Documents and information Chase will ask for

Chase requires a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address to open a checking account. The photo ID can be a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Proof of address typically means a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your name and address on it—usually dated within the last 60 days.

You will also need to bring a small opening deposit. Chase checking accounts have no required minimum balance to open, but you will need at least $25 to fund the account on the day you open it. If you are opening the account online, you can transfer money from another bank account you already have.

If you do not have a Social Security number, Chase offers accounts for non-U.S. citizens using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You will still need the photo ID and proof of address.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and proof of your current address dated within the last 60 days.
  • Chase requires a $25 opening deposit but has no ongoing minimum balance requirement for most checking accounts.
  • You can open an account in person at a Chase branch, by phone, or online through Chase's website.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must open the account with you, and you will need their ID and Social Security number as well.

Opening in person versus online

Opening at a Chase branch takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Bring your ID, Social Security number, proof of address, and your opening deposit. A banker will verify your information, set up your account, and issue you a debit card on the spot. You can use the card when ready for online purchases, though the physical card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Opening online through Chase.com takes about 10 minutes and requires the same documents. You will need to upload a photo of your ID and proof of address, enter your Social Security number, and link a bank account to transfer your opening deposit. Chase will verify your information within one business day. Your debit card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and you can request a temporary digital card to use right away while you wait.

Opening by phone is also an option—call 1-800-935-9935 and a representative will walk you through the process. You will still need to provide the same documents and information, and they will mail you a debit card.

What happens after you open the account

Once your account is open, you will receive a routing number and account number. Chase will mail you a debit card, checks (if you request them), and a PIN for ATM withdrawals. Your account is active when ready, even before the physical card arrives. You can set up direct deposit, transfer money between accounts, and pay bills online right away.

Chase offers online and mobile banking through its website and app. You can check your balance, transfer money, deposit checks by phone camera, and set up alerts for low balances or large transactions. Most Chase checking accounts come with no monthly fee, though some accounts have a monthly maintenance fee that is waived if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.

Age requirements and accounts for minors

You must be at least 18 years old to open a Chase checking account on your own. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must open the account with you. Both of you will need to be present in person at a Chase branch—online and phone opening are not available for minors.

The parent or guardian will need their own government photo ID and Social Security number in addition to yours. Chase will issue the account in both names, and both of you can access the account and make transactions. The account converts to a standard adult account once you turn 18.

What to do if you do not have all the documents

If you do not have a government photo ID, Chase may accept alternative forms of identification depending on your state and situation. Call 1-800-935-9935 to ask what documents Chase will take instead. Some states allow Chase to verify your identity through other means, but this varies by location.

If you do not have proof of address dated within 60 days, you can use a lease agreement, mortgage statement, or utility bill from an earlier date and bring a secondary document like a recent bank statement or credit card statement to confirm your current address. If you have just moved and have no documents yet, ask the banker or phone representative what Chase will accept—some branches will work with you if you can show a recent change-of-address form or a lease signed within the last few months.

If you do not have a Social Security number or ITIN, you cannot open a Chase checking account. Chase requires one or the other for all accounts.

Fees and account types

Chase offers several checking account types. The most common is Chase Total Checking, which has no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or have a linked Chase savings account. If none of those explore, the monthly fee is $12.

Chase Premier Plus Checking requires a higher minimum balance ($15,000) but offers additional benefits like higher interest rates and fee waivers. Chase Student Checking is designed for people under 24 and has no monthly fee for the first five years.

All Chase checking accounts include access to over 4,700 Chase ATMs nationwide, online and mobile banking, bill pay, and the ability to deposit checks by phone camera. Overdraft fees, out-of-network ATM fees, and other charges vary by account type and your banking habits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase checking account without a Social Security number?

No, Chase requires either a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you are a non-U.S. citizen without an SSN, you can use an ITIN instead. You will still need a government photo ID and proof of address.

How long does it take to open a Chase checking account?

In person at a branch, it takes 15 to 20 minutes. Online, it takes about 10 minutes, and Chase verifies your information within one business day. By phone, the call takes about 15 minutes, and verification happens within one business day.

What if I do not have a recent utility bill for proof of address?

You can use a lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or credit card statement instead. Chase accepts any document with your name and current address on it, dated within the last 60 days. If you have nothing recent, bring two documents—one older document and one recent one—to show your address has not changed.

Can I use my passport as proof of ID?

Yes. Chase accepts a U.S. passport, driver's license, or state ID card as government-issued photo identification. A passport works for both ID and citizenship verification.

What is the minimum opening deposit?

Chase requires a $25 opening deposit. You can transfer this from another bank account if you are opening online, or bring cash or a check if you are opening in person at a branch.