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 accepts a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You'll also need a current mailing address and a way to fund the account—either a debit card, bank account, or wire transfer.

If you're opening online, you can start immediately at chase.com. If you go to a branch, bring your ID and the funding method with you. Phone applications are available by calling 1-800-935-9935, though you'll still need to verify your identity and complete some steps online afterward.

Chase does not require a minimum opening deposit for most checking accounts, but some account types have monthly maintenance fees unless you meet certain conditions—like keeping a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit. Read the account terms before you finish, because fees vary by account type.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid government ID, Social Security number, current address, and an initial funding source to open an account online or in a branch.
  • Online applications take about 10 minutes and you can start using your account the same day if you fund it immediately.
  • Some Chase checking accounts charge monthly fees unless you maintain a minimum balance or receive direct deposits.
  • You can open an account at chase.com, by phone at 1-800-935-9935, or in person at any Chase branch.
  • If you have a history of overdrafts or closed accounts, Chase may decline your application, but you can reapply after 12 months.

Opening an account online at Chase.com

Start at chase.com and select "Open an account" from the homepage. You'll choose which checking account type fits your needs—Chase offers Total Checking, Sapphire Checking, and Premier Plus Checking, each with different fee structures and perks. Read the comparison carefully because the monthly fee and ways to waive it differ for each one.

Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, phone number, and email. Chase will ask for your driver's license or state ID number. Have it in front of you. You'll also confirm your employment status and annual income, though Chase does not verify this information in real time.

Next, you'll fund the account. You can transfer money from another bank account (ACH transfer), use a debit card, or wire money. If you use ACH, the transfer takes one to two business days. Debit card funding is instant. After you submit, Chase sends a confirmation email with your account number and routing number. You can set up direct deposit or bill pay immediately, even before your debit card arrives.

Opening an account in person at a Chase branch

Bring your government ID, Social Security card or number, and a funding method—a debit card or checkbook from another bank. A Chase employee will walk you through the account selection and take your information. The whole process takes 15 to 20 minutes. You'll leave with a temporary debit card that works immediately, and your permanent card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

In-person applications are useful if you want to ask questions about account features or if you have a complex financial history. The banker can also help you set up online banking and mobile app access before you leave the branch.

Opening an account by phone

Call 1-800-935-9935 to speak with a Chase representative. They'll collect your personal information and help you choose an account type. However, you'll still need to verify your identity online after the call—Chase will send you a secure link via email. Click the link, upload a photo of your ID, and confirm your Social Security number. This verification step takes a few minutes and must be completed within 24 hours or your application expires.

Phone applications are slower than online or in-person, so use this route only if you prefer speaking to someone or if you have questions the website doesn't answer.

What happens if Chase declines your application

Chase uses ChexSystems, a banking history report, to screen applicants. If you have unpaid overdrafts, closed accounts due to fraud or misuse, or multiple declined applications within the past two years, Chase may deny your request. You can check your ChexSystems report for free at chexsystems.com.

If you're declined, you can reapply after 12 months. In the meantime, consider a second-chance checking account from another bank—many credit unions and online banks have fewer restrictions. Once 12 months pass and you've resolved any outstanding issues (like paying back overdrafts), Chase will likely approve you.

Setting up direct deposit and bill pay

After your account opens, you can set up direct deposit immediately through the Chase mobile app or online banking. You'll need your employer's routing number and your new Chase account number. Direct deposit usually begins within one to two pay cycles. Some Chase accounts waive monthly fees if you receive at least one direct deposit per month, so confirm this in your account terms.

Bill pay is also available right away. You can schedule payments to any business or person with a bank account. Payments to businesses typically arrive within one to three business days; payments to individuals take one to two business days. There's no fee for bill pay on most Chase checking accounts.

Funding your account after it opens

Once your account is active, you can add money through ACH transfer from another bank, mobile check deposit, wire transfer, or in-person cash deposit at any Chase branch. ACH transfers take one to two business days. Mobile check deposit (through the Chase app) clears within one business day. Wire transfers arrive the same day if sent before 2 p.m. Eastern time on a business day. Cash deposits at a branch are available immediately.

Chase does not charge fees for incoming transfers or deposits, but your other bank may charge a fee to send money out. Check with your current bank before you transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase checking account if I don't have a Social Security number?

No. Chase requires a valid 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 person with the same documents, but you'll need to bring additional proof of identity and residence.

How long does it take to get my debit card after I open an account?

If you open online or by phone, your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you open in person at a branch, you receive a temporary card immediately that works right away, and your permanent card arrives in the same timeframe. You can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or bill pay before the card arrives.

What's the difference between Chase checking account types?

Total Checking has a $12 monthly fee waived if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or receive direct deposit. Sapphire Checking has a $25 monthly fee waived with a $15,000 minimum balance or direct deposit. Premier Plus Checking has a $35 monthly fee waived with a $75,000 minimum balance. Choose based on the balance you can maintain or whether you'll receive direct deposit.

Can I open a Chase account if I'm under 18?

No. Chase requires you to be at least 18 years old to open an account in your name alone. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian can open a custodial account for you, which gives them access to the account until you reach the age of majority in your state (usually 18 or 21).

What if I already have a Chase account and want to open another one?

You can open multiple Chase checking accounts, but each one is subject to the same fees and minimum balance requirements. Some people open a second account to separate spending from savings, but remember that overdraft fees apply to each account independently.