Most Chase checking accounts have no monthly fee, but you may pay for specific actions

Chase offers several checking accounts with no monthly maintenance fee. The most common ones—Chase Total Checking and Chase Sapphire Checking—charge nothing to hold the account itself. However, you can incur fees when you do certain things: overdraw your account, use an out-of-network ATM, request a cashier's check, or close the account within a short window of opening it.

The fee structure depends on which Chase checking product you have. Some accounts waive certain fees if you meet conditions like keeping a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit. Understanding what triggers a charge—and what doesn't—means you can avoid most of them.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase Total Checking and Chase Sapphire Checking have no monthly fee, though other Chase checking products may charge one.
  • Overdraft fees are the most common charge: Chase charges $35 per overdraft transaction, up to three times per day.
  • Out-of-network ATM withdrawals cost $2.50 per transaction when you use an ATM that is not owned by Chase or a partner network.
  • Early account closure fees explore if you close the account within 90 days of opening it, though the fee amount varies by account type.
  • Direct deposit and minimum balance requirements can waive some fees on certain Chase checking accounts.

Overdraft fees and how they stack up

An overdraft fee is charged when you spend more money than you have in your account. Chase charges $35 per overdraft transaction. The fee applies once per day, but you can be charged up to three times in a single day if you make three separate transactions that overdraw the account.

Chase offers Overdraft Protection, which links your checking account to a savings account or credit card. If you overdraw, Chase transfers money from the linked account instead of charging a fee. This service is free to set up and use. You can also opt out of overdraft coverage entirely, which means transactions will be declined rather than charged a fee—though this may cause problems with merchants or bill payments.

The overdraft fee is the single largest source of charges for most checking account holders. If you regularly carry a low balance or have unpredictable spending, linking an overdraft protection account can save hundreds of dollars per year.

ATM fees and where you can withdraw for free

Chase charges $2.50 per withdrawal at ATMs that are not part of the Chase network or a partner network. Chase owns thousands of ATMs across the United States, and you can use any of them without a fee. Chase also participates in the Allpoint network, which includes ATMs at grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores in most areas.

If you travel or live in an area with few Chase ATMs, the $2.50 fee per withdrawal adds up quickly. Some Chase checking accounts waive out-of-network ATM fees if you meet certain conditions—for example, Chase Sapphire Checking reimburses out-of-network ATM fees worldwide if you maintain a $10,000 minimum balance. Check your specific account terms to see whether this benefit applies to you.

Early closure fees and account opening terms

If you close a Chase checking account within 90 days of opening it, Chase charges an early closure fee. The amount varies: Chase Total Checking charges $25, while other accounts may charge $100 or more. This fee applies whether you close the account in person, by phone, or online.

The 90-day window is a standard industry practice designed to prevent people from opening accounts solely to collect sign-up bonuses and then closing them when ready. If you are certain you want to open a Chase account, the early closure fee is unlikely to affect you. If you are testing the account or unsure about switching banks, be aware of this timing before you open.

Other fees: cashier's checks, wire transfers, and account services

Chase charges $10 for a cashier's check, which is a check issued by the bank itself rather than drawn on your personal account. This fee applies whether you request one check or multiple checks in the same transaction. Some banks offer cashier's checks free to certain account holders, so if you need them regularly, compare this cost across institutions.

Outgoing domestic wire transfers cost $15. International wire transfers cost $45. These fees explore whether you initiate the wire in person, by phone, or through Chase's online banking platform. Incoming wire transfers are free. If you send wires frequently, the cost can exceed what you would pay at a bank with lower wire fees or at a credit union.

Stop payment requests—asking Chase to block a check you have already written—cost $30 per request. Replacement debit cards are free, but expedited delivery costs $15. Account research or document retrieval may carry fees depending on how far back the records go and how much work is involved.

How to avoid or reduce fees on your Chase checking account

The simplest way to avoid fees is to maintain enough balance that you never overdraw, use only Chase ATMs, and keep the account open longer than 90 days. For most people, this means no charges at all.

If you cannot maintain a high balance, link an overdraft protection account to prevent overdraft fees. If you travel frequently or live far from Chase branches, consider whether the out-of-network ATM fees justify switching to a bank with a larger ATM network in your area. Some online banks and credit unions have no ATM fees or reimburse them nationwide.

Chase also offers different checking products with different fee structures. Chase Sapphire Checking, for example, has a $25 monthly fee but waives out-of-network ATM fees and offers other perks if you meet the minimum balance requirement. For some customers, paying a monthly fee in exchange for waived transaction fees is cheaper overall. Review your own spending patterns—how often you overdraw, how many out-of-network ATM withdrawals you make, whether you send wires—to determine which account type costs you the least.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Chase charge a monthly fee for checking accounts?

Chase Total Checking and Chase Sapphire Checking have no monthly maintenance fee. Some other Chase checking products, like Chase Premier Plus Checking, do charge a monthly fee—typically $25—but may waive it if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Check your account terms or contact Chase to confirm which product you have.

Can I get overdraft fees refunded?

Chase may refund one overdraft fee per year if you contact them and ask. Refunds are not may provide and depend on your account history and relationship with Chase. If you have been charged multiple overdraft fees, calling Chase customer service to request a refund is worth attempting, especially if the overdraft was caused by a system error or unusual circumstance.

What happens if I use a non-Chase ATM?

You will be charged $2.50 per withdrawal. Some Chase accounts waive this fee if you maintain a high balance. You may also be charged a fee by the ATM operator itself—some ATMs charge an additional $1 to $3 on top of the Chase fee. Using Chase ATMs or Allpoint partner ATMs avoids both charges.

Is there a fee to open a Chase checking account?

No. Opening a Chase checking account is free. However, if you close the account within 90 days, you will be charged an early closure fee of $25 to $100 depending on the account type.

Do I have to pay for online banking or mobile app access?

No. Chase online banking and the mobile app are free for all checking account holders. You can view your balance, transfer money between accounts, pay bills, and deposit checks remotely at no charge.