What you need to open a Chase student savings account
Chase offers a student savings account called the Chase First Banking account, designed for people under 18. To open one, you need to go to a Chase branch in person with a parent or guardian — you cannot open it online or by phone. Bring a government-issued ID (a school ID usually works, though a state ID or passport is better) and your Social Security number.
Your parent or guardian will need to bring their own ID and Social Security number as well. They become the account owner, and you become an authorized user. This means they can see all the transactions and set rules, but you get a debit card and online access to manage the account yourself.
There is no minimum balance required to open the account, and there are no monthly fees. Chase does not charge overdraft fees on this account, which is one reason it is designed for people learning to manage money.
Key Takeaways
- You must open a Chase First Banking account in person at a Chase branch with a parent or guardian present.
- Bring a government-issued ID and your Social Security number; your parent or guardian brings their ID and Social Security number.
- The account has no monthly fees, no minimum balance, and no overdraft fees, making it low-risk while you learn to bank.
- You get a debit card and online access, but your parent or guardian can monitor spending and set limits through their own login.
- The account stays open until you turn 18, at which point it converts to a standard Chase checking account.
What happens at the branch
When you arrive at the Chase branch, a banker will ask you and your parent or guardian to fill out an account opening form. They will verify your IDs and Social Security numbers, then ask a few questions about how you plan to use the account — mostly to confirm this is for a young person learning to save and spend responsibly.
The banker will explain the account features, including the debit card, online banking, and the parental controls your guardian can set up. They will also ask whether you want to set up direct deposit (for paychecks or allowance transfers) or if you plan to deposit cash and checks in person.
Once everything is signed, the account opens when ready. You will receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. In the meantime, you can start using the account online through the Chase mobile app or website once your parent or guardian sets up login credentials for you.
Setting up online access and the mobile app
After the account opens, your parent or guardian will receive instructions to create a login for themselves. Once they do, they can invite you to set up your own login through the Chase mobile app or website. You will need to create a username and password, and Chase will ask you to set up a security method — usually a PIN or biometric login (fingerprint or face recognition).
The mobile app lets you check your balance, see recent transactions, and set up alerts that notify you when money is deposited or spent. Your parent or guardian can also set spending limits through their own login, which means they can restrict how much you can spend per day or per transaction if they choose.
Once you have access, you can use the app to find nearby Chase ATMs, deposit checks by taking a photo, and transfer money between accounts if your parent or guardian has linked other accounts to yours.
How the debit card works
The debit card arrives in the mail and is ready to use when ready. You can use it anywhere Visa is accepted — in stores, online, and at ATMs. When you swipe or insert the card, the money comes directly from your savings account, so you can only spend what you have deposited.
Because there are no overdraft fees, if you try to spend more than your balance, the transaction will straightforward be declined. This is actually a safety feature: it prevents you from going into debt or facing surprise fees while you are learning to manage money.
You can withdraw cash at any Chase ATM for free. If you use an ATM that is not a Chase ATM, Chase does not charge you a fee, but the other bank might — so it is worth asking before you withdraw.
What your parent or guardian can control
Your parent or guardian has their own login to the account and can see every transaction you make. They can also set up spending limits, which means they can cap how much you can spend per day, per week, or per transaction. These limits help you learn to budget without having to ask permission every time you want to buy something.
They can also turn the debit card on or off if needed — for example, if the card is lost or if they want to pause spending temporarily. They can set up alerts so they receive a notification every time you make a purchase, or only when you spend above a certain amount.
Your parent or guardian can also see if you have set up any external transfers or linked accounts, and they can remove those links if they choose. This gives them oversight without taking away your independence.
When the account changes at age 18
When you turn 18, the Chase First Banking account automatically converts to a standard Chase checking account. Your parent or guardian is no longer the account owner — you become the sole owner. They lose access to your account unless you give them permission to view it.
The conversion happens automatically, and you do not have to do anything. Your debit card, account number, and online login stay the same. The main difference is that the new account may have different features or fees depending on which Chase checking account it converts to — Chase will notify you before the conversion happens so you know what to expect.
If you want to switch to a different Chase account at that point, you can do so in person at a branch or through online banking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Chase student account if I do not have a Social Security number?
No. Chase requires a Social Security number to open any account, including the student account. If you do not have one, you will need to obtain one from the Social Security Administration before you can open the account.
What if my parent or guardian does not have a Chase account?
They do not need one. Your parent or guardian can open the student account with you even if they have never banked at Chase before. They will just need to bring their ID and Social Security number to the branch.
Can I use this account to build credit?
No. The Chase First Banking account is a savings account, not a credit account, so it does not report to credit bureaus and does not help you build a credit history. To build credit, you would need a credit card or a loan, which usually requires you to be 18 or older.
What happens if I lose my debit card?
Call Chase when ready at the number on the back of your card or through the mobile app to report it lost or stolen. Chase will cancel the card and send you a replacement in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your parent or guardian can also turn off the card through their login if they notice it is missing.
Can I deposit checks into this account?
Yes. You can deposit checks by taking a photo through the Chase mobile app, or you can deposit them in person at a Chase branch or ATM. Checks usually clear within one to two business days.