What you need before you start

Chase requires a few pieces of information and identification to open a checking account. You will need a valid government-issued 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 require $100 or more. You can fund the account with a debit card, transfer from another bank, or cash if you open in person at a branch.

You will also need a current mailing address and a phone number. If you are opening online, Chase will verify your identity using information from credit bureaus and public records. This process usually takes a few minutes, though in some cases Chase may ask you to verify additional details by phone or in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase offers several checking account types with different minimum deposits and monthly fees — compare them before you open to pick the one that fits your situation.
  • You can open online in about 10 minutes, by phone, or in person at a Chase branch; online is fastest if your identity verifies automatically.
  • You will need a valid ID, Social Security number, current address, and an initial deposit to complete the account setup.
  • Your account is usually active within one business day, though it may take longer if Chase needs to verify your identity by phone or mail.
  • Chase offers a debit card with your account, but it arrives by mail and typically takes 7 to 10 business days after your account opens.

Comparing Chase checking account types

Chase offers several checking accounts, and the one you choose affects your minimum deposit and monthly fees. Chase Total Checking is the most common option for everyday banking — it requires a $25 minimum opening deposit and has a $12 monthly maintenance fee, though the fee is waived if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Chase find Checking is designed for people building or rebuilding credit and requires only a $25 opening deposit with no monthly fee, but it comes with limits on debit card transactions.

Chase Premier Plus Checking is a premium account with higher minimum balance requirements and additional benefits like higher interest rates and waived fees for certain services. Chase College Checking is available to full-time students and has no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement. If you are under 18, Chase First Banking is designed for young account holders and requires a parent or guardian to co-own the account.

Review the current terms on Chase's website or ask at a branch, because fees and requirements change. The account that works best for you depends on whether you can maintain a minimum balance, whether you receive direct deposit, and what features matter most to you.

Opening your account online

Opening a Chase checking account online is the fastest route if your identity verifies automatically. Go to Chase.com, select "Open an Account," and choose the checking account type you want. You will enter your name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. Chase will ask for your initial deposit amount and how you want to fund it — you can use a debit card from another bank or transfer from an existing account.

After you submit your information, Chase verifies your identity using data from credit bureaus and public records. If verification is when ready, your account opens when ready and you will see your account number and routing number on screen. You can set up online banking and bill pay right away. If Chase cannot verify you automatically, they will call or mail you instructions for additional verification, which can add one to three business days.

Once your account is open, you can transfer money in from another bank using your new routing number and account number. Your debit card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. In the meantime, you can use your account for direct deposit, bill pay, and transfers.

Opening your account at a Chase branch

If you prefer to open in person, visit any Chase branch with your ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit. A banker will walk you through the account setup, answer questions about account types and fees, and help you choose the right account for your situation. This route is useful if you want to ask detailed questions or if you have had trouble opening accounts online in the past.

Bring your government-issued ID, your Social Security number (or an ITIN if you do not have a Social Security number), and your initial deposit in cash or on a debit card. The banker will verify your identity in person, which usually means your account opens on the spot. You will receive your account number and routing number when ready, and your debit card will be ordered and arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Opening your account by phone

You can also open a Chase checking account by calling 1-800-935-9935. A representative will guide you through the account setup process and answer questions about account types and fees. You will need your ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit information ready. The representative will verify your identity over the phone and set up your account.

Phone opening takes longer than online — usually 15 to 20 minutes — because the representative must collect and verify all information verbally. Your account opens once verification is complete, and you will receive your account number and routing number by mail or email. Your debit card arrives separately in 7 to 10 business days.

What happens after your account opens

Your checking account is usually active within one business day, though it may take longer if Chase needs additional verification. You can log into Chase online banking and mobile app when ready to view your account number, routing number, and balance. You can set up bill pay, transfer money between accounts, and receive direct deposit right away.

Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. When it arrives, you will need to set up it by calling the number on the back of the card or using the Chase mobile app. Until your card arrives, you can withdraw cash at any Chase ATM using your account number, or you can transfer money to another account and use that debit card.

If you set up direct deposit, your employer or benefit provider can start depositing money into your new account when ready. You will need to provide them with your routing number (021000021 for most Chase accounts) and your account number, which you can find in online banking or on your account opening documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. If you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead of a Social Security number, Chase will accept it. Bring your ITIN documentation along with your government-issued ID and initial deposit. The process is the same as opening with a Social Security number.

What if Chase cannot verify my identity online?

Chase will contact you by phone or mail with instructions for additional verification. This usually means answering security questions, providing a copy of your ID, or visiting a branch in person. The process adds one to three business days, but your account will open once verification is complete.

Can I open a Chase checking account if I have been denied before?

It depends on why you were denied. If you were denied because of ChexSystems (a banking history report), you can still open a Chase find Checking account, which is designed for people with banking issues. If you were denied for another reason, contact Chase directly to understand what happened and whether you can open now.

Do I have to use Chase online banking?

No. You can manage your account entirely in person at a branch or by phone. However, online banking and the Chase mobile app are free and let you check your balance, transfer money, and pay bills without visiting a branch or calling.

How long does it take to receive my debit card?

Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days after your account opens. If you need cash before it arrives, you can withdraw from any Chase ATM using your account number, or you can transfer money to another account and use that debit card.