Documents and information Chase will ask for
Chase will ask you for a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and your current address before opening an account. They also need to know your employment status and annual income — you don't have to be employed, but they ask the question. That's the baseline for any Chase account.
Beyond that, what you bring depends on which account you choose. A basic checking account needs less than a savings account. Some accounts have no minimum balance; others require you to keep money in the account at all times. Chase will tell you the specific requirements when you pick which account type you want.
If you don't have a photo ID yet, you'll need to get one before you can open an account at Chase. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. Chase will not open an account without one.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address to open any Chase account.
- Chase asks about your income and employment status, but you don't have to be employed to open an account.
- Different Chase account types have different minimum balance requirements, so confirm which account you want before you go to the branch.
- You can open an account in person at a Chase branch or online through their website, and the process takes about 15 minutes either way.
Proof of address: what Chase accepts
Chase needs to confirm where you live. A utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement all work — anything dated within the last 60 days with your name and current address on it. If you don't have any of those, a bank statement from another bank works too.
If you're moving and your address has changed recently, bring the document that shows your new address. If you don't have a document yet because you just moved, call Chase before you go in. They can sometimes work with a signed lease or a letter from your landlord instead.
Opening an account in person versus online
You can open a Chase account at any Chase branch or on Chase's website. In person takes about 15 minutes. Online takes about the same time, but you'll need to upload photos of your ID and proof of address instead of showing them to a banker.
Opening online means you don't have to leave your house, but you do need a working camera or phone to photograph your documents clearly. The photo has to show all four corners of the document and be readable — blurry or cut-off photos will be rejected and you'll have to try again.
If you open online, Chase will mail your debit card to the address you provide. It usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your account before the card arrives if you set up direct deposit or transfer money from another bank account.
Social Security number and ChexSystems
Chase will run your Social Security number through ChexSystems, which is a banking history report. Think of it like a credit report, but for bank accounts instead of loans. ChexSystems tracks whether you've had accounts closed for negative reasons — like bouncing checks repeatedly or not paying overdraft fees.
If you've never had a bank account before, ChexSystems will have no record of you, and that's fine. If you had problems with a bank account years ago, those problems may still show up. Chase will tell you if ChexSystems is the reason they won't open an account for you.
You can check your own ChexSystems report for free before you explore. Go to www.chexsystems.com and click "Consumer Disclosure" to request your report. It takes a few days to arrive by mail.
Minimum balance requirements by account type
Chase offers several checking and savings accounts, and each one has different rules about how much money you need to keep in it. Some accounts have no minimum at all. Others require you to maintain a balance — if your balance drops below that amount, Chase charges a monthly fee.
Chase also offers accounts designed for students and for people new to banking, and these often have lower or no minimum balance requirements. Ask the banker which account fits your situation, or look at Chase's website to compare before you go in. Knowing which account you want before you arrive makes the process faster.
What happens after you open your account
Once your account is open, Chase will give you a temporary debit card number if you opened online, or a physical debit card if you opened in person. You'll also get online banking access right away so you can check your balance and move money between accounts.
If you opened online, your physical debit card will arrive by mail. Until it arrives, you can use your temporary card number to make purchases online or over the phone. You can also set up direct deposit to your new account before the card arrives.
Chase will send you a welcome packet with information about your account, your routing number, and your account number. Keep this packet — you'll need the routing and account numbers to set up direct deposit or to have money transferred from another bank.
If you don't have a Social Security number
Chase requires a Social Security number to open an account. If you don't have one, you'll need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can open a Chase account. This process takes several weeks.
If you're in the country on a visa and don't have a Social Security number yet, some banks offer accounts for visa holders, but Chase's standard process requires one. Contact Chase directly to ask whether they have options for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Chase account if I've been denied before?
It depends on why you were denied. If ChexSystems shows old problems, those records eventually age off. If you were denied for not having a photo ID or Social Security number, getting those documents now means you can try again. Call Chase customer service to ask why you were denied before explore again.
Do I need to have money to open an account?
No. You can open an account with zero dollars. However, some Chase account types charge a monthly fee if your balance drops below a certain amount, so confirm the fee structure for the account you choose before you open it.
How long does it take to get my debit card?
If you open in person, you get a card when ready or within a few days. If you open online, Chase mails your card, which usually takes 7 to 10 business days. You can use your account before the physical card arrives by setting up direct deposit or transferring money from another bank.
What if my address changes after I open the account?
Log into your Chase account online or call Chase customer service to update your address. It takes a few minutes. Chase will mail statements and new cards to your updated address.
Can someone else open an account for me?
No. You have to be present and provide your own ID and signature. Chase will not open an account based on someone else's request, even if that person is a family member or guardian.