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 photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and an initial deposit. The deposit amount varies by account type—some accounts require $25 to open, others $100 or more. You can fund the account with a debit card, transfer from another bank, or cash if you open in person.

Chase also runs a background check through ChexSystems, which is a banking history report. If you have been flagged for fraud or unpaid overdrafts at another bank, Chase may deny your process. You can request your ChexSystems report for free before you explore if you want to know whether you might face a problem.

Have your information ready: full legal name, date of birth, current address, phone number, and email. If you are opening an account for a minor, you will need to be the parent or legal guardian and provide their Social Security number as well.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID, Social Security number, and an opening deposit to open a Chase account online or in person.
  • Chase checks your banking history through ChexSystems, and a record of fraud or unpaid overdrafts can result in denial.
  • Online applications take about 10 minutes and you can start using your account the same day in most cases.
  • If you do not have an ID or Social Security number, you will need to visit a branch in person with alternative documents.

Opening an Account Online

Go to chase.com and select "Open an Account" from the homepage. Choose the account type you want—Chase Total Checking, Chase Savings, or another product. The online form will ask for your personal information, Social Security number, and ID details. You will upload a photo of your ID or answer security questions to verify your identity.

The process takes about 10 minutes. Once approved, Chase will assign you an account number and routing number when ready. You can log into your online banking account and set up a debit card, but the physical card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need cash access right away, you can visit a Chase branch and withdraw from your new account using your ID.

If Chase cannot verify your identity online, they will ask you to visit a branch or call 1-800-935-9935 to complete the account opening by phone. This usually happens if your ID is expired, if your address does not match their records, or if ChexSystems flags something that needs human review.

Opening an Account in a Chase Branch

Walk into any Chase branch with your ID, Social Security number, and opening deposit. Tell a banker you want to open a checking or savings account. They will fill out the process with you, run the ChexSystems check, and usually approve you on the spot. The whole process takes 15 to 30 minutes.

You will receive your debit card when ready if you open in person, or within 7 to 10 business days by mail. Your account is active the same day, so you can use the debit card or mobile app to access your money right away. If you do not have a government ID, bring a combination of documents: passport card, tribal ID, military ID, or a recent utility bill with your name and address.

If you do not have a Social Security number, bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Chase will accept it, though the process may take longer because they will need to verify it with the IRS.

Opening an Account by Phone

Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 and say you want to open a new account. A representative will walk you through the process over the phone. You will need your ID number, Social Security number, and opening deposit information ready. If you are funding the account from another bank, have that account number and routing number available.

Phone applications usually take 15 to 20 minutes. Chase will verify your identity by asking security questions or requesting you to upload your ID through their find portal. Once approved, your account opens the same day and you can use mobile banking when ready. Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

What Happens If Chase Denies Your process

Chase will send you a letter explaining why they denied your account. Common reasons are a ChexSystems record of fraud, unpaid overdrafts at another bank, or identity verification failure. You have the right to request your ChexSystems report and dispute any errors on it—contact ChexSystems directly at 1-800-428-9623 or chexsystems.com.

If the denial is because of unpaid overdrafts, you can sometimes resolve it by paying the old bank what you owe, waiting for the record to age off (usually 5 years), or explore for a second-chance checking account at another bank first. Some regional banks and credit unions have fewer restrictions than Chase and may open an account for you even with a ChexSystems flag. Once you have a clean account history for 6 to 12 months, you can reapply to Chase.

If the denial is because you could not verify your identity, try again in person at a branch with additional documents: passport, military ID, or a recent utility bill. A banker can often verify you manually when the online system cannot.

Funding Your New Account

You can fund your Chase account in several ways. If you opened online or by phone, you can transfer money from another bank account using the routing number and account number Chase gave you. The transfer usually takes 1 to 3 business days. You can also use a debit card to fund the account—Chase accepts Visa, Mastercard, and Discover, though some cards charge a fee for this type of transaction.

If you opened in a branch, you can deposit cash or a check when ready. You can also set up a direct deposit from your employer, which usually posts within 1 to 2 business days of your employer sending it. If you need to move money quickly from another bank, ask that bank about wire transfer—it reaches Chase in hours, though both banks may charge a fee.

After Your Account Opens

Once your account is open, set up online banking and mobile banking right away. Go to chase.com or read the Chase Mobile app and log in with your account number and password. You can check your balance, transfer money between accounts, pay bills, and deposit checks by photo.

Your debit card will arrive by mail. When it arrives, set up it through the app or by calling the number on the back of the card. You can also set up alerts for low balance, large transactions, or suspicious activity. If you want to add a second person to the account (a joint account holder), you will need to visit a branch with both people present and both IDs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to open a Chase account?

Online applications are approved in about 10 minutes and your account is active the same day. In-branch applications take 15 to 30 minutes. Phone applications take 15 to 20 minutes. Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use your account when ready through mobile banking or at an ATM.

Can I open a Chase account without a Social Security number?

You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. The process may take longer because Chase will verify it with the IRS. You will still need a government photo ID and an opening deposit.

What if I do not have a government ID?

Visit a Chase branch in person with a combination of documents: passport card, tribal ID, military ID, or a recent utility bill showing your name and address. A banker can verify your identity manually. You will still need your Social Security number and opening deposit.

Can I open a joint account with someone else?

Yes. Both people must visit a Chase branch together with photo IDs. You will fill out one process and both will be listed as account owners. Both of you can access the account and make withdrawals.

What if I have a ChexSystems record from a past problem?

Request your ChexSystems report at chexsystems.com and dispute any errors. If the record is accurate, you can try a second-chance checking account at another bank first, pay off any old overdrafts, or wait for the record to age off (usually 5 years). After 6 to 12 months of clean banking history, you can reapply to Chase.