You can open a Chase savings account online in about 10 minutes, or in person at a branch

Chase offers two main savings products: a regular savings account and a high-yield savings account (called Chase Savings or Chase Premier Savings depending on your balance). You can start the process online at chase.com, through the Chase mobile app, or by walking into a branch with your ID. Online is fastest — you'll need a Social Security number, a government-issued ID, your address, and a way to fund the account (a debit card, another bank account, or cash at a branch). The account opens immediately, though you won't see your routing and account numbers until the next business day.

If you open in person, bring a photo ID and proof of address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days works). A banker will walk you through the forms and can fund the account right there with cash or a transfer from another bank. You'll leave with your account number and can start using it the same day.

Key Takeaways

  • Online signup takes about 10 minutes and requires your Social Security number, ID, address, and a funding source; your account opens immediately but full details appear the next business day.
  • In-branch signup requires a photo ID and proof of address and lets you fund the account with cash on the spot.
  • Chase Savings (regular) and Chase Premier Savings (higher balance) have different interest rates and monthly fees depending on your balance.
  • You must fund the account with at least $0 to open it, though some promotions require a minimum deposit.
  • Once open, you can link the account to Chase checking, set up automatic transfers, or move money in from other banks.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you begin, whether online or in person. You'll need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card). You'll also need your Social Security number — Chase uses this to verify your identity and check your credit report. Have your current address ready; if you moved recently, use your new address.

For funding, decide how you'll put money in. You can link a debit card from another bank and transfer money immediately. You can provide routing and account numbers from another bank account and set up an ACH transfer (this takes one to three business days). Or, if you're opening in person, you can deposit cash directly. You don't have to fund it on day one — you can open the account empty and add money later.

If you're opening in person, also bring proof of address: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A Chase statement won't work for this step.

Opening online through chase.com or the app

Go to chase.com and click "Open an Account" or open the Chase mobile app and tap the menu icon. Select "Savings Account" and choose between Chase Savings or Chase Premier Savings (the difference is mainly interest rate and monthly fees based on your balance). Enter your email address and create a password.

On the next screen, enter your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. Chase will ask whether you're a U.S. citizen and whether you have an existing Chase account. If you do, the system may link it automatically. Answer honestly — Chase uses this information to verify your identity and comply with federal banking rules.

Next, you'll choose how to fund the account. If you select "Link a debit card," enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV from another bank's card. Chase will process a small test deposit (usually under $1) to verify the card works. If you select "Link a bank account," enter the routing number and account number from another bank and choose whether to fund it now or later. The transfer takes one to three business days.

Review the account agreement and deposit terms, then submit. Your account opens immediately. You'll receive a confirmation email with your account number and routing number, though these may not appear in the app until the next business day. You can start using the account right away, but transfers from other banks won't land until they clear.

Opening in person at a Chase branch

Find your nearest Chase branch using the branch locator on chase.com. Bring your photo ID, proof of address, and Social Security number. Walk up to a banker or check-in desk and say you want to open a savings account. A banker will take you to a desk or private area and walk you through the application on their computer or tablet.

You'll provide the same information as online: name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, and citizenship status. The banker will explain the difference between Chase Savings and Chase Premier Savings and ask which you prefer. They'll also ask how you want to fund it. If you have cash, you can hand it over and they'll deposit it immediately. If you want to transfer from another bank, they'll enter your other bank's routing and account numbers and set up the transfer.

Once everything is entered, the banker will print out your account agreement and deposit terms for you to sign. You'll leave with a temporary debit card or a card number you can use right away, plus your account number and routing number. The account is active the same day.

Chase Savings versus Chase Premier Savings

Chase offers two savings products. Chase Savings is the standard option with no monthly fee if you keep a $300 minimum balance; if your balance drops below $300, you pay $5 per month. The interest rate varies but is typically lower than Premier Savings. Chase Premier Savings is for customers with higher balances and offers a higher interest rate; it has no monthly fee if you maintain a $10,000 minimum balance, and a $25 monthly fee if you fall below that.

Interest rates change frequently and vary by region, so check chase.com for the current rate on each product. Both accounts let you make up to six transfers or withdrawals per month (a federal rule that applies to most savings accounts). Transfers to other Chase accounts or to external banks count toward this limit. After six, Chase may charge a fee or convert the account to checking.

If you're not sure which to choose, start with Chase Savings. You can upgrade to Premier Savings later if your balance grows, or downgrade if you need to.

Funding your account after it opens

Once your account is open, you can add money in several ways. Transfer from another bank: Log into your Chase account online or in the app, go to "Transfer Money," and select "From another bank." Enter the routing number and account number of the other bank and the amount. Chase will initiate an ACH transfer, which usually takes one to three business days. You may see a small test deposit first, which you'll need to verify.

Transfer from a Chase checking account: If you have a Chase checking account, you can move money between your accounts instantly in the app or online. Go to "Transfer Money," select your checking account as the source, and enter the amount.

Mobile deposit: If you receive a check, you can photograph it using the Chase app and deposit it to your savings account. The funds usually appear within one business day.

Deposit cash in person: Walk into a Chase branch with cash and ask to deposit it to your savings account. It posts the same day.

Set up automatic transfers: In the app or online, go to "Transfers" and create a recurring transfer from your checking account to savings on a schedule you choose (weekly, biweekly, monthly). This is useful for building savings automatically.

What happens after your account opens

Your account is ready to use immediately, but a few things take time. Your full account number and routing number appear in the app and online within one business day. If you ordered a debit card, it arrives by mail in seven to ten business days. You can use the temporary card number or mobile wallet in the meantime.

Any transfers from other banks take one to three business days to clear. During that time, the money is in transit and you can't withdraw it. Once it lands, it's yours and earns interest at the rate posted on your account.

Interest accrues daily and is deposited monthly. You'll see it as a credit to your account on the first business day of the month. The amount depends on your balance and the current interest rate, which Chase can change at any time.

If you set up online banking, you can check your balance anytime, set up alerts for low balances or large deposits, and manage transfers. You can also call Chase customer service at the number on the back of your debit card or visit a branch if you have questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase savings account if I don't have a Social Security number?

No. Chase requires a Social Security number to open any deposit account. If you don't have one, you may be able to open an account with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) at some branches, but this varies by location. Call your local Chase branch to ask.

How much money do I need to open an account?

You can open a Chase Savings account with $0. However, if your balance drops below $300, you'll pay a $5 monthly fee. Chase Premier Savings requires a $10,000 minimum to avoid a $25 monthly fee. Some promotions offer a bonus if you deposit a certain amount within a set time frame.

Can I open a savings account if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, if you have a valid visa, green card, or work permit and a Social Security number or ITIN. Bring your immigration documents to a branch, or call ahead to confirm what the branch needs. Requirements vary by location.

What's the difference between a savings account and a money market account at Chase?

Chase Savings is simpler and has lower minimum balances. A Chase money market account (if offered in your region) typically requires a higher minimum balance but may offer a higher interest rate and comes with a debit card and checkbook. For most people, savings is the right choice.

Can I open an account online if I'm under 18?

No. You must be at least 18 to open an account in your own name. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian can open a custodial savings account at a branch with your Social Security number and their ID.