What you need to start a Chase checking account

You can open a Chase checking account online, by phone, or in person at a branch. Most people finish the online process in about 10 minutes. You will need a valid government ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and an initial deposit — usually at least $25, though some account types require more.

Chase offers several checking account types, each with different features and minimum balance requirements. The most common option for people new to banking is the Chase Total Checking account, which has no monthly fee if you set up direct deposit or keep a minimum balance. If you do not meet those conditions, there is a monthly fee, but it can be waived by maintaining a higher balance or linking a savings account.

Before you start, decide whether you want to open online (fastest), by phone (good if you have questions), or in a branch (best if you want to deposit cash when ready). Each method takes you through the same basic steps, just in a different order.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid ID, your Social Security number, and at least $25 to open a Chase checking account online or by phone.
  • Chase Total Checking has no monthly fee if you set up direct deposit or maintain a minimum balance of around $500, depending on your location.
  • The online process takes about 10 minutes and you can start using your account the same day with a temporary debit card number.
  • If you open in person at a branch, you can deposit cash when ready and receive a physical debit card on the spot.
  • You will need to choose a username and password, and set up online banking access before your account is fully active.

Opening an account online

Go to chase.com and look for the "Open an Account" button, usually near the top of the page. Click it and select "Checking" as the account type. You will see the different checking options available — read the fee structure and minimum balance requirements for each before you choose.

Chase will ask you to enter your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number. Have your ID ready so you can verify the information matches. You will also need to provide your phone number and email address. At this point, Chase runs a background check using a service called ChexSystems, which looks at your banking history. This usually takes a few seconds.

Next, you choose your initial deposit amount and how you want to fund it. You can transfer money from another bank account (this takes one to three business days) or use a debit card. If you use a debit card, the money appears in your new Chase account within minutes. You will also set up your username and password for online banking at this stage.

Once you complete the process, Chase gives you a temporary debit card number you can use when ready for online purchases. Your physical debit card arrives by mail in five to seven business days. You can start using your account right away, even before the card arrives, by setting up direct deposit or transferring money in.

Opening an account by phone

Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to open a checking account over the phone. A representative will walk you through the same questions as the online process — name, address, Social Security number, and ID information. Have your ID in front of you so you can answer quickly and accurately.

The phone representative will explain the different account types and help you choose one based on your banking habits. This is a good option if you are not sure which account fits you best or if you have questions about fees. The call usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.

You will still need to fund your account with an initial deposit. The representative can walk you through transferring money from another bank account or using a debit card. After the call ends, you will receive an email with instructions to set up your online banking username and password.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Find your nearest Chase branch using the branch locator on chase.com. Bring your valid ID, Social Security number, and your initial deposit — either a check, cash, or a debit card to transfer from. You do not need an appointment, though calling ahead during busy times can save you a wait.

A banker will help you choose an account type and fill out the process. This is the best option if you want to ask questions about features, fees, or how to use online banking. The banker can also show you how to use the Chase mobile app and set up direct deposit if you have your employer information with you.

If you bring cash or a check, the banker deposits it when ready. You will leave with a temporary debit card or a card number you can use right away. Your permanent debit card is mailed to you within five to seven business days. The whole process takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

What happens after you open your account

Your account is active as soon as you complete the process, but a few things happen over the next week. Your physical debit card arrives by mail. Your routing number and account number are ready to use for direct deposit or bill payments. You can log into online banking and the Chase mobile app when ready using the username and password you created.

Set up direct deposit as soon as possible if you want to avoid monthly fees. You will need to give your employer your routing number and account number, which you can find in online banking or on your temporary debit card. Direct deposit usually starts within one to two pay periods.

If you are moving money from another bank, that transfer may take one to three business days depending on the other bank. During that time, your Chase account balance will show as zero. Once the transfer clears, the money is yours to use.

Monthly fees and how to avoid them

Chase Total Checking has a $12 monthly fee, but you can waive it in three ways: set up direct deposit of any amount, maintain a minimum balance (usually around $500, but this varies by location), or link a Chase savings account with a $300 minimum balance. Most people choose direct deposit because it is the easiest and does not require you to keep a large balance sitting in the account.

If you do not use direct deposit and cannot maintain the minimum balance, the $12 fee will be charged each month. You can see this fee on your statement and can remove it by meeting one of the waiver conditions. Some people choose to pay the fee if they prefer to keep their money elsewhere — it is your choice.

Chase also offers other checking accounts with different fee structures. Chase find Banking has no monthly fee but requires a $25 minimum balance and does not include overdraft protection. Chase Premier Plus Checking has a higher monthly fee but includes benefits like higher interest rates and fee waivers at other banks. Read the fee schedule for each account type before you open to make sure you understand what you will pay.

What to do if your process is denied

Chase may deny your process if ChexSystems finds negative banking history — unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or accounts closed due to misuse. You have the right to know why you were denied. Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 and ask for the reason. You can also contact ChexSystems directly at 1-800-428-9623 to see what information they have about you.

If the issue is unpaid overdrafts or fees from another bank, you may be able to resolve it by paying what you owe. Some banks will reconsider your process after you clear the debt. If the denial is due to fraud or a closed account, you may need to wait a period of time before reapplying — Chase's policy on this varies.

If you cannot open a Chase account, look into Chase find Banking, which has lower barriers to entry, or consider a bank that does not use ChexSystems, such as some credit unions or online banks. Fortified Finance has information about banking options for people with banking history challenges.

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. If you do not have either, you will need to contact Chase directly to discuss your options, as policies vary by location.

How long does it take to get my debit card in the mail?

Your physical debit card arrives in five to seven business days. You can use a temporary card number when ready for online purchases, and you can withdraw cash at any Chase ATM using your temporary number at an ATM or by asking a teller inside a branch.

What if I make a mistake on my process?

If you notice an error before you submit, you can go back and fix it. If you submitted the process with wrong information, call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 as soon as possible. They can correct some information, but major errors like your name or Social Security number may require closing the account and opening a new one.

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

You can open and use your account entirely online. You never have to visit a branch unless you want to deposit cash or speak with someone in person. Many people open online and use ATMs and the mobile app for all their banking.

What is the minimum deposit to open a Chase checking account?

The minimum initial deposit is usually $25. You can fund it with a transfer from another bank account or a debit card. Some account types may have higher minimums, so check the specific account details before you open.