What You Need to Open a Chase Student Savings Account

Chase offers a student savings account called the Chase First Banking account, designed for customers under 18. To open one, you need to be between 13 and 17 years old, have a Social Security number, and bring a parent or legal guardian to a Chase branch in person. Chase does not allow online-only opening for student accounts — you must visit a physical location.

Your parent or guardian will need to bring a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of address, such as a recent utility bill or lease agreement. The student also needs to bring an ID if they have one, though it is not required. The whole process takes about 15 to 20 minutes at the branch.

If you do not have a Social Security number yet, you can still open the account, but Chase will need to add it later. Ask the banker at your branch what documents they need to complete this step after you open the account.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase First Banking is only for customers aged 13 to 17 and requires a parent or guardian to open it in person at a Chase branch.
  • You will need your Social Security number, and your parent will need a government ID and proof of address.
  • The account comes with a debit card, online banking access, and no monthly maintenance fee as long as you meet the account requirements.
  • Once you turn 18, the account automatically converts to a standard Chase checking or savings account.

What Documents to Bring to the Branch

Bring these documents with you and your parent or guardian when you visit:

  • Your Social Security number (or the card itself)
  • Your parent or guardian's government-issued photo ID
  • Proof of your parent or guardian's current address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days)
  • Your ID if you have one (school ID, state ID, or passport — optional but helpful)

If you are opening the account for a minor who is not your biological child, bring legal guardianship documents or custody papers. Chase will ask to see these before proceeding.

How the Account Works Once It Is Open

Chase First Banking includes a debit card, online banking through Chase.com, and the Chase mobile app. You can check your balance, view transactions, and set up alerts to track spending. There is no monthly maintenance fee, and there are no overdraft fees if you stay within your balance.

The account does charge fees for certain actions: a $2.50 out-of-network ATM fee if you use an ATM that is not Chase-owned, and a $35 fee if you overdraw the account (though Chase will not allow the transaction if there is not enough money, so this is rare). You can deposit money by transferring it from your parent's account, using a Chase ATM, or depositing cash or checks at a Chase branch.

Your parent or guardian has full access to the account and can monitor spending, set up parental controls, and manage the account online. This is designed to teach money management while keeping a parent informed.

When the Account Converts to an Adult Account

On your 18th birthday, Chase First Banking automatically converts to either a Chase Total Checking account or a Chase Savings Account, depending on which option you and your parent selected when opening. You will no longer need your parent's permission to access the account, though they can remain as an authorized user if you both choose.

The conversion is automatic — you do not need to do anything. Chase will send you a notice before your 18th birthday explaining the change and what fees or features will apply to your new account type. If you want to switch to a different Chase account after you turn 18, you can do that online or at a branch.

Finding a Chase Branch Near You

Use the Chase branch locator on Chase.com to find the nearest location. Enter your zip code or city, and the tool will show you branch hours, phone numbers, and whether that branch offers student account opening. Not every Chase branch handles student accounts, so call ahead or check online before you go.

If there is no Chase branch near you, you cannot open a student account online. In that case, you have two options: visit a branch when you are able to travel, or wait until you turn 18 and open a standard Chase account online instead.

What Happens If You Already Have a Chase Account

If you are under 18 and already have a regular Chase checking or savings account without a parent as a co-owner, you cannot convert it to Chase First Banking. The student account is only for new accounts opened with a parent or guardian present.

If you want the features of Chase First Banking (parental controls and monitoring), you would need to close your current account and open a new Chase First Banking account with your parent at a branch. This means a new account number and a new debit card. Ask a Chase banker whether this makes sense for your situation, since closing and reopening can affect your banking history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase student account online?

No. Chase requires you to open a student account in person at a branch with a parent or legal guardian. Online opening is not available for customers under 18.

What if I do not have a Social Security number yet?

You can still open the account. Chase will ask you to provide your Social Security number later, usually within 30 days. Bring documentation of your application for a Social Security number if you have it, and ask the banker what other proof they may need.

Can my parent open the account without me present?

No. Both you and your parent or guardian must be present at the branch. Chase requires the minor to be there to verify identity and consent to the account.

Are there any monthly fees?

Chase First Banking has no monthly maintenance fee. You will be charged $2.50 for out-of-network ATM use and $35 if you overdraw, but the account itself costs nothing to maintain as long as you follow the account terms.

What happens to the account when I turn 18?

The account automatically converts to a standard Chase checking or savings account. Your parent will no longer have automatic access unless you add them as an authorized user. You will receive notice from Chase before the conversion happens.