What you need to open a Chase account

Chase lets you open a checking or savings account in person at a branch, online through their website, or by phone. The fastest route is usually online — you can finish in about 10 minutes if you have the right documents ready. No matter which way you choose, you will need a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and address on it. The document needs to be from the last 60 days. If you do not have one yet, you can bring a second form of ID instead — a passport works, or a state ID card. Chase will also ask for your phone number and email address during the process.

If you are opening an account for a child under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present or complete the process with them. Chase has accounts designed for minors, though the adult on the account has access to it until the child reaches a certain age (this age varies by account type).

Key Takeaways

  • You can open a Chase account online in about 10 minutes with a photo ID, Social Security number, and proof of address from the last 60 days.
  • Online accounts are funded when ready once approved, but you will need to order a debit card separately — it arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • Chase branches are open during business hours, and opening in person means you walk out with a debit card the same day.
  • Different Chase account types have different monthly fees, minimum balances, and benefits — compare them before you choose.
  • If you have had banking problems in the past, Chase may deny your account, but you can ask why and try again later.

Opening an account online

Go to chase.com and look for the "Open an Account" button, usually near the top of the page. You will be asked to choose the type of account you want — Chase offers checking accounts, savings accounts, and money market accounts. If you are new to banking, a basic checking account is the most common choice. Read the account details carefully, because different Chase checking accounts have different monthly fees and minimum balance requirements.

Once you choose an account type, Chase will ask you to enter your personal information: name, date of birth, Social Security number, phone number, and email address. Then you will upload or photograph your ID and proof of address. Make sure the photo is clear and all four corners of the document are visible. Chase's system usually approves or denies you within minutes.

If you are approved, you will create a username and password to access your account online. Your account is active when ready, and you can start using it right away — but you cannot withdraw cash or make purchases until your debit card arrives. Chase mails debit cards in 7 to 10 business days. If you need cash before then, you can visit a Chase branch and withdraw from a teller, or use a Chase ATM with your temporary digital card (available through the Chase mobile app).

Opening an account at a Chase branch

Find a Chase branch near you on their website, check the hours, and go in during business hours. Bring your photo ID, Social Security number (written down or memorized), proof of address, and your phone number. A banker will sit with you, answer questions about which account type fits your needs, and help you fill out the paperwork.

The process takes 15 to 30 minutes. Once you are approved, the banker will order your debit card and you will receive a temporary card on the spot — you can use this to withdraw cash or make purchases when ready. Your permanent debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You will also get a checkbook if you opened a checking account, though many people do not use checks anymore.

Opening in person is useful if you want to ask questions face-to-face, if you have had trouble with banking before and want to understand what Chase is looking for, or if you need to withdraw cash the same day. Some people also prefer the certainty of walking out with a card in hand.

Opening an account by phone

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 process — your personal information, ID details, and proof of address. You will need to have your documents in front of you so you can read the information aloud.

Phone opening takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Once approved, Chase will mail your debit card and any other materials. Like the online route, your account is active when ready, but you cannot use the card until it arrives. Ask the representative if they can send a temporary digital card to your phone so you can access cash sooner.

What happens after you are approved

Once Chase approves your account, you can log in online or through the Chase mobile app to see your account number, routing number, and balance. Your employer or anyone else who needs to send you money can use this information to set up direct deposit or wire transfers. You can also set up bill pay through your Chase account to pay bills automatically.

Your debit card will arrive in the mail. When it does, you will need to set up it — Chase sends instructions with the card, or you can set up it through the app or by calling the number on the back. Once activated, you can use it at any store, restaurant, or ATM that accepts Visa (Chase debit cards are Visa cards).

Chase will send you a welcome packet with information about your account, including the monthly fee (if any), how to dispute a transaction, and how to set up online banking. Read this packet, because it explains what you are responsible for and what Chase is responsible for.

Different Chase account types and their costs

Chase offers several checking accounts with different features and fees. The Chase Total Checking account has a monthly fee, but the fee is waived if you meet one of several conditions — for example, if you keep a certain minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or maintain a Chase savings account. The Chase find Checking account is designed for people who are new to banking or have had banking problems; it has different requirements and usually a lower monthly fee.

Chase also offers savings accounts and money market accounts, which earn interest on the money you keep in them. The interest rate changes over time and varies by account type. If you are just starting out, a checking account is usually enough — you can add a savings account later if you want to save money separately.

Compare the accounts on Chase's website before you open one. Look at the monthly fee, the minimum balance requirement, and what you have to do to waive the fee. If the fee seems high, ask yourself whether you will actually meet the waiver conditions — if not, a different account might be cheaper.

What to do if Chase denies your account

Chase may deny your account if you have a history of overdrafts, bounced checks, or fraud at other banks. Chase checks your banking history through a system called ChexSystems, which tracks banking problems across the country. If you are denied, Chase will tell you why — usually in a letter that arrives within a few days.

You can ask Chase to reconsider, especially if the reason for denial was a mistake or if circumstances have changed. You can also check your ChexSystems report yourself to see what information is there — you have the right to see this report and to dispute information that is wrong. Visit chexsystems.com to request your report.

If Chase denies you, you are not locked out of banking forever. Many smaller banks and credit unions have accounts for people with banking problems, and some have lower fees or no fees at all. You can also try again with Chase in six months or a year, especially if you have stayed out of trouble in the meantime.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Chase requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have either, you will not be able to open an account with Chase. Some smaller banks and credit unions may have different requirements — call ahead to ask.

How long does it take to get approved?

Online approval usually takes a few minutes to a few hours. In-person approval at a branch is when ready. Phone approval takes about 20 to 30 minutes, and you will know the result before you hang up. If Chase needs more information, they will contact you within a few days.

Can I open an account with a passport instead of a state ID?

Yes. A valid passport counts as government-issued photo ID. You will still need proof of address from the last 60 days — a utility bill, lease, or recent government mail with your name and address on it.

What is the difference between a checking account and a savings account?

A checking account is for money you use regularly — you can write checks, use a debit card, and set up bill pay. A savings account is for money you want to keep separate and earn interest on. Most people start with checking; you can add savings later if you want to save money separately.

Do I have to use Chase's mobile app?

No. You can manage your account through Chase's website on a computer, or by calling customer service. The app is convenient, but it is not required. You can also visit a branch or ATM to check your balance or withdraw cash.