Most Chase checking accounts have no monthly fee, but some do charge $12 or $15 depending on the account type

Chase offers several checking accounts, and the cost depends on which one you open. The most common option—Chase Total Checking—has no monthly fee if you meet one of two conditions: keep a minimum balance of $500, or set up direct deposit. If you do neither, the fee is $12 per month. Chase Premier Plus Checking charges $25 per month and is aimed at customers with higher balances. Chase Student Checking has no monthly fee and is available to people under 24.

The fee structure matters because it affects how much you actually pay to hold your money. A $12 monthly fee adds up to $144 per year. Many people avoid the fee entirely by using direct deposit—which means your paycheck or benefits deposit automatically into the account—so you should check whether your employer or benefit provider supports this before deciding which account to open.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase Total Checking has no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or receive direct deposits.
  • If you do not meet either condition, Chase Total Checking costs $12 per month; Premier Plus Checking costs $25 per month.
  • Chase Student Checking has no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement for people under 24.
  • Direct deposit is the easiest way to waive the monthly fee on most Chase checking accounts.
  • Other banks offer checking accounts with no monthly fee and no minimum balance, so compare before opening an account.

What each Chase checking account includes

Beyond the monthly fee, Chase checking accounts come with standard features: a debit card, online banking, mobile app access, and the ability to write checks. All Chase checking accounts give you access to Chase's ATM network, which includes over 16,000 ATMs in the United States. If you use an ATM outside the Chase network, you typically pay a fee—usually $2.50 to $3 per transaction, depending on the ATM operator.

Chase Total Checking includes overdraft protection, which means if you spend more than you have in the account, Chase can cover the difference (usually up to a certain limit) and charge you an overdraft fee. This is not automatic; you have to opt in. Premier Plus Checking includes the same features but adds priority customer service and higher overdraft limits.

Student Checking includes all the basic features of Total Checking but with no monthly fee and no minimum balance. The account automatically converts to a regular checking account when you turn 24, at which point the fee structure changes.

How to avoid the monthly fee on Chase Total Checking

The $12 monthly fee on Chase Total Checking disappears if you do one of two things: keep $500 in the account at all times, or set up direct deposit. Direct deposit is the more practical option for most people because you do not have to tie up money just to avoid a fee.

To set up direct deposit, you need to provide your employer or benefits administrator with your Chase account number and routing number. You can find both on a check or in the Chase mobile app. Once direct deposit is active, the fee waives automatically each month. If you receive Social Security, unemployment benefits, or a tax refund, those can count as direct deposits.

If you cannot meet either condition, you have two options: pay the $12 monthly fee, or switch to a different bank. Many online banks and credit unions offer checking accounts with no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement.

Overdraft fees and other charges you should know about

Beyond the monthly account fee, Chase charges for specific actions. If you overdraw your account—spend more than you have—Chase charges $34 per overdraft transaction if you opt into overdraft protection. You can have up to four overdraft fees per day, meaning a bad day could cost you $136. If you decline overdraft protection, transactions that would overdraw your account are simply declined, and you pay nothing.

Using an out-of-network ATM costs $2.50 to $3, depending on the ATM operator. Ordering checks costs money, though the first order is usually free. Closing your account within 90 days of opening it may result in a $25 early closure fee, though this policy can change.

Wire transfers, cashier's checks, and stop payments each carry their own fees, typically $15 to $30. Ask about current fees before you need these services, because they add up quickly if you use them regularly.

Chase Premier Plus Checking and who should consider it

Chase Premier Plus Checking costs $25 per month and is designed for customers who maintain higher balances or want premium features. The account waives the monthly fee if you keep a $25,000 minimum balance in any combination of Chase deposit accounts, or if you have a Chase mortgage or investment account that meets certain criteria.

Premier Plus includes higher overdraft limits, priority customer service with shorter wait times, and some travel benefits like trip cancellation insurance. If you already have substantial money at Chase or use their investment services, this account might make sense. If you are just looking for a place to keep your paycheck, Chase Total Checking with direct deposit is cheaper.

Comparing Chase to other banks

Chase is a large national bank, which means you have access to many physical branches and ATMs. That convenience comes at a cost: other banks often charge less or nothing at all. Many online banks like Ally, Charles Schwab, and Discover offer checking accounts with no monthly fee, no minimum balance, and no overdraft fees (because they simply decline transactions instead).

Credit unions often have lower fees and higher interest rates on savings accounts than Chase. If you are willing to bank online or use a credit union, you can usually find a checking account that costs nothing and includes the same basic features as Chase Total Checking.

The trade-off is branch access. If you frequently deposit cash or need to speak to someone in person, Chase's 4,700 branches nationwide are a real advantage. If you mostly use your phone or computer to bank, the fee savings from switching to an online bank or credit union can be substantial.

Interest rates and savings features

Chase checking accounts do not pay interest on your balance. The money you keep in checking earns nothing, regardless of which account you open. If you want your money to earn interest, you need to move it to a Chase savings account, money market account, or CD (certificate of deposit).

Chase savings accounts currently pay very low interest rates—typically less than 0.01% annually on regular savings accounts. High-yield savings accounts at online banks pay 4% to 5% annually, which is substantially more. If you are keeping money in a Chase checking account for the long term, you are losing money to inflation.

This is not unique to Chase; most traditional banks pay minimal interest on checking accounts. The point is to understand that your checking account is for spending and bill pay, not for saving. Keep only what you need for the month in checking, and move the rest to a savings account—preferably one that pays competitive interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase checking account online?

Yes. You can open Chase Total Checking or Student Checking through the Chase website or mobile app. You will need a valid ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit (usually $25 or more). The account opens immediately, though you may need to visit a branch to deposit cash or verify your identity in some cases.

What happens if I do not meet the minimum balance or set up direct deposit?

Chase charges you $12 per month on Total Checking. The fee posts on the same day each month. You can avoid it at any time by either depositing $500 or setting up direct deposit; the fee does not apply retroactively, so you would need to pay for the months you did not meet the condition.

Can I transfer money between Chase checking and savings accounts for free?

Yes. Transfers between your own Chase accounts are free and usually happen instantly online or through the mobile app. You can move money from checking to savings, or vice versa, as many times as you want without paying a fee.

What is the routing number for Chase, and where do I find it?

Chase's routing number depends on which state you opened your account in. You can find your specific routing number on a check, in the Chase mobile app under account details, or by calling Chase customer service. Most people use the number printed on their checks or in the app rather than memorizing it.

Does Chase charge a fee to close my account?

Chase charges a $25 early closure fee if you close the account within 90 days of opening it. After 90 days, you can close the account for free. You can close an account online, through the mobile app, or by visiting a branch.