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. Most people start online because it takes 10 to 15 minutes and you can fund the account immediately. 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 or more, depending on the account type.

Chase offers several checking account types: Chase Total Checking (the standard option), Chase Premier Plus Checking (requires higher balances), and Chase Student Checking (for people under 24). The account you choose affects monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and perks like ATM fee reimbursement. Read the fee schedule for the specific account before you start, because some charge a monthly maintenance fee if you don't meet balance or direct deposit requirements.

You will also need a current mailing address and a phone number. If you are opening the account online, Chase will verify your identity by asking questions about your credit history or by checking your information against public records. This process is instant in most cases.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit of at least $25 to open a Chase checking account online or in person.
  • Chase Total Checking is the most common option and has no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit.
  • Opening online takes 10 to 15 minutes and you can start using the account the same day with a debit card and online banking access.
  • Chase will verify your identity during signup using information from your credit file or public records, and this usually happens instantly.
  • You can fund your new account by transferring money from another bank, using a debit card, or depositing a check through the mobile app.

Opening an Account Online

Go to chase.com and click "Open an Account" or "Checking" in the main menu. Select the account type you want—Chase Total Checking is the default and works for most people. You will enter your name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. Chase will ask whether you want to link an existing bank account to fund the new checking account or start with a small deposit.

Next, Chase verifies your identity. This usually means answering five to ten questions about your credit history or previous addresses. The questions come from public records and credit bureaus, and you answer them on the screen. If you pass verification, your account opens immediately and you can log in to online banking right away.

Chase will mail you a debit card within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your debit card number in the app before the physical card arrives if you need to make purchases online. Your account number and routing number appear in the app as soon as the account is open, so you can set up direct deposit or transfer money from another bank the same day.

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 initial deposit (cash or a check). A Chase banker will walk you through the account setup, answer questions about fees and features, and help you choose the right account type. The whole process takes 15 to 30 minutes.

When you open an account in person, you can ask the banker to order a debit card to be mailed or sometimes pick one up the same day, depending on the branch. You will also receive your account number and routing number on the spot, so you can set up direct deposit immediately. If you bring cash, the banker deposits it into your account right away.

Opening in person is useful if you want to ask questions about overdraft protection, savings accounts, or other products before you commit. It is also the best option if you have trouble verifying your identity online or if you do not have a Social Security number yet (some branches can help with alternative verification).

Funding Your New Account

You have three main ways to put money into your new Chase checking account. The fastest is to link an existing bank account and transfer money online—this usually takes one to two business days. You can do this in the Chase app or online banking by entering your other bank's routing number and account number.

The second option is to deposit a check using the Chase mobile app. Take a photo of the front and back of the check, enter the amount, and submit it. Mobile check deposits usually clear within one to two business days. There is no fee for this, but Chase limits how much you can deposit per day and per month (limits vary by account age and history).

The third option is to deposit cash at a Chase ATM or branch. Cash deposits at a branch or ATM appear in your account immediately or within one business day. If you deposit at an ATM outside of Chase branches, you may be charged a fee by the ATM operator (though Chase reimburses some ATM fees depending on your account type).

Monthly Fees and Balance Requirements

Chase Total Checking has no monthly fee if you meet one of these conditions: maintain a $500 minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or link a Chase savings account with a $300 balance. If you do not meet any of these, Chase charges $12 per month. This fee is waived for customers under 18 or for anyone with a Chase Student Checking account.

Chase Premier Plus Checking requires a $15,000 minimum balance to avoid a $25 monthly fee. This account is designed for people who keep larger balances and want premium features like higher ATM fee reimbursement and priority customer service. Most people do not need this account.

Chase Student Checking has no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement. It is open to people under 24 with a valid student ID or proof of enrollment. After you turn 24, the account converts to Chase Total Checking, and the standard fee rules apply.

What Happens After Your Account Opens

Your account is active immediately, but your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Until then, you can use your account number and routing number to receive direct deposits or transfer money in. You can also use your debit card number in the Chase app to make online purchases or add it to a digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay.

When your debit card arrives, it comes with a PIN (personal identification number) already set. You can change this PIN in the app or at any Chase ATM. Your first statement arrives 30 days after your account opens and shows all deposits, withdrawals, and fees.

Set up online bill pay if you plan to pay bills through your checking account. This is free and lets you schedule payments to almost any business or person. You can also set up automatic payments for recurring bills like utilities or insurance. These features are available in the Chase app or online banking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase checking account if I do not have a Social Security number?

Chase requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open a checking account. If you do not have either, visit a Chase branch in person and ask about alternative verification options. Some branches can work with you if you have a passport or other government ID, but this varies by location.

How long does it take to open a Chase checking account online?

The entire process takes 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish. Your account opens immediately after identity verification, which usually happens in seconds or minutes. Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days, but you can use your account number and routing number the same day.

What is the minimum deposit to open a Chase checking account?

The minimum initial deposit is $25 for most Chase checking accounts. You can deposit this as a transfer from another bank, a check, or cash. After your account opens, there is no minimum balance requirement for Chase Total Checking unless you want to avoid the monthly fee—in that case, you need to maintain $500 or set up direct deposit.

Can I open a Chase checking account if I have been denied before?

Chase uses ChexSystems, a banking history report, to decide whether to open accounts. If you were denied in the past, you can request your ChexSystems report for free at chexsystems.com to see why. You can dispute errors on the report. Even with a negative history, some people are approved if enough time has passed or if they explain the situation to a banker in person.

Do I need to open a savings account at the same time?

No. You can open only a checking account. However, linking a Chase savings account with a $300 balance is one way to waive the monthly fee on Chase Total Checking, so some people open both accounts together for that reason. You can always add a savings account later.