What You Need Before You Start

Chase requires specific documents and information before you can open a checking account. You will need a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and an initial deposit. The minimum opening deposit varies by account type—some Chase checking accounts require $25, while others have no minimum. You can open an account online, by phone, or in a branch.

Have your contact information ready: current address, phone number, and email. If you are opening an account online, Chase will verify your identity using information from your credit file, so the process moves faster if your address matches what's on record with the credit bureaus. If you cannot be verified online, you will need to visit a branch or call to complete the account opening.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid photo ID, Social Security number, and an opening deposit (amount depends on the account type you choose).
  • Online account opening usually takes 5 to 10 minutes if your identity verifies automatically, but you may be asked to visit a branch or call if verification fails.
  • Chase offers several checking account types with different features and fee structures—choose based on whether you want to avoid monthly fees and what services you actually use.
  • After opening, your account number and routing number are available when ready online, but physical debit cards arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Opening an Account Online

Go to chase.com and select "Open an Account" from the homepage. You will be asked to choose which checking account type you want—Chase offers Chase Total Checking, Chase Sapphire Checking, Chase Premier Plus Checking, and others, each with different monthly fees and benefits. Read the fee schedule for each before you choose, because some accounts waive the monthly fee if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.

Enter your personal information: name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number. Chase will then attempt to verify your identity using the information you provide. If verification succeeds, you will see a confirmation screen with your new account number and routing number within minutes. If verification fails, Chase will tell you to call 1-800-935-9935 or visit a branch to complete the process in person.

Once your account is open, you can transfer money into it when ready using the account and routing numbers. Your physical debit card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can request a temporary digital card in the Chase Mobile app while you wait, which you can use for online purchases and contactless payments right away.

Opening an Account at a Chase Branch

Bring your photo ID, Social Security number, and your opening deposit to any Chase branch. A banker will walk you through the account type options and help you choose based on your banking habits. This route takes 15 to 30 minutes and guarantees your identity is verified on the spot, so there is no risk of being asked to call back later.

The banker will give you a temporary debit card on the spot in some cases, or you will receive one by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your account number and routing number are available when ready, so you can start using the account for direct deposits or transfers the same day.

Opening an Account by Phone

Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to open an account by phone. A representative will ask for the same information as the online process: name, date of birth, address, Social Security number, and which account type you want. The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will need to provide your opening deposit information—either a bank account to transfer from or a debit card to charge.

After the call ends, your account is open and your account number and routing number are available when ready. Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need to verify your identity by phone rather than online, this route guarantees you will not be asked to visit a branch later.

Understanding Chase Checking Account Types and Fees

Chase Total Checking is the most common option. It has a $12 monthly fee, but the fee is waived if you maintain a $500 minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or keep a linked savings account with a $500 balance. There is no minimum opening deposit.

Chase Sapphire Checking is designed for customers who want premium features. It has a $25 monthly fee, waived if you maintain a $10,000 minimum balance or have a linked Sapphire savings account. It includes benefits like higher interest rates on linked savings accounts and travel protections. The minimum opening deposit is $25.

Chase Premier Plus Checking requires a $25 minimum opening deposit and has a $25 monthly fee, waived if you maintain a $15,000 balance. It includes concierge services and higher interest rates on linked accounts.

If you want to avoid fees entirely, focus on the waiver conditions for each account. Most people avoid the monthly fee on Chase Total Checking by setting up direct deposit from an employer or benefit payment, which is the easiest path if that option is available to you.

What Happens After Your Account Opens

Your account is fully functional when ready after opening, even before your physical debit card arrives. You can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit, receive wire transfers, or link the account to other banks. You can also log into the Chase Mobile app or chase.com to check your balance, transfer money between accounts, and pay bills.

Your physical debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Once it arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back of the card or through the Chase Mobile app. You can use it at Chase ATMs when ready, and at other ATMs after set up (though out-of-network ATM fees explore unless you have a premium account).

If you opened the account online and your identity could not be verified automatically, you may receive a message asking you to visit a branch or call to complete verification before you can withdraw money. This usually happens within one business day, and once resolved, your account works normally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase checking account if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. Chase requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open any account. If you have an ITIN, you can use that instead of a Social Security number. Bring documentation of your ITIN when you open the account in person.

What if my identity does not verify online?

Chase will tell you during the online process that verification failed and will direct you to call 1-800-935-9935 or visit a branch. You can complete the account opening by phone or in person, and a representative will verify your identity manually. This usually takes one business day.

Can I use a temporary debit card before my physical card arrives?

Yes. If you opened your account online or by phone, you can request a temporary digital card in the Chase Mobile app, which works for online purchases and contactless payments when ready. Some branches also issue temporary physical cards on the spot. Your permanent card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

Do I need to visit a branch in person, or can I do everything online?

You can open the account entirely online if your identity verifies automatically. If it does not, you will need to either call or visit a branch to complete the process. Most people who have a credit history and a current address on file can open online without a branch visit.

What is the minimum opening deposit?

Most Chase checking accounts have no minimum opening deposit, though some account types like Sapphire Checking require $25. You can open with as little as $1 on some accounts, but you will need to fund the account with something to set up it.