What you need to open a Chase checking account
Chase lets you open a checking account online, by phone, or in a branch. You will need a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit (the amount varies by account type). Most people can complete the online process in under 10 minutes.
Chase offers several checking account types: Chase Total Checking (the standard option), Chase Premier Plus Checking (requires higher balance), and Chase Student Checking (for ages 17–24). Each has different monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and benefits. The account type you choose depends on how much you plan to keep in the account and what features matter to you.
You will also need a way to fund the account—either a debit card from another bank, a bank transfer, or cash deposited at a Chase branch. If you are opening online, you can link an external bank account and transfer money immediately, or wait until you receive your debit card to make your first deposit in person.
Key Takeaways
- You can open a Chase checking account online, by phone, or in a branch using a photo ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit.
- 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.
- The online application takes about 10 minutes and you can start using your account the same day with a temporary debit card number.
- You will need to link an external bank account or deposit cash to fund your new account before you can make purchases or withdrawals.
- Chase offers student and premier checking accounts with different fee structures and balance requirements.
Opening an account online
Go to chase.com and click "Open an Account" or "Checking" in the navigation menu. You will be asked to choose your account type, enter your personal information (name, address, date of birth, Social Security number), and verify your identity. Chase will ask for a photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID—and may ask you to take a photo of it or answer security questions based on your credit history.
Once your identity is confirmed, you will choose how to fund the account. If you have another bank account, you can link it and transfer money right away. If not, Chase will give you a temporary debit card number you can use immediately for online purchases, and you can deposit cash at any Chase branch or ATM once your physical card arrives (usually 7–10 business days).
After you submit your application, Chase will send you a confirmation email with your account number and routing number. You can log into your account online or through the Chase mobile app within minutes, even before your debit card arrives. If you need to set up direct deposit for your paycheck, you will have your routing and account numbers ready to give your employer.
Opening an account by phone or in a branch
Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to open an account over the phone. A representative will walk you through the same questions as the online process and can answer questions about account features and fees. You will still need to verify your identity, and Chase may mail you a temporary card or ask you to visit a branch to complete the process.
If you prefer to open an account in person, visit any Chase branch with your photo ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit (cash or a check). A banker will help you choose an account type, answer questions about fees and features, and set up online banking access on the spot. You can use your debit card the same day if you deposit cash, or within a few business days if you deposit a check.
Opening in a branch takes longer than online (usually 20–30 minutes) but may be easier if you have questions or prefer to speak with someone face-to-face. Some branches offer appointments; you can check availability on chase.com or call ahead.
Initial deposit requirements and funding your account
Chase Total Checking requires a minimum opening deposit, but the amount is not fixed—it varies and may be waived during promotions. Check the current requirement on chase.com before you apply. Premier Plus Checking typically requires a higher opening deposit and a larger ongoing minimum balance.
You can fund your account with cash, a check, or a transfer from another bank. If you open online, linking an external bank account and transferring money takes 1–3 business days. If you open in a branch or by phone, you can deposit cash immediately and use your account the same day. Checks deposited at a branch or through mobile deposit typically clear within 1–2 business days.
If you do not have an initial deposit ready, some Chase branches may hold your application until you can deposit funds. Ask the banker or representative whether you can complete the application now and deposit later, or whether you must deposit before the account opens.
Monthly fees and how to avoid them
Chase Total Checking has a $12 monthly service fee, but you can waive it in two ways: maintain a $500 minimum daily balance, or set up direct deposit of at least $500 per month. If you do neither, you will be charged the fee each month. Premier Plus Checking has a higher monthly fee (currently $25) and requires a $10,000 minimum balance to waive it, or $5,000 if you have a linked Chase savings account.
Student Checking has no monthly fee for the first four years, then converts to Chase Total Checking. You must be between 17 and 24 to open it, and Chase will verify your age during the application.
If you fall below the minimum balance or miss a direct deposit, Chase will charge the fee the following month. You can set up a low-balance alert in your online account to remind you before you drop below the threshold. If you are charged a fee by mistake, you can call Chase and ask them to reverse one or two fees per year as a courtesy.
What happens after you open your account
Once your account is open, you will receive a debit card in the mail within 7–10 business days. You can activate it by calling the number on the back of the card or through the Chase app. Your temporary card number (if you opened online) will stop working once your physical card is activated.
Set up online banking and the Chase mobile app so you can check your balance, transfer money, pay bills, and deposit checks by phone. You can also set up alerts for low balance, large purchases, or unusual activity. If you want to set up direct deposit, use your account number and routing number (1010 for most Chase branches, though some branches have different routing numbers—check your account details online).
If you have questions about your account after opening, you can call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935, visit a branch, or use the chat feature in the Chase app. Most issues—like changing your address, adding a beneficiary, or linking an external account—can be done online in minutes.
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 ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) to open an account. If you have an ITIN, you can use it instead. If you do not have either, you will not be able to open an account at Chase.
How long does it take to open a Chase checking account?
Online applications take 5–15 minutes and your account opens immediately. In-branch applications take 20–30 minutes. By phone, expect 15–25 minutes. You can use your account the same day online or in-branch; by phone, you may need to visit a branch or wait for your card to arrive.
What if I do not have an initial deposit ready?
Ask Chase whether you can open the account without an immediate deposit and fund it later. Some branches will hold your application for a few days while you arrange funds. If you open online, you may be able to complete the application and deposit within a few days before the account fully activates.
Can I open a Chase checking account if I have been denied before?
Chase uses ChexSystems (a banking history report) to screen applicants. If you were denied because of a closed account with unpaid fees or fraud, you may be denied again. Call Chase to ask why you were denied and whether you can resolve the issue before reapplying.
Do I need to open a savings account at the same time?
No. You can open only a checking account. However, linking a savings account to your checking account can lower your monthly fee on Premier Plus Checking and makes it easier to transfer money between accounts.