Yes, Chase offers free checking accounts, but the account you get depends on which one you choose
Chase has several checking accounts with no monthly fee. The most common are Chase Total Checking and Chase Secure Checking. Both carry zero monthly maintenance charges. The difference is in what you get: Total Checking includes a debit card and online bill pay; Secure Checking is designed for people building credit or with banking history issues, and has fewer features but still no fee.
You can open either account online, on the Chase mobile app, or in a branch. Online and app openings take about 10 minutes. You will need a Social Security number, a government-issued ID, and an initial deposit—usually $25 to $100, depending on the account and your state. Some Chase branches waive the opening deposit if you open in person.
The account is free as long as you keep it open. There is no minimum balance requirement to avoid fees on either account, though Chase may offer higher interest rates (still very low) if you maintain a certain balance.
Key Takeaways
- Chase Total Checking and Chase Secure Checking both have no monthly fee and can be opened online, through the app, or in a branch.
- You will need a Social Security number, government ID, and an opening deposit of $25 to $100 to start an account.
- Total Checking includes a debit card and bill pay; Secure Checking is simpler and designed for people with limited or damaged banking history.
- The account stays free as long as it remains open—there is no minimum balance you must maintain to avoid charges.
What you need to bring or have ready
Before you open an account, gather these items. You will need a valid government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Chase will also ask for your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, though not all branches accept this; call ahead to confirm.
Have your opening deposit ready. Most Chase accounts require $25 to $100 to open. If you open in a branch, you can deposit cash or a check. If you open online or through the app, you will link a bank account from another bank to transfer the opening deposit. If you do not have another bank account, opening in a branch is your only option.
If you are opening Secure Checking, Chase may ask about your banking history or run a check on ChexSystems (a banking history database). This does not affect your credit score. If you have been flagged in ChexSystems for unpaid fees or fraud at another bank, Secure Checking may still accept you when Total Checking would not.
The difference between Chase Total Checking and Secure Checking
| Feature | Chase Total Checking | Chase Secure Checking |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee | $0 | $0 |
| Debit card included | Yes | No |
| Online bill pay | Yes | No |
| Overdraft protection | Yes (optional) | No |
| Minimum opening deposit | $25 | $25 |
| Best for | Most people; everyday banking | People with banking issues or no history |
Choose Total Checking if you want a standard account with a debit card and the ability to pay bills online. This is the account most people use for regular spending and bill payments.
Choose Secure Checking if you have been denied a checking account before, have unpaid fees at another bank, or have no banking history. Secure Checking does not include a debit card, so you will need to use transfers or cash withdrawals to access your money. You can upgrade to Total Checking later once your banking record improves.
How to open an account online or through the app
Go to chase.com or open the Chase mobile app and select "Open an Account." You will be asked to choose between Total Checking and Secure Checking. Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email.
Chase will ask you to verify your identity. You may be asked to take a photo of your government ID or answer security questions based on your credit history. This step usually takes a few minutes. Once verified, you will set up a username and password for online banking.
Next, you will link a bank account from another financial institution to make your opening deposit. Enter the routing number and account number from that bank. Chase will make two small test deposits (usually under $1 each) to that account within one to two business days. You will then confirm the amounts in the Chase app to verify you own that account. After confirmation, your Chase account is open and ready to use.
Your debit card (if you opened Total Checking) will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your account and transfer money immediately, even before the card arrives.
How to open an account in a Chase branch
Walk into any Chase branch with your government ID, Social Security number, and opening deposit. Tell a banker you want to open a checking account. They will ask which account type you prefer and collect your information on a form or tablet.
The banker will verify your identity and run a ChexSystems check (this takes a few minutes and does not affect your credit). If you are approved, you will sign documents and make your opening deposit in cash or by check. Your account opens that day.
If you opened Total Checking, the banker will order your debit card, which arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can start using your account immediately online or through the app, even before the card arrives. Some branches can issue a temporary card on the spot, but this varies by location.
Fees to watch for after you open
The monthly maintenance fee is $0 on both accounts, and that does not change. However, other fees can apply if you use certain services. Overdraft fees apply if you spend more than you have in the account—Chase charges $35 per overdraft transaction. You can turn off overdraft protection to prevent this, which means transactions will be declined instead of charged.
ATM fees apply if you use an out-of-network ATM. Chase does not charge you, but the other bank's ATM may charge $2 to $3. Use a Chase ATM or a bank in the MoneyPass network (which includes many credit unions and regional banks) to avoid this.
Wire transfer fees, cashier's check fees, and stop-payment fees all cost money if you use them. These are not automatic—you only pay if you request these services. For everyday checking, you will not encounter these charges.
What happens after your account opens
Once your account is open, you can set up direct deposit, transfer money from other banks, and start using your debit card (once it arrives). You can also link your Chase account to other services like Venmo, PayPal, or your employer's payroll system.
Chase offers online banking through chase.com and the Chase mobile app. You can check your balance, transfer money between accounts, pay bills, deposit checks by taking a photo, and lock or unlock your debit card from the app. Customer service is available by phone 24/7.
If you have questions about your account after opening, call Chase at the number on the back of your debit card or visit a branch. You can also message Chase through the mobile app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a minimum balance to keep the account free?
No. Both Chase Total Checking and Secure Checking have no minimum balance requirement. The account stays free as long as it is open, regardless of how much money is in it. Some Chase accounts offer higher interest rates if you maintain a certain balance, but that is optional.
Can I open an account if I have been denied before?
Yes. If you were denied Total Checking, try Secure Checking instead. Secure Checking is designed for people with banking issues or no history. You can also call Chase customer service before applying to ask why you were denied and whether you can reapply.
How long does it take to open an account?
Online or through the app: about 10 minutes, and your account is usable immediately. In a branch: 15 to 30 minutes, and your account opens the same day. Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
What if I do not have another bank account to link for my opening deposit?
Open your account in a Chase branch instead. You can deposit cash or a check in person, and your account opens immediately. This is the only way to open an account without linking another bank.
Can I switch from Secure Checking to Total Checking later?
Yes. Once your banking record improves or after a set period (usually several months), you can contact Chase to upgrade to Total Checking. The upgrade is free and can often be done online or by phone.