What upgrading a Chase checking account means
Chase offers several checking accounts with different features and monthly fees. Upgrading means switching from one account to another — usually from a basic account to one with higher benefits, or from one tier to a better one. The process itself is straightforward: you can move money between your Chase accounts, request a new account type, or convert your existing account to a different product. Chase does not close your old account automatically, so you control the timing and what happens to your balance.
The reason people upgrade is usually one of three things: they want to avoid monthly fees, they need better interest rates, or they want access to premium features like higher ATM reimbursement or waived wire fees. Chase's main checking products are the Chase Total Checking (the basic option with a monthly fee unless you meet balance or direct deposit requirements), Chase Premier Plus Checking (higher balance requirement, more ATM reimbursement), and Chase Sapphire Checking (tied to their rewards credit card, with premium perks). Which one makes sense depends on how much you keep in the account and what you actually use.
Key Takeaways
- You can upgrade by visiting a Chase branch, calling their customer service line, or using the Chase mobile app or website — the method depends on which account type you want to move to.
- Chase does not automatically close your old account when you open a new one, so you will need to decide whether to keep it open, transfer your balance, or close it yourself.
- Monthly fees vary by account type and can be waived if you meet requirements like maintaining a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit.
- Your routing number and account number will change if you switch to a new account, so you will need to update any automatic payments or direct deposits that use the old account.
- The entire process usually takes a few minutes if you do it online or by phone, or about 15 minutes if you go to a branch.
Upgrading through the Chase app or website
The fastest way to upgrade is through the Chase mobile app or website. Log in to your account, go to the Accounts section, and look for an option to open a new account or view account options. Chase will show you which accounts you are currently may be able to access for based on your account history and balance. You can review the features, fees, and requirements for each one before you commit.
When you find the account you want, select it and follow the prompts to open it. Chase will ask you to confirm your personal information and choose how much money to transfer from your existing account to the new one. You can transfer the full balance, part of it, or nothing at all — it depends on whether you want to keep both accounts open or consolidate. The new account is usually active within a few minutes, though it may take a business day for the routing and account numbers to be fully set up in the system.
Upgrading at a Chase branch
If you prefer to do this in person, visit any Chase branch with your ID and ask to open a new checking account or upgrade your current one. A banker will review your options, explain the differences in fees and features, and help you choose. They can also answer questions about what happens to your old account and whether you should close it.
Bring your ID and your current Chase debit card or account number. The banker will open the new account on the spot, give you a new debit card (which may be issued when ready or mailed to you depending on the account type), and help you transfer money if you want to. If you are upgrading to avoid a monthly fee, ask the banker to confirm which requirements waive the fee for your new account — the rules vary by product.
Upgrading by phone
Call Chase customer service at the number on the back of your debit card. Tell them you want to open a new checking account or upgrade your current one. They will walk you through the available options, explain the monthly fees and requirements, and help you decide which account fits your situation.
The representative can open the new account over the phone and transfer money between your accounts right away. They will give you the new routing and account numbers when ready, which you can write down or have them email to you. A new debit card will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days unless you request expedited shipping.
What to do with your old account
Chase will not close your old account automatically. You have three choices: keep both accounts open, transfer everything to the new account and close the old one, or transfer everything and let Chase close it for you.
If you keep both open, you will pay monthly fees on both unless each one meets the fee-waiver requirements. Most people consolidate by moving their balance to the new account and closing the old one. To close an account, call Chase, visit a branch, or use the app — they will confirm that the balance is zero and close it within a few business days. Ask them to confirm the closure in writing or take a screenshot of the confirmation.
Updating automatic payments and direct deposits
Your new account will have a different routing number and account number. If you have automatic bill payments, payroll direct deposits, or other recurring transfers set up on your old account, you will need to update them to use the new account details.
For payroll direct deposit, contact your employer's HR or payroll department and give them the new routing and account numbers. For automatic bill payments, log into each biller's website (your utility company, insurance provider, loan servicer, etc.) and update the account information there. For transfers between your own accounts at other banks, log into those banks and update the receiving account number. This usually takes a few minutes per service, but it is important to do it before you close the old account — if a payment tries to go through after closure, it will be rejected and you may face late fees.
Understanding Chase checking account types and their fees
Chase Total Checking has a $12 monthly fee unless you maintain a $500 minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or meet other requirements. Chase Premier Plus Checking has a $25 monthly fee and requires a higher balance, but offers more ATM reimbursement and other perks. Chase Sapphire Checking is designed for people who also have a Chase Sapphire credit card and waives the monthly fee if you do.
The monthly fee is waived if you meet at least one requirement — usually a minimum balance, direct deposit, or a combination of smaller requirements like a certain number of debit card transactions. Ask Chase which requirements explore to your new account type, because the rules are not the same across all products. If you are upgrading specifically to avoid fees, confirm in writing which requirement you are meeting and ask Chase to note it on your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade without closing my old account?
Yes. Chase will not close your old account when you open a new one. You can keep both open as long as you want, though you will pay monthly fees on both unless each one meets the fee-waiver requirements. Most people consolidate by moving their balance to the new account and then closing the old one.
How long does it take to upgrade?
If you do it online or by phone, the new account is usually active within a few minutes. A new debit card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail, or you can request expedited shipping. If you go to a branch, the whole process takes about 15 minutes and you may get a temporary card on the spot.
Will my debit card number change?
Yes. When you open a new account, you get a new debit card with a new number. Your old card will stop working once the old account is closed. If you keep both accounts open, you will have two active cards.
What if I have pending transactions on my old account?
Wait for pending transactions to clear before you close the old account. If a transaction is still pending when you close the account, it may be rejected. Check your account for a few days after you move your balance to make sure everything has posted, then close the old account.
Do I lose my transaction history when I upgrade?
No. Your old account and its transaction history stay in Chase's system even after you close it. You can view past statements through the app or website for several years. The new account is separate and will have its own transaction history going forward.