Chase wants your identity verified, proof of your address, and an opening deposit before your account goes live

Chase requires specific documents and information before they will open a checking or savings account. You will need a government-issued ID, a recent document showing your current address, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit. The amount of that deposit varies by account type — some accounts have no minimum, while others require $25 or more. You can open an account online, on the phone, or in a branch, and the process takes about 10 to 15 minutes if your documents are ready.

The documents Chase asks for are standard across the banking industry. They exist because federal law requires banks to verify who you are and where you live before they take your money. This is called Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance, and it protects both you and the bank from fraud and money laundering.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), proof of your current address, and your Social Security number.
  • Chase requires an opening deposit that ranges from $0 to $25 depending on the account type you choose.
  • You can open an account online, by phone, or in person at a branch, and the account is usually ready to use within one business day.
  • 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.

Government-issued ID and address proof

Chase will accept a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID as proof of identity. The ID must be current and not expired. If you are opening an account online or by phone, you will upload a photo or image of both sides of your ID. In a branch, you show the physical card to the banker.

For address proof, Chase accepts a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government document with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you live at a temporary address or do not have mail in your name, bring what you have — the banker can note the situation and may ask follow-up questions, but they can often work around it.

Social Security number or ITIN

Chase requires a nine-digit tax identification number. For U.S. citizens and permanent residents, this is your Social Security number. If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), which the IRS issues to people who need to file taxes but are not may be able to access for a Social Security number.

Chase will ask for this number during the account opening process. They use it to report interest earned on your account to the IRS and to check your banking history through ChexSystems, a system that tracks account closures and fraud. If you have closed accounts or unpaid fees at other banks, ChexSystems will flag that, and Chase may decline to open your account or ask you to pay outstanding balances first.

Opening deposit amounts by account type

Chase offers several checking and savings accounts, each with different opening deposit requirements. Chase Total Checking and Chase Savings have no minimum opening deposit. Chase Premier Plus Checking requires a $25 opening deposit. Chase Sapphire Checking and Chase Sapphire Savings require $500. These minimums change occasionally, so confirm the current requirement when you are ready to open.

The opening deposit is real money that goes into your account — it is not a fee. Once your account is open, you can withdraw it when ready if you want to, though most people leave it there. If you choose an account with a minimum balance requirement to avoid monthly fees, you will need to maintain that balance or pay a fee each month.

Online, phone, or in-branch opening

Chase lets you open most checking and savings accounts online through their website or mobile app. You upload photos of your ID and address proof, enter your personal information, and fund the account with a debit card or bank transfer. The account is usually ready within one business day, though Chase may place a temporary hold on deposits while they verify your information.

You can also call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to open an account by phone. A representative will walk you through the same questions and document verification. If you prefer to open in person, visit any Chase branch with your original ID and address proof. In-branch accounts sometimes open when ready, though Chase may still verify your information overnight before you can use the account fully.

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. You can use your account before the card arrives — Chase will give you a temporary card number online, or you can set up transfers and bill pay through their website or app. Your account number and routing number are available when ready so you can have your paycheck or other deposits sent directly to your account.

Chase will send you a welcome packet with your account agreement, fee schedule, and information about online banking. Read the fee schedule carefully — different accounts have different monthly fees, and some fees are waived if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. If you have questions about your account after it opens, you can call Chase customer service or visit a branch.

If you do not have all the documents

If you do not have a current government-issued ID, you cannot open a Chase account online or by phone. You will need to visit a branch in person with whatever identity documents you have — a passport card, tribal ID, or other government document. A banker can assess whether your documents are sufficient and may ask additional questions about your address or background.

If you do not have a Social Security number or ITIN, you can still open an account, but you will need to provide your ITIN or explore for one before Chase can finalize the account. If you do not have a current address, bring a lease, utility bill, or other document showing where you live now. Chase has flexibility here, especially in branches, but they cannot skip the identity and address verification step entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to open a Chase account?

The process itself takes 10 to 15 minutes. Your account is usually active within one business day, though Chase may place temporary holds on deposits while they verify your information. Your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

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

Yes, if you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Chase accepts ITINs for non-U.S. citizens who need a bank account. You will need to provide your ITIN during the opening process.

What if Chase declines my account process?

Chase may decline if ChexSystems shows unpaid fees or fraud at another bank, or if they cannot verify your identity. Ask Chase why they declined — they are required to tell you. You may be able to resolve the issue by paying outstanding balances or providing additional documentation.

Do I need to keep a minimum balance after I open my account?

It depends on the account type. Some Chase accounts have no minimum balance requirement. Others waive monthly fees if you maintain a set balance or have direct deposit. Check your account agreement or ask a banker which accounts have no balance requirement.

Can I open a joint account with someone else?

Yes. Both account holders will need to provide ID, address proof, and Social Security number or ITIN. You can open a joint account online, by phone, or in person, and both names will appear on the account and debit card.