What you need before you start
Chase requires a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address before you can open a checking account. You'll also need an initial deposit — the amount varies by account type, but most Chase checking accounts require a minimum opening deposit of $25.
Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government document with your name and current address. If you're opening the account online, you'll photograph or upload these documents. If you're opening in a branch, bring the originals.
You can open a Chase checking account online, through the mobile app, or in person at a Chase branch. Each route takes roughly the same amount of time to complete — about 10 to 15 minutes — but the in-person option lets you ask questions and deposit cash when ready.
Key Takeaways
- You need a government photo ID, Social Security number, proof of address, and a minimum opening deposit of $25 to open most Chase checking accounts.
- Chase offers several checking account types with different features and monthly fees, so compare them before you choose one.
- You can open an account online, through the Chase mobile app, or at a branch in about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Your account number and routing number are available when ready after opening, so you can set up direct deposit or transfers the same day.
Chase checking account types and what they cost
Chase offers three main checking accounts: Chase Total Checking, Chase Premier Plus Checking, and Chase Sapphire Checking. Total Checking has a $12 monthly maintenance fee that you can waive by maintaining a $500 minimum balance or setting up direct deposit. Premier Plus Checking costs $25 per month and requires a $10,000 minimum balance to waive the fee. Sapphire Checking is designed for high-net-worth customers and has a $35 monthly fee.
Most people choose Total Checking because the direct deposit waiver is the easiest condition to meet. If your employer or a government program deposits money into your account, the fee is automatically waived — you don't have to maintain a balance. If you don't receive direct deposits, keeping $500 in the account waives the fee instead.
All three accounts come with a debit card, online banking, mobile app access, and the ability to deposit checks by photograph through the app. Sapphire includes additional perks like higher interest rates and concierge services, but those extras only matter if you have substantial savings to keep in the account.
Opening an account online or through the app
Go to chase.com or open the Chase mobile app and select "Open an Account." You'll be asked to choose which checking account type you want, then enter your personal information: name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. Have your ID ready because you'll need to photograph it or upload a scan.
Next, you'll upload proof of your address. A recent utility bill or lease works fine — the document just needs to show your name and current address. Chase's system reads these documents automatically, so make sure the text is clear and all four corners are visible in the photograph.
Once your identity is verified, you'll choose your opening deposit amount and how you want to fund it. You can transfer money from another bank account, use a debit card, or wire funds. The account opens when ready, and you'll receive your account number and routing number right away. Your debit card ships within 7 to 10 business days, but you can use your account number to set up direct deposit or transfers before the card arrives.
Opening an account in person at a Chase branch
Bring your government photo ID, Social Security number, proof of address, and your opening deposit to any Chase branch. A banker will verify your information, ask which account type you want, and complete the paperwork. The whole process takes about 15 minutes.
The advantage of opening in person is that you can ask questions about fees, features, and how to use online banking. You can also deposit cash when ready if you're funding the account that way. Your debit card can be ordered on the spot, and you'll walk out with your account number and routing number the same day.
If you don't have a Chase branch nearby, you can still open online and then visit a branch later to deposit cash or pick up your debit card once it arrives.
Setting up direct deposit and transfers after opening
Once your account is open, you have your routing number (021000021 for most Chase accounts) and your account number. You can give these to your employer's payroll department or to any government program that sends you payments. Direct deposit usually takes one to two pay periods to start, but some employers can set it up within a few days.
If you want to transfer money from another bank account you already have, you can do this through Chase's online banking or app. Go to "Transfer Money," select "From another bank," and enter that bank's routing number and your account number there. Chase will ask you to confirm two small deposits (usually under $1 each) that the other bank sends to your Chase account — this is how they verify you own both accounts. Once confirmed, you can transfer money between them whenever you want.
You can also set up bill pay through Chase to send money to creditors, landlords, or other payees. This is free and takes 1 to 3 business days to reach the recipient.
What happens if you're denied or can't verify your identity
Chase uses ChexSystems, a banking history report, to check whether you've had problems with previous bank accounts. If you've had unpaid overdrafts, closed accounts with a negative balance, or multiple fraud claims, Chase may deny your process. You can request your ChexSystems report for free at chexsystems.com to see what's on file.
If your identity doesn't verify online — because your address doesn't match records, your ID is expired, or the photograph is unclear — Chase will ask you to visit a branch in person with your original documents. A banker can verify you face-to-face and open the account on the spot.
If you're denied, you have the right to know why. Chase will send you a letter explaining the reason. Some reasons can be fixed: if it's a ChexSystems issue, you can dispute inaccurate information directly with ChexSystems. If it's an identity verification problem, visiting a branch usually resolves it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Chase checking account if I don't 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, but you'll need to open the account in person at a branch with your ITIN documentation.
What if I don't have a government photo ID?
You'll need to open the account in person at a Chase branch. Bring whatever ID you have — a passport, state ID, or tribal ID all work — along with proof of address. A banker can verify your identity and complete the account opening.
How long does it take to receive my debit card?
Chase ships debit cards within 7 to 10 business days of account opening. You don't have to wait for the card to use your account — your account number and routing number are available when ready, so you can set up direct deposit or transfers right away. You can also request expedited shipping at some branches for a fee.
Can I open a Chase checking account if I have a negative balance at another bank?
It depends on whether that negative balance is reported to ChexSystems. If it is, Chase may deny your process. You can check your ChexSystems report for free and dispute any inaccurate information. If the negative balance is accurate, you may need to pay it off before Chase will open an account for you.
What's the difference between opening online and opening in a branch?
Both take about the same time and result in the same account. Opening online is faster if you're not near a branch. Opening in person lets you ask questions, deposit cash when ready, and resolve identity verification issues on the spot if they come up.