What you need to open a Chase account

Chase offers checking and savings accounts online and in branches. To open an account, you will need a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and an initial deposit. Most accounts require a minimum opening deposit—this varies by account type, so check the specific account details before you start.

You can open an account entirely online, by phone, or in person at a Chase branch. Online is fastest if you have a debit card or bank account to fund the initial deposit. In-person is useful if you want to ask questions or if you do not have an existing payment method ready.

Chase also offers accounts for minors, businesses, and non-profit organizations, but each has different requirements. This guide covers personal checking and savings accounts for adults.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a government ID, Social Security number, and an opening deposit to start a Chase account.
  • Online account opening takes about 10 minutes and you can begin using the account the same day in most cases.
  • Chase requires a minimum opening deposit that varies by account type—check the account page before you begin.
  • If you open online and cannot verify your identity immediately, Chase may ask you to visit a branch or provide additional documents.

Opening an account online

Go to chase.com and select "Open an account" from the homepage. You will choose the account type first—Chase offers several checking accounts (Chase Total Checking, Chase Sapphire Checking) and savings accounts (Chase Savings, Chase High Yield Savings). Each has different monthly fees, minimum balances, and interest rates. Read the account details page for the account you want before you proceed.

Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. Chase will ask for your Social Security number to verify your identity and check for existing accounts. You will then choose how to fund the opening deposit. If you have a debit card or bank account, you can transfer money immediately. If you do not, you can mail a check or visit a branch to deposit cash.

Chase will verify your identity using information from credit bureaus and public records. If verification is instant, your account opens and you receive online banking access right away. If Chase cannot verify you online, you will receive an email or phone call asking you to visit a branch with your ID or to provide additional documents by mail.

Opening an account in person at a Chase branch

Bring your government ID, Social Security number, and your opening deposit (cash or a check). Walk into any Chase branch during business hours and tell a representative you want to open an account. They will ask which account type you want and will walk you through the application on their computer or on paper.

The in-person process takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will sign documents, provide your information, and make your opening deposit. The representative will give you a temporary debit card or account number on the spot, and you can set up online banking before you leave. Your full debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Opening in person is useful if you are uncomfortable with online verification, if you want to ask questions about account features, or if you do not have a way to fund the account online.

What happens after you open your account

Once your account is open, you will receive login credentials for Chase's online banking platform and mobile app. You can transfer money, pay bills, deposit checks by phone camera, and set up direct deposit immediately. Your physical debit card arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

If you opened online and Chase could not verify your identity immediately, your account may be limited until verification is complete. You might not be able to withdraw money or use the debit card until Chase confirms your identity. This usually takes 1 to 3 business days, but can take longer if Chase needs additional documents.

Chase will send you account statements by email or mail (you choose). You can also view statements anytime in online banking. If you set up direct deposit, your employer can begin depositing your paycheck as soon as you provide your account and routing number.

Minimum opening deposits and account fees

Chase Total Checking requires a $25 opening deposit and has a $12 monthly fee (waived if you maintain a $1,500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit). Chase Sapphire Checking requires a $25 opening deposit and has a $25 monthly fee (waived with a $20,000 minimum balance or $500 in monthly direct deposits). Chase Savings requires a $25 opening deposit and has no monthly fee.

Chase High Yield Savings requires a $25 opening deposit, has no monthly fee, and pays interest on your balance. The interest rate changes based on market conditions and is posted on Chase's website.

If your account falls below the minimum balance requirement and you do not meet the waiver conditions, the monthly fee will be charged. You can avoid fees by maintaining the balance, setting up direct deposit, or choosing an account with no minimum balance requirement.

If you already have a Chase account

You can open additional accounts online or in person. If you open online, Chase will recognize your existing account and may skip some verification steps. You can link multiple accounts together in online banking so you can transfer money between them easily.

If you want to change account types—for example, moving from Chase Total Checking to Chase Sapphire Checking—you do not have to close your old account. You can open the new account and transfer your balance, or close the old account after you have moved your money and set up direct deposit with the new account number.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The application itself takes about 10 minutes. If Chase verifies your identity instantly, your account opens and you can use online banking the same day. If verification takes longer, you will receive an email or call within 1 to 3 business days asking for additional information or a branch visit.

Can I open a Chase account without a Social Security number?

No. Chase requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open any personal account. If you do not have one, you will need to obtain one before you can open an account.

What if I do not have an opening deposit ready?

You can mail a check to Chase after you open your account online, or you can visit a branch to deposit cash in person. Some accounts allow you to open with $0 and deposit later, but most require at least $25 at opening. Check the account details page for the specific account you want.

Can I open a joint account with someone else?

Yes. Both account holders will need to provide their ID, Social Security number, and signature. You can open a joint account online if both people are present, or you can both visit a branch together. Joint accounts allow both people to access the money and make decisions about the account.

What if Chase denies my account application?

Chase may deny an application if you have a history of overdrafts, unpaid fees, or fraud with another bank. You can call Chase to ask why your application was denied. Some denials are based on ChexSystems (a banking history report), and you can dispute inaccurate information on your report.