You can open most Chase accounts online in about 10 minutes using a computer or phone

Chase lets you open a checking or savings account entirely online without visiting a branch. You'll need a valid government ID, a Social Security number, and a way to fund the account (a debit card, another bank account, or a wire transfer). The process moves fast—you get a temporary account number right away and can start using it within one business day, though your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

The account you can open online depends on where you live. Chase offers different products in different states, and some accounts require a minimum opening deposit. Before you start, check which accounts are available in your state and whether any have monthly fees you want to avoid.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid government ID, Social Security number, and proof of current address to open an account online.
  • Chase verifies your identity by asking security questions based on your credit history, so the process can stall if your information doesn't match their records.
  • You can fund your new account immediately with a debit card, transfer from another bank, or wire transfer—you don't have to wait for mail.
  • Your temporary account number works right away for transfers and bill pay, but your physical debit card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive.
  • Some Chase accounts have monthly maintenance fees unless you meet balance or deposit requirements; read the fee schedule before you finish opening the account.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you open your browser: a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Chase accepts a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement as proof of address—the document should show your name and current street address.

You'll also need a way to fund the account. Chase accepts debit cards from other banks, transfers from another bank account (if you have the routing and account numbers), or wire transfers. You don't have to fund it immediately—you can open the account and add money later—but most people fund it during signup to start using the account right away.

Have your phone nearby. Chase sends a one-time code to your phone during the signup process to verify your identity, so you'll need access to the phone number you provide.

The step-by-step process

Go to chase.com and click "Open an Account" or "Sign Up" (the button location varies). Select the account type you want—checking, savings, or money market—and the state where you live. Chase will show you which accounts are available to you and their features, including monthly fees and minimum balance requirements.

Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, email address, and phone number. Chase uses this to search its records and pull up information for identity verification. If your name, address, or other details don't match what's in their system, the verification step will fail and you'll need to call Chase to complete the account opening by phone.

Chase will ask you security questions based on your credit history—things like "Which address did you live at in 2019?" or "Which lender issued your auto loan?" Answer these correctly. If you answer too many wrong, Chase will ask you to verify your identity another way, usually by uploading a photo of your ID or calling a representative.

Choose how you want to fund the account. If you use a debit card, enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV. If you transfer from another bank, enter that bank's routing number and your account number there. Chase will show you the funding amount and confirm it before you proceed.

Review the account terms and fee schedule, then sign the electronic agreement. You'll receive a temporary account number and routing number immediately. Your account is now open and you can use it for transfers and bill pay right away.

When your debit card and checks arrive

Your physical debit card ships within one business day and typically arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You can use your temporary account number to transfer money or set up bill pay before the card arrives, but you won't be able to use it at an ATM or in a store until the card is in your hand.

If you ordered checks, they arrive separately and take longer—usually 10 to 14 business days. You can start writing checks as soon as you receive them; they'll clear against your account even if they arrive at the bank before your checks do.

If your card doesn't arrive within the expected timeframe, log into your Chase account online and check the card status under "Cards" or "Account Services." If it shows as lost or damaged, you can request a replacement card immediately and it will arrive in the same timeframe.

Fees and minimum balance requirements

Chase checking accounts vary by type. Some have no monthly fee at all. Others charge $12 to $15 per month unless you maintain a minimum balance (often $500 to $1,500) or set up direct deposit. Savings accounts typically have no monthly fee but may limit the number of withdrawals you can make per month.

Before you finish opening your account, Chase shows you the fee schedule for the account you selected. Read it carefully. If the monthly fee applies to you and you want to avoid it, you can close the account within 30 days without penalty at most Chase branches or by calling customer service.

Some accounts waive the monthly fee if you set up direct deposit of your paycheck. If you have direct deposit available, linking it during signup is the easiest way to avoid fees long-term.

What to do if your identity verification fails

If Chase can't verify your identity online, it will tell you why and offer alternatives. The most common reason is that your personal information doesn't match what's in Chase's records or the credit bureaus' records—a name spelling difference, an old address still on file, or a Social Security number mismatch.

Chase will usually offer to verify you by phone or by uploading a photo of your ID. If you choose the phone route, a representative will ask you security questions and may ask you to confirm recent transactions or accounts. This usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. If you upload your ID, Chase reviews it and sends you an email within one business day confirming whether you're verified.

If both methods fail, you'll need to visit a Chase branch in person with your ID and proof of address. Bring the same documents you would have used online. A banker can open your account on the spot and you'll leave with a temporary debit card.

Funding your account after it's open

You can add money to your new Chase account in several ways after opening it. The fastest is a transfer from another bank account you own—this usually clears within one business day. You can also transfer money at a Chase ATM if you have a debit card from another bank, or deposit a check using the Chase mobile app (photo deposit).

If you need cash immediately, you can visit any Chase branch and deposit cash at the teller window. Bring your ID and your temporary account number. The deposit posts right away.

Wire transfers take a few hours and cost money (usually $15 to $30 depending on whether it's domestic or international), so use them only if you need the money urgently and other methods aren't available.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Chase requires a Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) to open any account. If you have an ITIN, you can use it in place of a Social Security number. You'll need to call Chase or visit a branch to open an account with an ITIN—you can't do it online.

What if I'm under 18?

Chase does not let minors open accounts online. You'll need to visit a branch with a parent or guardian, who will co-own the account. Some Chase branches offer teen checking accounts with limited features and no monthly fee.

How long does it take to use my new account?

Your temporary account number works immediately for transfers and bill pay. If you fund the account with a debit card or transfer from another bank, the money usually arrives within one business day. Your physical debit card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.

Can I open multiple Chase accounts at once?

Yes. You can open a checking and savings account in the same session, and Chase will link them automatically. However, Chase limits the number of new accounts you can open in a short period (usually one new account per 30 days), so opening more than two at once may trigger a review.

What happens if I close my Chase account right after opening it?

You can close the account anytime, but Chase may flag your account if you close it within 30 days without funding it or using it. Closing an account doesn't hurt your credit, but opening and closing accounts frequently can make it harder to open accounts at other banks later.