What documents and information Chase requires
To open a checking or savings account at Chase, you will need a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Chase will ask for these before you leave the branch or finish the online process. The photo ID can be a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or tribal ID. If you do not have a photo ID yet, some branches may accept other documents — call ahead to ask.
Proof of address typically means a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and current address on it. The document usually needs to be from the last 60 days. If you have just moved and do not have a bill in your new name yet, bring what you have and explain the situation to the banker — they can sometimes work with a lease or a letter from your landlord instead.
You will also need to decide what type of account you want. Chase offers several checking accounts (like Chase Total Checking and Chase Sapphire Checking) and savings accounts, each with different monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and benefits. The banker can walk you through the differences, or you can read about them on Chase's website before you go in.
Key Takeaways
- Bring a government photo ID, your Social Security number, and a recent bill or lease showing your current address.
- Chase will verify your identity and check your banking history through ChexSystems, a database that tracks past account problems.
- Some Chase accounts have no monthly fee if you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit, while others charge a fee regardless.
- You can open an account in person at a branch, online through Chase's website, or by phone, and the process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
- If you have been denied a bank account before, tell the banker — some Chase accounts are designed for people rebuilding their banking history.
How Chase checks your background
When you explore, Chase will run a check through ChexSystems, a company that keeps records of past banking problems like unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or accounts closed by the bank. This is not a credit check — it does not affect your credit score. ChexSystems only looks at your banking history, not your credit history.
If you have had problems with a bank account in the past, ChexSystems will show it. This does not automatically disqualify you. Chase looks at how long ago the problem happened and whether you have resolved it. If you owe money to another bank, paying it back before you explore will improve your chances. If you are unsure what ChexSystems has on file, you can request a free copy of your report at www.chexsystems.com before you explore.
Chase will also ask whether you have a Social Security number. If you do not, you may still be able to open an account using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), though some Chase branches handle this differently. Call your local branch to ask whether they offer ITIN accounts before you go in.
Minimum balance and monthly fees
Chase checking accounts vary in their requirements. Some accounts have no monthly fee as long as you keep a certain balance in the account — often $500 or $1,500, depending on the account type. Other accounts waive the fee if you set up direct deposit, meaning your paycheck goes straight into the account. A few accounts charge a monthly fee no matter what, but they may offer other benefits like cashback or travel rewards.
If you cannot maintain a minimum balance, look for an account that waives the fee through direct deposit instead. If you do not have direct deposit yet, ask your employer whether they offer it — most do. If you are self-employed or do not have a regular paycheck, ask the banker which account makes the most sense for your situation.
The monthly fee, if you do not meet the waiver, is usually between $10 and $15. Over a year, that adds up, so it is worth understanding the requirement before you open the account. You can change account types later if your situation changes.
Opening an account in person, online, or by phone
You can open a Chase account three ways: in a branch, on Chase's website, or by calling Chase customer service. In-person is often easiest if this is your first bank account, because the banker can answer questions and help you choose the right account type. You will need to bring your ID, Social Security number, and proof of address.
Opening online takes about 10 minutes and requires the same documents, but you will upload photos of your ID and address proof instead of showing them in person. You will also set up a username and password during the online process. The account is usually ready to use the same day or the next business day.
Opening by phone is an option if you cannot visit a branch or use the website. Call Chase customer service and ask to open an account. They will guide you through the process and may mail you a debit card, or you may be able to use your account number to set up transfers before the card arrives.
What happens after you open the account
Once your account is open, Chase will issue you a debit card, usually within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or transfers before the card arrives. Chase will also give you online banking access so you can check your balance, transfer money, and pay bills from home.
Your first statement will arrive 30 days after you open the account. It will show all your deposits and withdrawals, any fees you were charged, and your current balance. You can also view your statement online anytime through Chase's website or mobile app.
If you have questions after you open the account, you can visit a branch, call customer service, or use Chase's mobile app. Chase branches are open most days, and customer service is available by phone 24 hours a day.
If you have been denied before
If another bank has closed your account or denied you in the past, you may still be able to open a Chase account. Chase offers Chase Second Chance Checking, designed for people who have had banking problems. This account has different requirements than standard Chase accounts and may help you rebuild your banking history.
When you explore, tell the banker about your past situation. Be honest about what happened — whether you had overdrafts you could not pay, wrote bad checks, or had fraud on your account. The banker can tell you whether Chase Second Chance Checking is a good fit, or whether you might may have access to for a regular account despite your history.
Having a bank account is important for your financial future. Even if you have had problems before, opening an account now and using it responsibly will help you build a better banking history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Chase account without a Social Security number?
You may be able to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, but not all Chase branches offer this. Call your local branch before you go in to confirm they can open an account with an ITIN. You will still need a photo ID and proof of address.
How long does it take to open a Chase account?
In person, the process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Online, it takes about 10 minutes. Your account is usually ready to use the same day or the next business day. Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
What if I do not have proof of my current address?
Bring what you have — a lease, utility bill, or government mail. If nothing is in your name yet, explain your situation to the banker. They may accept a letter from your landlord or employer, or ask you to come back once you have a bill in your name.
Will opening a bank account hurt my credit score?
No. Chase checks ChexSystems, which tracks banking history, not credit history. Opening a bank account does not affect your credit score at all.
Can I open a Chase account if I owe money to another bank?
You can try. If you owe money for overdrafts or unpaid fees, paying it back before you explore will improve your chances. If you cannot pay it back right away, tell the banker about it — they can tell you whether Chase will still open an account for you.