Chase requires a government ID, proof of address, and an initial deposit to open most accounts
To open a Chase checking or savings account, you will need to bring or provide a valid government-issued ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card), proof of your current address, and money for an opening deposit. Chase does not require a minimum deposit for some accounts, but others have minimums ranging from $0 to $25,000 depending on the account type. The whole process takes about 15 minutes in a branch or 10 minutes online.
Chase uses a system called ChexSystems to check your banking history with other institutions. This is not a credit check — it looks at whether you have unpaid overdrafts, fraud disputes, or closed accounts with other banks. If you have had problems at another bank, Chase may still open an account for you, but you should know this check will happen.
Key Takeaways
- You need a government ID, proof of address, and an opening deposit; the ID and address proof can be shown in person or uploaded online.
- Chase checks your ChexSystems history, which records overdrafts and closed accounts at other banks, but a negative history does not automatically disqualify you.
- Opening deposits range from $0 to $25,000 depending on the account — Chase's basic checking account has no minimum, but premium accounts do.
- You can open an account online, by phone, or in a branch; online is fastest if you have a camera to photograph your ID and proof of address.
What documents to bring or upload
Your government-issued ID must be current and show your photo. A driver's license works best because it also serves as proof of address if your current address matches what is printed on it. If your address has changed since you got your ID, you will need a separate proof of address document.
Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail (like a tax notice or voter registration card) dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have any of these, some Chase branches will accept a bank statement from another institution, a paycheck stub, or a phone bill. Call your local branch first if you are unsure whether what you have will work.
If you are opening an account online, you will photograph both documents with your phone or upload them as files. Chase's system reads the images automatically, but if the photo is blurry or the text is not legible, a Chase employee will contact you to ask for a clearer version.
Opening deposit amounts by account type
| Account Type | Minimum Opening Deposit | Monthly Fee (if no conditions met) |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Total Checking | $0 | $12 |
| Chase Sapphire Checking | $0 | $25 |
| Chase Premier Plus Checking | $25,000 | $25 |
| Chase Savings | $0 | $5 |
| Chase Money Market | $2,500 | $25 |
The opening deposit does not have to be a large amount — you can deposit $1 if the account has no minimum. However, most Chase accounts charge a monthly fee unless you meet certain conditions, such as maintaining a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit. The fee waiver conditions vary by account, so ask about them when you open the account.
How ChexSystems affects your process
Chase will check your ChexSystems record as part of the account opening process. ChexSystems is a database that tracks banking problems at other institutions: unpaid overdrafts, fraud disputes, closed accounts due to mismanagement, and repeated NSF (non-sufficient funds) fees. If you have had accounts closed or have unpaid fees at other banks, that information will show up here.
A ChexSystems record does not automatically prevent you from opening a Chase account. Chase's decision depends on how recent the problem was, how serious it was, and which account type you are trying to open. If you know you have a negative history, tell the Chase employee or mention it in the online process — being upfront is better than having the check reveal it unexpectedly.
You have the right to see your own ChexSystems report for free once per year. You can request it at www.chexsystems.com or by calling 1-800-428-9623. If there is an error on your report, you can dispute it directly with ChexSystems.
Opening an account in person versus online
Opening in a Chase branch takes about 15 minutes. You bring your ID and proof of address, tell the employee which account you want, and provide your opening deposit (by debit card, cash, or check). The account is usually active the same day, and you can order a debit card on the spot or have one mailed to you.
Opening online takes about 10 minutes if you have a camera or scanner. You upload photos of your ID and proof of address, choose your account type, and provide your opening deposit using a debit card. Chase will verify your documents within a few hours to a few days. Once approved, your account is active and you can use it when ready through the Chase mobile app or website, though your physical debit card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Opening by phone is also possible — call 1-800-935-9935 — but you will still need to upload or mail copies of your ID and proof of address. This route is slower than in-person or online because of the mail step.
What happens after you open the account
Once your account is open, Chase will issue you a debit card and provide you with account and routing numbers. If you opened online, you can start using your account when ready through the app or website, even before your physical card arrives. You can set up direct deposit, transfer money from another bank, or deposit checks using mobile check deposit.
Chase will send you a welcome packet by mail with your debit card, temporary PIN, and account documents. Read the fee schedule and account terms carefully — they explain when monthly fees explore, what the overdraft policy is, and how to avoid charges. If you have questions about your account after opening, you can call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935 or visit a branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Chase account if I have been denied at another bank?
Yes. Being denied elsewhere does not prevent Chase from opening an account for you. Chase makes its own decision based on your ChexSystems record and the account type you are requesting. If you were denied because of a ChexSystems issue, tell Chase about it upfront — they may still approve you, especially if the problem was years ago.
Do I need a Social Security number to open a Chase account?
Yes. Chase requires a valid Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) to open any account. If you do not have one, you cannot open a personal account at Chase. Some banks offer accounts for people without a Social Security number, but Chase is not one of them.
What if my address on my ID does not match where I live now?
Bring both your ID and a separate proof of address document dated within the last 60 days showing your current address. A utility bill, lease, or recent government mail will work. Chase needs to verify your current address for fraud prevention and regulatory reasons.
Can I open an account if I owe money to Chase from a previous account?
Chase may deny you if you have an unpaid balance or unresolved dispute from a closed account. Contact Chase directly to ask about your specific situation — sometimes they will work out a payment plan or settlement that allows you to open a new account.
How long does it take to receive my debit card after opening online?
Chase typically mails debit cards within 7 to 10 business days of account opening. You can use your account when ready through the app or website while you wait. If you need a card faster, you can visit a Chase branch and request an expedited card or a temporary one.