website, or by phone. The fastest route is usually online if you have the documents ready. You will need a government-issued photo ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number, and an initial deposit — Chase requires a minimum opening deposit that varies by account type, typically between $0 and $25 depending on which checking account you choose.

If you do not have a Social Security number yet, you can open an account with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, though you will need to do this in person at a branch with additional documentation. If you are opening an account for someone under 18, a parent or guardian must be present or co-sign, depending on the account type.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a photo ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and an opening deposit to start a checking account at Chase.
  • Opening online takes about 10 minutes if your documents are ready, while opening in person at a branch typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.
  • Chase offers several checking account types with different features and minimum balances, so compare them before you open to pick the one that fits your banking habits.
  • Once your account is open, you can use your debit card, set up direct deposit, and start writing checks within a few business days.

Opening an account online

Go to Chase.com and look for the "Open an Account" button, usually near the top of the page. You will answer questions about what type of account you want, your personal information, and your address. Have your ID and Social Security number in front of you — you will need to enter both. The process takes about 10 minutes if you move through it without stopping.

After you finish the online form, Chase will ask you to verify your identity. This usually happens right away through their system, which checks your information against databases. If they cannot verify you automatically, they may ask you to upload a photo of your ID or call you to confirm details. Once you are verified, you can fund your account by transferring money from another bank account or by providing a debit card number.

You will receive a confirmation email with your account number and temporary access to online banking. Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can start using your account for direct deposit and transfers before the card arrives.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Find your nearest Chase branch using their branch locator on Chase.com. Bring your photo ID, Social Security number, and your opening deposit — you can bring cash, a check, or be ready to transfer money from another account. Go during a time when the branch is not busy, usually mid-morning on a weekday, so you do not have to wait.

Tell a banker you want to open a checking account. They will ask you which type of account you want and answer any questions about fees or features. The banker will fill out the paperwork with you, verify your identity, and process your opening deposit. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will walk out with a temporary debit card that works when ready, and your permanent card arrives in the mail within a week.

Chase checking account types and what they cost

Chase offers several checking accounts aimed at different banking habits. The most common are Chase Total Checking, Chase find Checking, and Chase Premier Plus Checking. Each has different monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and rewards. Total Checking is the standard option for most people and has no minimum opening deposit. find Checking is designed for people new to banking or rebuilding credit. Premier Plus Checking requires a higher balance but offers benefits like higher interest rates and fee waivers.

All Chase checking accounts come with online banking, a debit card, and the ability to set up direct deposit. Most have a monthly service fee, but Chase waives the fee if you keep a certain balance in the account, set up direct deposit, or meet other conditions. Read the account details before you open to understand which fees explore to you and what you need to do to avoid them.

What happens after you open your account

Once your account is open, you can log into Chase online banking or the mobile app using your username and password. You can transfer money between accounts, set up bill pay, and see your balance. If you want to receive paychecks directly into your account, ask your employer for Chase's routing number and your account number — both appear on your checks and in online banking.

Your debit card works at Chase ATMs and at any store or ATM that accepts Visa. You can withdraw cash, check your balance, and deposit checks using a Chase ATM. If you want to order checks, you can do that through online banking or ask a banker at a branch. Checks usually arrive in 7 to 10 business days.

If you do not have a Social Security number

You can open a Chase checking account with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number. An ITIN is a tax identification number issued by the IRS to people who do not have a Social Security number but need to file taxes or open a bank account. You must open this account in person at a Chase branch, not online.

Bring your ITIN documentation, a photo ID from your home country or a passport, proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease), and your opening deposit. The process is the same as opening any other account, but it may take longer because the banker will need to verify your ITIN with the IRS. Ask the branch ahead of time if they have experience opening accounts with ITINs, since not all branches do this regularly.

Common reasons your account opening might be delayed

Chase may need extra time to verify your identity if your information does not match their databases exactly. This happens most often with name changes, recent moves, or if you have a common name. If this happens, Chase will contact you by phone or email and ask you to send additional documents like a utility bill or recent bank statement showing your current address.

If you have had problems with another bank account in the past — such as owing money or writing bad checks — Chase may decline to open an account for you. You can ask why your account was not opened, and some reasons can be resolved by explaining your situation to a manager. If Chase declines, you may have better luck with a community bank or credit union, which sometimes have more flexible policies for people rebuilding their banking history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase checking account if I do not have a bank account right now?

Yes. You do not need to have had a previous bank account to open one at Chase. You will need a photo ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and an opening deposit. If you have never had a bank account, Chase find Checking may be a good option because it is designed for people new to banking.

How much money do I need to open a Chase checking account?

Chase requires an opening deposit, but the amount depends on which account you choose. Some accounts require $0 to open, while others require $25 or more. Check the specific account details before you open to see what the opening deposit is for the account you want.

Can I open a Chase account online if I live outside the United States?

Chase online account opening is available to people with a U.S. address and a U.S. phone number. If you live outside the U.S., you will need to open an account in person at a Chase branch. Contact Chase directly to ask about options for international customers.

What if I lose my debit card before it arrives in the mail?

Contact Chase right away by calling the number on the back of your temporary card or logging into online banking. Chase can cancel the card and order a replacement. You can also use your account number to withdraw cash at a Chase ATM or transfer money online while you wait for the new card.

Do I need to have direct deposit to keep my account open?

No. Direct deposit is not required to keep your account open. However, some Chase checking accounts waive monthly fees if you set up direct deposit, so it can save you money if your employer offers it. You can keep your account open without direct deposit, but you may pay a monthly service fee depending on which account type you have.