What you need to open a Chase account
Chase lets you open a checking or savings account online, by phone, or in a branch. You will need a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and an initial deposit. The deposit amount varies by account type — some checking accounts require $25 to open, while others have no minimum. You can fund the account with a debit card, another bank account, or cash if you open it in person.
Chase also asks for your date of birth, current address, and phone number during setup. If you are opening an account online, you will need an email address. The entire process takes about 10 to 15 minutes if you have your documents ready.
Key Takeaways
- You can open a Chase account online, by phone, or in a branch using a valid ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit.
- Online account opening is fastest and available 24/7, but you must verify your identity through a video call or by uploading documents.
- Opening in a branch takes longer but lets you hand over cash and ask questions in real time.
- Chase offers different account types with different fees and minimum balances, so compare before you choose.
- Once your account is open, you can order a debit card, set up direct deposit, and link external accounts for transfers.
Opening an account online
Go to chase.com and select "Open an account" from the homepage. Choose the account type you want — Chase offers checking accounts like Chase Total Checking and Chase Premier Plus Checking, and savings accounts like Chase Savings. Each has different monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and benefits. Read the fee schedule before you proceed, because some accounts waive fees only if you maintain a certain balance or set up direct deposit.
After you choose your account type, Chase will ask for your personal information: name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number. You will then need to verify your identity. Chase uses one of two methods: a video call with a representative (available 24/7) or uploading a photo of your ID and a recent utility bill or bank statement. The video call is usually faster — it takes about 5 minutes. If you upload documents, Chase reviews them within one business day.
Once your identity is verified, you will fund the account. You can transfer money from another bank account using its routing and account numbers, or you can enter a debit card number. Chase will deposit the funds immediately if you use another Chase account, or within one to two business days if you use an external bank. After funding, your account is active and you can start using it right away.
Opening an account by phone
Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to open an account over the phone. A representative will walk you through the same questions as the online process: personal information, account type selection, and identity verification. Over the phone, Chase typically verifies your identity by asking security questions based on your credit history, so have your Social Security number ready.
The phone process takes 15 to 20 minutes. At the end of the call, the representative will ask how you want to fund the account — by debit card, external bank transfer, or by mailing a check. If you choose to mail a check, your account opens immediately but you cannot use it until the check clears, which takes five to seven business days. Phone opening is useful if you have questions about account types or fees, because you can ask them directly.
Opening an account in a branch
Walk into any Chase branch with your ID, Social Security number, and the cash or debit card you want to use for your initial deposit. A banker will help you choose an account type and fill out the paperwork. In-branch opening takes 20 to 30 minutes because the banker verifies your identity in person and processes everything on the spot.
The main advantage of opening in a branch is that you can deposit cash immediately and ask questions face-to-face. If you are unsure which account type fits your needs, a banker can explain the differences in fees, minimum balances, and perks. You will leave with a temporary debit card or a card number you can use right away, and your permanent card will arrive by mail in five to seven business days.
What happens after your account opens
Your account is ready to use as soon as it is funded, but you will want to set up a few things. If you opened online or by phone, order a debit card through your Chase app or online banking portal — it arrives in five to seven business days. If you opened in a branch, you may have received a temporary card or card number already.
Set up direct deposit if your employer or a government agency pays you. You will need to give them your Chase account number and routing number (1010 for most Chase accounts, though this varies by state). Direct deposit usually takes one to two pay periods to start, but once it does, money lands in your account automatically on payday.
Link external bank accounts if you want to transfer money between Chase and other banks. In your Chase app or online portal, go to "Transfer money" and select "Link account." Chase will ask for the external account number and routing number, then send two small test deposits to verify ownership. You confirm the amounts, and the account is linked. Transfers between linked accounts usually take one to two business days.
Account types and their differences
| Account Type | Monthly Fee | Minimum Balance | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Total Checking | $12 (waived with direct deposit or $500+ daily balance) | None | No overdraft fees with overdraft protection; ATM access nationwide |
| Chase Premier Plus Checking | $25 (waived with $15,000+ balance or $500+ monthly direct deposit) | $15,000 to avoid fee | Higher interest rate; concierge service; travel benefits |
| Chase Savings | $5 (waived with $300+ balance) | None | Interest accrues monthly; limited transfers per month |
Chase Total Checking is the most common account for everyday banking. It has no minimum balance requirement and the monthly fee is easy to waive. Chase Premier Plus Checking is designed for people who keep larger balances or receive regular direct deposits — it offers a higher interest rate and perks like travel insurance, but the fee is higher if you do not meet the balance requirement.
Chase Savings is meant for money you want to set aside and earn interest on, not for frequent spending. Federal rules limit you to six transfers or withdrawals per month from a savings account (not counting in-person withdrawals or transfers to a linked checking account). If you need to move money frequently, a checking account is better.
Common issues during account opening
If Chase declines your application, it is usually because of a problem with ChexSystems, a banking history database. ChexSystems tracks closed accounts, overdrafts, and fraud reports. You can request your ChexSystems report at chexsystems.com — if there is an error, you can dispute it. Chase will tell you if ChexSystems is the reason for the decline, and you can reapply once the issue is resolved.
If your identity verification fails online, Chase will ask you to upload additional documents or call to verify by phone. Make sure your ID is current and matches the name and address you entered. If you moved recently and your ID shows an old address, bring a utility bill or lease to prove your current address.
If your initial deposit does not arrive, check the status in your Chase app or online portal under "Pending transactions." External transfers take one to two business days; if it has been longer, contact Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to trace the transfer. If you funded the account with a debit card and the charge appears on your card but the money did not land in your Chase account, Chase can investigate and refund the charge if it was not processed correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Chase account if I do not have a Social Security number?
No. Chase requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open any account. If you have an ITIN, you can open an account using it instead of a Social Security number. Bring documentation of your ITIN when you open in a branch, or enter it during online or phone opening.
How long does it take to open a Chase account?
Online opening takes 10 to 15 minutes if your identity verifies immediately, or up to one business day if Chase needs to review uploaded documents. Phone opening takes 15 to 20 minutes. In-branch opening takes 20 to 30 minutes. Your account is active as soon as it is funded, but your debit card arrives by mail in five to seven business days.
What is the minimum deposit to open a Chase account?
Most Chase checking accounts require $25 to open, though some have no minimum. Chase Savings requires no minimum deposit. Check the account details before you open to confirm the deposit amount for the specific account type you want.
Can I open a Chase account if I have been declined by another bank?
Maybe. Chase uses ChexSystems to check your banking history. If another bank declined you because of ChexSystems, Chase may also decline you. Request your ChexSystems report and dispute any errors before you apply to Chase. Some people with ChexSystems issues open accounts at banks that do not use ChexSystems, then switch to Chase later once the issue is resolved.
Do I need to go to a branch to open a Chase account?
No. You can open online or by phone without visiting a branch. Online and phone opening are faster and available 24/7. Visit a branch only if you want to deposit cash immediately or prefer to ask questions in person.