Chase's main product categories and who they're built for

Chase offers checking accounts, savings accounts, credit cards, mortgages, auto loans, investment accounts, and business banking. Most of these products come in multiple versions aimed at different customer types—someone with $500 in the bank gets different options than someone with $500,000. The product that makes sense for you depends on what you're trying to do with your money right now, not on what Chase thinks you should want.

Chase is the consumer banking division of JPMorgan Chase & Co., one of the largest banks in the United States. That size means Chase has branches in most states, a large ATM network, and mobile and online banking tools that work for most people. It also means Chase has the resources to offer products that smaller banks cannot—investment advisory services, for example, or mortgage rates that shift with market conditions.

The tradeoff is that Chase's fee structures can be steep if you don't meet minimum balance requirements or use the account in a way the bank prefers. Understanding what each product costs and what it requires is the first step to deciding whether Chase is the right fit.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase checking accounts range from no-fee options to premium accounts that waive fees only if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.
  • Chase savings accounts earn interest, but the rate varies by account type and changes with market conditions; some accounts require a minimum opening deposit.
  • Chase credit cards include cash-back cards, travel rewards cards, and cards designed for people building or rebuilding credit, each with different annual fees and earning structures.
  • Chase also offers mortgages, auto loans, investment accounts, and business banking, though you do not need to be a Chase customer to use these products.
  • Monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and overdraft charges are common at Chase; reading the fee schedule before opening an account prevents surprises later.

Checking accounts: what you pay and what you get

Chase offers several checking accounts. The Chase Total Checking account has no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or keep a linked savings account with at least $500 in it. If you don't meet any of those conditions, the monthly fee is $12. The account comes with a debit card, online and mobile banking, and access to Chase's ATM network.

The Chase Premier Plus Checking account is designed for customers with higher balances. It has no monthly fee if you maintain a $25,000 minimum balance across your Chase accounts or set up may have access to direct deposit. The monthly fee is $25 if you don't meet those conditions. This account includes higher ATM reimbursement limits and priority customer service.

Chase also offers Chase find Checking, which is designed for people with a limited banking history or a negative ChexSystems record. This account has a $4.95 monthly fee and does not require a minimum balance. It comes with a debit card and online banking but has lower daily ATM withdrawal limits than other Chase checking accounts.

All Chase checking accounts charge overdraft fees if you spend more than you have. The fee is $34 per overdraft transaction, and Chase can charge multiple fees per day. You can opt out of overdraft coverage, which means transactions will be declined instead of charging a fee, but this is not the default.

Savings accounts and money market accounts

Chase offers several savings products. Chase Savings is a basic savings account with no monthly fee and no minimum opening deposit. Interest accrues daily and is paid monthly. The interest rate changes with market conditions and is typically lower than rates offered by online-only banks.

Chase Premier Savings requires a $25,000 minimum balance to avoid a $25 monthly fee. It offers a higher interest rate than Chase Savings, but only if you maintain the minimum. If your balance drops below $25,000, you pay the fee and earn the lower rate.

Chase Money Market Account combines features of checking and savings. It requires a $25,000 minimum balance to avoid a $25 monthly fee. You can write checks and use a debit card, but you're limited to six withdrawals per month (a federal rule that applies to most savings accounts). The interest rate is typically higher than savings accounts but lower than what online banks offer.

Chase also offers Chase CDs (Certificates of Deposit), which lock your money away for a set period—typically three months to five years—in exchange for a may provide interest rate. The longer the term, the higher the rate. If you withdraw the money before the term ends, you pay a penalty.

Credit cards: rewards, travel, and credit-building options

Chase credit cards fall into several categories. Cash-back cards like the Chase Freedom Unlimited return a percentage of what you spend as cash back. The percentage varies by card and sometimes by category (groceries, gas, restaurants). Most have no annual fee, though some premium cash-back cards charge $95 or more per year in exchange for higher cash-back rates.

Travel rewards cards earn points on purchases that you can redeem for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses. These cards typically have annual fees ranging from $95 to $550, depending on the card's benefits. The card's earning rate and redemption value determine whether the annual fee is worth it for your spending patterns.

Business credit cards are designed for small business owners and self-employed people. They work similarly to consumer cards but may offer higher credit limits and business-specific rewards categories like office supplies or internet service.

Credit-building cards like Chase Secured Credit Card are designed for people with no credit history or poor credit. These cards require a cash deposit that becomes your credit limit—if you deposit $500, your limit is $500. You use the card like a normal credit card, and Chase reports your payment history to credit bureaus. After a period of on-time payments, you may be able to graduate to an unsecured card and get your deposit back.

Mortgages and auto loans

Chase offers mortgages for home purchases and refinancing. You can explore online or through a branch. Chase offers fixed-rate mortgages (where your interest rate stays the same for the life of the loan) and adjustable-rate mortgages (where the rate changes after an initial period). The rates and terms vary based on your credit score, down payment, and current market conditions.

Chase also offers auto loans for new and used vehicles. You can explore online or at a branch. Like mortgages, rates depend on your credit score and the vehicle's age and value. You do not need to be a Chase customer to get a Chase auto loan, though existing customers may see faster processing.

Both mortgages and auto loans involve fees—origination fees, appraisal fees, title fees, and others. The total cost of borrowing is not just the interest rate; it includes all these fees added together. Before committing to a Chase loan, compare the full cost (including fees) against offers from other lenders.

Investment and wealth management services

Chase offers brokerage accounts through its investment division. You can buy and sell stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Chase also offers retirement accounts like IRAs and Roth IRAs, which have tax advantages for long-term savings.

Chase Wealth Management is a service for customers with significant assets. A financial advisor works with you to create an investment strategy, manage a portfolio, and plan for retirement. This service typically requires a minimum account balance of $250,000 or more, and fees are charged as a percentage of the assets under management.

Chase also offers robo-advisor services through You Invest, which uses algorithms to build and manage a diversified portfolio based on your goals and risk tolerance. This service has lower minimum account balances than traditional wealth management and lower fees, but you do not work with a human advisor.

Business banking and commercial services

Chase offers checking accounts, savings accounts, and credit products designed for small businesses and corporations. Chase Business Checking comes in several versions with different fee structures and minimum balance requirements. Chase Business Savings works similarly to consumer savings accounts but may offer different rates and features.

Chase also offers merchant services—the ability to accept credit card payments from customers—and payroll services to help businesses pay employees. These services come with fees that vary based on your business type and transaction volume.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Chase charge monthly fees on all accounts?

Most Chase accounts have monthly fees, but you can avoid them by meeting certain conditions. For checking accounts, this usually means maintaining a minimum balance, setting up direct deposit, or linking a savings account. Some accounts, like Chase find Checking, charge a fee regardless. Read the fee schedule for the specific account before opening it.

What is Chase's interest rate on savings accounts?

Chase's savings account rates change with market conditions and are typically lower than rates offered by online-only banks. The exact rate depends on the account type and current economic conditions. You can find current rates on Chase's website or by calling a branch.

Can I get a Chase credit card if I have bad credit?

Chase offers the Secured Credit Card for people with limited credit history or poor credit. This card requires a cash deposit and reports your payment history to credit bureaus. After demonstrating responsible use, you may be able to graduate to an unsecured card.

Do I have to be a Chase customer to get a mortgage or auto loan?

No. You can explore for a Chase mortgage or auto loan without having a checking or savings account at Chase. However, existing Chase customers may see faster processing or slightly better terms in some cases.

What happens if I overdraft my Chase checking account?

Chase charges a $34 fee for each overdraft transaction. You can have multiple overdrafts in a single day, which means multiple fees. You can opt out of overdraft coverage so transactions are declined instead of charged, but you must request this in writing or through your online account.