What Chase asks for when you open a checking account

Chase requires a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit to open a checking account. The specific documents and deposit amount depend on which account type you choose and whether you open it in person, online, or by phone. You do not need to be a current Chase customer, and you do not need a minimum credit score — Chase does not pull your credit report for checking accounts.

The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes if you have your documents ready. If you open online or by phone, your account opens when ready and you can use it the same day. If you open in a branch, you walk out with a debit card and can start using your account right away, though the physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit — the deposit amount varies by account type, from $0 to $25 depending on which checking account you choose.
  • Chase does not check your credit history for checking accounts, so past credit problems do not prevent you from opening one.
  • Online and phone applications take 10 to 15 minutes and your account is ready to use the same day.
  • In-branch applications are faster for getting a physical debit card, but you can use your account online when ready even if you open remotely.

Documents you need to bring or provide

Chase requires one government-issued photo ID. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, state ID card, U.S. passport, or passport card. The ID must not be expired. If you are opening an account for someone under 18, you will need the minor's ID plus a parent or guardian's ID.

You also need your Social Security number. Chase will ask you to provide it during the process, whether you are opening in person, online, or by phone. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, though this limits which account types are available to you.

If you are opening the account online or by phone, have your ID and Social Security number ready before you start. If you are opening in a branch, bring your physical ID with you. Chase will verify your identity against their internal records and may ask follow-up questions about your address or previous banking history.

Initial deposit amounts by account type

Chase offers several checking account types, and the opening deposit requirement differs for each. The Chase Total Checking account requires a $0 opening deposit — you can open it with no money down. The Chase Premier Plus Checking account requires a $25 opening deposit. The Chase Sapphire Checking account, which includes investment and wealth management features, requires a $25 opening deposit.

The deposit can come from a transfer from another bank account, a check you deposit, or cash if you are opening in a branch. If you are opening online, you will link an external bank account and transfer the funds electronically. The transfer typically clears within one to two business days, though your Chase account opens and is usable when ready even while the transfer is processing.

If you do not have another bank account to transfer from, opening in a branch and depositing cash is the fastest way to meet the deposit requirement. If you are opening online and do not have an external account, you can deposit a check by mail or mobile deposit once your account is open.

How to open an account online

Go to chase.com and select "Open an Account" from the homepage. You will be asked to choose which checking account type you want, then enter your personal information: name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number. Chase will verify your identity using information from credit bureaus and public records — this is not a credit check, but a verification that you are who you say you are.

Next, you will link an external bank account to transfer your opening deposit. Provide the routing number and account number from the bank you want to transfer from. Chase will initiate a small test deposit (usually $0.01) to that account to verify it is yours. Once verified, you transfer your opening deposit amount. Your Chase account opens when ready and you can log in and use it right away, even while the deposit transfer is still processing.

You will receive a temporary debit card number that you can use for online purchases and contactless payments through your phone when ready. Your physical debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can set up direct deposit, bill pay, and transfers as soon as your account is open.

How to open an account in a Chase branch

Walk into any Chase branch with your government photo ID and Social Security number. Tell the banker you want to open a checking account. They will ask you which account type you want, verify your identity using your ID, and collect your personal information. The whole process takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

You will make your opening deposit at the same time — cash, check, or transfer from another account. If you deposit cash or a check in person, it is available when ready. The banker will issue you a temporary debit card number on the spot that you can use for online purchases right away. Your physical debit card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, but you can use your account online and by phone when ready.

Opening in a branch is useful if you want to ask questions about account features or if you do not have another bank account to transfer from and want to deposit cash. It is not faster than opening online — both take about the same time — but some people prefer talking to a banker in person.

What happens if Chase denies your process

Chase uses ChexSystems, a banking history database, to check whether you have had problems with previous bank accounts. If you have unpaid overdrafts, a history of fraud, or accounts closed due to mismanagement, Chase may deny your process. You can request your ChexSystems report for free at chexsystems.com to see what information they have on file.

If you are denied, Chase will send you a letter explaining the reason. If the reason is ChexSystems information, you have the right to dispute inaccurate information in your report. If the reason is something else — such as an address verification issue — you can contact Chase directly to clarify or reapply once the issue is resolved.

If you cannot open a Chase account, other banks have checking accounts with lower barriers to entry. Some banks do not use ChexSystems or have second-chance checking programs specifically for people with banking history problems.

Using your account when ready after opening

Once your account is open, you can use it the same day. You receive a temporary debit card number that works for online purchases, contactless payments through Apple Pay or Google Pay, and ATM withdrawals at any Chase ATM. You can set up direct deposit using your routing number and account number, which you will see in your online banking dashboard.

You can also transfer money between your Chase account and other banks using external transfers, set up bill pay to send checks or electronic payments to creditors, and receive wire transfers. Your physical debit card arrives within 7 to 10 business days and works everywhere the temporary number does.

If you need to deposit checks, you can use mobile deposit through the Chase mobile app once your account is open. You can also mail checks to Chase or deposit them at a branch. There is no waiting period — you can start using your account for all these functions when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a minimum credit score to open a Chase checking account?

No. Chase does not check your credit score for checking accounts. They verify your identity using public records and banking history, but a low credit score or no credit history does not prevent you from opening an account.

Can I open a Chase checking account if I have been denied by other banks?

It depends on why you were denied. If another bank denied you because of ChexSystems information, Chase will likely see the same information and may deny you too. You can check your ChexSystems report at chexsystems.com and dispute any inaccurate information before explore to Chase.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. However, not all Chase account types are available to ITIN holders. Contact Chase directly or visit a branch to find out which accounts you can open with an ITIN.

Can I open an account for someone under 18?

Yes. You will need the minor's government photo ID and Social Security number, plus a parent or guardian's ID and Social Security number. The parent or guardian becomes the account owner, and the minor is added as an authorized user.

How long does it take to receive my physical debit card?

Physical debit cards arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your temporary debit card number for online purchases and ATM withdrawals when ready, so you do not have to wait for the physical card to start using your account.