Chase checking accounts have no monthly fee and no minimum opening deposit
You can open a Chase checking account with zero dollars. Chase does not charge a monthly maintenance fee on any of its standard checking accounts, and it does not require you to deposit money upfront to create the account. You pay nothing to open it.
The account itself is free. What costs money are the things you do after opening it—overdrafts, out-of-network ATM fees, wire transfers, and other services. If you keep your account in good standing and use Chase's ATM network, there are no ongoing charges.
Key Takeaways
- Chase checking accounts cost nothing to open and have no monthly maintenance fee.
- You will not pay overdraft fees if you link a savings account or opt out of overdraft protection entirely.
- Using an out-of-network ATM costs $3 per withdrawal, but Chase has over 16,000 ATMs nationwide.
- Wire transfers, cashier's checks, and expedited shipping of your debit card each carry separate fees.
- You can open an account online, by phone, or in a branch with just an ID and Social Security number.
The fees that do apply after you open the account
While the account itself is free, Chase charges for specific actions. An overdraft fee is $35 per transaction if you spend more than your balance and do not have overdraft protection linked. You can avoid this by connecting a savings account or by opting out of overdraft coverage entirely—if you opt out, transactions simply decline instead of charging a fee.
Using an ATM outside the Chase network costs $3 per withdrawal. Chase operates over 16,000 ATMs, so most people in urban and suburban areas can avoid this fee. If you need a wire transfer, domestic wires cost $15 and international wires cost $45. A cashier's check is $10. Expedited shipping of your debit card is $15.
Monthly statements, balance inquiries, and transfers between your own Chase accounts are all free. Direct deposit is free. Paying bills through Chase's bill pay system is free.
How to open an account with no money down
You can open a Chase checking account online without visiting a branch. Go to Chase's website, select the account type you want, and follow the steps. You will need your Social Security number, a valid ID, your date of birth, and your address. The process takes about 10 minutes.
Chase will ask for an initial deposit amount, but you can enter $0. The account opens immediately, and you can start using it right away if you set up direct deposit or link an external bank account. If you want a physical debit card, it arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can request expedited delivery for $15.
You can also open an account by phone at 1-800-935-9935 or in any Chase branch. In-branch opening requires the same documents and takes about 15 minutes.
Which Chase checking account to choose
Chase offers three main checking accounts: Chase Total Checking, Chase Premier Plus Checking, and Chase Secure Checking. All three have zero monthly fees and no minimum opening deposit.
Chase Total Checking is the standard option. It includes a debit card, online and mobile banking, bill pay, and access to Chase's ATM network. There are no restrictions on who can open it.
Chase Premier Plus Checking requires you to maintain a $25,000 combined balance across Chase accounts or have a Chase mortgage or investment account. If you meet that requirement, you get higher ATM reimbursement limits and other perks. If you do not meet it, the account converts to Chase Total Checking.
Chase Secure Checking is for people with no banking history or a negative ChexSystems record. It has the same zero monthly fee, but comes with a $500 overdraft limit and requires you to link a savings account for overdraft protection.
What happens if you do not maintain a minimum balance
Chase does not penalize you for a low balance. You can keep $1 in your account indefinitely with no fee. The only consequence of a low balance is that you may trigger an overdraft fee if you spend more than what you have, but that fee is avoidable through the methods described above.
If your account sits inactive for a long time—typically two years or more with no deposits, withdrawals, or transfers—Chase may close it. You will receive notice before closure, and any remaining balance will be returned to you.
Linking an external bank account to avoid overdraft fees
The most common way to avoid overdraft fees is to link a Chase savings account or an external account from another bank. If you overdraw your checking account, Chase will automatically transfer money from the linked account to cover the shortfall. This transfer is free.
To set this up, log into your Chase account online or through the mobile app, go to settings, and select "Overdraft Protection." Choose which account to link. You can change or remove the linked account at any time.
If you do not want overdraft protection at all, you can opt out. When you opt out, transactions that would overdraw your account simply decline at the point of sale or ATM. You will not be charged a fee, and you will not spend money you do not have.
How to avoid other common fees
Stay within the Chase ATM network to avoid the $3 out-of-network fee. Use Chase's bill pay system instead of writing checks or using wire transfers for routine payments. Pay bills through your employer's direct deposit system when possible, since that is free and faster than any other method.
If you need a cashier's check, ask if the payee will accept a regular check or a digital payment instead. If you must use a wire transfer, confirm the details carefully before sending—wire transfer fees are non-refundable, and mistakes are hard to reverse.
Keep your account active by using it at least once every few months. Inactive accounts are rare targets for closure, but activity protects you. Set up at least one automatic payment or transfer to keep the account in regular use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need money to open a Chase checking account?
No. You can open a Chase checking account with $0 and no minimum deposit requirement. The account is free to open and free to maintain. You can add money later through direct deposit, transfers, or in-person deposits.
What is the overdraft fee at Chase?
Chase charges $35 per overdraft transaction if you spend more than your balance and do not have overdraft protection linked. You can avoid this fee by linking a savings account for automatic transfers or by opting out of overdraft coverage entirely.
Can I use any ATM with a Chase checking account?
You can use any ATM, but using an ATM outside the Chase network costs $3 per withdrawal. Chase has over 16,000 ATMs nationwide, so most people can find a Chase ATM nearby. Some banks also reimburse out-of-network fees, so check if your employer or another bank offers that benefit.
How long does it take to open a Chase checking account online?
Opening a Chase checking account online takes about 10 minutes. Your account opens immediately, and you can start using it right away if you set up direct deposit or link an external bank account. Your physical debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
What documents do I need to open a Chase account?
You need a valid government-issued ID, your Social Security number, your date of birth, and your current address. You can open an account online, by phone, or in a branch with just these documents.