What you need to open a Chase account
Chase requires the same basic information from everyone: a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You'll also need an initial deposit, though the amount varies by account type — some checking accounts need $25, others need nothing at all. If you're opening an account online or by phone, you can do it in about 10 minutes. If you go to a branch in person, plan for 20 to 30 minutes.
You don't need to have had a bank account before. You don't need a credit card or an existing relationship with Chase. If you're new to banking entirely, a Chase checking account works the same way as any other bank's — money goes in, you spend it with a debit card or checks, and the bank holds it safely while you decide when to use it.
Key Takeaways
- You can open a Chase account online, by phone, or in person at a branch, and each method takes between 10 and 30 minutes.
- You will need a government photo ID, your Social Security number, proof of your address, and an initial deposit (amount depends on the account type).
- Chase offers different checking and savings accounts with different fees and minimum balances, so comparing them first saves you money later.
- Once your account opens, you can use your debit card when ready at most Chase ATMs and stores, though it may take a few days to arrive by mail.
Opening an account online
The fastest way is Chase's website or mobile app. Go to chase.com, click "Open an Account," and choose whether you want checking, savings, or both. The form will ask for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and employment status. Have your ID ready so you can photograph it or type in the information from it.
You'll choose which account type you want — Chase offers several, with different monthly fees and minimum balance requirements. The most common choice for someone new to banking is the Chase Total Checking account, which has no monthly fee if you set up direct deposit or keep a $500 minimum balance. If neither of those works for you, other accounts have different rules.
At the end, you'll link a funding source — either a debit card, another bank account, or neither if you want to deposit cash at a Chase ATM later. Your account opens when ready, and you can see your account number right away. Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use your account number to set up direct deposit or bill pay before it arrives.
Opening an account by phone
Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 and tell them you want to open a new account. A representative will walk you through the same questions as the online form — name, address, Social Security number, ID information, and which account type you want. They'll also ask how you want to fund the account. The whole call takes about 15 minutes.
Phone representatives can sometimes offer you options that the website doesn't show, or waive fees for new customers, so it's worth asking. If you're uncomfortable with online forms or don't have reliable internet, the phone route is just as fast. Your account opens during the call, and your debit card ships the same day.
Opening an account in person at a Chase branch
Walk into any Chase branch with your photo ID, Social Security number, proof of address (a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement works), and your initial deposit. A banker will help you choose an account type, fill out the paperwork, and process your deposit. This takes 20 to 30 minutes because the banker verifies your information by hand and may ask follow-up questions.
The advantage of opening in person is that you leave with a temporary debit card you can use when ready — you don't have to wait for one to arrive by mail. You also have a chance to ask questions face-to-face and understand your account before you leave. If you're new to banking and want to talk through your options, this is often the least stressful route.
Understanding Chase account types and fees
Chase offers several checking and savings accounts, and the one you choose affects how much you pay each month. Chase Total Checking has no monthly fee if you set up direct deposit (your paycheck going straight to the account) or keep a $500 minimum balance. If you do neither, the fee is $12 per month.
Chase Sapphire Checking is designed for people who want more features — it includes travel insurance and other perks — but costs $25 per month unless you keep a $20,000 minimum balance or set up direct deposit of at least $500 per month. For most people new to banking, this is too expensive.
Chase Savings is a separate account where your money earns interest — a small amount of extra money the bank pays you for letting them hold your funds. The interest rate changes, so it's worth checking chase.com to see the current rate. There's no monthly fee if you keep a $300 minimum balance.
Many people open both a checking account (for everyday spending) and a savings account (for money they want to keep separate) at the same time. You can do this in one process, online or in person.
What happens after your account opens
Your account is active when ready, even if you opened it online or by phone. You can see your account number, routing number, and balance right away in the Chase app or on the website. If you set up direct deposit, your employer can start sending your paycheck there — you'll need to give them your account number and routing number, which you can find in the app.
Your physical debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can still withdraw cash at any Chase ATM using your account number, or you can transfer money to another account you own. Some stores let you use your phone to pay with your Chase account before your card arrives, though not all do.
When your debit card arrives, it comes with a PIN (a four-digit code) already set. You can change it to something you'll remember by calling the number on the back of the card or using the Chase app. Your first statement arrives about 30 days after your account opens and shows all the money that came in and went out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a minimum deposit to open a Chase account?
It depends on the account type. Chase Total Checking needs $25 to open, but some other checking accounts need nothing. Savings accounts typically need $300. You can ask about current minimums when you open your account — they change sometimes.
Can I open an account if I don't 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. Call 1-800-935-9935 to ask whether your situation qualifies.
What if I'm denied when I try to open an account?
Chase checks a banking history database called ChexSystems. If you've had problems with another bank — unpaid fees, fraud, or too many overdrafts — you might be denied. You can ask Chase why you were denied and request a copy of your ChexSystems report to see if there's an error.
Can I use my account before my debit card arrives?
Yes. You can set up direct deposit, pay bills online, transfer money between accounts, and withdraw cash at Chase ATMs using your account number. You just can't swipe a physical card in a store until the card arrives.
Is there a fee to close my account later if I change my mind?
No. Chase doesn't charge you to close an account. You can close it anytime by calling 1-800-935-9935 or visiting a branch. Make sure you've moved any remaining money out first.