The account that works best depends on how you bank and what fees matter most to you
Chase offers four main checking accounts: Chase Total Checking, Chase Sapphire Checking, Chase Premier Plus Checking, and Chase find Checking. Each one has different monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and rewards. The right choice is the one that matches how you actually use your account — not the one with the most features you won't use.
The fastest way to narrow it down: Do you want rewards on your spending? Do you have money to keep in the account, or are you starting from zero? Will you use Chase's branches and ATMs regularly, or mostly online? Your answers to these three questions will point you toward one account over the others.
Key Takeaways
- Chase Total Checking has no monthly fee if you keep $500 in the account or set up direct deposit, making it the lowest-barrier option for most people.
- Chase Sapphire Checking offers cash back on debit card purchases but requires a $10,000 minimum balance or monthly fee of $25.
- Chase Premier Plus Checking is designed for people with larger balances and offers higher interest rates on deposits, with a $25 monthly fee waived at $15,000 balance.
- Chase find Checking is for people building or rebuilding credit and does not require a credit check, though it has a $4.95 monthly fee.
- All four accounts include access to Chase's branch network and ATM surcharge refunds at out-of-network machines.
Chase Total Checking: The account with no fee for most people
Chase Total Checking is the most common choice because it has no monthly fee if you meet one of two conditions: keep a $500 minimum balance in the account, or set up direct deposit of your paycheck. If you do neither, the fee is $12 per month.
This account gives you a debit card, online and mobile banking, and access to over 4,700 Chase branches and 15,000 ATMs nationwide. You can deposit checks through your phone, transfer money between accounts when ready, and set up bill pay. There is no reward on purchases — you are paying nothing because you are not earning anything back.
This is the right account if you have a job with direct deposit, or if you can comfortably keep $500 sitting in checking. It is also the right account if you want the simplest option without thinking about minimums or fees.
Chase Sapphire Checking: The account with cash back on debit purchases
Chase Sapphire Checking gives you 0.01% cash back on all debit card purchases and 0.01% cash back on all transfers you send through Chase. The monthly fee is $25, but it is waived if you keep a $10,000 minimum balance in the account.
The cash back rate is very small — on a $100 purchase, you earn one cent. But if you spend several thousand dollars per month on your debit card, the rewards add up. You also get a higher interest rate on your account balance than Total Checking does, though the rate varies and is currently low across all banks.
This account makes sense if you have $10,000 or more that you can keep in checking without needing it elsewhere, and you use your debit card for most of your spending. If you cannot maintain the $10,000 balance, the $25 monthly fee will likely cost you more than the cash back you earn.
Chase Premier Plus Checking: The account for larger balances
Chase Premier Plus Checking is built for people who keep significant money in their account. The monthly fee is $25, waived if you maintain a $15,000 balance. The account offers a higher interest rate than Sapphire or Total Checking, though the rate changes based on market conditions.
You get the same debit card, online banking, and branch access as the other accounts. The main difference is the interest rate — if you keep $15,000 or more in the account, you earn more money on that balance over time. You also get a higher ATM refund limit and some travel benefits like trip cancellation insurance.
This account is worth considering only if you have $15,000 or more that you plan to keep in checking for the long term. If you are moving money in and out regularly, or if you have less than $15,000, the monthly fee will outweigh any interest you earn.
Chase find Checking: The account for building credit
Chase find Checking does not require a credit check and does not look at ChexSystems, which is the banking history system that most banks use to decide whether to open an account. The monthly fee is $4.95, and there is no way to waive it.
This account is designed for people who are new to banking, returning after a gap, or rebuilding after a banking problem. You get a debit card, online banking, and access to Chase branches and ATMs. There is no minimum balance requirement.
The $4.95 monthly fee adds up to about $60 per year, which is higher than Total Checking if you can meet its requirements. But if you have been turned down for a regular checking account elsewhere, or if you have no banking history, this is often the only option at a major bank.
How to compare these accounts side by side
| Account | Monthly Fee (if not waived) | Fee Waiver Requirement | Rewards | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Checking | $12 | $500 balance OR direct deposit | None | People with direct deposit or $500+ to keep in checking |
| Sapphire Checking | $25 | $10,000 balance | 0.01% cash back on debit purchases | People with $10,000+ who spend heavily on debit card |
| Premier Plus Checking | $25 | $15,000 balance | Higher interest rate | People with $15,000+ keeping money in checking long-term |
| find Checking | $4.95 | None | None | People new to banking or rebuilding credit |
What happens if you cannot meet the minimum balance
If you choose an account with a minimum balance requirement and then drop below it, Chase charges the monthly fee. For example, if you open Sapphire Checking but your balance falls to $9,500, you pay $25 that month.
You can switch to a different Chase checking account at any time without closing the first one. Many people open Total Checking as their main account and then add Sapphire or Premier Plus later if their balance grows. You can also close an account that is not working for you and move to a different one.
If you are worried about fees, Total Checking is the safest choice because the $500 minimum is low and direct deposit is common. If you get direct deposit from your job, you do not even need to keep the $500 — the fee is waived automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch from one Chase checking account to another?
Yes. You can open a new Chase checking account and transfer your money over, or you can ask Chase to convert your existing account to a different type. You can also keep both accounts open if you want. There is no penalty for switching.
Do I have to use direct deposit to avoid fees?
No. Direct deposit is one way to waive the fee on Total Checking, but keeping a $500 balance works just as well. You can also use both — have direct deposit and keep the balance, and you will definitely avoid the fee.
Which account earns the most interest?
Premier Plus Checking offers the highest interest rate, followed by Sapphire Checking, then Total Checking. However, interest rates on checking accounts are very low right now across all banks. The difference between accounts is usually less than a dollar per month unless you have a very large balance.
What if I have bad credit or have been denied a checking account before?
Chase find Checking does not require a credit check and does not use ChexSystems. It is designed for people in this situation. The $4.95 monthly fee cannot be waived, but there is no minimum balance and no credit history needed.
Do all these accounts include the same debit card and ATM access?
Yes. All four accounts come with a debit card and access to Chase's 4,700+ branches and 15,000 ATMs. All four also refund fees if you use an out-of-network ATM, though the refund limit is higher on Premier Plus. The main differences are fees, minimums, and rewards.