What you need to open a Chase account

You can open a Chase checking or savings account online, by phone, or in person at a branch. The process takes about 10 minutes online. You will need a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and an initial deposit — usually $25 for savings accounts, though some checking accounts have no minimum.

Chase offers several account types: Chase Total Checking (no monthly fee if you meet one requirement, like direct deposit or maintaining a balance), Chase Savings (earns interest), and Chase Money Market (higher interest, higher minimum balance). The account type you choose depends on how you plan to use it and whether you want to earn interest on your balance.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can open an account with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, though you will need to visit a branch in person and bring additional documentation.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open a Chase account online in about 10 minutes with a valid ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit of $25 or more.
  • Chase Total Checking has no monthly fee if you set up direct deposit, maintain a $500 balance, or keep an average daily balance of $1,500.
  • You will receive a debit card within 7 to 10 business days if you open online, or immediately if you open in a branch.
  • Chase offers fraud protection on debit cards and can dispute unauthorized transactions, though you must report them within 60 days.

Opening an account online

Go to chase.com and click "Open an Account" or "Sign Up." Select the account type you want — checking, savings, or money market. You will be asked for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and email address. Have your ID ready to verify your information.

Chase will ask you to choose a username and password for online banking. You will also set up a PIN for phone banking. After you verify your email address, you will be prompted to make an initial deposit. You can link an external bank account and transfer money, or use a debit card to fund the account. The account opens immediately, but your debit card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days.

If Chase cannot verify your information online — for example, if your address does not match their records — you may be asked to visit a branch or call 1-800-935-9935 to complete the process by phone.

Opening an account in person at a branch

Find your nearest Chase branch using the branch locator on chase.com. Bring your government-issued ID, Social Security number, and your initial deposit (cash or a check). A banker will walk you through the application, answer questions about account features, and help you set up online banking access.

If you open in person, you will receive a debit card on the spot or within a few days, depending on the branch. You can also ask about Chase's checking account offers — some branches run promotions that waive the first month's fee or offer bonus cash for setting up direct deposit.

Opening in person is useful if you have questions about which account fits your needs, if you want to deposit cash immediately, or if you had trouble opening online.

Opening an account by phone

Call 1-800-935-9935 to speak with a Chase representative. They will ask the same questions as the online form: your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and which account type you want. Have your ID ready so they can verify your information.

You will choose a username, password, and PIN during the call. The representative will explain the account features and help you set up your initial deposit. Your debit card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days. This route is slower than opening online but useful if you prefer to talk through your options or if you had trouble with the website.

What happens after you open your account

Once your account is open, you can log into chase.com or the Chase mobile app to check your balance, transfer money, pay bills, and deposit checks by taking a photo. You will receive statements monthly (or you can view them online). Your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days if you opened online, or sooner if you opened in a branch.

If you set up direct deposit, your paycheck will land in your account on payday. Chase offers no-fee transfers to other banks through its external transfer feature. You can also use Chase ATMs nationwide for free withdrawals, and you can withdraw cash at most other banks' ATMs, though out-of-network ATM fees may apply depending on your account type.

If you need to dispute a transaction or report fraud, log into your account, find the transaction, and select "Report as Unauthorized" or call the number on the back of your debit card. Chase has 60 days to investigate and must resolve most disputes within that window.

Fees and requirements to avoid monthly charges

Chase Total Checking has a $12 monthly fee, but you can waive it by meeting one of these requirements: setting up direct deposit of any amount, maintaining a $500 minimum daily balance, or keeping an average daily balance of $1,500. Most people avoid the fee by setting up direct deposit from their employer or government benefits.

Chase Savings has a $5 monthly fee that you can waive by maintaining a $300 minimum daily balance or $2,500 average daily balance. Money Market accounts have higher minimums and higher interest rates but also higher fees.

Overdraft fees are $35 per transaction if you spend more than your balance. Chase offers overdraft protection — you can link your savings account or credit card to cover overdrafts automatically — but this does not prevent the fee; it just prevents your transaction from being declined. You can also opt out of overdraft protection entirely, which means transactions will be declined if you do not have funds.

If you already have a Chase account

If you already bank with Chase and want to open a second account, you can do so online or in person using the same process. You will use the same username and password to access both accounts from chase.com or the mobile app. You can transfer money between your Chase accounts instantly and for free.

If you want to close an account, log into chase.com, call 1-800-935-9935, or visit a branch. Make sure your balance is zero and there are no pending transactions. Chase will close the account within a few business days. If you have a debit card, cut it up or ask the bank to deactivate it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to open a Chase account?

Opening online takes about 10 minutes, and your account is active immediately. Your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Opening in person or by phone takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you may receive your debit card the same day at a branch.

Can I open a Chase account if I have bad credit?

Chase does not run a credit check to open a checking or savings account. However, Chase does check ChexSystems, a banking history database. If you have been flagged for fraud or unpaid overdrafts at another bank, Chase may deny your application. You can request your ChexSystems report at chexsystems.com.

What is the minimum deposit to open a Chase account?

Most Chase savings accounts require a $25 minimum deposit. Some checking accounts have no minimum. You can fund your account by transferring from another bank, using a debit card, or depositing cash or a check in person.

Can I open a Chase account without a Social Security number?

Yes, you can use an ITIN instead. You must open the account in person at a branch and bring your ITIN documentation, passport or visa, and proof of address. Call your local branch first to confirm they can process ITIN accounts.

What should I do if my debit card does not arrive?

Debit cards typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If yours does not arrive, log into chase.com and check your mailing address, or call 1-800-935-9935. Chase can reissue your card or activate a temporary digital card in the mobile app so you can use it immediately.