What You Need to Open a Chase Bank Account

The documents and information Chase requires before you can open an account

To open a Chase checking or savings account, you need a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit. Chase accepts applications online, by phone, or in a branch. The process takes about 10 minutes if you have everything ready, though account set up can take up to one business day.

Chase does not require a minimum opening deposit for most checking accounts, but some account types do. If you open online, you can fund the account when ready with a debit card or bank transfer. If you open in a branch, you can deposit cash or a check on the spot.

The specific documents you need depend on whether you are opening a personal account, a joint account, or a business account. Each has a different set of requirements.

Key Takeaways

You need a valid government photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address to open any Chase personal account.
Chase can verify your identity online using your ID and Social Security number, so you do not need to visit a branch unless you prefer to.
If you open an account online, you can fund it when ready with a debit card or linked bank account; in-branch deposits take effect the same day.
Joint account holders must both be present in the branch or both complete the online process separately, and each person needs their own ID and Social Security number.
Chase may place a hold on your initial deposit if you are a new customer, but the account itself opens when ready.

What to bring for a personal checking or savings account

For a personal account, bring or have ready: a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The address proof can be a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Chase can verify your address electronically if you provide it during the process, so you may not need to show a physical document.

If you do not have a Social Security number, Chase offers accounts for non-citizens with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You will need your ITIN instead, plus your passport or consular ID and proof of address. The process is the same, but some Chase branches handle ITIN accounts more regularly than others — call ahead if you are opening in a branch.

Chase will also ask for your employment status and annual income during the process. This is for regulatory reporting, not to decide whether to open the account. You do not need to provide pay stubs or tax returns unless Chase flags your process for review, which is uncommon.

Documents needed for a joint account

If you want to open an account with another person, both account holders must provide their own ID and Social Security number. If you are opening online, you can both complete the process separately, and Chase will link the accounts. If you are opening in a branch, both people must be present at the same time.

Each person on the joint account needs proof of address. Chase will ask who the primary account holder is — this is the person whose name appears first on statements and who receives tax documents. The primary holder can manage the account alone, and so can the secondary holder; there is no difference in access or authority.

If one account holder does not have a Social Security number, they can use an ITIN, and the other can use their SSN. Chase handles mixed-documentation joint accounts routinely.

How to fund your new account

Chase requires an initial deposit to open the account, but the amount varies by account type. Most Chase checking accounts have no minimum opening deposit. Some savings accounts require $25 or more. Chase will tell you the requirement before you confirm the process.

If you open online, you can fund the account with a debit card or by linking another bank account and transferring money. Debit card funding is when ready; bank transfers usually post within one business day. If you open in a branch, you can deposit cash or a check when ready, and the funds are available the same day (though checks may be subject to a hold).

Chase may place a temporary hold on your initial deposit if you are a new customer. This does not prevent you from using the account — it only delays when you can withdraw that specific money. Holds typically last two to five business days for checks and one business day for transfers.

What happens after you submit your process

Chase activates most personal accounts within minutes of approval. You can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or bill pay when ready, even if your debit card has not arrived yet. Your debit card ships within 7 to 10 business days for online applications and is available when ready if you open in a branch.

Chase may contact you by phone or email if they need to verify any information. This is rare for straightforward applications, but it can delay account set up by a few hours. If Chase cannot reach you, they may close the process, so answer calls from unknown numbers during the process process.

Once your account is open, you can log into Chase's website or mobile app using your ID number and password. You can set up online bill pay, transfer money between accounts, and view your balance and transaction history when ready.

Reasons Chase might decline or delay your process

Chase uses ChexSystems, a banking history report, to check whether you have unpaid overdrafts or closed accounts due to fraud at other banks. If you have negative history in ChexSystems, Chase may decline your process or require you to resolve the issue first. You can request your ChexSystems report for free at www.chexsystems.com.

Chase also screens applications against Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) lists, which flag individuals with certain legal restrictions. This is automatic and does not reflect your creditworthiness. If your name matches someone on an OFAC list, Chase will ask you to clarify your identity.

If your ID is expired, Chase will usually still accept it as long as it is not more than five years past expiration. If your address on your ID does not match your current address, bring a separate proof of address document. Chase does not run a credit check to open a checking or savings account, so your credit score does not affect approval.

Opening a business account at Chase

Business accounts require additional documents: your Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security number if you are a sole proprietor, articles of incorporation or organization (for corporations and LLCs), and a business license or DBA registration. You will also need to identify the authorized signers — the people allowed to withdraw money and make decisions about the account.

Each authorized signer must provide their own ID and Social Security number. If you are the sole owner, you are the only required signer. If there are multiple owners, Chase typically requires at least one owner to be an authorized signer, but you can add others.

Business accounts usually require a higher opening deposit than personal accounts, and the amount depends on the account type. Chase will specify this before you confirm the process. Business accounts also have different fee structures and may require a minimum balance to avoid monthly fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase account without a Social Security number?

Yes, if you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You will need your ITIN, a valid passport or consular ID, and proof of your current address. Some Chase branches are more experienced with ITIN accounts, so calling ahead can speed up the process.

How long does it take to open a Chase account?

The process itself takes 10 to 15 minutes online or in a branch. Chase activates most accounts within minutes of approval. Your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days if you open online, or when ready if you open in a branch and request one.

What if I do not have a government ID?

Chase requires a government-issued photo ID to open an account. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, you can obtain a state ID card from your state's DMV. Chase cannot open an account without one.

Can I open a Chase account if I have been denied before?

If Chase denied your process because of ChexSystems history, you can request your report and dispute inaccurate information. Once the issue is resolved, you can reapply. If you were denied for other reasons, Chase will tell you why, and you can address that issue before trying again.

Do I need to visit a branch to open an account?

No. You can open most Chase personal accounts entirely online using your ID, Social Security number, and a debit card or linked bank account to fund it. Visiting a branch is optional and can be faster if you want your debit card the same day.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.