What you need to open a Chase account

Chase offers several account types — checking, savings, money market — and the documents you need depend on which one you want. For any account, you will need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and an initial deposit. Chase does not require a minimum opening deposit for most checking accounts, though some savings products do.

You can open an account in person at a Chase branch, online through their website, or by phone. The fastest route is usually online if you have all your documents ready — the process takes about 10 minutes and your account opens the same day. In-branch opening takes longer because of wait times, but a banker can answer questions about which account fits your situation.

If you do not have a Social Security number, Chase will accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. If you do not have a U.S. address, you cannot open an account online, but some branches may work with you in person — call ahead to confirm.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and proof of address to open any Chase account.
  • Opening online takes about 10 minutes and your account is active the same day; in-branch opening takes longer but includes a conversation with a banker.
  • Chase checking accounts have no minimum opening deposit, though some savings products require $25 or more.
  • Your initial deposit can come from a transfer from another bank, a check deposit, or a debit card transfer, depending on the account type and how you open it.

Opening an account online

Go to chase.com and select "Open an Account" from the homepage. You will choose your account type first — Chase offers Chase Total Checking, Chase Sapphire Checking, Chase Premier Plus Checking, and several savings options. Each has different features and fee structures; the comparison tool on their site shows the differences side by side.

Next, you enter your personal information: name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. Chase verifies your identity by checking this information against credit bureaus and public records. This usually takes seconds, but occasionally Chase flags an process for manual review, which can add a day or two.

You then choose how to fund the account. If you have another bank account, you can link it and transfer money in. If not, you can provide a debit card number to fund the opening deposit, or you can skip the initial deposit and add money later (though some account types require a deposit within a certain timeframe). After you confirm everything, your account number appears on screen and you can set up online banking when ready.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Find your nearest Chase branch on their website or in the mobile app. Bring your government photo ID, Social Security number, and proof of address (a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement works). You do not need an appointment, but branches are busiest mid-morning and mid-afternoon on weekdays.

A banker will ask which account type you want and explain the features and fees. They will run your ID and Social Security number through their verification system, which usually takes a few minutes. You will sign documents — typically a signature card and account agreement — and provide your initial deposit. The banker can take a check, accept a transfer from another account, or process a debit card payment.

Your account opens the same day, and you walk out with a temporary debit card or a card number you can use when ready. A physical card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can set up online banking at home or ask the banker to do it before you leave.

Opening an account by phone

Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to open an account by phone. A representative will walk you through the same questions as the online process: account type, personal information, identity verification, and funding method. The call usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.

You will need your government ID in front of you so you can read information from it. Chase will verify your identity using the same system as online applications. After the call, your account is open and you will receive a temporary card number by email or SMS that you can use right away. Your physical card and welcome materials arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Phone opening is useful if you have questions about which account fits your needs or if you run into problems during the online process. It is slower than online opening but faster than waiting for a branch appointment.

What happens after you open your account

Once your account is open, Chase sends you a welcome kit by mail with your debit card, PIN, and account information. This usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can start using your account when ready — you can transfer money in, set up direct deposit, and make purchases with your temporary card number before the physical card arrives.

Your first statement arrives 30 days after your account opens. Chase sends statements online by default, but you can request paper statements if you prefer. You can view your account balance and transaction history online or in the mobile app as soon as your account opens.

If you opened with a promotional offer — such as a cash bonus for setting up direct deposit — Chase will explain the requirements in your welcome materials. Most bonuses require a direct deposit of a certain amount within a set timeframe, usually 90 days. The bonus posts to your account once you meet the requirement.

Account types and what they cost

Chase Total Checking has no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit. If you do not meet either requirement, the fee is $12 per month. Chase Sapphire Checking requires a $500 minimum balance or direct deposit to waive the $25 monthly fee. Chase Premier Plus Checking requires a $15,000 minimum balance or $5,000 in linked savings to waive the $25 monthly fee.

Savings accounts vary. Chase Savings has no monthly fee but earns interest at a rate that changes with the market. Chase Money Market Account requires a $2,500 opening deposit and earns higher interest than savings, but has limits on how many times per month you can withdraw.

All Chase accounts include online banking, mobile app access, and the ability to deposit checks by phone or mobile app. Debit card transactions are free. ATM withdrawals are free at any Chase ATM; withdrawals at other banks' ATMs cost $3 unless you have a higher-tier account.

If your process is denied or delayed

Chase may deny your process if you have a history of overdrafts or fraud at another bank, if your identity cannot be verified, or if you appear on the ChexSystems list (a banking history report similar to a credit report). If your process is denied, Chase will send you a letter explaining why.

If you were denied because of ChexSystems, you can request a copy of your report from ChexSystems directly at chexsystems.com. You have the right to dispute inaccurate information. Some banks offer second-chance checking accounts for people with ChexSystems records, though Chase does not have a dedicated product for this.

If your process is delayed for manual review, Chase will contact you by phone or email within a few business days. They may ask for additional documents, such as a recent tax return or proof of income. Respond as quickly as you can — delays usually resolve within 3 to 5 business days once you provide what they ask for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase account if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. Chase accepts an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You will need to open the account in person at a branch or by phone, not online. Bring your ITIN documentation and a government photo ID.

How much money do I need to open a Chase checking account?

Chase Total Checking has no minimum opening deposit. Some other account types, like Chase Sapphire Checking, also have no minimum. Savings accounts and money market accounts may require $25 or more. Check the account details before you open to see what applies to the account you want.

Can I open an account online if I do not have a U.S. address?

No. Online applications require a U.S. address. You can try opening in person at a branch or by phone, but call ahead to confirm the branch can help you — policies vary by location.

How long does it take to use my account after I open it?

Your account is active the same day you open it. You can transfer money in, set up direct deposit, and use a temporary card number for purchases right away. Your physical debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

What if I want to close my account right after opening it?

You can close your account anytime. If you opened with a promotional bonus, closing before you meet the bonus requirements usually means you forfeit the bonus. There is no early closure fee, but make sure your account balance is zero and all pending transactions have cleared before you close.