What you need before you start

Chase requires you to bring or provide a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address before they will open an account. The address proof can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you are opening the account online, you will upload images of these documents. If you are opening it in a branch, you bring the originals.

You also need to decide which type of checking account you want. Chase offers several versions — the basic Chase Total Checking, Chase Premier Plus Checking for customers with higher balances, and Chase find Checking for people building or rebuilding credit. Each has different monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and features. The differences matter because they affect what you pay each month.

If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to open a joint account with you. Chase does not open accounts for minors independently.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID, Social Security number, and proof of address dated within 60 days to open any Chase checking account.
  • Chase offers three main checking account types with different fees and balance requirements, so compare them before you choose.
  • You can open an account online in about 10 minutes, or in a branch if you prefer to speak with someone in person.
  • Your account is usually active the same day you open it online, though it may take one business day if you open it in a branch.
  • Chase will run a ChexSystems check, which is a banking history report, and may deny you if you have unpaid overdrafts or fraud flags from another bank.

Opening your account online

Go to chase.com and select "Open an account" from the homepage. Choose "Checking" and then select which type of checking account you want. You will enter your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. Chase will ask for your phone number and email address.

Next, you upload a photo of both sides of your government ID and a photo of your proof of address. The images need to be clear enough to read — blurry or partially cut-off documents will be rejected and you will have to upload again. This step usually takes a few minutes.

You then create your online banking username and password, review the account terms, and sign electronically. The entire process takes about 10 minutes. Chase will tell you when ready whether your account has been opened or whether they need more information from you.

Your account number and routing number are available in your online banking dashboard the same day. You can start using your account to receive direct deposits or transfers right away, though if you ordered a debit card it will arrive in 7 to 10 business days.

Opening your account in a Chase branch

Walk into any Chase branch with your government photo ID, proof of address, and Social Security number. Tell the banker you want to open a checking account. They will ask the same questions the online form asks — your name, address, phone number, Social Security number — and will look at your ID and address proof in person.

The banker will show you the different checking account options and explain the fees and features. This is a good time to ask questions about overdraft protection, minimum balances, or monthly maintenance fees. Once you choose an account type, the banker will have you sign the account agreement on paper or on a tablet.

The account is usually active the same day, though sometimes it takes one business day for the system to process it. The banker will give you a temporary debit card or a card number you can use when ready, and your permanent card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days. Your account number and routing number are printed on a receipt they give you before you leave.

What Chase checks before opening your account

Chase runs a ChexSystems report, which is a banking history check that shows whether you have unpaid overdrafts, bounced checks, or fraud flags at other banks. If you have recent serious issues — unpaid overdrafts from the last few years, multiple bounced checks, or a fraud report — Chase may deny your process.

The specific reasons for denial vary. Some people are denied because of overdrafts they did not pay back. Others are denied because they closed an account with a negative balance. Some are denied because another bank reported them for fraud or suspicious activity. Chase does not always tell you the exact reason, but you can request your ChexSystems report yourself to see what is in it.

If Chase denies you, you can ask them to reconsider, or you can wait and try again later. Some people reapply after paying off old overdrafts or after waiting six months to a year. Chase find Checking is designed for people with banking problems in their history, so that account type has a lower denial rate than the other options.

Setting up direct deposit and transfers

Once your account is open, you can set up direct deposit by giving your employer or benefits administrator your Chase account number and routing number. Direct deposits usually post within one to two business days of being sent. If you are moving money from another bank, you can link that account to your Chase account and transfer money online — those transfers usually take one to three business days.

You can also deposit checks using the Chase mobile app. Take a photo of the front and back of the check, and the money is usually available within one business day. Some checks take longer depending on the amount and the bank that issued the check.

Monthly fees and how to avoid them

Chase Total Checking has a $12 monthly maintenance fee, but it is waived if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up a direct deposit of at least $500 per month. Chase Premier Plus Checking has a $25 monthly fee and requires a $15,000 minimum balance. Chase find Checking has a $4.95 monthly fee with no minimum balance requirement.

If you do not meet the balance or direct deposit requirement for Total Checking, you will be charged $12 each month. That fee adds up to $144 per year, so it is worth setting up direct deposit if you can, or keeping $500 in the account if you cannot.

Your debit card and online banking access

Your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You can set up it by calling the number on the back of the card or through your online banking dashboard. Once activated, you can use it at any ATM or store that accepts Visa.

You can log into your account online or through the Chase mobile app when ready after opening it. Your username and password were created during the account opening process. From there you can check your balance, transfer money between accounts, pay bills, and deposit checks by photo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase checking account if I have been denied before?

Yes, but it depends on why you were denied. If you were denied because of unpaid overdrafts, paying them back and waiting a few months improves your chances. If you were denied because of fraud, you may need to wait longer or contact Chase directly to explain. Chase find Checking has a lower denial rate than other account types.

How long does it take to get my debit card?

Your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days by mail. You can use your account number to make online purchases or set up direct deposit before the card arrives. Some branches can issue a temporary card you can use when ready.

What is the difference between Chase Total Checking and Chase find Checking?

Chase Total Checking has a $12 monthly fee (waived with direct deposit or $500 balance) and is designed for most customers. Chase find Checking has a $4.95 monthly fee with no minimum balance and is designed for people rebuilding their banking history. find Checking has fewer features but costs less.

Can I open an 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. If you have an ITIN, you can use that instead of a Social Security number.

What happens if I do not maintain the minimum balance?

If your account type requires a minimum balance and you fall below it, Chase charges the monthly maintenance fee. For Chase Total Checking, that is $12 per month. The fee is charged on the same day each month, usually around the first.