What you need to open a Chase savings account
You can open a Chase savings account online, by phone, or in person at a branch. The fastest route is usually online — it takes about 10 minutes and you can fund the account the same day. You will need a valid government-issued ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number, and an initial deposit.
Chase requires a minimum opening deposit that varies by account type. For their basic savings account (called Chase Savings), the minimum is typically $0 to $25, depending on how you open it. If you already have a Chase checking account, opening a savings account is faster because Chase already has your information on file.
Have your phone number and email address ready. Chase will send you a confirmation code to verify your identity during the online process. If you are opening an account in person, bring your ID and the money or debit card you want to use for the initial deposit.
Key Takeaways
- You can open a Chase savings account online in about 10 minutes with a valid ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit.
- The minimum opening deposit for Chase Savings is typically $0 to $25, though this can vary by account type and how you open it.
- Online opening is usually fastest, but you can also open an account by phone or at a Chase branch in person.
- If you already have a Chase checking account, the process is faster because Chase already has your personal information.
Opening an account online
Go to chase.com and look for the "Open an Account" button, usually near the top of the page. Click on "Savings" and select the account type you want — Chase Savings is the standard option for most people. You will be asked to enter your email address and create a password for your online banking login.
Next, you will enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. Chase will ask you to verify your identity by sending a code to your phone or email. Enter that code to confirm you are who you say you are.
Then you will choose how much to deposit to open the account. You can link an external bank account and transfer money, use a debit card, or wire funds. If you link another bank account, the transfer usually takes one to three business days. If you use a debit card, the deposit is often when ready.
After you complete these steps, you will receive your account number and routing number. You can start using your savings account right away, even if a transfer from another bank is still processing.
Opening an account by phone or in person
To open an account by phone, call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935. A representative will walk you through the same information you would enter online: your name, address, Social Security number, and ID details. They will also arrange your initial deposit. This process usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.
If you prefer to open an account in person, visit a Chase branch near you. Bring your valid ID and your initial deposit (in cash or on a debit card). A banker will help you fill out the account paperwork and set up your online login. You will leave with your account number the same day.
Opening in person can be useful if you have questions or if you want to make sure everything is set up correctly before you leave. However, you may need to wait for an available banker, especially during busy times.
What happens after you open the account
Once your account is open, you can log into Chase's website or mobile app using the password you created. You will see your account number, current balance, and routing number. You can set up direct deposit, transfer money between your Chase accounts, or send money to people outside Chase using their service called Chase QuickPay.
If you opened the account online and linked an external bank account for your initial deposit, that transfer will show as pending until it clears — usually one to three business days. Once it clears, the money is yours to use.
Chase will mail you a debit card within 7 to 10 business days if you want one, though you do not need a debit card to use a savings account. You can withdraw money by transferring it to a checking account, visiting a branch, or using an ATM if you have a debit card.
Understanding Chase savings account features
Chase Savings accounts earn interest on the money you keep in them, though the interest rate changes based on what the Federal Reserve does. The rate is usually low — often less than 1% per year — so a $1,000 balance might earn just a few dollars over a year. You can check the current rate on Chase's website.
Chase Savings accounts have a limit on how many withdrawals you can make per month. This limit varies, so check your account documents or ask a banker for the exact number. Transfers between your own Chase accounts usually do not count against this limit, but withdrawals to external accounts or ATM withdrawals do.
There is no monthly fee for Chase Savings if you keep a minimum balance (usually $0 to $300, depending on the specific account). If your balance falls below the minimum, Chase may charge a monthly maintenance fee of around $5, though this varies. You can avoid the fee by keeping the minimum balance or by setting up direct deposit.
Linking your savings account to other banks
After you open your Chase savings account, you can link it to accounts at other banks. This lets you transfer money between Chase and your other bank without visiting a branch. To link an external account, log into your Chase app or website, go to the transfer section, and follow the prompts to add a new external account.
Chase will ask for the routing number and account number of the external bank account. You can find these on a check, on your other bank's website, or by calling that bank. Chase will then send two small test deposits (usually less than $1 each) to that account to verify it is really yours. You will need to confirm the amounts of those deposits to complete the link.
Once linked, you can transfer money between Chase and that account. Transfers out of Chase usually take one to three business days. Transfers into Chase may be faster, sometimes arriving the same day or next business day.
If you run into problems during setup
If your online process is rejected, Chase will usually tell you why — often because of a mismatch in your personal information or an issue with your ID verification. Check that your name, address, and Social Security number match exactly what is on your ID. If there is a typo, try again.
If you cannot verify your identity online, you can open an account in person at a Chase branch or by calling customer service. A banker or representative can verify your identity manually and help you complete the process.
If you have questions about your new account, call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935 or visit a branch. You can also use the Chase mobile app to message customer service, and they will usually respond within a few hours during business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have a Chase checking account to open a savings account?
No. You can open a Chase savings account on its own. However, if you already have a Chase checking account, the process is faster because Chase already has your information. You can also link your savings account to a checking account at a different bank.
How much money do I have to put in when I open the account?
Chase Savings typically requires a minimum opening deposit of $0 to $25, though this can vary. Check Chase's website or call 1-800-935-9935 to confirm the current minimum for the specific account type you want to open.
Can I open a savings account if I do not have a Social Security number?
You will need either a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have either, visit a Chase branch in person to discuss your options. Some branches can help you open an account with alternative forms of ID.
How long does it take to open an account online?
The online process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish. You can fund the account when ready with a debit card, or link an external bank account for a transfer that takes one to three business days.
What is the difference between Chase Savings and other Chase savings products?
Chase offers several savings options with different features and interest rates. Chase Savings is the basic option. Chase also offers high-yield savings accounts that earn more interest, though they may have higher minimum balances. Visit chase.com or call 1-800-935-9935 to compare the options.