What you need before you start

Chase lets you open a checking or savings account online, by phone, or in person at a branch. You will need a government-issued photo ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number, and an initial deposit. The deposit amount varies — some accounts need $25, others need $100 or more — so check the specific account type before you begin.

If you do not have a Social Security number yet, you can still open an account, but the process takes longer and requires you to visit a branch in person with additional documents. Chase will ask for your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, along with a second form of ID.

You will also need a way to fund the account — either a debit card, a check, or a transfer from another bank account. If you are opening in person, you can bring cash.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID, your Social Security number, and an opening deposit to start an account online or by phone.
  • Chase offers different account types with different monthly fees and minimum balances — checking accounts, savings accounts, and money market accounts each have different rules.
  • Opening online takes about 10 minutes, but you cannot fund the account until Chase verifies your identity, which usually happens within one business day.
  • If you have no credit history or banking history, opening in a branch with a banker present can be simpler than the online process.
  • Once your account is open, you can set up direct deposit, request a debit card, and link other accounts for transfers.

Opening an account online

Go to chase.com and look for the "Open an Account" button, usually at the top of the page. Choose the account type you want — Chase Total Checking, Chase Savings, or another option — and you will be asked to enter your name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number.

Chase will then ask you to verify your identity. This usually means answering questions about your credit history or past addresses. If you have never had credit before, Chase may not be able to verify you this way and will ask you to open in person instead.

Once verified, you will choose your opening deposit method. You can link a bank account and transfer money, use a debit card, or mail a check. The account opens when ready, but you cannot use it until the deposit clears, which takes one to two business days for transfers and three to five for checks.

Opening an account by phone

Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to open an account over the phone. A banker will walk you through the same questions as the online process — your name, address, Social Security number, and ID information. You will need your ID in front of you so you can read the number aloud.

The banker will verify your identity by asking about your credit history or past addresses, just as the online process does. If you cannot be verified this way, they will tell you to visit a branch instead.

Once the account is open, the banker will help you set up your opening deposit. You can arrange a transfer from another bank account or provide a debit card number over the phone. Some people prefer this route because they can ask questions in real time.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Find your nearest Chase branch using the branch locator on chase.com. Bring your government photo ID, your Social Security number (or ITIN if you do not have an SSN), and your opening deposit — cash, a check, or a debit card to transfer from another account.

A banker will help you choose an account type and fill out the paperwork. This is the best route if you have never had a bank account before, because the banker can explain the differences between account types and answer questions about fees and features. It is also the only route if Chase cannot verify your identity online.

Your account opens on the spot, and your deposit is available when ready if you bring cash. Transfers and checks take the same one to five business days as they do online.

Understanding Chase account types and fees

Chase Total Checking is the most common account. It has no monthly fee if you keep a $500 minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or maintain a linked savings account with at least $300 in it. If you do not meet any of those conditions, the fee is $12 per month.

Chase Savings has a monthly fee of $5 unless you keep a $300 minimum balance. Interest rates on savings accounts change frequently, so ask the banker or check chase.com for the current rate when you open.

Chase also offers a Money Market Account, which combines checking and savings features but requires a higher opening deposit and minimum balance. Each account type has different rules about how many withdrawals you can make per month and what interest you earn.

What happens after your account opens

Once your account is open and your deposit has cleared, you can start using it. Chase will mail you a debit card within 7 to 10 business days. You can request a card be ready for pickup at your branch instead if you need it sooner.

You can set up direct deposit by giving your employer your account number and routing number. Chase will show you both numbers in the app or online banking portal. Direct deposit usually takes one to two pay periods to start.

You can also link other bank accounts to transfer money in and out. This takes one business day to set up, and transfers usually complete within one to three business days depending on the other bank.

If you have trouble opening an account

If Chase cannot verify your identity online, you must open in person at a branch. Bring your ID and any documents that show your current address — a utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement all work.

If you have a very limited credit history or no history at all, Chase may ask for additional documents. These might include a letter from your employer showing your income, a copy of your lease, or a reference from another bank. Ask the banker what they need before you make a second trip.

If you were denied an account, ask why. Chase will tell you whether it was because of identity verification, a banking history issue, or something else. You can sometimes resolve the issue and try again, or you may need to open with a different bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, but you need an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead, and you must open in person at a branch. Bring your ITIN, a government photo ID, and your opening deposit. The process takes longer because Chase has to verify your identity a different way.

How much money do I need to open an account?

Chase Total Checking requires a $25 opening deposit. Chase Savings requires $25 as well. Some other account types require $100 or more. You can bring cash, use a debit card, or transfer from another bank account.

When can I use my account after I open it?

Your account opens when ready, but you cannot use it until your opening deposit clears. Cash deposits are available right away if you open in person. Transfers from another bank take one to two business days. Checks take three to five business days.

Do I have to go to a branch, or can I do everything online?

You can open online or by phone if Chase can verify your identity. If you have no credit history or banking history, you will need to visit a branch in person. Even if you open online, you may want to visit a branch to ask questions about account features or fees.

What if I want to close my account later?

You can close your Chase account online, by phone, or in person at any time. Make sure your account balance is zero first — withdraw or transfer any remaining money. If you have a debit card, you can destroy it or return it to a branch.