Yes, you can open most Chase accounts entirely online

Chase lets you open a checking or savings account from your computer or phone without visiting a branch. The process takes about 10 minutes and you can start using the account the same day in most cases. You will need a valid government ID, a Social Security number, and a way to fund the account (a debit card, another bank account, or a wire transfer).

Not every Chase product is available online. Money market accounts, CDs, and some specialty accounts still require a branch visit or a phone call. But the most common accounts—Chase Total Checking, Chase Savings, and Chase Premier Plus Checking—can all be opened online right now.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase checking and savings accounts open online in about 10 minutes using a valid ID and Social Security number.
  • You can fund your new account immediately with a debit card, transfer from another bank, or a wire transfer.
  • Your account number and routing number are available the same day, so you can set up direct deposit or bill pay right away.
  • Some Chase products like CDs and money market accounts still require a phone call or branch visit to open.
  • Chase will run a soft credit check and check ChexSystems (a banking history database), but this does not affect your credit score.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you go to Chase.com or open the Chase mobile app. You will need a valid government-issued ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Chase will ask you to verify it, usually by taking a photo or answering questions about it.

You also need your Social Security number and a current mailing address. Chase will verify your address against public records, so use the address where you actually receive mail. If you recently moved, update your address with the post office first or use your old address if that is what is on file.

Finally, have a way to fund the account ready. This can be a debit card from another bank, the routing and account number of a bank account you own, or the ability to receive a wire transfer. You do not have to fund it immediately—some people open the account and add money later—but you will need to do it within a certain time frame to keep the account active.

The step-by-step process

Go to Chase.com and click "Open an Account" or use the Chase mobile app. Select the account type you want—checking, savings, or both. Chase will show you the current features and monthly fees for each option.

Enter your personal information: name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. Chase will verify your identity by asking security questions based on your credit history. Answer these honestly—they are checking that you are who you say you are, not testing your knowledge.

Review the account terms and agree to them. Chase will then ask how you want to fund the account. If you choose a debit card, enter the card number and expiration date. If you choose a bank transfer, enter the routing number and account number. If you want a wire transfer, Chase will give you instructions after you finish the application.

Submit the application. Chase will tell you immediately whether your account is open. You will receive a confirmation email with your account number, routing number, and temporary online banking password. Write down the account number and routing number—you will need them for direct deposit or to transfer money in.

When your account is ready to use

Your account is active the same day in most cases, though Chase may place a hold on deposits for one to two business days depending on how you funded it. You can log into online banking and set up bill pay, transfer money between accounts, or set up direct deposit immediately.

Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can withdraw cash at any Chase ATM using your temporary card number in the mobile app, or you can visit a branch with your ID to get cash.

If you funded the account with a debit card, that money should appear within one business day. If you used a bank transfer, it typically takes three to five business days. Wire transfers are faster—usually one business day—but you will need to call Chase or visit a branch to initiate one, since the online application does not handle wires.

What Chase checks before opening your account

Chase runs a soft credit check, which does not lower your credit score. This is just to verify your identity and make sure you are not opening an account under a false name. Chase also checks ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking history—things like unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or accounts closed due to misuse.

If you have been denied a bank account before or have a history of overdrafts you did not pay back, Chase may deny your application. If that happens, you will receive a letter explaining why. You can dispute inaccurate information in ChexSystems by contacting them directly, but Chase will not reopen the application until the issue is resolved.

Chase also screens accounts against government lists of sanctioned individuals and entities. This is a federal requirement and applies to every bank. It is not personal—it is a compliance check that takes seconds.

Accounts you cannot open online

Chase does not let you open a CD (certificate of deposit) or money market account online. You have to call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 or visit a branch. The same goes for some specialty accounts like Chase Sapphire Banking or accounts for businesses.

If you want a CD, call the number above and a representative will walk you through the options. You will need to decide on a term (3 months, 6 months, 1 year, etc.) and an initial deposit amount. The rate you get depends on the term and the current market, so ask what rates are available before you commit.

Troubleshooting common problems

If your application is denied, Chase will mail you a letter within a few days explaining the reason. The most common reasons are a ChexSystems issue, a mismatch between your ID and the information you entered, or a flag for fraud. Do not apply again immediately—wait until you have resolved the underlying issue, or you will trigger another denial.

If your identity verification fails, make sure your ID is current and matches the name and address you entered exactly. If you recently changed your name, bring a marriage certificate or court order to a branch, or call Chase to update your records before applying online.

If your account opens but you cannot log in, reset your password using the "Forgot Password" link on the Chase login page. If that does not work, call Chase customer service at the number on the back of your temporary card or visit a branch with your ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a minimum deposit to open a Chase account online?

No minimum deposit is required to open most Chase checking or savings accounts online. However, some accounts have a minimum balance to avoid a monthly fee—for example, Chase Total Checking waives the $12 monthly fee if you maintain a $500 balance or set up direct deposit. You can open the account with $0 and add money later.

Can I open a Chase account if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. Chase requires a Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) to open any account. If you have an ITIN, you can use that instead. You will need to call Chase or visit a branch to open an account with an ITIN, as the online application only accepts Social Security numbers.

What if I do not have a government ID?

You cannot open a Chase account online without a valid government ID. You will need to visit a branch in person with your ID and Social Security card. A branch representative can verify your identity face-to-face and open the account for you.

How long does it take to receive my debit card?

Chase debit cards arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need cash before the card arrives, you can withdraw from any Chase ATM using your temporary card number in the mobile app, or visit a branch with your ID.

Can I open a joint account online?

No. Joint accounts require both account holders to verify their identity in person or over the phone. You can open an individual account online, then call Chase to add an authorized user or convert it to a joint account later.