What you need to open a Chase checking account

Chase lets you open a checking account online, by phone, or in a branch. You will need a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and an initial deposit. Most Chase checking accounts require a minimum opening deposit of $25, though some accounts have no minimum. You can fund the account with a debit card, transfer from another bank, or cash if you open in person at a branch.

The entire online process takes about 10 minutes. You will create a username and password, set up online banking access, and choose whether to receive statements by mail or email. If you open in a branch, a banker will walk you through the same steps and can answer questions about which account type fits your needs.

Chase will run a soft credit check and verify your identity through ChexSystems, which is a banking history database. This does not affect your credit score. If you have had accounts closed for overdrafts or fraud at other banks, Chase may decline your application, though you can call to discuss your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open a Chase checking account online in about 10 minutes with a government ID, Social Security number, and $25 minimum deposit.
  • Chase verifies your identity through ChexSystems and runs a soft credit check that does not lower your credit score.
  • If you have been flagged in ChexSystems for overdrafts or fraud, Chase may deny your application, but you can request a manual review.
  • You can fund your new account with a debit card, transfer from another bank, or cash at a branch.
  • Chase offers several checking account types with different features and fee structures, so compare them before you open.

Opening an account online through Chase.com

Go to Chase.com and click "Open an Account" in the top navigation. Select "Checking" and choose which account type you want—Chase offers Total Checking, Secure Checking, and Premier Plus Checking, each with different monthly fees and minimum balance requirements. Read the account details carefully, because fees and features vary.

Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. Chase will ask for your Social Security number and driver's license or state ID number. You will also confirm your employment status and annual income, though Chase does not verify this information at the time of opening.

Choose how you want to fund the account. If you link a debit card from another bank, the transfer happens immediately. If you transfer from a checking or savings account at another bank, provide the routing number and account number—this usually takes one to two business days. You can also choose to fund it later, though some account types require a deposit to activate.

Review the account agreement and deposit agreement, then sign electronically. Chase will send you a confirmation email with your account number. Your debit card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days, though you can use your account number to set up direct deposit or transfers right away.

Opening an account by phone or in a branch

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 and can answer questions about account features. You will still need to provide your ID number and Social Security number verbally. Funding options are the same: debit card transfer, bank transfer, or scheduling a deposit at a branch.

If you prefer to open in person, visit any Chase branch with your government ID and the funds you want to deposit. A banker will complete the application on a tablet or computer while you are there. This is the fastest way to get a debit card, because the banker can order it to be printed at the branch or mailed to your home. In-branch opening takes 15 to 20 minutes.

What happens after you open your account

Your account is active immediately after you complete the online or phone application. You can log into Chase.com or the Chase Mobile app right away to see your account number, set up bill pay, and transfer money. Your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days by mail.

If you need to make a payment or withdrawal before your card arrives, you can use your account number to set up direct deposit, request a wire transfer, or visit a Chase branch to withdraw cash. You can also use your account number to pay bills through Chase's bill pay service.

Chase will send you a welcome packet by mail with your account agreement, fee schedule, and information about online banking. Read the fee schedule carefully—Chase charges overdraft fees, out-of-network ATM fees, and monthly maintenance fees depending on which account type you chose. Some accounts waive the monthly fee if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.

Understanding Chase checking account types and fees

Chase Total Checking is the most common account. It has a $12 monthly maintenance fee, which is waived if you maintain a $1,500 minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or keep a linked savings account with a $500 balance. There is no minimum deposit to open.

Chase Secure Checking is designed for people with limited banking history or past banking problems. It has a $4.95 monthly fee with no waiver options, no overdraft protection, and a $300 maximum daily ATM withdrawal limit. The minimum opening deposit is $25.

Chase Premier Plus Checking requires a $25,000 minimum balance and has a $25 monthly fee, but it includes benefits like higher interest rates, fee waivers, and travel protections. This account is for customers who maintain large balances.

All Chase checking accounts charge $3.50 per overdraft transaction and $2.50 per out-of-network ATM withdrawal. Chase has over 16,000 ATMs nationwide, so you can usually avoid the out-of-network fee by using a Chase branch or ATM.

What to do if Chase denies your application

Chase will deny your application if ChexSystems shows a history of fraud, unpaid overdrafts, or accounts closed by the bank. You will receive a letter explaining the reason. The letter will include contact information for ChexSystems so you can request a copy of your report and dispute any errors.

If the denial is based on accurate information, you can call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 and ask for a manual review. Explain your situation—for example, if you had overdrafts years ago but have since improved your banking habits, a banker may override the automatic denial. Chase does not may provide approval after a manual review, but it is worth requesting.

If you are denied, Chase Secure Checking may still be an option, as it is designed for people with banking challenges. You can also explore checking accounts at other banks, as each bank uses ChexSystems differently and some are more lenient than others.

Setting up direct deposit and online banking

Once your account is open, log into Chase.com or the Chase Mobile app with your username and password. Go to "Settings" and select "Direct Deposit" to add your employer's information. Your employer will need your account number and routing number, which is 021000021 for all Chase accounts. Direct deposit usually takes one to two pay periods to activate.

Set up bill pay by going to "Pay & Transfer" and selecting "Bill Pay." Add the companies you want to pay—utilities, credit cards, insurance, rent—and Chase will mail a check or transfer funds electronically on the date you choose. Bill pay is free and takes one to three business days depending on the payee.

Enable mobile alerts so Chase notifies you of large transactions, low balances, or failed transfers. Go to "Alerts" in the app and turn on the notifications you want. This helps you catch fraud or overdrafts early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase checking 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 online or in a branch using the same process as someone with a Social Security number.

How long does it take to receive my debit card?

Debit cards arrive in 7 to 10 business days by mail. If you open in a branch, ask the banker if they can print your card on-site or expedite it. You can use your account number to make purchases online or set up bill pay while you wait for the physical card.

What is the minimum opening deposit for Chase checking?

Most Chase checking accounts require a $25 minimum opening deposit. Chase Total Checking has no minimum, but you must fund the account with at least $25 to activate it. You can fund the account with a debit card, bank transfer, or cash at a branch.

Can I open a Chase checking account if I have been denied before?

Maybe. If you were denied because of ChexSystems, request a copy of your report and dispute any errors. If the information is accurate, call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 and ask for a manual review. Chase Secure Checking is also an option for people with banking challenges.

Do I need to visit a branch to open a Chase checking account?

No. You can open online at Chase.com or by phone at 1-800-935-9935. Visiting a branch is optional and takes longer, but a banker can answer questions and print your debit card on-site if available.