You can upgrade your Chase checking account by opening a new account type and moving your money over, but Chase does not automatically convert one account into another
Chase offers several checking account tiers — basic accounts like Chase Total Checking, premium accounts like Chase Sapphire Checking, and business accounts if you need them. If you want to move from one to another, you open the new account, transfer your balance, and close the old one. Chase will not do this conversion for you, and you cannot simply change the account type on an existing account.
The process takes a few days to a week depending on how you move the money and whether you need to update automatic payments. You keep the same routing number and account number if you stay within Chase, but if you switch to a completely different bank, those numbers change and you will need to update any direct deposits or bill payments tied to the old account.
Key Takeaways
- Chase does not convert one checking account into another; you must open a new account and transfer your money yourself.
- Moving money between two Chase accounts takes one to three business days if you use Chase's internal transfer tool.
- You will need to update any automatic payments, direct deposits, or payroll routing if you close your old account.
- Some Chase account types have monthly fees that you can avoid by meeting balance or deposit requirements, so check the terms before you open.
- Closing an old account does not affect your credit score, but opening a new account may trigger a soft credit pull that does not show up on your report.
Which Chase checking accounts exist and what makes them different
Chase Total Checking is the entry-level account with no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit. It comes with a debit card, online banking, and access to Chase's ATM network. There is no overdraft protection built in, but you can link a savings account to cover overdrafts if you want.
Chase Sapphire Checking is the premium tier. It has a $25 monthly fee unless you keep $20,000 in the account or have a linked Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve credit card. The main difference is higher ATM reimbursement — Sapphire reimburses out-of-network ATM fees worldwide, while Total Checking does not. Sapphire also comes with travel and purchase protections tied to the credit card benefits.
Chase Premier Plus Checking sits between the two. It requires a $25,000 minimum balance or $10,000 in linked savings to waive the $25 monthly fee. It offers some of the Sapphire benefits but is less common and often only available to existing Chase customers with higher account balances.
If you run a business, Chase Business Basic Checking and Chase Business Checking are separate products with their own fee structures and features. Those require a business tax ID and are not available to individual account holders.
How to open a new Chase checking account and transfer your money
Start by logging into your Chase account online or opening the mobile app. Go to the accounts section and look for "Open an Account" or "New Account." You will choose the account type you want — Total, Sapphire, or Premier Plus — and answer questions about your identity, address, and employment. Chase will do a soft credit pull, which does not affect your credit score.
The new account opens immediately in most cases, and you will see it in your online banking within minutes. Chase will assign you a new account number and routing number for the new account, even though both accounts are at the same bank.
To move your money, use Chase's internal transfer tool. Log in, go to "Transfer Money," and select "Between My Accounts." Choose your old account as the source and the new account as the destination, enter the amount, and confirm. The transfer posts within one to three business days. If you want to move everything at once, transfer your full balance, but leave the old account open for a few days in case any pending transactions post to it.
Once you confirm the new account is working and all your money is there, close the old account. You can do this online, by phone, or at a Chase branch. Have your account number ready. Closing an account does not hurt your credit and does not affect any other Chase accounts you have.
What to update after you close your old account
Any automatic payments, bill payments, or recurring charges tied to your old account will fail once you close it. Before you close, log into each service — your utilities, insurance, subscriptions, loan payments — and update the account number to your new Chase account. This takes time, so plan for it.
If you have direct deposit set up through your employer, you will need to give payroll your new routing number and account number. Some employers let you update this online through their payroll portal; others require a form. Contact your HR or payroll department to find out how to make the change. Direct deposit usually takes one to two pay cycles to switch over, so do this before you close the old account to avoid a missed deposit.
If you have linked your old Chase account to a payment app like Venmo, PayPal, or your bank's own peer-transfer service, update those links to your new account. Most apps let you remove and re-add accounts without losing your transaction history.
Fees and minimum balance requirements for each account type
| Account Type | Monthly Fee | Fee Waiver Options | ATM Reimbursement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Total Checking | None | No fee regardless of balance | None |
| Chase Sapphire Checking | $25 | $20,000 balance OR linked Sapphire credit card | Worldwide out-of-network ATM fees reimbursed |
| Chase Premier Plus Checking | $25 | $25,000 balance OR $10,000 in linked savings | Out-of-network ATM fees reimbursed (domestic) |
Chase Total Checking has no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement. This makes it the lowest-cost option if you do not need the travel benefits or ATM reimbursement that come with Sapphire.
Sapphire and Premier Plus both charge $25 per month unless you meet one of the waiver conditions. If you are upgrading to Sapphire because you want the ATM reimbursement, check whether you already have a Sapphire credit card — if you do, the checking account fee is waived automatically. If you do not have the card, you would need to either keep $20,000 in the account or open the credit card to avoid the monthly fee.
When to upgrade and when to stay with what you have
Upgrade to Sapphire if you travel internationally or frequently use out-of-network ATMs and want those fees reimbursed. The $25 monthly fee is worth it only if you would otherwise spend more than $25 per month on ATM fees, or if you already have the Sapphire credit card and the fee is waived anyway.
Stay with Total Checking if you do not travel, use Chase ATMs regularly, and do not need the extra protections. There is no reason to pay a monthly fee for features you will not use.
Consider Premier Plus only if you have a large balance already and want some of the Sapphire benefits but do not have the credit card. It is rarely the best choice because Sapphire is more widely known and offers better benefits for the same fee.
If you are downgrading from Sapphire to Total Checking to save money, you can do the same process in reverse — open Total Checking, transfer your money, and close Sapphire. There is no penalty for downgrading.
What happens to your debit card, online banking, and linked accounts
Your old debit card will stop working once you close the account, usually within 24 hours. Chase will mail you a new debit card for the new account within 7 to 10 business days. If you need a card sooner, you can request expedited shipping at a Chase branch or ask for a temporary card number that works online while you wait for the physical card.
Your online banking login stays the same — you do not need a new username or password. Once you open the new account, both accounts will appear in your online banking and mobile app until you close the old one. After you close it, only the new account will show.
Any savings accounts, money market accounts, or credit cards linked to your old checking account will still work. Linking is tied to your customer ID, not to a specific account number, so those connections do not break when you close the checking account. However, if you had overdraft protection set up between your old checking and a savings account, you will need to set that up again with the new checking account if you want it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my existing Chase checking account to a different type without opening a new one?
No. Chase does not allow you to convert one account type into another. You must open a new account and transfer your money yourself. This is true even if you are upgrading from Total to Sapphire or downgrading from Sapphire to Total.
Will opening a new Chase checking account hurt my credit?
No. Chase performs a soft credit pull when you open a new account, which does not show up on your credit report and does not affect your credit score. A soft pull is different from a hard inquiry, which does lower your score.
What if I have pending transactions when I close my old account?
Pending transactions may fail if they post after you close the account. Wait three to five business days after your last transaction before closing to make sure everything has cleared. If a payment does fail, you will need to contact the merchant or biller to resubmit it with your new account number.
Can I keep both accounts open at the same time?
Yes. There is no rule against having multiple Chase checking accounts open simultaneously. However, you will pay monthly fees on any account that does not meet the waiver requirements, so most people close the old account once they have moved their money to avoid unnecessary charges.
Do I get a new routing number when I upgrade to a different Chase checking account?
Yes. Each Chase checking account has its own routing number and account number, even though they are at the same bank. You will need to update direct deposit and automatic payments with the new numbers before you close the old account.