What you need to open a Chase account

Chase offers several account types — checking, savings, money market — and the opening process is the same for all of them. You will need a government-issued photo ID, a Social Security number or ITIN, and an initial deposit (usually $25 minimum, though some accounts require more). You can open an account online, on the phone, or in a branch, and the whole process takes about 10 to 15 minutes if you have your documents ready.

Chase will check your banking history through ChexSystems, a system that tracks closed accounts, overdrafts, and fraud reports. If you have been flagged in ChexSystems, you may not be able to open an account when ready, though you can dispute inaccurate information. Chase also runs a soft credit check that does not affect your credit score.

The initial deposit can come from a debit card, another bank account, or cash if you open in person. If you are opening online or by phone, you will transfer the money from an existing account after your account is created.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a photo ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and a minimum deposit (usually $25) to open any Chase account type.
  • Online and phone openings take 10 to 15 minutes and are available 24/7, while branch openings require a visit during business hours.
  • Chase checks ChexSystems, which may block you if you have unpaid overdrafts or fraud reports from other banks — you can dispute errors.
  • Your account number and routing number are usually available when ready after opening, so you can set up direct deposit or transfers the same day.
  • Some account types have monthly fees unless you meet balance or direct deposit requirements, so confirm the fee structure before you open.

Opening an account online

Go to chase.com and click "Open an Account" or "Sign Up" (the button location varies). You will choose your account type — Chase Total Checking, Chase Savings, or another product — and enter your personal information: name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number or ITIN. Chase will ask for your ID type and number (driver's license, passport, or state ID).

Next, you will verify your identity. Chase may ask you to answer security questions based on your credit history, or it may ask you to upload a photo of your ID. If you upload an ID, take clear photos of both the front and back in good lighting. The verification usually completes in a few minutes, though occasionally Chase flags an account for manual review and contacts you within one business day.

Once verified, you will set up your initial deposit. If you have another bank account, enter the routing and account number and choose the amount. Chase will make two small test deposits (usually under $1 each) to that account within one to two business days, and you will confirm the amounts to prove you own the account. Your Chase account is active when ready, but the test deposits must clear before you can transfer larger amounts.

If you do not have another bank account to transfer from, you can add a debit card instead, though Chase will charge a $5 fee for debit card deposits. You can also wait and make your first deposit in a Chase branch or ATM.

Opening an account by phone

Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 (the number for new accounts). A representative will walk you through the same information: personal details, ID information, and account type. Phone representatives can sometimes move faster through identity verification because they can ask you security questions in real time.

The phone process takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You will still need to arrange your initial deposit after the account opens — the representative will give you instructions for transferring from another bank account or adding a debit card. If you prefer to deposit cash, you can do that in a branch or at a Chase ATM after your account is set up.

Phone lines are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are usually shortest early in the morning or mid-afternoon on weekdays.

Opening an account in a Chase branch

Walk into any Chase branch with your photo ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and your initial deposit (cash, debit card, or a check). A banker will complete the paperwork, which takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on how busy the branch is. You will receive your debit card on the spot (though it may take 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail if the branch does not have one in stock), and your account is active when ready.

Branch opening is useful if you want to hand over cash, ask questions in person, or prefer not to upload your ID online. However, branch hours are limited — most Chase branches are open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some Saturday hours. You can find your nearest branch and its hours at chase.com/locations.

What happens after you open your account

Your account number and routing number (021000021 for most Chase accounts) are available when ready in the Chase mobile app or online at chase.com. You can use these to set up direct deposit with your employer, arrange transfers from other banks, or pay bills. Your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days by mail.

If you opened online and funded the account with a transfer from another bank, that transfer usually clears within one to two business days. Until it clears, you cannot withdraw the money, but your account is otherwise ready to use. If you opened in a branch with cash, the money is available when ready.

Chase will send you a welcome packet by mail with your account agreement, fee schedule, and other documents. Read the fee schedule carefully — some Chase accounts charge a monthly maintenance fee ($12 for Total Checking, for example) unless you meet certain conditions, such as maintaining a minimum balance or receiving direct deposits. You can avoid the fee by meeting one of these conditions or by switching to a different account type.

If Chase denies your account

Chase may deny your account if ChexSystems shows unpaid overdraft fees from another bank, a history of fraud, or repeated account closures. You will receive a letter explaining the reason. If the reason is inaccurate — for example, you paid an overdraft but the other bank did not report it — you can dispute the information directly with ChexSystems by visiting chexsystems.com/consumer or calling 1-800-428-9623.

Disputes usually take 30 to 45 days. Once the error is corrected, you can reapply at Chase. If the information is accurate, you may need to wait 6 to 12 months before reapplying, depending on the severity of the issue. In the meantime, you can look into second-chance banking accounts at other institutions, though these often charge higher fees.

If you believe Chase denied you unfairly, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at consumerfinance.gov/complaint. The CFPB does not overturn the decision, but it creates a record and may prompt Chase to review your case.

Account types and their requirements

Chase Total Checking is the most common account. It has a $12 monthly fee unless you maintain a $500 minimum balance, receive direct deposits, or link it to a Chase savings account. There is no minimum opening deposit.

Chase Savings earns interest (the rate varies and is posted on chase.com). It has a $5 monthly fee unless you maintain a $300 minimum balance or link it to a Chase checking account. The opening deposit is usually $25.

Chase Money Market is a hybrid account that combines checking and savings features. It requires a $25,000 opening deposit and has a $25 monthly fee unless you maintain that balance. Interest rates are higher than regular savings accounts.

Most people start with Total Checking and Savings together, which eliminates the monthly fees on both accounts if you link them. You can open both at the same time online, by phone, or in a branch.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to open a Chase account?

The process itself takes 10 to 15 minutes online or by phone. If you open in a branch, add another 5 to 10 minutes for paperwork. Your account is active when ready, but if you fund it with a transfer from another bank, that transfer takes one to two business days to clear.

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

It depends on why you were denied. If ChexSystems has inaccurate information, dispute it and reapply. If the information is accurate, wait at least 6 to 12 months before trying again. You can check your own ChexSystems report for free at chexsystems.com/consumer.

Do I need a minimum balance to avoid fees?

Yes, most Chase accounts charge a monthly fee unless you meet one of several conditions: maintain a minimum balance (usually $500 for checking, $300 for savings), receive direct deposits, or link your accounts. Confirm the fee structure for your specific account type before opening.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. You will need to provide it during the process. Chase accepts ITINs for account opening, though some features (like certain loan products) may not be available.

Can I open a joint account with someone else?

Yes. Both account holders will need to provide their own ID and Social Security number or ITIN. You can open a joint account online, by phone, or in a branch. Both people have full access to the account and can withdraw money or close it without the other person's permission.