Yes, you can open a Chase savings account entirely online
Chase lets you open most of their savings accounts through their website or mobile app without visiting a branch. You'll need a valid government ID, a Social Security number, and an initial deposit (the amount varies by account type). The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and your account is usually active the same day or within one business day.
Not every Chase savings product is available online—some specialty accounts still require a branch visit—but the main options (Chase Savings, Chase Premier Savings, and Chase Sapphire Savings) can all be opened remotely. You can fund the account from an external bank account or, if you already have a Chase checking account, transfer money between them instantly.
Key Takeaways
- Chase Savings, Chase Premier Savings, and Chase Sapphire Savings can be opened online through the Chase website or mobile app in about 10 to 15 minutes.
- You will need a valid government ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit amount that depends on which account type you choose.
- Your account becomes active the same day or within one business day, and you can fund it from another bank or transfer from an existing Chase checking account.
- Monthly maintenance fees and interest rates vary by account type, so compare the options before opening to match your savings goals.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you begin the online application: a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and your current address. Chase will verify your identity using this information, so make sure everything matches your official documents.
You also need to decide how you'll fund the account. If you have another bank account, you can link it and transfer money during signup. If you already have a Chase checking account, you can move money between accounts instantly. The minimum opening deposit varies: Chase Savings typically requires $0 to $25 depending on your state, Chase Premier Savings usually requires $10,000, and Chase Sapphire Savings requires $4,500. Check the current requirement on Chase's website before you apply, because these minimums can change.
Step-by-step: opening your account online
Start on Chase's website or open the Chase mobile app. Look for "Open an Account" or "New Account" and select the savings account type you want. You'll be asked to enter your personal information: name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number. Chase will run a soft credit check and verify your identity against public records.
Next, you'll choose how to fund the account. If you're linking an external bank account, you'll enter the routing number and account number. Chase will typically send two small test deposits to that account (usually under $1 each) within one to two business days; you'll then confirm the amounts in the Chase app to verify you own the account. If you're transferring from an existing Chase account, the money moves immediately. After funding is confirmed, your account is active and you can start using it right away.
Account types and what they cost
Chase offers three main savings accounts online. Chase Savings has no monthly maintenance fee, earns a variable interest rate, and requires little or no opening deposit depending on your state. Chase Premier Savings requires a $10,000 opening deposit, waives the monthly maintenance fee if you maintain that balance, and pays a higher interest rate. Chase Sapphire Savings requires a $4,500 opening deposit, has no monthly maintenance fee, and offers the highest interest rate of the three.
Interest rates on all three accounts are variable, meaning Chase can change them at any time. Rates are typically lower than online-only banks, but higher than many traditional banks. Monthly maintenance fees range from $0 to $25 depending on the account; you can avoid most fees by maintaining a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit. Check Chase's current rates and fee schedule on their website, because both change regularly.
What happens after your account opens
Your account is usually active the same day you complete the application, though it may take one business day in some cases. You can log into your account immediately through the Chase website or app, set up online bill pay, link external accounts, and begin transferring money. Your debit card (if the account includes one) will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If you linked an external bank account for funding, watch for those two small test deposits. Once they arrive (usually within one to two business days), log into Chase and confirm the amounts to complete the verification. This step is required before you can move larger amounts between the accounts.
When you cannot open a savings account online
Chase requires an in-person visit for certain situations. If you don't have a valid government ID, you'll need to go to a branch. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must be present in person. Some specialty accounts and certain business savings products are only available through branches, though these are rare.
If you're opening an account as a joint account holder (two people on one account), both account holders must be present in person at a Chase branch. If you're a non-U.S. citizen without a Social Security number, you may need to visit a branch with a passport and an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Funding delays and what to do
If you're transferring from an external bank account, the two verification deposits may take longer than expected—up to five business days in rare cases. If they don't arrive within that window, log into Chase and check the status of the transfer. You can also contact Chase customer service through the app or website to ask about the delay.
If you're transferring from an existing Chase checking account, the money should move instantly. If it doesn't appear within a few minutes, refresh your app or log out and back in. If the transfer still doesn't show after 30 minutes, contact Chase support. Delays are uncommon for internal transfers, so this usually signals a technical issue rather than a processing problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a Chase customer already to open a savings account online?
No. You can open a Chase savings account online even if you've never banked with Chase before. You'll need to link an external bank account to fund it, or you can deposit cash at a Chase ATM or branch after the account opens. If you already have a Chase checking account, you can transfer between accounts instantly.
What if I don't have a Social Security number?
You can open a Chase account with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, but you'll likely need to visit a branch in person with your passport and ITIN documentation. Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to confirm the current process, because requirements vary by state.
Can I open a joint savings account online with someone else?
No. Joint accounts require both account holders to be present in person at a Chase branch. You can open an individual account online, and the other person can open their own separate account, but a single joint account must be set up at a branch.
How long does it take to access my money after I open the account?
Your account is active the same day or within one business day. If you transferred from an existing Chase account, the money is there immediately. If you linked an external bank account, the transfer typically takes one to three business days, depending on your bank.
What if I want to close the account right after opening it?
You can close a Chase savings account online through the app or website anytime, with no penalty. If you haven't met the minimum opening deposit requirement, closing the account won't hurt your credit. Any money in the account will be returned to the funding source or mailed to you as a check.