Documents and information Chase will ask for
To open a checking or savings account at Chase, you will need a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Chase uses these to verify who you are and to meet federal banking rules that explore to all banks.
The photo ID can be a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or tribal ID. If you do not have a photo ID yet, you can still open an account — Chase will ask additional questions instead, though the process takes longer. Your Social Security number is required by federal law; if you do not have one, you can explore other account options, though they are limited.
For proof of address, Chase accepts a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and current address. The document usually needs to be from the last 60 days. If you do not have one of these, a bank statement from another bank or a piece of mail from a government agency will work.
Key Takeaways
- You will need a government photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address to open a Chase account in person or online.
- If you do not have a photo ID, Chase can still open an account for you, but the process involves more questions and takes longer.
- Proof of address must be a recent document (usually within 60 days) with your name and current street address on it.
- You can open an account online, by phone, or in a Chase branch, and each route has slightly different timing and document requirements.
- Chase may ask follow-up questions about the source of your money or your banking history, especially if you are opening an account for the first time.
Opening an account online versus in a branch
You can open a Chase account online through their website, by phone, or in person at a Chase branch. Online is usually the fastest — you can start the process in minutes and upload photos of your documents. The bank will review them and contact you within one to three business days if they need anything else.
Opening in a branch takes longer on the day you visit (usually 30 to 45 minutes), but you walk out with a debit card and can start using your account right away. A banker can also answer questions about which account type fits your needs. Opening by phone falls between the two — it takes about 20 minutes, but you still need to mail or upload documents afterward.
If you are new to banking or do not have a Social Security number, opening in a branch is often easier because a banker can walk you through the options and explain what documents you actually have access to.
What Chase checks before opening your account
Chase runs a background check through ChexSystems, a banking history database that tracks accounts you have opened and closed at other banks. If you have unpaid overdraft fees, wrote bad checks, or closed accounts under negative circumstances, ChexSystems will flag it. Chase may deny your account or ask you to explain what happened.
Chase also checks your name and Social Security number against government databases to confirm you are who you say you are. This is called identity verification and is required by federal law at all banks.
If you have been denied a bank account before, tell Chase about it when you open your account. Some reasons for denial (like owing money to another bank) can sometimes be resolved, and being upfront about it is better than having Chase discover it during their check.
Minimum deposit and account fees
Chase does not require a minimum deposit to open most checking or savings accounts. You can open an account with one dollar and add money later. However, some Chase accounts do have monthly fees if you do not meet certain requirements — like keeping a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit.
The most common Chase checking account for people new to banking is the Chase Total Checking account. It has a monthly fee, but the fee is waived if you keep a minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or maintain a linked savings account. Read the fee schedule before you choose an account type so you know what you are signing up for.
Chase also offers accounts with no monthly fees, though they may have other limits (like fewer free transfers per month). Ask a banker which account has the fewest fees for how you plan to use it.
What happens after you open your account
Once Chase approves your account, you will receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days if you opened online or by phone. If you opened in a branch, you can usually get a temporary card that day and a permanent one later. You will also receive your account number and routing number by mail or email, which you need to set up direct deposit or receive wire transfers.
Your account is active as soon as it is approved, even if your debit card has not arrived yet. You can transfer money in from another bank account, deposit checks through the Chase mobile app, or visit a branch to deposit cash.
Chase will send you a welcome packet with information about online banking, mobile banking, and how to set up a PIN for your debit card. You can also call Chase customer service at the number on your debit card if you have questions after your account opens.
If you do not have a Social Security number
If you are not a U.S. citizen or do not have a Social Security number yet, Chase can still open an account for you using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. An ITIN is issued by the IRS and works the same way as a Social Security number for banking purposes.
The process is the same — you will need a photo ID, your ITIN, and proof of address. Chase may ask additional questions about your immigration status or how long you plan to be in the United States, but these questions are routine and do not prevent you from opening an account.
If you do not have an ITIN yet, you can explore through the IRS. The process takes several weeks, so plan ahead if you need banking services soon.
Common reasons Chase may ask follow-up questions
Chase may contact you after you submit your process to ask where your money comes from, why you are opening the account, or details about your employment. This is not a sign that something is wrong — it is part of federal banking rules that explore to all banks. Banks are required to understand the source of large deposits and the purpose of accounts.
If you are opening an account to receive a paycheck, say that. If you are opening it to save money, say that. If you are opening it because you are new to the country or new to banking, tell Chase that too. Honest answers move the process forward faster than vague ones.
If Chase denies your account, they will send you a letter explaining why. You can contact them to ask if there is anything you can do to resolve the issue, or you can open an account at a different bank instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Chase account if I have been denied before at another bank?
Yes. Being denied at another bank does not automatically disqualify you from Chase. Chase will check your banking history, but the reason for the denial matters — if you have since paid off what you owed, you have a better chance of approval. Tell Chase about the denial upfront rather than waiting for them to discover it.
Do I need to bring original documents or can I show photos on my phone?
If you open online, you upload photos of your documents — originals are not needed. If you open in a branch, bring the actual documents so the banker can verify them in person. If you open by phone, you will need to mail or upload copies afterward.
How long does it take to get approved?
Online applications usually get approved within one to three business days. In-branch accounts are approved the same day. By phone, approval usually takes one to two business days. If Chase needs more information from you, approval can take longer.
What if my address on my ID does not match my current address?
Bring both your ID and a separate proof of your current address (like a utility bill or lease). Chase will use the current address for your account. You do not need to update your ID first.
Can someone else open an account for me?
No. You must open the account yourself, either in person, online, or by phone. Chase needs to verify your identity directly. A family member or friend cannot do it for you, even with your permission.