What you need to open a Chase checking account

Chase lets you open a checking account in three ways: online, on your phone, or in a branch. The online and mobile routes take about 10 minutes and you can start using the account the same day. You will need a valid government ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number, and an initial deposit — usually at least $25, though some account types ask for more.

If you do not have a Social Security number yet, you can open an account in a Chase branch with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You will need to bring your ID and ITIN documents in person, and a branch employee will help you through the process.

Chase will also run a background check using ChexSystems, a banking history database. This check looks at whether you have had accounts closed for cause or owe money to other banks. Most people pass without issue, but if you have had problems with a bank in the past, tell the Chase employee or mention it during the online process — they can explain what they see and whether it affects your account.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open a Chase checking account online, through the mobile app, or in a branch, and most online applications take about 10 minutes.
  • You will need a valid government ID, your Social Security number or ITIN, and an opening deposit of at least $25.
  • Chase runs a ChexSystems check to review your banking history, and most applicants are approved the same day.
  • If you open online or on your phone, you can use your debit card and mobile app when ready, though physical cards arrive by mail in 7 to 10 days.
  • Chase offers several checking account types with different monthly fees and minimum balances — choose based on how much you plan to keep in the account.

Opening an account online or through the Chase mobile app

Start by going to chase.com or opening the Chase mobile app. Look for the button that says "Open an Account" or "New Customer." You will be asked to choose which type of checking account you want — Chase offers several, and the main difference is the monthly fee and minimum balance required to avoid that fee.

Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. Then provide your Social Security number and driver's license or state ID number. Chase will ask you to create a username and password for online banking. At this point, Chase runs the ChexSystems check in the background — this usually takes a few seconds, though occasionally it takes a few minutes.

Once you are approved, you will choose your opening deposit amount and how to fund it. You can transfer money from another bank account, or if you do not have one, you can ask Chase for instructions on how to mail a check or deposit cash at a branch. After you confirm everything, your account opens when ready and you can log in to see your account number. Your physical debit card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Opening an account in a Chase branch

Walk into any Chase branch with your government ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and your opening deposit. Tell the employee you want to open a checking account. They will ask you the same questions as the online form — name, address, phone, email, and Social Security number — and will show you the different account types available.

The employee will run the ChexSystems check while you are there, usually in a few minutes. If you are approved, they will give you your account number, temporary debit card, and information about when your permanent card will arrive. You can start using the account right away, and you can often use the temporary card at Chase ATMs and branches the same day.

Opening in a branch is useful if you do not have a computer or smartphone, if you want to ask questions face-to-face, or if you do not have a Social Security number and need to use an ITIN instead.

Understanding Chase checking account types and fees

Chase offers several checking accounts, and the main ones are Chase Total Checking, Chase Sapphire Checking, and Chase Premier Plus Checking. Each has a different monthly maintenance fee and a different minimum balance that lets you avoid that fee.

Chase Total Checking has a monthly fee, but you can waive it by keeping a minimum balance, setting up direct deposit, or maintaining a linked savings account with a certain balance. Chase Sapphire Checking costs more per month but offers higher interest on your balance and waives the fee at a lower minimum balance. Chase Premier Plus Checking is for customers who want to keep a larger balance and get premium features.

When you open your account, the employee or online form will explain which account fits your situation. If you are not sure, ask about the minimum balance requirement — that is the number that matters most. If you can keep that amount in the account, you pay no monthly fee.

What happens after you open your account

Your account is live the moment you finish opening it. You can log into Chase online banking or the mobile app right away and see your account number, routing number, and balance. You can set up direct deposit, transfer money from another bank, or start using your temporary debit card if you opened in a branch.

Your permanent debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. When it arrives, you can set up it through the app or by calling the number on the card. Your old temporary card stops working once you set up the new one.

If you opened online or on the app, you will not have a temporary card — you can add your account to a digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay) and use your phone to pay right away, or you can wait for your physical card to arrive.

If Chase declines your process

Chase will tell you when ready if they cannot open your account. The most common reason is a ChexSystems issue — usually a closed account at another bank or an unpaid overdraft. If this happens, ask Chase for the specific reason. You have the right to see your ChexSystems report for free by visiting the ChexSystems website or calling their customer service line.

If your report has an error, you can dispute it with ChexSystems directly. If the issue is real — for example, you owe money to another bank — you can try paying that debt and reapplying to Chase after 30 days, or you can look for a bank that works with people in your situation, such as a credit union or a bank that uses a different screening system.

Chase also may decline if your ID is expired, if your address does not match government records, or if there is a problem with the information you provided. If this happens, bring your documents to a branch in person — a branch employee can often resolve the issue on the spot.

Setting up direct deposit and linking accounts

Once your account is open, you can set up direct deposit so your paycheck goes straight into your checking account. Log into Chase online banking or the app, go to the direct deposit section, and you will see your account and routing number. Give these to your employer's payroll department, and they will set it up on their end — this usually takes one or two pay periods to start.

You can also link your Chase checking account to other bank accounts you own. This lets you transfer money between them quickly. Go to the transfer section in Chase online banking, select "Link an Account," and follow the steps. Chase will ask for the other bank's routing number and your account number there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase checking account if I have been declined by another bank?

Yes, but Chase will see the reason why through ChexSystems. If the other bank closed your account because of an overdraft or unpaid fees, you may still be declined. If you were declined, ask Chase for the specific reason and consider visiting a branch to explain your situation — a branch employee has more flexibility than the online system.

What is the minimum opening deposit?

Most Chase checking accounts require at least $25 to open. Some account types may ask for more, but the online form will tell you the exact amount before you finish. You can deposit this by transferring from another bank account, mailing a check, or depositing cash at a branch.

Can I use my account before my debit card arrives?

Yes. You can log into online banking or the app when ready and transfer money, set up bill pay, or add your account to a digital wallet like Apple Pay. If you opened in a branch, you get a temporary debit card right away. If you opened online, you can use your phone to pay while you wait for your physical card.

How long does it take to open a Chase checking account?

Online and mobile applications take about 10 minutes and your account opens the same day. In-branch applications also take about 10 to 15 minutes. Your physical debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Do I need a Social Security number to open an account?

Chase prefers a Social Security number, but if you do not have one, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You will need to open the account in a branch and bring documents that prove your ITIN — a branch employee can tell you which documents they accept.