Chase has no minimum deposit requirement to open most accounts
You can open a Chase checking or savings account with zero dollars. Chase does not require you to deposit money upfront to create the account — you can open it online or in a branch and fund it later, or not at all. The account becomes active as soon as you complete the application and verification steps.
However, some Chase accounts do have minimum balance requirements once the account is open. These are different from opening requirements. A minimum balance is the amount you must keep in the account to avoid a monthly fee, earn interest, or maintain the account status. If your balance drops below the minimum, Chase charges a monthly maintenance fee — typically $12 to $25 depending on the account type.
The account you choose determines whether a minimum balance applies to you. Chase offers several checking and savings products, and each has its own rules about fees and minimums.
Key Takeaways
- You need $0 to open a Chase checking or savings account; no initial deposit is required.
- Some Chase accounts charge a monthly fee if your balance falls below a set minimum, usually $500 to $1,500.
- Chase Secure Checking and Chase Savings accounts have no minimum balance requirement and no monthly fee.
- You can waive monthly fees on most accounts by setting up direct deposit or maintaining a linked relationship with Chase.
- Opening an account takes 10 to 15 minutes online or in person, and you can start using it the same day.
Which Chase accounts have no minimum balance
Chase Secure Checking has no minimum balance requirement and no monthly maintenance fee. This account is designed for people building or rebuilding credit, and it requires a linked savings account. You can open it online or in a branch with just an ID and Social Security number.
Chase Savings also has no minimum balance and no monthly fee. You can open it with $0 and keep any amount in it without penalty. Interest rates on savings accounts change based on the Federal Reserve rate, so the rate you earn will vary over time.
Both of these accounts let you start with nothing and never pay a fee, as long as you do not overdraft your checking account or violate other account rules.
Accounts that do charge a monthly fee if your balance is too low
Chase Total Checking charges $12 per month if your balance stays below $500. You can avoid this fee by setting up direct deposit, maintaining a $500 minimum, or linking a Chase savings account with at least $500 in it. Many people use direct deposit from their employer to waive the fee without keeping a large balance.
Chase Premier Plus Checking charges $25 per month if your balance falls below $1,500. The same waiver options apply: direct deposit, maintaining the minimum, or a linked savings account with $500. This account offers higher interest on checking balances and comes with perks like fee waivers for overdrafts and returned checks.
Chase Money Market Account charges $25 per month if your balance drops below $2,500. This account earns higher interest than regular savings but has limited monthly transfers. You can waive the fee with direct deposit or by maintaining the $2,500 minimum.
How to avoid monthly fees without keeping a large balance
The easiest way to waive a monthly fee is direct deposit. If your employer or a government program (like Social Security or unemployment) deposits money into your Chase account, the monthly fee is waived on most checking accounts. Direct deposit does not have to be large — even a small recurring deposit counts.
If you do not have direct deposit, you can link a Chase savings account with the required minimum balance. For example, if you have $500 in a Chase Savings account, you can waive the $12 fee on Chase Total Checking even if your checking balance is $0. The savings account does the work for you.
Some people also maintain the minimum balance by keeping their paycheck in the account for a few days before spending it. If your balance dips below the minimum only occasionally, Chase may not charge the fee every month — but you should not rely on this. The safest approach is direct deposit or a linked savings account.
What you need to open an account
To open a Chase account online or in person, you will need:
- A valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
- Your Social Security number
- Your date of birth
- A current address
- A phone number and email address
If you open online, Chase verifies your identity using the information you provide. If you open in a branch, bring your ID and the branch representative will scan it. The process takes 10 to 15 minutes either way, and your account is usually active the same day.
You do not need a minimum deposit, proof of income, or a credit check to open most Chase accounts. Chase does check ChexSystems (a banking history database) to see if you have had problems with other banks, but this does not prevent you from opening an account — it is just a background check.
When Chase may decline to open an account
Chase will not open an account if you are on the ChexSystems list for fraud, repeated overdrafts, or unpaid fees at another bank. If this applies to you, Chase will tell you during the application process. You can dispute inaccurate information on your ChexSystems report by contacting ChexSystems directly.
Chase also will not open an account if you cannot verify your identity — for example, if your ID is expired or does not match the information you provide. If this happens, you can try again with a different form of ID or visit a branch in person.
If you are under 18, you can open an account only with a parent or guardian present. Chase does not offer accounts for minors without an adult co-owner.
How to fund your account after opening
Once your account is open, you can add money in several ways: direct deposit from your employer, transfers from another bank account, ATM deposits at a Chase branch, mobile check deposit through the Chase app, or cash deposits at a Chase branch or ATM.
If you open an account with $0, you can wait to fund it until you are ready. There is no deadline. However, if you do not use the account for a long time, Chase may close it for inactivity — typically after 12 months with no deposits or withdrawals. If this happens, any remaining balance is returned to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Chase account with no money and no direct deposit?
Yes. Chase Secure Checking and Chase Savings have no minimum balance and no monthly fee, so you can open either one with $0 and keep it that way. Other accounts charge a monthly fee if your balance is too low, but you can avoid the fee by linking a savings account with the required minimum instead of using direct deposit.
What happens if my balance drops below the minimum?
Chase charges a monthly maintenance fee — usually $12 to $25 depending on the account type. The fee is deducted from your account on the statement date. If you set up direct deposit or link a may have access to savings account before the fee is charged, it will be waived.
Do I need a credit check to open a Chase account?
No. Chase does not pull your credit report to open a checking or savings account. They check ChexSystems, which is a banking history database, but this is not a credit check and does not affect your credit score.
How long does it take to open a Chase account?
Online applications take 10 to 15 minutes, and your account is usually active the same day. In-branch applications also take 10 to 15 minutes. You can start using your account immediately through the Chase app or website, though ATM and debit card access may take one to two business days.
Can I open a Chase account if I have been declined before?
It depends on why you were declined. If you were on the ChexSystems list for fraud or unpaid fees, you may still be declined. If you were declined for identity verification issues, try again with a different ID or visit a branch in person. You can also contact Chase customer service to ask why your application was declined.