What you need to open a Chase checking account
You can open a Chase checking account online, by phone, or in person at a branch. The process takes about 10 minutes online and requires a valid government ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit. Chase does not require a minimum opening deposit for most checking accounts, though some accounts have monthly maintenance fees that you can avoid by meeting balance or direct deposit requirements.
Before you start, decide which type of checking account fits your needs. Chase offers several: Chase Total Checking (the standard option with no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 balance or set up direct deposit), Chase Secure Checking (designed for people building or rebuilding credit), and Chase Premier Plus Checking (for customers with higher balances who want premium features). Each has different fee structures and benefits.
You will also need a way to fund the account—either a debit card from another bank, a transfer from an existing bank account, or cash deposited at a Chase branch. If you open online, you can link an external bank account and transfer money immediately, or wait until you receive your debit card to make your first deposit in person.
Key Takeaways
- You can open a Chase checking account online in about 10 minutes using a valid ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit method.
- Chase Total Checking has no monthly fee if you keep a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit, making it the lowest-cost option for most people.
- Online applications are approved instantly in most cases, and you can start using your account the same day through Chase's mobile app or online banking.
- You will receive a physical debit card by mail within 7 to 10 business days, but you can request a temporary card number immediately to use online.
Opening an account online
Go to chase.com and click "Open an Account" or "Checking" in the main menu. You will be asked to choose your account type, enter your personal information (name, address, date of birth, Social Security number), and verify your identity. Chase uses your ID and Social Security number to check your background instantly; most people are approved within minutes.
Next, you will link a funding source. You can connect an external bank account (Chase will verify it with two small deposits and withdrawals, which takes 1 to 2 business days) or provide a debit card number from another bank to transfer money immediately. If you have no other bank account, you can deposit cash at any Chase branch once your account is open, or wait for your debit card to arrive.
After approval, you will receive a confirmation email with your account number and routing number. You can log into your Chase account online or through the mobile app right away to see your balance and set up bill pay. Your physical debit card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need to use a card before then, you can request a temporary card number through the app to use for online purchases.
Opening an account at a Chase branch
Visit any Chase branch with your government ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit (cash or a check). A banker will walk you through the account setup, which takes 15 to 20 minutes. You will choose your account type, provide your personal information, and sign the account agreement. The banker will verify your identity on the spot using your ID.
You can make your initial deposit in cash or by check during your visit. If you deposit cash, it posts to your account immediately. If you deposit a check, it will clear within 1 to 2 business days depending on the amount and the check's origin. You will receive a temporary debit card at the branch that you can use right away, and your permanent card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Opening in person is useful if you prefer face-to-face help, want to deposit cash immediately, or do not have access to online banking. It is also the fastest way to get a usable debit card the same day.
Opening an account by phone
Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to open a checking account over the phone. A representative will guide you through the same process as online: verifying your identity, choosing an account type, and linking a funding source. The call takes about 15 minutes. You will need your government ID, Social Security number, and information about how you want to fund the account (another bank account or debit card).
After the call, you will receive a confirmation email with your account details. You can access your account online or through the app immediately. Your debit card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Phone opening is useful if you have questions during the process or prefer not to do it online, but it does not speed up the timeline compared to opening online.
What happens after you open your account
Once your account is open, you can set up direct deposit, transfer money between accounts, and pay bills through Chase's online banking or mobile app. If your employer offers direct deposit, you can provide your Chase account and routing number to your payroll department. Direct deposit usually posts within 1 to 2 business days of your normal payday, though some employers offer early direct deposit that posts 1 to 2 days sooner.
You will also need to decide how to avoid monthly maintenance fees. Chase Total Checking charges $12 per month unless you maintain a $500 minimum balance in your account or set up at least one direct deposit per month. If you receive a paycheck via direct deposit, the fee is waived automatically. If you do not have direct deposit, you must keep $500 in the account at all times to avoid the fee.
Your physical debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Once it arrives, you can use it at any ATM, store, or online retailer. Chase offers free ATM access at over 16,000 Chase ATMs nationwide, plus surcharge-free access at most MoneyPass and Allpoint ATMs if you use a different bank's ATM.
Account types and their costs
| Account Type | Monthly Fee | Fee Waiver | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Total Checking | $12 | $500 minimum balance OR one direct deposit per month | Most people; lowest cost with direct deposit |
| Chase Secure Checking | $0 | None | People with no credit history or past banking issues |
| Chase Premier Plus Checking | $25 | $25,000 minimum balance OR $10,000 balance + $5,000 linked savings | High-balance customers who want premium perks |
Chase Total Checking is the standard option and has no fee if you use direct deposit or keep $500 in the account. Chase Secure Checking has no monthly fee and no minimum balance, but offers fewer features and is designed for people rebuilding credit or opening their first bank account. Chase Premier Plus Checking is for customers with larger balances and includes benefits like higher interest rates on savings and waived fees on certain services.
What to do if your application is denied
Chase may deny your application if you have a history of overdrafts, unpaid fees, or fraud at another bank. Chase uses ChexSystems, a banking history database, to check your background. If you are denied, you can ask Chase why and request a copy of your ChexSystems report to see what information they used to make the decision.
If you were denied because of ChexSystems, you can dispute inaccurate information in your report. You can also wait 6 to 12 months and reapply, as older negative items carry less weight. In the meantime, Chase Secure Checking may still be available to you, as it has fewer restrictions. You can also look into banks that do not use ChexSystems, such as some credit unions or online banks, though they may have their own restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a minimum deposit to open a Chase checking account?
No. Chase does not require a minimum opening deposit for most checking accounts. However, you do need to fund the account with some amount during the opening process—even $1 will work. If you have no money available, you can open the account and deposit cash at a branch later, though you should do this quickly to avoid fees.
How long does it take to open a Chase checking account?
Online applications are approved instantly in most cases, and you can access your account the same day through the app or online banking. Your physical debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. In-person applications at a branch take 15 to 20 minutes, and you can get a temporary debit card to use right away.
Can I open a Chase checking account if I have bad credit?
Chase does not check your credit score to open a checking account. However, they do check ChexSystems, a banking history database. If you have a history of overdrafts, unpaid fees, or fraud, you may be denied. Chase Secure Checking is designed for people with banking issues and may still be available even if you are denied Total Checking.
What is the difference between opening online and opening at a branch?
Online opening is faster (10 minutes) and you can do it anytime. Branch opening takes longer (15 to 20 minutes) but you can deposit cash immediately and get a temporary debit card to use the same day. Both are equally safe and result in the same account.
Can I use my Chase account before my debit card arrives?
Yes. You can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit, transfers, and bill pay immediately through online banking or the app. You can also request a temporary card number through the app to use for online purchases. You cannot withdraw cash or use it in stores until your physical card arrives or you visit a branch.