Yes, you can open most Chase accounts online from start to finish
Chase lets you open a checking or savings account entirely online using their website or mobile app. You do not need to visit a branch. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you can start using your account the same day in most cases. You will need a Social Security number, a valid government ID, proof of address, and a funding source (a debit card or bank account to transfer money from).
Not every Chase account type is available online. Money Market accounts and some specialty products require a branch visit or a phone call. But the most common accounts — Chase Total Checking, Chase Savings, and Chase Premier Plus Checking — can all be opened online.
Key Takeaways
- Chase checking and savings accounts open online in about 10 minutes using their website or app, with no branch visit required.
- You will need a Social Security number, valid government ID, proof of address, and a way to fund the account (debit card or existing bank account).
- Your account becomes active the same day, though transfers from other banks may take one to three business days to arrive.
- Chase verifies your identity during signup, and you may be asked additional questions if their system flags your application for review.
What documents and information you need before you start
Gather these items before you begin the online signup. Chase will ask for them in order and will not let you proceed without them.
You need a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. Chase will ask for the ID number and expiration date. You also need your Social Security number (or ITIN if you do not have an SSN). Chase uses both to verify your identity and check for fraud.
You will need proof of your current address. Chase accepts a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government document with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have one, you can use a recent bank statement or credit card statement instead.
Finally, have a funding source ready. You can link an existing bank account and transfer money, or use a debit card to fund the account. Chase requires an initial deposit of $0 for most checking and savings accounts, but you may want to deposit money right away to start using the account.
The step-by-step process on Chase's website or app
Go to Chase.com and click "Open an Account" or open the Chase mobile app and select "Open Account." You will be asked to choose which type of account you want — checking, savings, or both.
Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, email address, and phone number. Chase will ask for your current address and whether you are a U.S. citizen. Answer honestly; Chase uses this information to verify your identity and comply with federal banking rules.
Next, you will upload or enter your government ID information. If you are using the app, you can take a photo of your ID; on the website, you will type in the ID number and expiration date. Chase will also ask you to verify your address by uploading a recent utility bill or other proof document, or by confirming the address on file.
Chase will then run a background check and verify your identity. This usually takes a few minutes. If everything matches, you will move to the funding step. If Chase needs more information, you will be asked additional questions — this can happen if your name or address does not match their records exactly, or if there are other red flags. Answer completely and honestly; delays at this stage usually resolve within a few hours.
Finally, link a bank account or debit card to fund your new Chase account. You can transfer money immediately, or skip this step and fund it later. Once you confirm everything, your account opens and you will receive your account number and routing number right away.
When your account is ready to use
Your Chase account is active the moment you finish signup. You can log in, set up bill pay, and use your account number and routing number to receive transfers from other banks. However, you will not receive a debit card for five to seven business days, so you cannot make purchases in stores or withdraw cash at an ATM until the card arrives.
If you funded your account with a debit card during signup, that money is available immediately. If you transferred money from another bank, it will arrive in one to three business days depending on the other bank's processing time. ACH transfers (the standard bank-to-bank transfer) are not instant.
You can use Chase's mobile app or website to check your balance, transfer money between your accounts, and set up automatic bill payments right away. Mobile check deposit is also available once your account is open.
What happens if Chase asks for more information
Chase may pause your application and ask follow-up questions if their identity verification system flags something unusual. This is not a rejection — it is a security step. Common reasons include a name mismatch, an address that does not match their records, or a Social Security number that does not match your ID.
If this happens, you will receive an email or phone call from Chase asking you to verify information. Respond as soon as you can. You may be asked to confirm your address, provide additional ID, or explain a discrepancy. Keep your responses clear and factual. Most applications that are flagged are resolved within a few hours to one business day.
If Chase denies your application, they will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include a history of fraud, unpaid bank fees at another institution, or a ChexSystems report (a banking history report) that shows problems. If you are denied, you can contact Chase to ask what happened, but the decision is usually final. Some people reapply after six months or a year if the issue was temporary.
Accounts you cannot open online
Chase Money Market accounts must be opened at a branch or by phone. Some business accounts and specialty products also require a branch visit or phone call. If you want one of these accounts, call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 or visit a local branch.
If you already have a Chase account and want to add another one, you can usually do it online through your existing login. Go to your account settings and look for "Open Another Account" or similar language.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Chase account if I do not have a Social Security number?
You can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. Chase will ask for it during signup. If you do not have either, you will need to visit a branch or call Chase to discuss other options, though most online accounts require one or the other.
What if I do not have proof of address dated within 60 days?
Chase accepts recent bank statements, credit card statements, or lease agreements as alternatives. If you have none of these, contact Chase before you start the application — you may be able to complete signup at a branch instead.
How long does it take to get my debit card?
Chase sends debit cards by mail, which usually takes five to seven business days. You can request expedited shipping in some cases, but it costs extra. Until your card arrives, you can withdraw cash at a Chase ATM using your account number and PIN.
Can I open an account if I have been denied by another bank?
Yes. Chase does not automatically reject you based on another bank's decision. However, if you have unpaid fees or fraud history, Chase may see that in their background check and deny your application. Each application is reviewed separately.
What if my application is still pending after 24 hours?
Contact Chase at 1-800-935-9935 or visit a local branch. Pending applications usually resolve within a few hours, but if yours has not, Chase can tell you what information they need or whether there is a problem with your application.