You can open a Chase student account online, but only if you meet their age requirement and have a Social Security number

Chase allows you to open a student checking account through their website or mobile app if you are between 13 and 17 years old. The process takes about 10 minutes and requires a valid Social Security number, a government-issued ID (yours or a parent's), and a debit card or bank account to fund the initial deposit. If you are 18 or older, you cannot open a student account online—you would need to open a regular checking account instead, which has different features and fees.

The account itself—called Chase First Banking—is designed for teenagers and includes parental controls, no monthly maintenance fees, and limited overdraft protection. Your parent or guardian must be present during the online setup to verify their identity and link their own Chase account or provide funding. Chase will not complete the account opening if a parent cannot be verified.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase First Banking is only available online to applicants aged 13 to 17 with a valid Social Security number and government ID.
  • A parent or guardian must verify their identity during the online process and will have full access to monitor the account.
  • The account has no monthly fees, but you must maintain a minimum opening deposit (typically $25, though this varies by location).
  • Once you turn 18, your account automatically converts to a regular Chase checking account with different terms and potential monthly fees.

What you need to start the online application

Gather these documents before you begin: your Social Security number, a government-issued ID (a school ID does not count—you need a state ID, passport, or military ID), and your parent or guardian's information. If your parent has a Chase account, the process moves faster because Chase can verify them instantly. If they do not, they will need to provide their own government ID and Social Security number so Chase can verify them as well.

You will also need a way to fund the account. This can be a debit card (yours or your parent's), a bank account number and routing number, or a transfer from an existing Chase account. Chase requires a minimum opening deposit; the amount varies slightly by state but is typically $25. Have that funding method ready before you start the application.

The step-by-step online process

Go to Chase.com and select "Open an Account." Choose "Chase First Banking" from the account type menu. You will be asked to enter your date of birth, Social Security number, and state of residence. Chase will verify your age immediately—if you are outside the 13 to 17 range, the application will stop.

Next, you will upload or photograph your government-issued ID. Chase uses automated verification to read the ID; if the photo is blurry or the ID is expired, the system may reject it and ask you to try again. After your ID is verified, you will create a username and password for your online banking access.

At this point, Chase will prompt your parent or guardian to verify their identity. They can do this by uploading their own government ID, answering security questions about their credit history, or using their existing Chase login if they are already a customer. This step cannot be skipped—the account will not open without parental verification.

Once your parent is verified, you will choose your funding method and complete the deposit. The account opens immediately, though it may take one to two business days for the deposit to appear in the account. You can begin using the debit card once it arrives in the mail, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if the online application is rejected

Chase may decline your application if your ID does not scan clearly, if your Social Security number does not match Chase's records, or if your parent cannot be verified. If this happens, you will receive an email explaining the reason. Do not reapply immediately—wait at least one business day and check that all your information is correct.

If the issue is with your ID photo, try uploading it again with better lighting and a steady hand. If the problem is your parent's verification, they may need to visit a Chase branch in person with their ID and Social Security card. Some parents find it faster to open their own Chase account first, then help you open yours—this way Chase already has their information on file.

If you are 18 or older and the system rejected you for a student account, you can open a regular Chase checking account online instead. The process is similar, but you will not have parental controls and may face monthly fees depending on the account type.

Parental controls and account features

Once the account is open, your parent or guardian has full visibility into all transactions and can set spending limits through the Chase mobile app. They can restrict purchases by category (groceries, gas, entertainment), set daily spending caps, or turn the debit card on and off remotely. These controls are one of the main reasons families choose a student account over a regular checking account.

The account includes a debit card with your name on it, online banking access, and the ability to receive direct deposits. There are no monthly maintenance fees, no minimum balance requirement after the initial deposit, and no overdraft fees—if you try to spend more than you have, the transaction will simply be declined. You can also set up alerts so your parent receives a notification every time you make a purchase.

What changes when you turn 18

Chase automatically converts your First Banking account to a regular Chase checking account on your 18th birthday. Your parent's access and controls will be removed, and the account terms will change. Depending on which regular checking account you are converted to, you may now face a monthly maintenance fee (typically $12 per month) unless you meet certain requirements, such as maintaining a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit.

You will receive notice of this conversion before it happens, usually 30 days in advance. At that point, you can choose to keep the account as-is, switch to a different Chase checking product with lower fees, or close it and move to another bank. If you want to avoid monthly fees after turning 18, ask Chase about their fee-waiver options—some require a minimum balance, others require a monthly direct deposit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase student account if my parent does not have a Chase account?

Yes. Your parent does not need to be a Chase customer. They will need to verify their identity during your application using their government ID and Social Security number. Chase will run a quick background check to confirm their identity, which usually takes a few minutes.

What if I do not have a government-issued ID?

You will need one to open the account online. A school ID, library card, or work ID will not work. If you do not have a state ID or passport, you can apply for one at your local DMV or post office. Alternatively, your parent can visit a Chase branch in person with your birth certificate and their ID to open the account for you.

How long does it take to open the account online?

The application itself takes 10 to 15 minutes. The account opens immediately after your parent verifies their identity. However, your debit card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and any deposit you make may take one to two business days to clear.

Can I use the account before the debit card arrives?

Yes. Once the account is open, you can receive direct deposits, transfers from other accounts, or mobile check deposits through the Chase app. You just cannot make in-person purchases or withdraw cash until your physical debit card arrives.

What if I want to close the account before I turn 18?

You can close it at any time by visiting a Chase branch, calling their customer service line, or using the mobile app. You will need to withdraw or transfer any remaining balance. Your parent can also request closure on your behalf since they have account access.