Chase offers checking and savings accounts, credit cards, mortgages, auto loans, and investment services through its retail bank and brokerage divisions

Chase is the consumer banking arm of JPMorgan Chase & Co., the largest bank by assets in the United States. The bank operates through two main channels: Chase Bank (for deposit accounts and loans) and Chase Investment Services (for brokerage and wealth management). Most people encounter Chase through one of its checking or savings accounts, a credit card, or a mortgage process. The products available to you depend on which Chase division you use and what you're trying to do with your money.

Chase operates roughly 4,700 branches and 16,000 ATMs across the country, plus online and mobile banking platforms. If you're looking at Chase, you're usually choosing between their deposit products (where you store money), credit products (where you borrow), or investment products (where you buy securities). Each category has multiple options at different price points and with different features.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase checking accounts range from no-fee options to premium accounts with travel benefits, and the right choice depends on whether you maintain a minimum balance and how many transactions you make.
  • Chase savings accounts and money market accounts pay interest that varies by account type and current Federal Reserve rates, with higher rates typically requiring larger deposits.
  • Chase credit cards include cash-back cards, travel rewards cards, and cards designed for people building credit, each with different annual fees and earning structures.
  • Chase also offers mortgages, auto loans, personal loans, and investment accounts through its brokerage subsidiary, though not all products are available in every state.

Checking Accounts: From No-Fee to Premium Options

Chase offers four main checking account types: Chase Total Checking, Chase Premier Plus Checking, Chase Sapphire Checking, and Chase First Banking (for customers under 18). The most common is Chase Total Checking, which has no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit. If you don't meet either requirement, the fee is $12 per month. This account includes unlimited debit transactions, online bill pay, and access to Chase's branch and ATM network.

Chase Premier Plus Checking requires a $25,000 minimum balance to avoid a $25 monthly fee. It offers the same features as Total Checking plus higher ATM reimbursement limits and priority customer service. Chase Sapphire Checking is designed for customers who also hold a Chase Sapphire credit card or invest through Chase; it waives the monthly fee with either product. The account includes concierge services and higher ATM reimbursement than Total Checking.

All Chase checking accounts include fraud protection, mobile check deposit, and access to Zelle for peer-to-peer transfers. The choice between them comes down to whether you can maintain the minimum balance and whether you value the premium features enough to pay the fee.

Savings and Money Market Accounts

Chase offers two main savings products: Chase Savings and Chase Money Market. Chase Savings has no monthly fee and no minimum opening deposit, but the interest rate is typically lower than money market accounts. The rate changes based on Federal Reserve policy and market conditions; Chase publishes current rates on its website. You can make up to six transfers or withdrawals per month before incurring a $10 fee for each additional transaction.

Chase Money Market accounts pay higher interest rates than savings accounts but require a $2,500 minimum balance to open and $25,000 to earn the highest rate tier. These accounts also include a debit card and checkbook, making them a hybrid between savings and checking. Like savings accounts, they limit transfers to six per month.

Both accounts are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per account type, at Chase Bank. Interest rates on both products change frequently and vary based on the Federal Reserve's current policy rate. If you're comparing Chase to other banks, check the current rates on Chase's website rather than relying on rates from previous months.

Credit Cards: Cash Back, Travel Rewards, and Building Credit

Chase issues credit cards across several categories. Cash-back cards include the Chase Freedom Unlimited (no annual fee, flat cash back on all purchases) and Chase Freedom Flex (no annual fee, higher cash back on rotating categories). Travel rewards cards include the Chase Sapphire Preferred ($95 annual fee, points on travel and dining) and Chase Sapphire Reserve ($550 annual fee, premium travel benefits and concierge service).

Chase also offers cards for people building or rebuilding credit, such as Chase find Credit Card, which requires a cash deposit that serves as your credit limit. This card reports to all three credit bureaus and can help you establish a credit history. Chase issues business credit cards as well, though those fall outside consumer banking.

All Chase credit cards include fraud protection and the ability to dispute unauthorized charges. Annual fees, cash-back rates, and rewards structures vary significantly by card. Chase publishes full terms and current offers on its website; rates and benefits change periodically, so the card that makes sense for you depends on your spending patterns and whether you can use the card's specific benefits (such as travel credits) to offset the annual fee.

Mortgages and Auto Loans

Chase offers mortgages for home purchase and refinancing, including fixed-rate and adjustable-rate options. The bank also offers home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) and home equity loans. Mortgage rates and terms vary based on your credit score, down payment, loan amount, and current market rates. Chase requires a minimum credit score (typically 620 for conventional loans) and verifiable income.

Chase auto loans are available for new and used vehicles, with terms ranging from 24 to 84 months. You can explore online or through a Chase branch. Like mortgages, auto loan rates depend on your credit profile and the vehicle's age and value. Chase also offers personal loans for other purposes, with loan amounts typically ranging from $500 to $35,000 and terms from 24 to 84 months.

All three loan types require a formal process and credit check. Rates are not fixed until you complete the process and receive a formal offer. If you're comparing Chase to other lenders, request rate quotes from multiple banks; Chase's rates may be competitive for some borrowers but not others, depending on credit score and loan type.

Investment and Brokerage Services

Chase Investment Services operates separately from Chase Bank and offers brokerage accounts, retirement accounts (IRAs), and wealth management services. Through this division, you can buy and sell stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Chase offers both self-directed brokerage accounts (where you make all investment decisions) and managed accounts (where a financial advisor manages your portfolio for a fee).

Chase also offers retirement accounts including Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, and SEP IRAs for self-employed people. These accounts have the same contribution limits and tax treatment as IRAs at other institutions; the difference is in fees, investment options, and customer service. Chase charges account maintenance fees on some investment accounts, though these may be waived if you maintain a minimum balance or use certain services.

Investment products carry risk, and past performance does not predict future results. If you're new to investing, Chase offers educational resources and the option to speak with a financial advisor, though advisors are typically available only to customers with larger account balances.

Digital Banking and Mobile Access

Chase offers online banking through its website and mobile apps for iOS and Android. You can check balances, transfer money between accounts, pay bills, deposit checks by phone camera, and set up alerts for account activity. Chase also offers Chase Pay, a mobile payment option that works at participating retailers, though it is less widely used than Apple Pay or Google Pay.

All Chase accounts include fraud monitoring and the ability to freeze or temporarily disable your debit card through the mobile app. If you lose access to your account or suspect fraud, you can contact Chase through the app, by phone, or in person at a branch. Response times vary; fraud disputes typically require a formal claim and investigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Chase have a monthly fee on all accounts?

No. Chase Total Checking has no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Chase Savings has no monthly fee at any balance. Premier Plus Checking and Sapphire Checking charge monthly fees unless you meet specific requirements (minimum balance or holding a related product).

What is the current interest rate on Chase savings accounts?

Chase savings rates change based on Federal Reserve policy and vary by account type. Check Chase's website for current rates on Chase Savings and Chase Money Market accounts. Rates are typically updated when the Federal Reserve changes its policy rate.

Can I use my Chase debit card outside the United States?

Yes. Chase debit cards work at ATMs and merchants worldwide, though you may be charged a foreign transaction fee (typically 1% to 3% of the transaction amount). Some Chase accounts include ATM fee reimbursement abroad. Check your account terms or call Chase before traveling to confirm what fees explore.

Does Chase offer student checking accounts?

Chase does not have a dedicated student checking account, but Chase First Banking is available to customers under 18 and includes features designed for younger account holders. After you turn 18, you can move to a standard Chase checking account.

What credit score do I need to open a Chase credit card?

Credit score requirements vary by card. Premium cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve typically require a score of 750 or higher. Cards like Chase find Credit Card are designed for people with lower scores or limited credit history. Chase does not publish exact score cutoffs, so you can check your likelihood of approval before formally explore.