What you need to start a Chase account
Chase lets you open a checking or savings account online, by phone, or in a branch. You will need a government-issued ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit. The deposit amount depends on the account type — some Chase accounts have no minimum, while others require $25 or more to open. You can fund the account immediately with a debit card, transfer from another bank, or cash if you open in person.
The entire process takes about 10 to 15 minutes online. Chase will run a background check through ChexSystems, a banking history database, to verify you have not had problems with previous accounts. If you have been flagged in ChexSystems, Chase may deny your application or require you to wait a set period before reapplying.
You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to open an account, but you do need a valid ID and a tax ID number — either a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Key Takeaways
- You can open a Chase account online in about 10 to 15 minutes with a government ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit.
- Chase checks your banking history through ChexSystems, and a negative history may result in denial or a waiting period before you can reapply.
- Different account types have different minimum deposit requirements, ranging from zero to $25 or more.
- You can fund your new account immediately using a debit card, transfer from another bank, or cash at a branch.
- Chase accepts both Social Security numbers and ITINs, so you do not need to be a U.S. citizen.
Opening an account online
Go to chase.com and select "Open an Account" from the homepage. You will be asked to choose between checking, savings, or money market accounts. Chase will then ask for your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number or ITIN.
Next, Chase will ask you to verify your identity. You can do this by uploading a photo of your government ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) or by answering security questions based on your credit history. If you choose the ID upload route, the process is usually faster — Chase typically verifies within minutes. If you answer security questions instead, verification can take up to 24 hours.
Once your identity is verified, you will choose your initial deposit method. You can link a debit card, provide routing and account numbers from another bank for a transfer, or defer the deposit until later (though some account types require a deposit to activate). After you submit, your account opens immediately and you will receive a confirmation email with your account number and routing number.
Opening an account in a Chase branch
Walk into any Chase branch with your government ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and your initial deposit (cash or debit card). A banker will walk you through the account setup in person, which takes about 15 to 20 minutes. This route is useful if you prefer to ask questions face-to-face or if you want to deposit cash directly.
In-branch accounts are verified on the spot, so you leave with a debit card order and immediate access to your account number. Your physical debit card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, though you can use your account number to set up transfers or bill pay right away.
Opening an account by phone
Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to open an account over the phone. A representative will collect your personal information, verify your identity, and process your initial deposit. Phone-based accounts take about 20 to 30 minutes and follow the same verification process as online accounts.
This option works well if you have questions during the process or if you prefer speaking to a person. However, you will still need to provide your government ID information and Social Security number verbally, so make sure you are calling from a secure location.
What happens if Chase denies your application
Chase may deny your account application for several reasons: a negative ChexSystems report, unpaid overdrafts or fees at another bank, fraud flags, or a history of account abuse. If denied, Chase will send you a letter explaining the reason within five business days.
If the denial is based on ChexSystems, you have the right to dispute the information. Contact ChexSystems directly at 1-800-428-9623 or chexsystems.com to request a copy of your report and file a dispute if information is wrong. Correcting errors can take 30 to 45 days, after which you can reapply to Chase.
If the denial is not ChexSystems-related, Chase typically requires you to wait 30 to 90 days before reapplying. During that time, resolve the underlying issue — pay off old overdrafts, clear fraud holds, or wait out the cooling-off period — then try again.
Account types and minimum deposits
| Account Type | Minimum Deposit to Open | Monthly Fee (if any) |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Total Checking | $0 | $0 with direct deposit or $500+ daily balance |
| Chase Premier Plus Checking | $25 | $25 (waived with $500+ daily balance) |
| Chase Savings | $0 | $0 |
| Chase Money Market | $25,000 | $0 with $25,000+ balance |
Chase Total Checking is the most common choice for everyday banking — no minimum deposit and no monthly fee if you set up direct deposit or keep a $500 daily balance. Chase Savings has no minimum and no monthly fee, making it a straightforward option if you want to save separately from checking. Premier Plus Checking requires a $25 deposit and charges a $25 monthly fee unless you maintain a $500 daily balance, so it is best for people who can meet that threshold.
Chase Money Market requires a $25,000 opening deposit and is designed for people with larger savings who want higher interest rates. Fees and rates change, so check chase.com for current terms before opening.
What to do after your account opens
Once your account is open, set up online banking by logging into chase.com with your account number and the temporary password sent to your email. Change your password to something secure and enable two-factor authentication for added security.
If you opened online, your debit card will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can activate it as soon as it arrives by calling the number on the back or using the Chase mobile app. If you opened in a branch, you can request a card be ordered on the spot.
Set up direct deposit, bill pay, or transfers from your old bank as soon as your account is active. If you are switching banks, ask your employer or benefit provider to update your direct deposit information to your new Chase account number and routing number (1071000013 for most Chase accounts, though confirm with your banker).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Chase account if I have been denied before?
Yes, but you will need to wait 30 to 90 days after the denial before reapplying. If the denial was based on ChexSystems, dispute any errors on your report first — this can take 30 to 45 days. Once the waiting period passes or the dispute is resolved, reapply online or in a branch.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You will need to provide it during account setup and may need to bring additional documentation to a branch to verify your identity. Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to confirm what documents they need.
Can I open an account for someone else?
No, the account holder must open the account themselves using their own ID and Social Security number or ITIN. However, you can be added as an authorized user or joint account holder after the account is open if the primary account holder requests it in a branch or through online banking.
How long does it take to receive my debit card?
Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. Chase offers expedited shipping for an additional fee — ask your banker or check chase.com for current options. You can use your account number for transfers and bill pay immediately while you wait for the physical card.
What if my initial deposit fails?
If you provided a debit card and it was declined, Chase will send you an email asking you to update your payment method. If you provided bank transfer details and the transfer failed, contact your other bank to confirm the routing and account numbers are correct, then try again. Some accounts allow you to defer the deposit and add funds later, though this may delay account activation.