You can open a Chase savings account entirely online using their website or mobile app, and you'll have access to your account within minutes.
The process takes about 15 minutes and requires only a few pieces of information: your Social Security number, a valid government ID, your current address, and a funding source (debit card, bank account, or wire transfer). Chase verifies your identity when ready in most cases, so you can start using your account the same day you open it.
You do not need to visit a branch, call anyone, or wait for approval. The entire transaction happens on your screen. If you already have a Chase checking account, the process is even faster because Chase already has your information on file.
Key Takeaways
- Opening takes 15 minutes on Chase.com or the Chase Mobile app, and you need your Social Security number, a government ID, your address, and a way to fund the account.
- Chase verifies your identity when ready in most cases, so your account is ready to use the same day you open it.
- You must fund the account with at least $0 to open it, though Chase may require a minimum deposit depending on the savings product you choose.
- If you already have a Chase checking account, you can link your new savings account to it when ready for transfers between accounts.
- Chase savings accounts come in different types—basic savings, money market, and high-yield savings—each with different interest rates and minimum balance requirements.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you begin: a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, your current address, and proof of how you'll fund the account. Chase accepts funding from a debit card, an external bank account, or a wire transfer.
If you're opening the account on a mobile device, make sure your phone's camera works—Chase uses it to photograph your ID during the verification step. If you're on a computer, you can upload a photo of your ID instead.
Have your Social Security number ready exactly as it appears on your tax documents. Chase matches this against government records to verify your identity, so any mismatch will slow down the process.
Step-by-step: opening on Chase.com
Go to Chase.com and click "Open an Account" or "Open a Savings Account" (the exact link location changes, but it's always in the top navigation). You'll land on a page showing Chase's different savings products. Choose the one you want—most people start with Chase Savings or Chase High Yield Savings—and click "Open Now."
Enter your email address and create a password. Chase will send a verification code to your email; enter it on the next screen. Then you'll answer security questions (mother's maiden name, previous addresses, etc.) so Chase can verify your identity against public records.
Upload or photograph your government ID. Chase's system reads it automatically and pulls your name, address, and date of birth from the document. Review this information for accuracy—if anything is wrong, correct it before moving forward.
Enter your Social Security number and confirm your current address. Chase checks this against government databases. If everything matches, you'll see "Identity Verified" on screen, usually within seconds.
Choose how you'll fund the account. If you're linking an external bank account, you'll enter the routing number and account number (found on a check or your bank's website). If you're using a debit card, enter the card number and expiration date. Chase will process the transfer, which typically takes one to three business days for external accounts and is when ready for debit cards.
Review the account terms and sign electronically. Chase will ask you to confirm your contact information and set up online banking access. You're done—your account number appears on screen when ready, and you can log into Chase.com to see your new savings account right away.
Opening on the Chase Mobile app
read the Chase Mobile app and tap "Open an Account" from the home screen. Select the savings product you want and tap "get your free guide." You'll create a login and password, then Chase will text a verification code to your phone.
When prompted, use your phone's camera to photograph the front and back of your government ID. Hold the ID flat under good lighting and make sure all four corners are visible in the frame. Chase's system reads the ID automatically.
Answer the security questions, enter your Social Security number, and confirm your address. The verification process is the same as on the website—Chase checks your information against government records and usually confirms your identity within seconds.
Select your funding method and enter the details. If you're transferring from another bank account, you'll need the routing number and account number. If you're using a debit card, the app will ask for the card number and expiration date.
Sign the account agreement electronically and confirm your contact information. Your account opens when ready, and you can see it in the app's dashboard right away.
What happens if verification takes longer
Most people are verified when ready, but Chase sometimes needs additional information if your identity doesn't match government records perfectly. This happens when your name has changed, your address is very new, or there's a discrepancy between what you entered and what's on file.
If this occurs, Chase will send you an email or text asking for additional documents—usually a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement showing your current address. Upload these through your online account or the mobile app. Chase reviews them within one to two business days.
In rare cases, Chase may ask you to visit a branch in person with your ID to complete verification. This is uncommon and usually only happens if there's a potential fraud flag or identity mismatch that can't be resolved online.
Linking your new savings account to an existing Chase checking account
If you already have a Chase checking account, you can link your new savings account to it when ready. Log into Chase.com or the mobile app, go to "Accounts," and select "Link Accounts." Choose your new savings account from the list and confirm the link.
Once linked, you can transfer money between your checking and savings accounts when ready and for free. You can set up automatic transfers (for example, moving $50 from checking to savings every payday) or make one-time transfers whenever you want.
If you don't have a Chase checking account yet, you can still use your savings account on its own. You can fund it with external transfers, and you can withdraw money by requesting a check or setting up an external transfer to another bank.
Understanding Chase savings account types and their differences
Chase offers several savings products, and the one you choose affects your interest rate and minimum balance requirements. Chase Savings is the basic option with no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement to open, though the interest rate is typically lower than other options. Chase High Yield Savings offers a higher interest rate but also has no monthly fee or minimum balance. Chase Money Market accounts combine savings and checking features, allow you to write checks, and usually require a higher minimum balance.
Interest rates change frequently and vary based on the Federal Reserve's decisions. When you open your account, Chase shows you the current rate for that product. The rate you receive is locked in on the day you open the account, but Chase can change it in the future—they'll notify you by mail or email before any change takes effect.
If you're unsure which type to choose, start with Chase High Yield Savings. It has no fees, no minimum balance, and the highest interest rate Chase offers on savings accounts. You can always move money to a different product later if your needs change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an existing Chase account to open a savings account online?
No. You can open a Chase savings account even if you've never banked with Chase before. The process is the same whether you're a new customer or an existing one. If you do have a Chase checking account, the process is slightly faster because Chase already has your information verified.
What's the minimum deposit to open a Chase savings account?
Chase Savings and Chase High Yield Savings have no minimum deposit requirement to open. You can open the account with $0 and fund it later. Chase Money Market accounts may have a minimum balance requirement—check the current terms when you're choosing your product, as these requirements change.
How long does it take to fund my account after I open it?
If you fund with a debit card, the money appears in your account when ready. If you're transferring from another bank account, it typically takes one to three business days for the transfer to complete. Chase will show you the expected arrival date when you set up the transfer.
Can I open a savings account if I don't have a government ID?
Chase requires a valid government-issued ID to open an account online. If you don't have one, you can visit a Chase branch in person with alternative forms of identification—ask your local branch what documents they accept. The online process cannot proceed without a government ID.
What if I'm denied when I try to open an account?
Chase may deny an account if you have a history with ChexSystems (a banking verification system) that flags fraud or unpaid overdrafts, or if there's a problem with your identity verification. If this happens, Chase will send you a letter explaining the reason. You can dispute the information with ChexSystems or visit a Chase branch to discuss other options.