What You Need to Open a Chase Account
Chase requires you to bring a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit to open an account in person or online. The ID must be current and issued by a U.S. state, the federal government, or a U.S. territory. You'll also need a valid email address and phone number that Chase can use to contact you.
If you're opening online, Chase will verify your identity using information from your credit report and may ask follow-up questions to confirm who you are. If you open in a branch, the banker will scan your ID and enter your information directly into their system. Either way, the process takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
The initial deposit amount depends on the account type. Chase checking accounts typically require $25 to $100 to open, though some accounts waive this requirement. Savings accounts usually require $25. If you don't have the cash on hand, you can fund the account by transferring money from another bank within a few days of opening it.
Key Takeaways
- You need a current government photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit to open any Chase account.
- Opening online takes about 10 to 15 minutes and uses information from your credit report to verify your identity.
- Opening in a branch requires a visit but lets you ask questions and set up additional services on the spot.
- Most Chase checking accounts require a $25 to $100 opening deposit, though some accounts waive this fee.
- You can fund a new account by transfer from another bank if you don't have cash available immediately.
Opening a Chase Account Online
Go to chase.com and click "Open an Account" at the top of the page. Select the account type you want—checking, savings, or money market—and answer questions about your employment status, annual income, and whether you have other Chase accounts. Chase uses this information to determine which account products you're may be able to access for and to comply with federal banking rules.
Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. Chase will then verify your identity by pulling information from your credit report and asking you to confirm details like previous addresses or loan amounts. This verification usually takes a few minutes.
Once verified, you'll choose a username and password, set up online banking access, and decide how to fund the account. You can link an external bank account and transfer money, use a debit card, or deposit a check through the mobile app. The account opens immediately, though transfers from other banks take one to three business days to arrive.
Opening a Chase Account at a Branch
Find your nearest Chase branch using the branch locator on chase.com. Bring your photo ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit in cash or by check. You don't need an appointment, but calling ahead during busy times can save you a wait.
Tell the banker you want to open an account and which type interests you. They'll scan your ID, enter your information into their system, and verify your identity using the same credit report method as online. They'll also ask about your banking needs—direct deposit, bill pay, mobile banking—and can set up any of these services while you're there.
The banker will give you temporary debit card information that works immediately for online purchases, and a physical card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You'll receive your account number and routing number on the spot, which you can use to set up direct deposit or transfers right away.
Account Types and Monthly Fees
Chase offers several checking accounts with different fee structures. Chase Total Checking has a $12 monthly maintenance fee but waives it if you maintain a $500 minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or keep a linked savings account with $500. Chase Premier Plus Checking charges $25 per month and requires a higher minimum balance but includes benefits like higher interest rates and fee waivers on certain services.
Chase Savings accounts charge $5 per month in maintenance fees, waived if you keep a $300 minimum balance or link a Chase checking account. Chase Money Market accounts have higher minimum balances—usually $2,500—but pay interest rates that change based on the Federal Reserve's rate decisions.
If you're under 18, Chase offers Chase First Banking, which has no monthly fee and is designed for younger customers. If you're a student, ask the banker whether you may have access to for a student checking account, which may have lower or no monthly fees during your school years.
Setting Up Direct Deposit and Online Banking
Once your account is open, you can set up direct deposit by giving your employer or benefits administrator your Chase account number and routing number. Direct deposit usually takes one to two pay cycles to activate, so your first deposit may not arrive on your normal payday. After that, money arrives on your regular schedule.
Log into Chase online banking or the mobile app using the username and password you created. From there, you can transfer money between your Chase accounts, pay bills, send money to other people through Chase QuickPay, and set up alerts for low balances or large transactions. You can also deposit checks by taking a photo of the front and back through the mobile app.
Set up a PIN for your debit card before you use it. You'll need this PIN to withdraw cash from Chase ATMs and to make purchases at some retailers. Chase has over 16,000 ATMs nationwide, and you can use them without a fee. Using ATMs outside the Chase network may result in a fee from both Chase and the other bank.
What Happens After You Open Your Account
Your account is active immediately after you open it, whether online or in a branch. You can start using your debit card for online purchases right away if you opened online, or you can use the temporary card information the banker provides. Your physical debit card arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Chase will send you a welcome packet by mail with your account details, debit card, and information about online banking and mobile app access. Keep this packet in a safe place—it contains your account number and routing number, which you'll need for direct deposit and bill payments.
If you opened online and later want to deposit cash, you can visit any Chase branch and ask a banker to deposit it into your account. You can also deposit checks through the mobile app or at a Chase ATM that accepts deposits. Some ATMs only dispense cash, so check the screen before you visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Chase account if I don't have a Social Security number?
Chase requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open an account. If you have an ITIN, bring it along with your ID and follow the same process. If you don't have either, you'll need to obtain one before opening an account.
What if I don't have a government photo ID?
Chase requires a current government-issued photo ID to open an account. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. If you don't have one, you'll need to obtain it before visiting a branch or opening online.
How long does it take to open a Chase account online?
The online process takes about 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish. Your account opens immediately after identity verification, though transfers from other banks take one to three business days to arrive. Your physical debit card arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Can I open a Chase account if I have a negative banking history?
Chase uses ChexSystems, a banking history report, to screen new account applicants. If you have unpaid overdrafts or closed accounts due to fraud at another bank, Chase may deny your application. You can request a copy of your ChexSystems report to see what information they have on file.
Do I need to keep a minimum balance to avoid monthly fees?
Most Chase checking accounts waive monthly fees if you maintain a minimum balance—usually $500—or set up direct deposit. Savings accounts typically require a $300 minimum. If you can't maintain the minimum, ask about accounts with no monthly fee or lower minimums.