You can open a Chase checking account entirely on your phone using the Chase mobile app or website

Chase lets you start a checking account from your phone without visiting a branch. You download the Chase mobile app, tap "Open an account," and complete the application in about 10 minutes. Chase will verify your identity using information from your credit report, and you'll get a temporary account number right away so you can start using it before your debit card arrives.

The account opens with no monthly fee if you keep a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit. If you don't meet either condition, Chase charges $12 per month. You can avoid the fee by maintaining the balance or by having paychecks or other regular deposits sent directly to the account.

Key Takeaways

  • Download the Chase mobile app, tap "Open an account," and complete the application on your phone in about 10 minutes.
  • Chase verifies your identity using your credit report, so you need a Social Security number and a valid government ID.
  • You get a temporary account number immediately and can use it for transfers and bill pay before your physical debit card arrives.
  • The account has no monthly fee if you keep a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit; otherwise it costs $12 per month.
  • Your debit card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days, though you can use the temporary number right away.

What you need before you start

Have your Social Security number, a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and your current address ready. Chase will ask for your date of birth and will pull information from your credit report to verify who you are—this is not a hard inquiry that affects your credit score.

You also need a phone number and email address associated with your Chase account. If you already have a Chase savings account or credit card, you can use the same login, and the new checking account will link to it automatically.

Step-by-step: opening the account on your phone

Open the Chase mobile app and look for a button labeled "Open an account" or "get your free guide." If you don't have the app, download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Tap the button and select "Checking" as your account type.

Chase will ask you to enter your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. Next, you'll upload a photo of your government ID using your phone's camera—take a clear photo of the front and back. Chase processes this instantly in most cases.

You'll then choose a four-digit PIN for your account and review the account terms. Once you confirm, Chase assigns you a temporary account number and routing number. Write these down or screenshot them—you'll need them to set up direct deposit or transfer money before your debit card arrives.

When your debit card arrives and what to do with the temporary account number

Your physical debit card ships within 1 to 2 business days and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You don't have to wait for it to use your account. The temporary account number works for ACH transfers, bill pay, and direct deposit right away.

If your employer or another source needs to send you money via direct deposit, give them the temporary routing number (021000021 for Chase) and your temporary account number. The deposit will land in your account even before the card arrives. Once the card comes, activate it in the app by tapping the card image and following the prompts.

Fees and how to avoid them

Chase Total Checking, the standard checking account you open on your phone, has a $12 monthly service fee. You avoid it in two ways: keep a minimum daily balance of $500, or set up direct deposit of any amount.

If you don't meet either condition and the fee posts, you can call Chase customer service and ask them to reverse it once, but this is not may provide. After that, you'll need to maintain the balance or set up direct deposit to stop future fees. If you're under 18, Chase offers Chase First Checking, which has no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement—ask about this when you open your account if it applies to you.

What happens if the app can't verify your identity

If Chase cannot verify you using your credit report, the app will tell you to visit a branch in person or call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to complete the application. This happens occasionally if you have no credit history, a very new Social Security number, or if there's a mismatch between the information you entered and what's on file.

Bring your government ID and proof of address (a recent utility bill or bank statement) to a Chase branch, and a banker will open the account for you on the spot. You'll still get a temporary account number to use immediately, and your debit card will arrive in the same timeframe.

Transferring money into your new account

Once your account is open, you can transfer money from another bank using the temporary account number and routing number. In the Chase app, tap "Transfer money," select "From another bank," and enter the other bank's account details. Chase will send two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to that account within 1 to 2 business days to verify you own it. You'll confirm those amounts in the other bank's app, and then the transfer goes through.

You can also use bill pay to send money to people or businesses. Tap "Pay bills" in the app, enter the recipient's name and address, and schedule the payment. Chase mails a check or sends an electronic payment depending on the recipient. This takes 1 to 3 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase checking account on my phone if I don't have a credit history?

Chase may not be able to verify you using your credit report if you have no history. If that happens, you'll need to visit a branch or call 1-800-935-9935 with your government ID and proof of address. A banker can open the account for you in person, and you'll still get a temporary account number to use right away.

What if I'm under 18?

You can open Chase First Checking if you're under 18, but you'll need a parent or guardian to co-sign. Download the app, start the application, and when prompted, add the adult's information. They'll need to verify their identity too. Chase First has no monthly fee and no minimum balance.

Can I use my temporary account number for bill pay and direct deposit?

Yes. The temporary account number works for ACH transfers, direct deposit, and bill pay immediately. You don't have to wait for your debit card to arrive to start moving money in and out of the account.

What if I already have a Chase savings account?

Log into the app with your existing Chase username and password, then tap "Open an account." The new checking account will link automatically to your savings account, and you can transfer between them instantly in the app.

How long does it take to open the account?

The application takes about 10 minutes on your phone. Identity verification happens instantly in most cases, and you get your temporary account number right away. Your physical debit card arrives within 7 to 10 business days.