What Chase checking accounts require as a minimum balance

Chase checking accounts do not all have the same minimum balance requirement. It depends on which account you open. Some Chase checking accounts have no minimum balance at all, while others require you to keep a certain amount in the account at all times to avoid a monthly fee.

The most common Chase checking account for everyday banking is the Chase Total Checking account, which has no minimum balance requirement. You can open it and keep any amount in it — even $1 — without paying a monthly service fee. Other Chase checking products, like Chase Premier Plus Checking, do have minimums, but they are designed for customers with larger balances or more complex banking needs.

The key is knowing which account you have or are considering, because the rules are different for each one. Your account statement or the Chase website will tell you whether your specific account has a minimum balance requirement.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase Total Checking has no minimum balance requirement and no monthly service fee regardless of how much money you keep in the account.
  • Other Chase checking accounts, like Premier Plus Checking, do have minimum balance requirements that vary by account type.
  • If your account has a minimum balance requirement and you fall below it, Chase will charge you a monthly maintenance fee.
  • You can check your specific account's requirements on your statement, in the Chase mobile app, or by calling the number on the back of your debit card.

How minimum balance requirements work

A minimum balance requirement means Chase asks you to keep at least a certain dollar amount in your checking account. If your balance drops below that amount on any day during the month, you will be charged a monthly fee — usually between $10 and $25, depending on the account type.

The requirement is measured on a daily basis, not an average. This means if you have $500 in the account most of the month but drop to $400 for even one day, you may trigger the fee. Some accounts measure the balance at the end of each business day; others look at the lowest balance during the entire month.

Chase also offers ways to waive the minimum balance requirement on accounts that have one. For example, you might avoid the fee if you set up direct deposit, maintain a linked savings account with a certain balance, or keep a Chase credit card account in good standing. The specific waivers depend on which checking account you have.

Chase Total Checking versus accounts with minimums

Chase Total Checking is designed to have no barriers to keeping an account open. There is no minimum balance, no monthly fee, and no requirement to set up direct deposit or link other accounts. You pay nothing to have the account, regardless of how much or how little money sits in it.

If you are comparing Chase checking accounts and see one with a minimum balance requirement, it is usually because that account comes with additional features — higher interest on savings, more ATM locations, travel benefits, or priority customer service. You are paying for those extras, either through a monthly fee or by maintaining a higher balance.

For most people new to banking or returning after a gap, Chase Total Checking removes the worry about minimums entirely. You can focus on building your savings without watching a balance threshold.

What happens if you fall below the minimum

If your account has a minimum balance requirement and you drop below it, Chase will charge you a monthly maintenance fee. This fee is usually $12 to $25, depending on the account. The fee appears as a charge on your statement and reduces your account balance further.

The fee is not automatic forgiveness — it stays on your account unless you dispute it. If you fall below the minimum, the fastest way to stop future fees is to bring your balance back above the requirement and keep it there, or to switch to an account with no minimum, like Chase Total Checking.

Some people do not realize they have a minimum balance requirement until they see the fee on their statement. If this happens to you, contact Chase through the phone number on your debit card or through the mobile app. You can ask whether the fee can be reversed as a one-time courtesy, and you can request information about switching to a different account type.

How to find out your account's minimum balance requirement

The easiest way to check is to log into your Chase account online or through the mobile app. Look for "Account Details" or "Account Information." This section will list any minimum balance requirement for your specific account.

You can also find this information on your monthly statement. Look for a section titled "Account Terms" or "Fees and Features." If you do not see it there, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card and ask directly.

When you call, have your account number ready. A representative can tell you in seconds whether your account has a minimum, what that minimum is, and what happens if you fall below it. They can also explain any waivers available to you — for example, whether setting up direct deposit would eliminate the requirement.

Moving to an account with no minimum if you have one

If your current account has a minimum balance requirement and you want to avoid it, you can switch to Chase Total Checking. This is a straightforward process that does not close your old account or require you to move money between banks.

You can request the switch through the Chase mobile app, online banking, or by calling customer service. Chase will convert your existing account to the new account type. Your account number may change, so you will need to update any automatic payments or direct deposits that are linked to your old account number.

The switch usually takes one to two business days. Once it is complete, you will no longer have a minimum balance requirement or a monthly maintenance fee. If you had already been charged a fee for falling below the minimum, ask the representative whether it can be reversed — Chase sometimes does this as a courtesy when you switch accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need direct deposit to avoid a minimum balance fee?

It depends on your account type. Chase Total Checking has no minimum balance requirement, so direct deposit is not needed. Other Chase checking accounts may offer direct deposit as a way to waive the minimum requirement, but it is not always required — you might also waive it by keeping a linked savings account with a certain balance or maintaining a Chase credit card.

What if I am below the minimum for just one day?

Most Chase accounts measure the minimum daily, so dropping below it for even one day during the month can trigger the fee. Some accounts use the lowest balance during the entire month instead. Check your account details to see which method applies to you, or call customer service to ask.

Can Chase reverse a minimum balance fee?

Chase may reverse the fee as a one-time courtesy, especially if it is your first time falling below the minimum. Call the number on your debit card and explain the situation. There is no may provide, but it is worth asking. Switching to an account with no minimum will prevent future fees.

Does the minimum balance earn interest?

Chase Total Checking does not pay interest on any balance. Some other Chase checking accounts pay a small amount of interest, but the rate is typically very low — often less than 0.01 percent. The interest earned on a minimum balance requirement is usually just a few cents per month.

Can I have multiple Chase checking accounts?

Yes, you can open more than one Chase checking account. However, Chase may combine the balances when checking whether you meet a minimum balance requirement on accounts with minimums. Ask customer service how multiple accounts would be treated before you open a second one.