You can open a Chase account online, by phone, or in a branch, and most people may have access to if you have a valid ID and Social Security number
Chase offers several account types—checking, savings, money market—and the one you can open depends on your banking history and the documents you have on hand. If you have never banked before, or if you have had accounts closed for negative balances or fraud, Chase may decline you. The fastest route is online through Chase.com, which takes about 10 minutes and gives you a decision in seconds. If you prefer to speak to someone or need help with the process, you can call 1-800-935-9935 or walk into a branch with your ID.
What you need varies slightly by account type, but the baseline is a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and an initial deposit. Chase does not require a minimum opening deposit for most checking accounts, though some savings products do. If you do not have a Social Security number, you may still open an account with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), but you will need to do this in a branch, not online.
Key Takeaways
- You can open most Chase accounts online in about 10 minutes and get approved immediately if you have a valid ID and Social Security number.
- Chase checks ChexSystems and other banking history databases, so accounts closed for overdrafts, fraud, or unpaid fees may result in a decline.
- Opening online is fastest, but you can also call 1-800-935-9935 or visit a branch if you need help or do not have a Social Security number.
- An initial deposit is not required for most checking accounts, though some savings and money market accounts have minimum opening amounts.
- Your account can be funded immediately after opening if you link an existing bank account, or you can deposit cash or a check at a branch.
What Chase checks before opening your account
Chase runs your name, Social Security number, and date of birth through ChexSystems, a banking history database that tracks closed accounts, overdrafts, and fraud reports. If you have been reported for writing bad checks, maintaining a negative balance for an extended period, or committing fraud, Chase will likely decline you. The same applies if you have an unpaid debt to another bank that was reported to ChexSystems.
You can request your own ChexSystems report for free at www.chexsystems.com before you apply, which takes about 5 minutes. If there is an error on your report—such as an account you did not open or a debt you already paid—you can dispute it directly through ChexSystems. Disputes usually take 30 to 45 days to resolve, so if you plan to open an account soon, start this process early.
Chase also checks your credit report through one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion), though a low credit score alone will not disqualify you. What matters more is whether you have unpaid debts, collections accounts, or a history of overdrafts at other banks.
Opening an account online versus in a branch
Opening online is the fastest option if you have all your documents ready. You will need your ID number (driver's license or passport), Social Security number, current address, phone number, and email. Chase will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history, then you choose your account type and initial deposit method. The entire process takes 5 to 10 minutes, and you will know whether you are approved before you finish.
If you open online, your account number and routing number are available immediately, and you can set up direct deposit or link an external bank account to fund it right away. A debit card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days. If you need cash access before then, you can withdraw from any Chase ATM using your temporary digital card in the Chase mobile app.
Opening in a branch takes longer—usually 20 to 30 minutes—but a banker can walk you through the process, help you choose the right account, and answer questions about fees and features. This is the better option if you do not have a Social Security number (you can use an ITIN instead), if you want to deposit cash immediately, or if you were declined online and want to discuss your options with someone who can escalate your case.
Documents and information you will need
| What You Need | Details |
|---|---|
| Photo ID | Driver's license, passport, or state ID. Must be current and not expired. |
| Social Security number or ITIN | Required for tax reporting. ITIN holders must open in a branch, not online. |
| Current address | Chase will verify this matches your ID. If you recently moved, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency). |
| Phone number and email | Used for account notifications and password recovery. |
| Initial deposit (optional for most checking) | Not required to open, but some savings and money market accounts have minimums ($300 to $500 depending on the product). |
If your address on your ID does not match where you currently live, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or mail from a government agency to prove your current address. Chase will not open an account without being able to verify where you live.
What happens if Chase declines you
If you are declined online, you will see the reason on your screen—usually "account history" or "unable to verify identity." This typically means ChexSystems found a closed account, unpaid overdraft, or fraud report. You can call 1-800-935-9935 and ask to speak to a banker about your decline, and they may be able to override it if the issue is old or if you can explain what happened.
If you were declined because of a ChexSystems report, your best option is to dispute the error (if it is wrong) or wait. Most negative items fall off ChexSystems after five years. Some banks, including Chase, have second-chance checking programs, but Chase does not currently offer one. If you need a bank account now and Chase has declined you, you may have better luck with a credit union, online bank, or a bank that does not use ChexSystems.
If you were declined because you could not be verified—meaning Chase could not confirm your identity through the security questions—you can try again in a few days, or visit a branch in person with your ID. A banker can verify you manually and may be able to open your account on the spot.
Funding your account and getting your debit card
Once your account is open, you can fund it immediately by linking an existing bank account and transferring money, or you can wait for your debit card to arrive. If you opened online, your temporary digital card is available in the Chase mobile app right away, and you can use it to withdraw cash from any Chase ATM or make purchases online. Your physical debit card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days.
If you opened in a branch, you can deposit cash or a check immediately, and the banker can issue you a temporary card or debit card on the spot. If you link an external bank account to fund your new Chase account, the transfer usually takes 1 to 3 business days, depending on the other bank.
You can also set up direct deposit from your employer or another source. Chase will provide you with your routing number (021000021 for most Chase accounts) and your account number, which you can give to your employer's payroll department. Direct deposits typically post within one business day.
Account types and features to know about
Chase offers several checking and savings products. Chase Total Checking is the most common option and has no monthly fee if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Chase Sapphire Checking is designed for higher-balance customers and includes perks like higher interest rates and fee waivers. Chase Savings is a basic savings account with variable interest rates.
All Chase accounts come with online and mobile banking, bill pay, and access to over 4,700 Chase branches and 16,000 ATMs nationwide. Most accounts include fraud protection: if someone uses your debit card without permission, Chase will refund unauthorized transactions as long as you report them within 60 days. Overdraft protection is available but not automatic—you can opt in during account setup if you want Chase to cover overdrafts from a linked savings account or credit line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a minimum deposit to open a Chase checking account?
No. Most Chase checking accounts do not require a minimum opening deposit. However, some savings and money market accounts do have minimums, usually between $300 and $500. Check the specific account details before you open.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You can open a Chase account with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you are a non-citizen or do not have a Social Security number. You must open in a branch, not online, and you will need to bring your ITIN documentation along with your ID and proof of address.
How long does it take to get my debit card?
Physical debit cards arrive in 7 to 10 business days. If you open online or in a branch, you can use a temporary digital card in the Chase mobile app to withdraw cash from ATMs or make purchases immediately.
Can I open a Chase account if I have been declined before?
It depends on why you were declined. If it was due to a ChexSystems report, you can try again after the issue is resolved or after five years. If it was due to an identity verification problem, try again in a few days or visit a branch in person with your ID.
What happens if I overdraft my account?
Chase charges an overdraft fee (currently $35 per transaction) if you spend more than your balance. You can opt into overdraft protection during account setup to link a savings account or credit line, which Chase will use to cover overdrafts automatically. Without this, you will be charged a fee for each overdraft.