What documents and information Chase will ask for
To open a Chase account, you will need a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit. Chase accepts a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The initial deposit amount depends on the account type — some checking accounts require $25, while others have no minimum. You can deposit money in person at a branch, by mail, or online if you already have a Chase account.
You will also need to provide your current address and a phone number where Chase can reach you. If you have moved recently, bring a piece of mail showing your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. Chase uses this to verify your identity and prevent fraud.
If you do not have a Social Security number, Chase offers accounts for non-citizens with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You will need to bring your ITIN documentation and passport or consulate ID to a branch in person — you cannot open this type of account online.
Key Takeaways
- Bring a government photo ID, your Social Security number or ITIN, and proof of your current address to open an account.
- Most Chase checking accounts require an initial deposit of $25 or more, though some accounts have no minimum.
- You can open most accounts online, by phone, or in person at a Chase branch, but ITIN accounts must be opened in person.
- Chase will ask about your employment and income, but you do not need to be employed to open a basic account.
- The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes in person or online, and your account opens the same day.
Opening an account online versus in person
Opening online is faster if you have all your documents ready. You will enter your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth into Chase's website. You will also answer questions about your employment and income — these are for Chase's records, not to reject you. At the end, you will see your account number and routing number right away, and you can start using your account within minutes.
Opening in person at a branch takes longer but gives you a chance to ask questions and see the banker verify your documents on the spot. Bring your ID, Social Security card or ITIN letter, proof of address, and the money for your initial deposit. The banker will fill out the paperwork with you, answer questions about account features, and you will walk out with a debit card (though it may take 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail).
You can also open an account by phone by calling Chase at 1-800-935-9935. A representative will walk you through the same questions as the online form. You will need to mail in copies of your ID and proof of address within 30 days, or Chase may close the account.
Types of accounts and which one to choose
Chase offers several checking and savings accounts with different features and fees. The Chase Total Checking account has no monthly fee if you set up direct deposit, maintain a $500 balance, or keep an average daily balance of $1,500. If you do not meet any of those, the fee is $12 per month. This is Chase's most common account for everyday banking.
The Chase Sapphire Checking account has a $25 monthly fee but comes with benefits like travel insurance and higher interest on savings. This account is meant for people who travel or want extra protections, not for someone opening their first account.
If you only want to save money, the Chase Savings Account earns interest on your balance. The interest rate changes based on the market, so it varies. There is no monthly fee as long as you maintain a $300 minimum balance. If your balance drops below $300, you pay $5 per month.
For a first account, Total Checking is usually the right choice because the monthly fee is straightforward to avoid and you get a debit card for spending money.
What happens after you open your account
Once your account is open, Chase will send you a debit card by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can start using your account to receive direct deposits or transfer money in before the card arrives. If you opened online, you can set up online banking and a mobile app password right away so you can check your balance and move money.
Your first debit card will come with a temporary PIN. When the card arrives, you can change this PIN at an ATM or through the Chase mobile app. You can also call the number on the back of your card to set up it before using it at a store or ATM.
Chase will also send you information about overdraft protection and other account features. Read this carefully — overdraft protection lets Chase cover purchases that would otherwise be rejected, but they charge a fee (usually $35) each time. You can turn this off if you do not want it.
Documents to bring if you have them
Bring originals, not copies, to a branch. Chase will not accept photocopies of your ID. If you are opening an account for the first time and do not have a Social Security number, bring your ITIN letter from the IRS and your passport or consulate ID.
If you are opening a joint account with someone else, both people must be present with their own ID and Social Security number. Chase will not let one person open an account in another person's name.
If you have recently changed your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. Chase will update their records, but it may take a few days to show up in the system.
What Chase checks before opening your account
Chase runs a background check called ChexSystems to see if you have had problems with bank accounts in the past. This check looks for things like unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or accounts closed by the bank. If you have had these problems, Chase may still open your account, but they may deny you or require a larger deposit.
Chase also checks your Social Security number to make sure it is real and matches your name. If there is a mismatch, they will ask you to bring your Social Security card to verify.
Chase does not check your credit score to open a checking or savings account. A credit check only happens if you later open a credit card or loan with them.
If you have had banking problems before
If you have been denied a bank account in the past or had an account closed, you may still be able to open a Chase account. Tell the banker about your history upfront — they have seen this before and will not judge you. Chase looks at how long ago the problem happened and whether you have fixed it.
If you owe money to another bank for overdrafts or unpaid fees, pay that debt before opening a Chase account. Once you do, the old bank will report it to ChexSystems, and Chase will see that you resolved it. This takes a few weeks to show up in the system.
If you are unsure whether you can open an account, call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 and ask. They can tell you whether your history will be a problem before you go to a branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Chase account without a Social Security number?
Yes, if you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) from the IRS. You will need to open the account in person at a Chase branch with your ITIN letter and passport or consulate ID. Online and phone opening are not available for ITIN accounts.
How much money do I need to deposit to open an account?
Most Chase checking accounts require $25 as an initial deposit. Some accounts have no minimum. You can deposit this money in person, by mail, or online if you already have a Chase account. Ask the banker which accounts have no minimum if you want to start with less money.
What if I do not have a current address or proof of address?
Chase requires a current address to open an account. If you are homeless or living temporarily, bring a letter from a shelter, social service agency, or trusted person stating your current address. Chase will accept this in place of a utility bill or lease.
How long does it take to open a Chase account?
Online or by phone takes 10 to 15 minutes, and your account opens the same day. In person at a branch takes 15 to 30 minutes. Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use your account before the card arrives.
Can someone else open an account for me?
No. Chase requires the person whose name is on the account to be present with their own ID and Social Security number. The only exception is if you are a parent opening an account for a minor child — Chase has special accounts for this.