You can open a Chase savings account directly in the Chase mobile app in about 10 minutes, but you'll need a valid ID and a funding source ready before you start.
The process is straightforward: read the Chase app (or open it if you already have it), tap "Open an account," select the savings account product you want, answer questions about yourself, verify your identity with your phone camera, and fund the account. Chase will show you which savings accounts are available in your state—not all products are offered everywhere—and the interest rate for each one.
You don't need to be an existing Chase customer to start. If you're opening your first account with Chase, the app will walk you through creating a username and password. If you already bank with Chase, you'll sign in with your existing credentials and the new account will be linked to your profile when ready.
Key Takeaways
- You need a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and a debit card or bank account to fund the new savings account.
- The app will ask you to take a photo of your ID and a selfie to verify your identity before the account opens.
- Funding happens right away—you can transfer money from another bank account or use a debit card, and the account is ready to use within minutes.
- Chase savings accounts have different interest rates and minimum balance requirements depending on which product you choose, so compare the options the app shows you.
- If the app cannot verify your identity or if you run into errors, you can complete the process in a Chase branch or by calling 1-800-935-9935.
What you need before you open the app
Have your valid government-issued ID within arm's reach. Chase will ask you to photograph both sides of it during the verification step. A driver's license, passport, or state ID all work. The ID must be current (not expired) and must match the name and date of birth you provide in the app.
You'll also need a way to fund the account. This can be a debit card from another bank or a bank account number and routing number if you want to transfer from another institution. If you're an existing Chase customer, you can transfer from your current Chase account. The initial deposit can be as small as $1 in most cases, though some Chase savings products have higher minimums—the app will tell you what's required for the account you choose.
Make sure your phone has a working camera and decent lighting. The app will ask you to photograph your ID and take a selfie, and poor lighting or blurry images can cause the verification to fail and slow things down.
Step-by-step: opening the account in the app
Open the Chase mobile app and look for a button or link that says "Open an account" or "get your free guide." This is usually on the home screen or in a menu labeled "Products" or "Accounts." Tap it.
The app will show you which savings account products Chase offers in your state. Read the interest rate and any minimum balance requirement for each one. Chase offers several savings products—such as Chase Savings, Chase Premier Savings, and Chase Sapphire Savings—and the rates and features differ. Choose the one that fits your needs and tap to continue.
Answer the questions about yourself: your full name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number. The app will use your Social Security number to check your identity and run a soft credit inquiry (this does not affect your credit score). Be accurate—any mismatch between what you enter and what's on your ID will cause verification to fail.
When the app asks you to verify your identity, you'll photograph both sides of your ID and take a selfie. Hold your ID flat under good lighting and make sure all four corners are visible in the photo. For the selfie, look directly at the camera with your face clearly visible. If the first attempt fails, the app will let you try again.
Choose how you want to fund the account. If you're using a debit card, enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV. If you're transferring from another bank account, enter the account number and routing number. The app will process the transfer, which usually takes one to two business days to show up in your new Chase account.
Review the account terms and disclosures, then confirm. The app will show you your new account number and routing number when ready. Your account is open and ready to use, though any transferred funds may take a day or two to arrive.
What happens if verification fails
If the app cannot verify your identity through the photo process, it will tell you why—usually because the ID photo is blurry, the lighting is poor, or the information doesn't match what you entered. You can try again right away. If you try multiple times and keep hitting the same error, the app will offer you the option to complete the process in a Chase branch or over the phone.
Calling 1-800-935-9935 is often faster if you're stuck. A Chase representative can verify your identity verbally and open the account for you. You'll still need to fund it, but they can walk you through that step or send you a link to complete it in the app afterward.
If you prefer to avoid the app altogether, you can walk into any Chase branch with your ID and ask to open a savings account. A banker can open it on the spot, show you the available products, and help you fund it right there.
Interest rates and account features vary by product
Chase offers several savings account products, and the interest rate and features are different for each one. The app will show you the current rate for each product available in your state. Rates change frequently, so the rate you see in the app today may not be the rate you lock in tomorrow—but once you open the account, your rate is set based on the day you opened it.
Some Chase savings accounts have no monthly fee and no minimum balance. Others require you to maintain a certain balance to earn the advertised interest rate or to avoid a monthly service charge. The app will clearly state the requirements for each product before you choose, so read them carefully.
You can open more than one savings account with Chase if you want to—for example, one for emergency savings and one for a specific goal. Each account will have its own account number and can earn interest independently.
Moving money in and out after you open
Once your account is open, you can transfer money into it from another bank account using the Chase app. Go to "Transfer money," select your new savings account as the destination, enter the amount, and choose which account to transfer from. If it's an account at another bank, Chase will ask for the routing number and account number. The transfer usually takes one to two business days.
You can also deposit cash or checks at a Chase ATM or branch if you're a customer. Mobile check deposit is available through the app—photograph the front and back of a check and the app will process it. Funds from mobile deposits usually show up within one business day.
Withdrawals work the same way: you can transfer money out of the savings account to another account through the app, or withdraw cash at a Chase ATM. Keep in mind that federal rules limit you to six withdrawals or transfers per month from a savings account. If you exceed that, Chase may charge a fee or convert the account to a checking account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a Chase customer already to open a savings account?
No. You can open a Chase savings account even if you've never banked with Chase before. The app will create a new online banking profile for you during the process. If you already have a Chase checking account or other products, signing in with your existing username and password will link the new savings account to your profile.
How long does it take for the account to be fully open?
The account opens in the app within minutes of completing verification. However, if you're funding it with a transfer from another bank, that transfer takes one to two business days to arrive. You can start using the account when ready, but you won't see the transferred funds until they clear.
What if I don't have a government ID?
The app requires a valid government-issued ID to verify your identity. If you don't have one, you'll need to open the account in a Chase branch or by phone with a representative who can verify you through other means, such as your Social Security number and personal history questions.
Can I change my mind and close the account right after opening it?
Yes. You can close the account through the app or by calling Chase. If you funded it with a transfer, make sure the money has arrived first, then transfer it back out before closing. There's no penalty for closing a new account, though some banks do charge a fee if you close within a certain period—Chase does not.
What interest rate will I earn?
The interest rate depends on which savings product you choose and changes based on market conditions. The app shows the current rate for each product when you're opening the account. Rates are typically higher for accounts with higher minimum balances or for Chase customers who also have a checking account with them.