Yes, you can open most Chase accounts online without visiting a branch
Chase lets you open a checking or savings account entirely online through their website or mobile app. You do not need to go to a branch, though some account types require a visit or a phone call to finish the process. The whole thing usually takes 10 to 15 minutes if your information is straightforward, and you can start using your account the same day in many cases.
What you will need: a valid government ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, proof of your current address (a recent utility bill or lease), and an initial deposit method. Chase accepts transfers from another bank account, a debit card, or a wire transfer to fund your new account. Some accounts have a minimum opening deposit; others do not.
Key Takeaways
- Chase checking and savings accounts can be opened online through their website or app in about 10 to 15 minutes.
- You will need a valid ID, Social Security number, proof of address, and a way to make your opening deposit.
- Most accounts are ready to use the same day, though some account types may require a follow-up call or branch visit.
- Chase will run a ChexSystems check (a banking history report) and may decline your application if you have unpaid overdrafts or fraud flags from other banks.
- If you are denied, you can ask Chase why and may be able to reapply after addressing the issue.
What happens during the online signup process
Start on Chase.com or in the Chase Mobile app and select the account type you want—usually Chase Total Checking, Chase Savings, or Chase Premier Plus Checking. You will enter your name, date of birth, email, phone number, and Social Security number. Chase will ask for your current address and verify it against public records.
Next, you provide your ID information. Chase uses a photo verification tool in the app or website: you take a photo of your ID and a selfie, and their system compares them. If you are opening an account on the website rather than the app, you may be asked to mail in a copy of your ID instead, which slows things down by a few days.
Then you choose your opening deposit method. If you transfer from another bank account, you enter the routing number and account number, and Chase pulls the money in one to two business days. If you use a debit card, the deposit posts immediately. You also set up online banking login details and choose whether to receive statements by mail or email.
Which accounts you can open online versus which require a branch visit
Chase Total Checking, Chase Savings, and Chase Money Market accounts can be opened entirely online. Chase Premier Plus Checking (their premium account with higher interest rates and fee waivers) sometimes requires a phone call or branch visit to confirm your identity, depending on your credit profile and banking history.
Business accounts, student accounts, and accounts for minors cannot be opened online. If you need a business checking account, you will need to visit a branch with your business license, EIN, and personal ID. Student accounts require proof of enrollment. Accounts for children under 18 require a parent or guardian to visit a branch in person.
If you are denied during the online process, Chase will tell you why—usually because of ChexSystems flags or a previous banking issue—and will direct you to call their verification team or visit a branch to resolve it.
How long it takes to use your new account
Once you complete the online signup, your account number and routing number are issued immediately. You can log into online banking and set up bill pay right away. If you made a debit card deposit, that money is available the same day.
If you transferred money from another bank, it typically arrives within one to two business days. Your physical debit card ships within 7 to 10 business days; in the meantime, you can use a temporary digital card in the Chase app for online purchases and contactless payments at stores.
Checks take longer. If you order checks through Chase, they arrive in 7 to 10 business days. Some people visit a branch to pick up starter checks the same day if they need to write a check immediately.
What Chase checks before approving your account
Chase runs a ChexSystems report, which is a banking history database that tracks overdrafts, bounced checks, fraud, and closed accounts. If you have unpaid overdraft fees from another bank, multiple returned checks, or a fraud dispute, Chase may deny your application. The report stays on file for five years.
Chase also checks your credit report, though a soft inquiry (which does not affect your credit score) is standard for checking accounts. They may decline you if you have recent fraud flags, identity theft, or an active dispute with another bank.
If you are denied, Chase will send you a letter explaining the reason and directing you to ChexSystems or Clarity (another banking history service) to review your report. You can dispute inaccurate information on your ChexSystems report directly with them, and then reapply to Chase after the issue is resolved.
What to do if your online application is declined
First, request your ChexSystems report at ChexSystems.com. You are may have access to to one free report per year. Review it for errors—sometimes closed accounts or old disputes are still listed. If you find an error, dispute it with ChexSystems in writing; they have 30 days to investigate.
If the report is accurate but shows old issues (overdrafts from years ago, for example), call Chase's verification line and explain the situation. Some applicants are approved after speaking to a representative who can see the full context. You can also visit a branch in person; a banker may be able to override a denial if your recent banking history is clean.
If Chase continues to decline you, consider opening an account at a bank that does not use ChexSystems, such as some credit unions or online-only banks. Once you have maintained a clean account elsewhere for six months to a year, you can reapply to Chase.
Minimum deposits and account fees
Chase Total Checking has no minimum opening deposit and no monthly fee if you meet one of these conditions: direct deposit, a $500 minimum daily balance, or 10 debit card transactions per month. If you do not meet any of these, the fee is $12 per month.
Chase Savings has no minimum opening deposit. The monthly fee is $5 unless you maintain a $300 minimum daily balance or link it to a may have access to Chase checking account.
Chase Premier Plus Checking requires a $25,000 minimum opening deposit and has a $25 monthly fee, though the fee is waived if you maintain the minimum balance. This account comes with higher interest rates and fee waivers on overdrafts and other services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Chase account if I have been denied by other banks?
Maybe. Chase will still run a ChexSystems check, so if you were denied for overdrafts or fraud, you may face the same issue. However, if you were denied for credit reasons (not banking history), Chase may approve you. Call their verification team to discuss your situation before applying online.
Do I need to make a deposit on the same day I open the account?
No. You can complete the online signup without funding the account immediately. However, your account will be closed if it remains unfunded for 30 days, so make your deposit within that window.
What if I do not have a government ID?
Chase requires a valid government-issued ID to open an account online. If you do not have one, you will need to visit a branch in person with alternative documents like a passport, state ID, or tribal ID. Call Chase first to ask what documents they will accept.
Can I open a joint account online with someone else?
No. Joint accounts require both account holders to verify their identity in person or through a phone call with Chase. One person can open the account online, and the second person can be added later through a branch visit or phone verification.
How do I know if my application is still being reviewed?
Chase sends an email confirmation immediately after you submit your application. If your account is approved, you will see your account number and routing number on screen and in your email. If Chase needs more information, they will call the phone number you provided. Check your email spam folder if you do not see a confirmation within a few minutes.