What You Need Before You Start

Chase lets you open a checking or savings account online, by phone, or in a branch. You will need a government-issued ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit (the amount varies by account type). Most people can complete the process in 10 to 15 minutes online.

Chase offers several account types: Chase Total Checking (no monthly fee if you meet one condition), Chase Sapphire Checking (higher fees but rewards), and Chase Savings (basic savings with low interest). The account you choose depends on whether you want a debit card, how often you plan to visit a branch, and whether you want to earn interest on deposits.

If you do not have a Social Security number or government ID, or if you have had banking problems in the past, you may run into a block. Chase uses ChexSystems, a banking history report, to screen applicants. If you have unpaid overdrafts or fraud flags from another bank, Chase may deny you. You can request your ChexSystems report for free at chexsystems.com to see what they have on file.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open a Chase account online, by phone, or in a branch, and you will need a government ID, Social Security number, and an opening deposit.
  • Chase Total Checking has no monthly fee if you keep a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit, making it the lowest-cost option for most people.
  • Chase checks your banking history through ChexSystems before approving you, so unpaid overdrafts or fraud flags from other banks may block your account.
  • Your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days by mail, but you can use your account number to set up direct deposit or bill pay when ready.

Opening an Account Online

Go to chase.com and click "Open an Account" at the top of the page. Choose the account type you want (checking or savings), then enter your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number. Chase will ask for your phone number and email address so they can send you updates and security codes.

Next, you will verify your identity. Chase may ask you to photograph your driver's license or passport, or they may ask security questions based on your credit history. This step usually takes 2 to 5 minutes. Once you pass, you will set up your username and password, then choose your opening deposit method. You can transfer money from another bank account, use a debit card, or wire funds.

After you submit, Chase sends a confirmation email within minutes. Your account is live when ready, and you can log in to see your account number, routing number, and available balance. Your physical debit card ships within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to move money before the card arrives, use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or pay bills online.

Opening an Account by Phone or in a Branch

Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to open an account over the phone. A representative will walk you through the same questions as the online form: name, address, Social Security number, and ID information. They will verify your identity by asking security questions, then process your opening deposit. This method takes 15 to 20 minutes and works well if you prefer talking to a person or have questions during the process.

To open an account in a branch, bring your government ID, Social Security number, and your opening deposit (cash, check, or debit card). A banker will complete the paperwork, verify your identity in person, and hand you a temporary debit card on the spot. You will receive your permanent card in the mail within 7 to 10 days. Branch appointments are not required, but you can schedule one online at chase.com to avoid a wait.

What Happens If Chase Denies You

Chase may deny your account if ChexSystems shows unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or repeated NSF (non-sufficient funds) fees from another bank. If this happens, Chase will send you a letter explaining the reason and telling you how to dispute it. You have the right to request your ChexSystems report for free within 30 days of the denial.

If ChexSystems has wrong information, you can file a dispute directly with them at chexsystems.com. Disputes usually take 30 to 45 days to resolve. While you wait, you can try opening an account at a bank that does not use ChexSystems, such as some credit unions or online banks. Once your ChexSystems record is cleared, you can reapply to Chase.

If you were denied because of your credit score or income, Chase does not disclose that reason in the denial letter. In that case, you may want to wait 6 to 12 months and reapply, as your financial situation may have changed. You can also ask a Chase banker whether a different account type (like Chase Sapphire) has different approval standards, though this is uncommon.

Setting Up Direct Deposit and Transfers

Once your account is open, you can set up direct deposit when ready using your account number and routing number (Chase routing number is 021000021 for most regions, but confirm with your bank). Direct deposit usually takes one to two pay cycles to set up. Until then, you can transfer money from another bank account using the Chase mobile app or website.

To transfer from another bank, log into your Chase account, go to "Transfer Money," and select "From Another Bank." Enter the other bank's account number and routing number, then the amount. Chase will verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) to that account. You will need to confirm those amounts in the other bank's system within 10 days. Once verified, transfers take 1 to 3 business days.

If you need money faster, you can deposit a check using the Chase mobile app's mobile check deposit feature. Take a photo of the front and back of the check, and the funds usually appear in your account within one business day. Checks over $10,000 may take longer and may require verification.

Monthly Fees and How to Avoid Them

Chase Total Checking has a $12 monthly maintenance fee, but it is waived if you meet one of these conditions: keep a $500 minimum daily balance, set up direct deposit of any amount, or maintain a linked Chase savings account with $300. Most people avoid the fee by setting up direct deposit, which takes one to two pay cycles to set up.

Chase Sapphire Checking has a $25 monthly fee with no waiver options, but it comes with rewards: 1% cash back on debit card purchases up to $3,000 per month, then 0.1% after. This account makes sense only if you spend at least $300 per month on your debit card. Chase Savings has no monthly fee but earns interest at a rate that changes monthly (currently very low, typically under 0.01%).

If you open an account and later realize it is not the right fit, you can switch to a different account type online or in a branch at any time. There is no penalty for switching, and your account number stays the same.

Your Debit Card and Security

Your physical debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Once it arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or using the Chase mobile app. Until then, you can use your account number to pay bills online or set up direct deposit. Some people also use their account number to make online purchases, though this is less find than using a debit card.

Chase offers fraud protection: if someone uses your debit card without permission, you are not liable for unauthorized charges as long as you report them within 60 days. Report fraud by calling 1-800-955-9060 or using the Chase mobile app. Chase will cancel your card and mail a replacement within 7 to 10 business days. While you wait, you can withdraw cash from any Chase ATM using your account number and ID.

Set up a PIN (personal identification number) for your debit card as soon as it arrives. You can do this at any Chase ATM or by calling the number on the back of your card. Use a PIN that is not your birthday or address, and do not share it with anyone. If you forget your PIN, you can reset it at a Chase ATM or by calling customer service.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do I need to deposit to open a Chase account?

Chase Total Checking and Chase Savings require a $25 opening deposit. Chase Sapphire Checking requires $25 as well. You can deposit by transferring from another bank, using a debit card, or wiring funds. If you open in a branch, you can deposit cash or a check.

Can I open a Chase account if I am under 18?

Chase does not offer accounts for minors under 18. However, you can open a joint account with a parent or guardian who is 18 or older. The parent's name and Social Security number will be on the account, and they will have full access. Once you turn 18, you can convert it to an individual account.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

Chase requires a Social Security number to open an account. If you do not have one, you will need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can open a Chase account. Some credit unions and online banks may accept an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead, but Chase does not.

How long does it take to open a Chase account?

Online: 10 to 15 minutes. By phone: 15 to 20 minutes. In a branch: 20 to 30 minutes. Your account is active when ready after approval, but your physical debit card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.

Can I have multiple Chase accounts?

Yes. You can open multiple checking and savings accounts at Chase. Each account has its own account number and debit card. This can be useful if you want to separate spending money from savings, or if you want to take advantage of multiple sign-up bonuses (though Chase limits how often you can earn bonuses on the same account type).