Chase checking accounts do charge fees, but you can avoid most of them

Chase checking accounts come with potential fees, but whether you actually pay them depends on which account you open and how you use it. The main accounts—Chase Total Checking and Chase Premier Plus Checking—both charge a monthly maintenance fee unless you meet one of their waiver conditions. The fee is $12 per month for Total Checking and $25 per month for Premier Plus Checking, but both can be waived if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.

Beyond the monthly fee, Chase charges for specific actions: overdrafts, wire transfers, stop payments, and returned checks all carry separate charges. Some fees are avoidable by managing your account carefully; others apply only if you use a particular service. The account you choose and your banking habits determine your actual cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase Total Checking charges $12 per month unless you keep a $500 minimum balance or receive direct deposits.
  • Chase Premier Plus Checking charges $25 per month unless you maintain a $15,000 minimum balance or have may have access to direct deposits.
  • Overdraft fees run $35 per transaction, and Chase can charge multiple fees in a single day if you overdraw by more than the fee amount.
  • Wire transfers, stop payments, and returned checks each carry separate fees ranging from $15 to $30.
  • The easiest way to avoid the monthly fee is setting up direct deposit from your employer or benefit provider, which waives it on both accounts.

Monthly maintenance fees and how to waive them

Chase Total Checking carries a $12 monthly maintenance fee. You can waive it three ways: keep a minimum daily balance of $500 in the account, receive at least one direct deposit per month, or maintain a combined balance of $500 across multiple Chase accounts. Most people find direct deposit the simplest route because it requires no ongoing balance management—once your employer or benefit provider sets it up, the waiver applies automatically each month.

Chase Premier Plus Checking charges $25 per month and requires either a $15,000 minimum daily balance, a may have access to direct deposit, or a combination of balances across linked Chase accounts. This account is designed for people who carry larger balances or want premium features like higher interest rates and priority customer service. If you do not meet the balance requirement and do not have direct deposit, you will pay the full $25 monthly fee.

Direct deposit counts as a waiver on both accounts regardless of the deposit amount. Even a small recurring transfer from another bank or a monthly benefit payment qualifies, so you do not need a large paycheck to trigger the waiver.

Overdraft and insufficient funds fees

Chase charges $35 per overdraft transaction if your account balance goes negative. This fee applies each time a transaction posts that exceeds your available balance, which means a single day of overspending can result in multiple $35 charges. If you overdraw by $50 and three transactions post while your account is negative, you could face three separate $35 fees on top of the original overdraft.

Chase offers an overdraft protection option that links your checking account to a savings account or credit line. If a transaction would overdraw your checking account, Chase pulls funds from the linked account instead, avoiding the overdraft fee. However, if you use a linked credit line, you will pay interest on the borrowed amount. Linking to a savings account avoids interest but requires you to maintain a balance in savings.

You can also opt out of overdraft coverage entirely, which means transactions will be declined if you do not have sufficient funds. This prevents overdraft fees but may cause checks or automatic payments to bounce, which can trigger fees from the merchant or biller instead.

Wire transfer, stop payment, and returned check fees

Sending a domestic wire transfer through Chase costs $15 for online transfers and $20 for transfers made in person or by phone. International wire transfers cost more—$45 for online and $50 for in-person or phone transfers. These fees apply whether the wire is sent successfully or fails partway through, so confirm the recipient's details before initiating the transfer to avoid paying for a correction.

Placing a stop payment on a check costs $30 and requires you to provide the check number, amount, and payee information. Stop payments remain active for six months, after which you must request a renewal if the check still has not cleared. If you need to stop multiple checks, each one incurs a separate $30 fee.

If a check you deposit is returned due to insufficient funds in the payer's account, Chase charges you $15. This fee applies even if you had no control over why the check bounced. Similarly, if you write a check that bounces, the recipient's bank may charge them a fee, and they may ask you to cover it—though Chase does not charge you directly for writing a bad check unless you overdraw your account in the process.

ATM fees and out-of-network charges

Using a Chase ATM is free for Chase customers. Chase operates one of the largest ATM networks in the United States, so most people can find a Chase ATM without traveling far. If you use an out-of-network ATM—one that does not belong to Chase—the other bank typically charges you a fee of $2 to $3. Chase does not charge you an additional fee on top of that, but you will see the out-of-network fee on your statement.

If you travel frequently or live in an area with few Chase ATMs, consider whether the convenience of the Chase network matters to you. Some online banks and credit unions offer fee-free ATM access through networks like Allpoint or MoneyPass, which may be worth comparing if ATM fees are a concern.

Foreign transaction fees and international use

Chase charges a 1% foreign transaction fee on any purchase or ATM withdrawal made outside the United States, regardless of whether the transaction is in U.S. dollars or another currency. This fee is added to your statement after the transaction posts. If you travel internationally or make regular purchases from foreign merchants, these fees add up quickly.

Chase does not offer a checking account without foreign transaction fees, so international travelers should compare options with other banks or consider a travel credit card for purchases abroad. For ATM withdrawals specifically, using your Chase debit card at a foreign ATM incurs both the 1% foreign transaction fee and any fee charged by the foreign ATM operator.

Account closure and inactivity fees

Chase does not charge an inactivity fee if you stop using your checking account, but the account can be closed if it remains inactive for an extended period. The exact timeline varies, but Chase typically closes accounts that show no deposits or withdrawals for 12 months or longer. Once closed, you cannot reopen the same account—you must open a new one if you want to return.

If you close your account within 90 days of opening it, Chase does not charge a closure fee. After 90 days, there is no explicit closure fee either, but if you have an outstanding balance or pending transactions, those will process before the account closes. Always withdraw remaining funds and confirm all transactions have cleared before closing.

How to compare Chase accounts and minimize fees

The choice between Chase Total Checking and Chase Premier Plus Checking depends on your balance and income. If you receive regular direct deposits or can maintain a $500 balance, Total Checking costs nothing and covers all basic banking needs. If you carry a larger balance anyway or want premium features like higher interest rates and concierge service, Premier Plus Checking may be worth the $25 monthly fee.

To minimize fees across either account, set up direct deposit first—this eliminates the monthly maintenance fee with zero effort. Second, link a savings account for overdraft protection to avoid $35 overdraft fees. Third, use Chase ATMs exclusively to avoid out-of-network charges. Fourth, avoid wire transfers when possible; ACH transfers through your bank's bill pay system are free and take one to three business days instead.

If you travel internationally or make frequent foreign purchases, factor in the 1% foreign transaction fee when deciding whether Chase is the right bank for you. Some online banks and credit unions offer no foreign transaction fees, which could save you money if international activity is regular.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the monthly fee waived without direct deposit?

Yes. For Chase Total Checking, you can waive the $12 fee by keeping a $500 minimum daily balance or by maintaining $500 across multiple Chase accounts. For Premier Plus Checking, you need either a $15,000 minimum balance or a may have access to direct deposit. Direct deposit is the easiest option because it requires no ongoing balance management.

What happens if I overdraft multiple times in one day?

Chase charges $35 per overdraft transaction, and multiple transactions can post while your account is negative. If three transactions overdraw your account on the same day, you could face three separate $35 fees. Linking a savings account for overdraft protection prevents these fees by pulling funds automatically before a transaction overdrafts.

Do I have to pay the foreign transaction fee?

Yes, Chase charges 1% on all transactions made outside the United States. This fee applies to both purchases and ATM withdrawals. If international banking is important to you, compare accounts at other banks or credit unions that offer no foreign transaction fees.

Is there a fee to close my Chase checking account?

No, Chase does not charge a fee to close a checking account at any time. However, if you close within 90 days of opening, you may be flagged in ChexSystems (a banking history report), which can make it harder to open accounts elsewhere. Avoid opening and closing accounts frequently.

What is the difference between a stop payment and disputing a transaction?

A stop payment prevents a check you wrote from clearing and costs $30. Disputing a transaction challenges a debit card or ACH charge and is free. Use stop payment for checks; use disputes for card transactions or unauthorized transfers. Disputes typically resolve within 10 business days.