What You Need to Open a Chase Student Checking Account

Chase student checking accounts are designed for people under 25 and require you to visit a branch in person with specific documents. You cannot open one online or by phone — you must go to a Chase branch with a government-issued ID, proof of enrollment at a school or university, and either a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present and will need to bring their own ID.

The account itself has no monthly maintenance fee as long as you are enrolled as a full-time or part-time student. Once you turn 25 or stop being a student, Chase will convert the account to a standard checking account, which does have a monthly fee unless you meet other requirements (like maintaining a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit).

Chase offers two student checking products: Chase Student Checking and Chase First Banking (for those under 18). Both work similarly, but First Banking requires a parent or guardian to be a joint owner and gives parents some monitoring tools. Ask the branch representative which one fits your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Chase branch in person with a government ID, proof of student enrollment, and your Social Security number or ITIN.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must come with you and bring their own ID.
  • The account has no monthly fee while you are a student, but converts to a standard checking account (with fees) once you turn 25 or leave school.
  • Bring your school ID, a recent tuition bill, or an enrollment letter as proof of student status.
  • The branch can issue a debit card on the spot or mail one to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Documents to Bring to the Chase Branch

Bring your government-issued ID — a driver's license, state ID, or passport. Chase will not accept a school ID alone as proof of identity. You also need proof that you are currently enrolled as a student. This can be a tuition bill, an enrollment verification letter from your school's registrar, a class schedule with your name on it, or a student ID card paired with another document showing your name and the current term.

Have your Social Security number ready, or your ITIN if you do not have a Social Security number. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must bring their own government ID and Social Security number as well. Some branches may also ask for a phone number and email address, so have those ready too.

If you do not have proof of enrollment with you, call your school's registrar office and ask them to email you an enrollment verification letter. Many schools can send this within a few hours. You can then print it and bring it to the branch.

Steps to Complete at the Chase Branch

Walk into any Chase branch during business hours and tell the representative you want to open a student checking account. They will ask to see your ID and proof of enrollment, then verify your information in their system. This usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.

The representative will explain the account features, show you the fee structure, and ask you to sign the account agreement. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian will sign as well. You will choose a PIN for your debit card at this time.

Once the account is open, Chase will issue a debit card. Some branches hand it to you when ready; others mail it within 7 to 10 business days. Ask the representative which applies at that location. You can use your account right away through mobile banking or online banking even if your physical card has not arrived yet.

What Happens After You Turn 25 or Stop Being a Student

Chase will automatically convert your student checking account to Chase Total Checking (or another standard account) once you turn 25 or your enrollment status ends. The conversion is automatic — you do not have to do anything. However, the new account will have a $12 monthly maintenance fee unless you meet one of these conditions: maintain a minimum daily balance of $1,500, set up a direct deposit of at least $500 per month, or link it to a Chase savings account with a $300 minimum balance.

If you want to avoid the fee after conversion, set up direct deposit from your employer before your 25th birthday. This is the easiest way to keep the account fee-free. If you do not meet any of these conditions and do not want to pay the fee, you can close the account and open a different type of checking account, though Chase may charge a $25 early closure fee if you close within 90 days of opening.

Using Your Chase Student Account Online and on Mobile

Once your account is open, read the Chase Mobile app or log into Chase.com to set up online banking. You can transfer money between accounts, pay bills, deposit checks by taking a photo, and set up alerts for low balances. Mobile check deposit works when ready for most checks, though the funds may take one to two business days to appear in your account.

Your debit card works at any ATM, including Chase ATMs (which have no fee) and other banks' ATMs (which may charge a fee). Chase reimburses out-of-network ATM fees if you maintain a $500 minimum daily balance, so check whether that applies to you. You can also use your debit card to make purchases anywhere Visa is accepted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase student account if I go to school part-time?

Yes. Chase considers both full-time and part-time students may be able to access for the student checking account. Bring the same proof of enrollment — a tuition bill, enrollment letter, or class schedule — regardless of whether you are full-time or part-time.

What if my school does not have a physical campus or is online-only?

Online schools count. Bring an enrollment verification letter from your school's registrar showing your name, the current term, and your enrollment status. If the letter does not explicitly say "full-time" or "part-time," call the registrar and ask them to add that detail before you go to the branch.

Do I need a minimum opening deposit?

No. Chase does not require a minimum deposit to open a student checking account. You can open it with $0 and deposit money later. However, you will need to fund the account eventually to use it.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring your ITIN documentation along with your ID and proof of enrollment. The process is the same.

Can my parent open the account for me if I cannot go to the branch?

No. You must be present in person at the branch with your own ID and proof of enrollment. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must also be there, but you cannot have them open it on your behalf alone.