Yes, you can open a Chase savings account entirely online
Chase lets you open most of its savings accounts through its website or mobile app without visiting a branch. You will need a valid government ID, a Social Security number, and a way to fund the account—either a bank transfer or a debit card. The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes, and your account opens the same day or within one business day.
The account types available online depend on your state and whether you are an existing Chase customer. If you already have a Chase checking account, opening a savings account online is faster because Chase already has your identity verified. If you are new to Chase, the process is slightly longer but still happens entirely online.
Key Takeaways
- You can open a Chase savings account on Chase.com or through the Chase mobile app without going to a branch.
- You will need a valid ID, Social Security number, and either a linked bank account or debit card to fund the account.
- The account opens the same day or within one business day, and you can start using it immediately in most cases.
- Chase offers several savings account types online, including Chase Savings, Chase Premier Savings, and Chase Sapphire Savings, each with different minimum balance requirements and interest rates.
- If you run into problems during signup, Chase customer service can help you complete the process by phone or in a branch.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you begin the online signup process. You will need a valid government-issued ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Chase will ask you to verify your identity using information from that ID, so have it nearby when you start.
You also need your Social Security number. Chase uses this to run a background check and verify you are not on any fraud or sanctions lists. Have it ready before you click through the signup flow.
Finally, you need a way to fund the account. You can link an existing bank account and transfer money, or use a debit card to make an initial deposit. If you are an existing Chase customer, you can transfer money from your Chase checking account. If you are new to Chase, you can use any U.S. bank account or debit card from Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.
Step-by-step: opening the account online
Start by going to Chase.com or opening the Chase mobile app. Look for the option to open a new account—it is usually on the homepage or in the menu under "Open an Account" or "Products." Select "Savings Account" from the list of account types.
Chase will ask whether you are an existing customer. If you are, select that option and sign in with your username and password. If you are new, select "New Customer" and continue. You will then choose which savings account type you want. Chase typically offers Chase Savings, Chase Premier Savings, and Chase Sapphire Savings online. Each has different minimum balance requirements and interest rates—read the details for each before you choose.
Next, Chase will ask you to verify your identity. You will enter your Social Security number, date of birth, and address. Chase may ask you security questions based on your credit history, or it may ask you to photograph your ID using your phone camera. Answer the questions or complete the ID verification step as prompted.
After verification, you will set up your account details: choose a username and password if you do not have one, set up security questions, and decide whether you want paperless statements. Then you will fund the account. Enter your bank account or debit card information and choose how much to deposit. Most people deposit at least $25 to $100 to activate the account, though some Chase savings accounts have no minimum opening deposit.
Review the account terms and disclosures, check the box to agree, and submit. Your account should open immediately or within one business day. You will receive a confirmation email with your account number and details.
Funding your new account after it opens
Once your account is open, you can add money in several ways. If you linked a bank account during signup, you can transfer money from that account to your Chase savings account using the Chase app or website. Transfers from other banks usually take one to three business days.
If you want to deposit cash, you can visit a Chase branch and deposit it directly into your new savings account. You can also use a Chase ATM to deposit cash if your account is set up for ATM deposits. Check your account settings in the app to confirm this is turned on.
You cannot deposit checks through the mobile app into a savings account the way you can with some checking accounts, so if you need to deposit a check, you will need to visit a branch or use mobile deposit if you have a linked checking account and transfer the funds over.
What happens if you cannot complete signup online
Sometimes the online process stops or asks you to visit a branch. This usually happens if Chase cannot verify your identity through the automated system, if you are applying from outside the United States, or if your state has restrictions on online account opening.
If this happens, you have two options. You can call Chase customer service at the number on the back of your Chase card (or 1-800-935-9935 if you do not have one) and ask a representative to help you complete the signup over the phone. They can often verify your identity verbally and open the account for you.
Alternatively, you can visit a Chase branch in person with your ID and Social Security number. A banker can open the account for you on the spot and help you fund it. This takes about 15 to 20 minutes and is often faster than waiting for a phone representative if you have a branch nearby.
Minimum balances and account features
Chase Savings has no minimum opening deposit and no monthly service fee, but it also pays a lower interest rate. Chase Premier Savings requires a $10,000 minimum balance to avoid a monthly fee and pays a higher rate. Chase Sapphire Savings is for Chase Sapphire banking customers and offers the highest rates, but requires a $10,000 minimum balance.
All Chase savings accounts let you make up to six withdrawals or transfers per month without penalty. After six, Chase charges $10 per transaction. This is a federal rule that applies to most savings accounts, not just Chase. You can make unlimited deposits and check your balance as many times as you want.
Interest rates change based on the Federal Reserve's actions and market conditions. Check Chase.com for current rates before you open the account, because the rate you see at signup is the rate you will earn when the account opens.
Moving money between your Chase accounts
If you have a Chase checking account, transferring money to your new savings account is instant and free. Open the Chase app or website, go to "Transfer Money," and select your checking account as the source and your new savings account as the destination. Enter the amount and confirm. The money appears in your savings account immediately.
You can set up automatic transfers if you want to move money on a regular schedule—for example, $100 every payday. This is useful if you want to build savings without thinking about it. Go to "Transfers" in the app, select "Set Up Recurring Transfer," and choose the amount, frequency, and date.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for my Chase savings account to open?
Most accounts open the same day you complete the online signup, and you can start using it immediately. In some cases, Chase may need one business day to process your application. You will receive an email confirmation with your account number as soon as the account is active.
Can I open a Chase savings account if I do not have a Social Security number?
No. Chase requires a Social Security number to open any deposit account. If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, you may be able to open an account in person at a branch, but you will need to contact Chase directly to ask about your specific situation.
What if I already have a Chase savings account and want to open another one?
You can open a second savings account online the same way you opened the first. Chase allows you to have multiple savings accounts. Each account will have its own account number, and you can name them differently in the app to keep track of them—for example, "Emergency Fund" and "Vacation Savings."
Do I need a Chase checking account to open a savings account online?
No. You can open a Chase savings account online as a new customer without having a checking account. However, if you already have a Chase checking account, the process is faster because Chase has already verified your identity.
Can I change my savings account type after I open it?
You cannot convert one savings account type to another, but you can open a different type of savings account and transfer your money over. If you want to switch from Chase Savings to Chase Premier Savings, for example, open the Premier account online, transfer your money from the old account, and then close the original account.