You can open a Chase savings account online in about 10 minutes using a computer or phone

Chase lets you start a savings account entirely through their website or mobile app without visiting a branch. You'll need a valid government ID, a Social Security number, and a way to fund the account — either a debit card, another bank account, or a wire transfer. The account opens immediately after you complete the application, though you won't be able to move money until Chase verifies your identity, which usually takes one business day.

The process is straightforward: you provide personal information, choose your account type, set up login credentials, and make an initial deposit. Chase will ask security questions based on your credit history to confirm who you are. Once verification is complete, your account is fully active and you can deposit and withdraw money.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid government ID, Social Security number, and a funding source (debit card or linked bank account) to open an account online.
  • The application takes about 10 minutes, and the account opens immediately, but you cannot move money until Chase verifies your identity the next business day.
  • Chase offers several savings account types with different interest rates and minimum balance requirements — compare them before you apply.
  • You can fund your new account with a debit card, transfer from another bank, or wire transfer, and you can set up automatic deposits from your paycheck.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you open the browser or app: a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Chase will ask for your current address and phone number as well.

You also need a way to fund the account. You can use a debit card from any bank, provide the routing and account number of another bank account to transfer from, or arrange a wire transfer. If you're using a debit card, have it ready — Chase will charge a small test amount (usually $1) to verify it works, then refund it within a few days.

If you don't have a government ID yet, you cannot open the account online. You would need to visit a Chase branch in person with your ID and Social Security card.

The step-by-step application process

Go to chase.com on a computer or open the Chase mobile app. Look for "Open an account" or "Savings accounts" in the main menu. Chase will show you the savings account options available in your state — offerings vary by location.

Select the account type you want. Chase typically offers a basic savings account and a higher-yield savings account (sometimes called Chase Savings or Chase Premier Savings). The higher-yield account usually requires a larger minimum balance but pays more interest. Read the current interest rate and minimum balance requirement for each before you choose.

Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, phone number, and email. Chase will ask whether you're a U.S. citizen and whether you have a Chase account already. Answer honestly — if you already bank with Chase, the system may link your accounts or ask you to log in instead.

Create your online login username and password. Make the password strong — at least 12 characters with uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. You'll use this to access your account later.

Choose how much to deposit initially. Most Chase savings accounts have no minimum opening deposit, but some higher-yield accounts require $500 or more. Provide your debit card number, or link another bank account by entering its routing and account number. Chase will verify the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) and asking you to confirm the amounts — this takes one to two business days if you choose the bank transfer route.

Review the account agreement and disclosures. Chase requires you to agree to their terms before the account opens. Read the fee schedule and interest rate disclosure so you know what to expect.

Submit the application. Chase will process it immediately and show you a confirmation number. Your account is now open and you can log in, but you won't be able to withdraw or transfer money until identity verification is complete.

Identity verification and when your account is fully active

After you submit the application, Chase runs an automated identity check using information from credit bureaus and public records. If the check passes, your account is fully active within a few hours, sometimes the same day.

If the automated check cannot confirm your identity, Chase will ask you to answer security questions based on your credit history — questions like "Which address did you live at in 2015?" or "Which of these car loans did you have?" Answer these correctly and verification usually completes within minutes.

In rare cases, Chase may ask you to upload a photo of your ID or provide additional documents. If this happens, you'll receive an email with instructions. Respond within the timeframe Chase gives you — usually 10 days — or the account application may be denied.

Once verification is complete, you can deposit checks using mobile deposit, transfer money to and from other accounts, set up automatic bill pay, and arrange direct deposit from your employer. You cannot do any of these things until verification is finished, even though the account is open.

Funding your account after it opens

If you funded the account with a debit card during signup, that money is usually available within one business day. If you linked another bank account, the initial transfer takes one to two business days.

After the account is open and verified, you can add money in several ways. Use mobile deposit to photograph checks and deposit them through the app — most checks clear within one business day. Transfer money from another bank account using the account number and routing number — this takes one to three business days depending on the other bank. Set up direct deposit from your employer by providing Chase's routing number and your new account number to your payroll department — direct deposits usually arrive on your payday.

You can also visit a Chase branch and deposit cash or a check in person, or use a Chase ATM to deposit checks if your branch has one.

Account types and interest rates

Chase offers different savings accounts with different features. The basic savings account typically has no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement, but the interest rate is very low — often less than 0.01% annually. This account is useful if you want a simple place to hold money without worrying about minimums.

Chase Savings (sometimes called Chase Plus Savings) usually requires a higher minimum balance — often $500 to $1,000 — but pays a higher interest rate. The exact rate changes frequently and varies by state. Check the current rate on Chase's website before you open the account.

Chase also offers money market accounts, which are similar to savings accounts but may have higher interest rates and allow a limited number of withdrawals per month. These are worth comparing if you plan to keep a larger balance.

Interest rates on all Chase savings accounts change over time and are set by Chase, not by you. You cannot lock in a rate. If rates drop, your earnings drop. If rates rise, your earnings rise.

Fees and things that cost money

Most Chase savings accounts have no monthly maintenance fee. However, some accounts charge a fee if your balance falls below the minimum requirement — typically $25 per month if you drop below $500 or $1,000. Check the fee schedule for the specific account you're opening.

Chase does not charge you to open the account, make deposits, or transfer money between your own Chase accounts. You also will not be charged for using Chase ATMs.

If you use an ATM that is not part of the Chase network, the other bank may charge you a fee — usually $2 to $3. Chase does not reimburse these fees for savings accounts (though they do for some checking accounts).

If you overdraft your linked checking account by transferring money from savings, Chase may charge an overdraft fee on the checking account. Savings accounts themselves cannot overdraft.

What happens if something goes wrong

If your application is denied, Chase will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include identity verification failure, a mismatch between the information you provided and records on file, or a problem with the funding source. If this happens, you can call Chase at the number on the denial letter and ask what went wrong. You may be able to reapply after fixing the issue, or you may need to visit a branch in person.

If you cannot log in after the account opens, use the "Forgot password" link on the Chase login page to reset it. If you cannot receive the reset email, call Chase customer service at the number on the back of your debit card or on your account statement.

If money you deposited does not appear in your account after the expected timeframe, check your email for any messages from Chase asking for more information. If you see nothing, contact Chase through the app or by phone — delays sometimes happen with bank transfers, and Chase can investigate.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Chase requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open any account. If you have an ITIN, you can use it in place of a Social Security number. If you have neither, you would need to visit a branch in person and ask whether they can open an account with alternative identification.

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

The application itself takes about 10 minutes. Your account opens immediately after you submit it. However, you cannot move money until identity verification is complete, which usually takes a few hours to one business day. If Chase asks you security questions, verification can finish within minutes of answering them correctly.

Can I open a Chase savings account on my phone?

Yes. The Chase mobile app has the same account opening process as the website. Download the app, tap "Open an account," and follow the same steps. You'll need to take a photo of your ID with your phone's camera during the process.

What's the minimum deposit to open a Chase savings account?

Most Chase savings accounts have no minimum opening deposit — you can open with $1. However, some higher-yield savings accounts require $500 or $1,000 to open. Check the specific account's requirements before you apply.

Can I have multiple Chase savings accounts?

Yes. You can open more than one savings account with Chase. Some people open multiple accounts to separate money for different goals. Each account has its own interest rate and fees based on its type.