What documents and information Chase requires

To open a Chase student checking account, you need a valid government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit (usually $25 or more, though this can vary). Chase will also ask for your current address and a phone number where they can reach you. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must be present and will need to provide their own ID and Social Security number as well.

You do not need to have an existing Chase account, a credit history, or a minimum credit score. Chase student accounts are designed for people with little or no banking history, so the barrier to entry is intentionally low. The initial deposit goes into your account when ready and counts toward your balance—it is not a separate fee.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid photo ID, Social Security number, current address, and an initial deposit of at least $25 to open the account.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must open the account with you and provide their own ID and Social Security number.
  • You can open the account online, on the phone, or in person at a Chase branch, and the process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Chase student checking accounts have no monthly maintenance fee and no minimum balance requirement once the account is open.
  • The account automatically converts to a standard Chase checking account when you turn 18 or graduate, whichever comes first.

Where and how to open the account

You have three options: open the account online at Chase.com, call Chase at 1-800-935-9935, or visit a Chase branch in person. Online is the fastest route if you have all your documents ready—the process takes about 10 minutes and you can fund the account when ready with a debit card or bank transfer. Over the phone, a Chase representative will walk you through the same questions and can answer questions about the account features as you go.

Opening in person at a branch takes longer (usually 20 to 30 minutes because of wait times) but gives you a chance to ask questions face-to-face and get a debit card on the spot. If you are under 18, opening in person or by phone is often easier because the parent or guardian can be present without needing to set up their own online account first.

What happens after you open the account

Your debit card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or transfer money from another bank account. You can also withdraw cash at any Chase ATM using a temporary digital card that appears in the Chase mobile app when ready after opening.

Your account comes with online banking, mobile app access, and the ability to set up bill pay. There are no monthly fees, no minimum balance, and no overdraft fees as long as you do not overdraw your account. If you do overdraw, Chase will decline the transaction rather than charging you a fee, so you cannot go negative.

Age limits and what changes when you turn 18

Chase student checking is available to people ages 13 to 17. When you turn 18, the account automatically converts to Chase Total Checking (or another standard account if you choose). This conversion happens without any action on your part, and your account number and routing number stay the same.

After conversion, the account will have a monthly maintenance fee of $12 unless you meet one of the waiver conditions—such as maintaining a $500 minimum daily balance, setting up direct deposit of at least $500 per month, or having a linked Chase savings account with a $300 minimum balance. Many students avoid the fee by keeping direct deposit active from a part-time job or school refund.

What you cannot do with a student account

Student checking accounts do not come with overdraft protection, so you cannot borrow money from Chase if your balance runs low. You also cannot open a linked savings account under the student account—that comes after you convert to a standard account at 18. Some features like bill pay and person-to-person transfers are available, but wire transfers and cashier's checks require you to visit a branch or call.

If you need to deposit cash, you must do it at a Chase branch or ATM—there is no mobile check deposit for student accounts. This is a deliberate limitation to encourage in-person banking habits while you are learning to manage money.

If you do not have a Social Security number

Chase requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open any account. If you are an international student or do not yet have a Social Security number, you will need to obtain an ITIN from the IRS first. This process takes several weeks, so plan ahead if this applies to you.

Some students use a parent's Social Security number temporarily while waiting for their own, but Chase will eventually require you to provide your own number. Contact your local Chase branch or call 1-800-935-9935 to ask about the timeline and whether they can hold your process while you wait for an ITIN.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a student account if I am 18 or older?

No. Chase student checking is only for ages 13 to 17. If you are 18 or older, you can open Chase Total Checking or another standard account instead. The requirements are the same—ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit—but you will pay a monthly maintenance fee unless you meet a waiver condition.

Do I need a parent's permission if I am 17?

If you are 17, you can open the account on your own with just your ID and Social Security number. A parent does not need to be present or co-sign. However, if you are under 18 and want a parent to have access to the account for monitoring, you can set that up during the opening process.

What if I lose my debit card before it arrives?

Contact Chase when ready at 1-800-935-9935 or through the mobile app to report it lost. Chase will cancel the card and reissue a new one at no charge. In the meantime, you can use the temporary digital card in the Chase app to make purchases or withdraw cash at ATMs.

Can I have more than one Chase student account?

No. Chase allows one student checking account per person. If you already have a student account and try to open another, the second process will be declined. You can, however, open a linked savings account once you turn 18.

What happens if I close the account before I turn 18?

You can close the account at any time by visiting a branch, calling 1-800-935-9935, or using the mobile app. Any remaining balance will be returned to you by check or transferred to another account. There is no penalty for closing early.