What you need before you start
Chase lets you open a checking or savings account online, by phone, or in a branch. You will need a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and an initial deposit. The deposit amount depends on the account type — some Chase accounts have no minimum, while others require $25 or more to open. You should also have a current mailing address and a phone number where Chase can reach you.
If you are opening an account online, you will need an email address and a way to verify your identity — Chase typically uses your ID number and answers to security questions based on your credit history. If you open in a branch or by phone, a Chase representative will walk you through the same information but can answer questions in real time.
Key Takeaways
- You can open a Chase checking or savings account online, by phone, or in person, and the process takes 10 to 15 minutes if you have your ID and Social Security number ready.
- Chase offers multiple account types with different features and fees — some have monthly maintenance charges that are waived if you meet balance or deposit requirements.
- Your initial deposit can come from another bank account, a debit card, or a check, depending on which method you choose during signup.
- Once your account is open, you can set up direct deposit, request a debit card, and link external accounts for transfers within one to three business days.
Opening an account online
Go to chase.com and select "Open an Account" from the homepage. You will choose between checking and savings, then pick the specific account type — Chase offers several versions of each, with different features and fee structures. Read the account details carefully, because some accounts waive monthly fees only if you keep a minimum balance or have direct deposits above a certain amount each month.
Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. Chase will ask you security questions based on your credit file to verify your identity. Answer these honestly — they are checking public records, not asking for opinions. You will then upload or photograph your ID. Make sure the image is clear, shows your full face, and captures all four corners of the document.
Choose your initial deposit method. You can transfer money from another bank account (you will need the routing and account numbers), use a debit card, or mail a check. If you transfer from another bank, the money usually arrives within one to three business days. Your account opens when ready, but you cannot use it until the deposit clears.
Opening an account by phone or in a branch
Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to open an account over the phone. A representative will ask the same questions as the online form and can explain the differences between account types if you are unsure which one fits your needs. They will also tell you the current minimum deposit and any promotional offers running that week. The call takes about 15 minutes.
To open in a branch, find your nearest Chase location using the branch locator on chase.com, bring your ID and Social Security number, and tell a banker you want to open a checking or savings account. Bring a checkbook or recent bank statement from another bank if you want to transfer money in, or bring a debit card. The banker will complete the paperwork while you wait and can issue a temporary debit card on the spot in many locations.
Account types and what they cost
Chase offers several checking accounts. Chase Total Checking has no monthly fee if you keep a $500 minimum balance, have a direct deposit of any amount, or maintain a linked savings account with $500 in it. If you do not meet any of these, the fee is $12 per month. Chase Premier Plus Checking requires higher minimums ($1,500) but offers more features like higher interest rates and waived fees on certain services.
For savings, Chase Savings has no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement. Chase Premier Savings requires a $500 minimum balance to avoid a $25 monthly fee, but pays a higher interest rate. Interest rates change frequently — check chase.com for current rates before you open, because the rate you see when you sign up is the rate you will earn.
Both checking and savings accounts allow six transfers or withdrawals per month from savings accounts (this is a federal rule, not a Chase rule). Transfers beyond six cost $10 each. Overdrafts on checking cost $35 per transaction if you do not have overdraft protection set up.
Setting up direct deposit and getting your debit card
Once your account is open, you can set up direct deposit by logging into your Chase account online or through the mobile app. Go to Settings, then Direct Deposit, and you will see your account and routing number. Give these to your employer's payroll department. Direct deposit usually starts within one to two pay periods.
Your debit card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you opened online. If you opened in a branch, ask if they can issue a temporary card when ready — many locations can. You can set up your card as soon as it arrives by logging into your account or calling the number on the back of the card.
You can also link external bank accounts for transfers. Go to the Transfers section of your account and select "Add External Account." Chase will ask for the routing and account numbers of the other bank. They will deposit two small amounts (usually under $1 each) into that account within one to two business days, then ask you to confirm the amounts to verify you own the account. After that, you can transfer money between the accounts when ready.
What happens after you open
Your account is active when ready, but if you funded it with a transfer from another bank or a mailed check, you cannot withdraw that money until it clears — usually one to three business days. You can still set up direct deposit, link accounts, and request a debit card while you wait.
Chase will send you a welcome packet by mail with your account number, routing number, and information about online banking. You can start using online banking and the mobile app right away. read the Chase Mobile app from your phone's app store, log in with your username and password, and you can check your balance, transfer money, and deposit checks by taking a photo.
If you have questions after opening, you can contact Chase through the app, by phone at 1-800-935-9935, or by visiting a branch. Chase customer service is available 24/7 for account questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Chase account if I do not have a Social Security number?
No. Chase requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open any account. This is a federal requirement for all banks, not a Chase policy. If you have an ITIN, you can use that instead of a Social Security number.
What if I do not have a government-issued ID?
You will need to open an account in a branch with a Chase banker. Bring two forms of ID — a passport, state ID, driver's license, military ID, or tribal ID. If you do not have any of these, call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to ask what documents they will accept in your situation.
How long does it take to use my account after I open it?
Your account opens when ready, but you cannot use deposited funds until they clear — usually one to three business days for transfers from another bank, and five to seven business days for mailed checks. You can set up direct deposit and link external accounts right away, even while waiting for your initial deposit to clear.
Can I open both a checking and savings account at the same time?
Yes. Whether you open online, by phone, or in a branch, you can open both accounts in one session. Some Chase promotions offer bonuses for opening both accounts together, so ask about current offers before you start.
What if I made a mistake on my process?
Contact Chase when ready at 1-800-935-9935 or visit a branch. If the mistake is on your name, address, or Social Security number, Chase will need to verify the correct information before they can fix it. The sooner you report it, the faster they can correct it.