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 whole 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.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase Savings, Chase Premier Savings, and Chase Sapphire Savings can be opened online through the Chase website or mobile app.
  • You'll need a valid government ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit amount that depends on which account you choose.
  • The online application takes 10 to 15 minutes, and your account is typically active the same day.
  • If you already have a Chase checking account, opening a linked savings account online is faster because Chase already has your information on file.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you begin the online application: a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and proof of your current address (a recent utility bill or bank statement works). Chase will also ask for your employment status and annual income, though you don't need to provide documentation at this stage.

You'll need an initial deposit to fund the account. Chase Savings requires a minimum opening deposit of $0 (meaning you can open it with nothing and deposit later), while Chase Premier Savings and Chase Sapphire Savings have higher minimums that vary by region — typically $500 to $1,000. Check the current requirement for your state on Chase's website before you start, because these minimums change.

If you already have a Chase checking account, the process is faster: Chase already has your ID and Social Security number verified, so you can skip some steps and move straight to funding the account.

The online application process, step by step

Start on Chase.com or in the Chase mobile app and look for "Open an account" or "Savings accounts." Select the savings account type you want (Chase Savings, Premier Savings, or Sapphire Savings). Chase will ask you whether you're an existing customer or new to Chase — this determines which questions you answer.

If you're new to Chase, you'll enter your name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. Chase verifies your identity in real time by checking against public records and credit bureaus. If verification passes, you move to the next step. If it doesn't, Chase will ask you to upload a photo of your ID and may request additional information.

Next, you'll review the account terms, set up online banking login credentials (or use your existing Chase login if you're already a customer), and choose how to fund the account. You can transfer money from another bank account, link a debit card, or deposit a check using mobile deposit once the account is open. After you confirm everything, your account is created — usually within minutes.

What happens after you submit your application

Chase sends a confirmation email to the address you provided. Your account number appears in your online banking dashboard right away, even if funds haven't arrived yet. If you transferred money from another bank, it typically arrives within one to three business days (ACH transfer timing). If you're depositing a check by mobile, it posts within one to two business days.

You can start using your savings account as soon as it's created, even if your initial deposit hasn't cleared yet. You'll receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days if you opened a checking account, but savings accounts don't come with debit cards — you access the money through transfers, ATM withdrawals, or online banking.

When the online application might not work

Chase's identity verification system occasionally flags applications for manual review, which adds one to three business days to the process. This happens more often if you're moving to a new state, if your credit report has recent changes, or if your information doesn't match public records exactly (for example, if you go by a nickname but your ID shows your legal name).

If verification fails, Chase will contact you by phone or email and ask you to visit a branch with your ID or to upload a photo of your ID through the app. A few account types — mainly those tied to investment products or specialty programs — still require a branch visit to open, but standard savings accounts do not.

Linking your new savings account to an existing Chase checking account

If you already have a Chase checking account, you can link your new savings account to it immediately after opening. This lets you transfer money between accounts instantly through online banking, set up automatic transfers, and manage both accounts from one dashboard. The linking happens automatically if you open the savings account while logged into your existing Chase account.

If you opened the savings account as a new customer and later opened a checking account, you can link them retroactively by going to your account settings and selecting "Link accounts." Chase doesn't charge a fee for linking.

Initial deposit options and timing

Chase gives you several ways to fund your new savings account. An ACH transfer from another bank (the most common method) takes one to three business days and has no fee. A debit card deposit processes instantly but may have daily limits depending on your card issuer. A check deposit by mobile takes one to two business days. A wire transfer arrives the same day but typically costs $15 to $20.

If you don't have an initial deposit ready, Chase Savings allows you to open the account with $0 and deposit later. Premier Savings and Sapphire Savings require a minimum opening deposit, so you'll need to fund them right away or wait until you have the money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a Chase customer already to open a savings account online?

No. Chase lets new customers open a savings account online without an existing relationship. If you're new to Chase, the application takes slightly longer because Chase needs to verify your identity through public records, but it still completes online in most cases.

What if Chase's identity verification system rejects me?

Chase will contact you by phone or email and ask you to either visit a branch with your ID or upload a photo of your ID through the app. This usually resolves the issue within one to three business days. If you can't verify online, you can always open the account in person at a Chase branch.

Can I open a Chase savings account on my phone?

Yes. The Chase mobile app has the same account opening process as the website. The app may be slightly faster because it can access your phone's camera to photograph your ID if verification is needed.

How much money do I have to deposit to open a Chase savings account online?

Chase Savings requires $0 minimum to open. Chase Premier Savings and Chase Sapphire Savings require a minimum opening deposit that varies by state, typically $500 to $1,000. Check Chase's website for your specific state before you apply.

When can I start using my new savings account?

Your account is active immediately after you complete the application, even if your initial deposit hasn't arrived yet. You can set up automatic transfers or link it to your checking account right away. Your funds become available once the deposit clears, which takes one to three business days for most transfers.