What you need to open a Chase account
Chase lets you open a checking or savings account online, by phone, or in a branch. The process takes about 10 minutes if you have the right documents ready. You will need a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and an initial deposit — though the amount varies by account type.
Chase also asks for your date of birth, current address, and phone number. If you are opening an account online or by phone, you will need a debit card or bank account from another institution to fund your new account. If you walk into a branch, you can deposit cash instead.
Some Chase accounts have monthly fees unless you meet a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Read the account terms before you finish — the fee structure differs between checking and savings products, and between branches and online-only accounts.
Key Takeaways
- You need a government ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit to open any Chase account.
- Online and phone openings take about 10 minutes but require a debit card or bank account to fund the account.
- In-branch openings let you deposit cash instead and may give you access to a banker who can explain account features.
- Monthly maintenance fees range depending on the account type and whether you meet balance or direct deposit requirements.
- Chase will run a ChexSystems check, which may block you if you have unpaid overdrafts or fraud flags at other banks.
Opening an account online
Go to chase.com and select "Open an Account" from the homepage. You will choose between checking and savings, then answer questions about your personal information, employment, and annual income. Chase uses this data partly for fraud detection and partly to determine which account tier you may have access to for.
You will be asked to verify your identity by uploading a photo of your ID or by answering security questions based on your credit history. This step usually takes a few minutes. Once verified, you will link a debit card or bank account to fund your new Chase account — you can transfer as little as $25 to open most accounts.
After you submit, Chase sends a confirmation email with your account number and routing number. Your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You can use your account online or through the Chase mobile app when ready, but you cannot withdraw cash until your card arrives.
Opening an account in a Chase branch
Walk into any Chase branch with your ID, Social Security number, and cash or a debit card. A banker will walk you through the account options and help you choose between checking, savings, and money market accounts. This conversation usually takes 15 to 20 minutes because the banker will explain fees, minimum balances, and features specific to each product.
You can deposit cash on the spot, which means your account is funded when ready. If you use a debit card instead, the transfer works the same way as online — Chase links the card and pulls the initial deposit. Your debit card is ordered during the appointment and arrives within a week.
Branch openings are useful if you want to ask questions about overdraft protection, linked savings accounts, or whether you may have access to for fee waivers. Bankers can also enroll you in direct deposit on the same day if you bring a recent pay stub.
Opening an account by phone
Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to open an account over the phone. A representative will ask the same questions as the online process — personal information, employment, income, and ID verification. Phone openings take about 15 minutes because the representative reads terms and conditions aloud and confirms your choices before submitting.
You will need a debit card or bank account number ready to fund the account. Chase cannot take a cash deposit over the phone, so this method works only if you have another bank account or card available. The representative will confirm your email address and send account details once the account is open.
What happens after you open your account
Chase runs a ChexSystems check, which is a banking history report similar to a credit report. This check usually clears within minutes, but if you have unpaid overdrafts or fraud flags at other banks, Chase may deny the account or ask you to call and explain. If you are denied, you can dispute the ChexSystems record or wait and reapply later.
Your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. While you wait, you can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or to receive wire transfers. You can also transfer money from another bank account using the Chase mobile app or website.
Your first statement arrives 30 days after your account opens. Review it for any unexpected fees — Chase charges overdraft fees if you spend more than your balance, and monthly maintenance fees if you do not meet the account requirements. You can avoid most fees by keeping a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit.
Account types and their requirements
Chase offers several checking accounts with different fee structures. Chase Total Checking has a $12 monthly fee unless you maintain a $500 minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or keep a linked savings account with $500. Chase Sapphire Checking has a $25 monthly fee and is designed for customers who want premium features like higher interest rates and travel benefits.
Savings accounts include Chase Savings and Chase Money Market accounts. Chase Savings has no monthly fee but pays a low interest rate. Chase Money Market requires a higher opening deposit and pays slightly more interest, but also has a monthly fee if your balance drops below the minimum.
Chase also offers accounts for students and teenagers, which have lower or no monthly fees. If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to co-sign the account.
If Chase denies your account
Chase may deny your account if ChexSystems shows unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or too many closed accounts in a short time. You have the right to see your ChexSystems report for free — request it at consumerdebit.equifax.com or call 1-800-513-2432. If the report contains errors, you can dispute them directly with Equifax.
If the denial is based on your banking history rather than an error, you can reapply after 30 to 90 days. Some people in this situation open accounts at banks with less strict ChexSystems policies, then reapply to Chase once their history improves. You can also call Chase and ask whether a banker at a specific branch might override the denial — some branches have discretion for borderline cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do I need to open a Chase account?
Most Chase accounts require a minimum opening deposit of $25, though some savings accounts ask for $100 or more. The opening deposit is not a fee — it becomes your account balance. You can withdraw it when ready after the account opens.
Can I open a Chase account without a Social Security number?
No. Chase requires a Social Security number for all personal accounts. If you do not have one, you cannot open an account at Chase. Some banks offer accounts for people without Social Security numbers, but Chase is not one of them.
How long does it take to open a Chase account?
Online and phone openings take 10 to 15 minutes. Branch openings take 15 to 20 minutes because a banker explains the account options. Your debit card arrives 7 to 10 business days later, but you can use your account online when ready.
What if I already have a Chase account and want to open another one?
You can open a second account at Chase without closing your first one. Go through the same process online, by phone, or in a branch. Chase will link both accounts to your Social Security number, and you can manage them together in the Chase app.
Do I need a minimum balance to avoid monthly fees?
It depends on the account. Chase Total Checking waives the $12 monthly fee if you keep a $500 minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or maintain a linked savings account with $500. Other accounts have different requirements — check the account terms before you open.