What you need to open a Chase savings account
You can open a Chase savings account online, on the phone, or in person at a branch. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes online or over the phone, and you need a valid government-issued ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit. Chase requires a minimum opening deposit that varies by account type — typically $0 to $25 for most savings accounts, though some specialty accounts have higher minimums.
Before you start, decide which Chase savings account fits your situation. Chase offers the Chase Savings Account (the standard option), Chase Premier Savings Account (requires higher balances for better rates), and Chase Secure Savings Account (for people building or rebuilding credit). Each has different features, interest rates, and monthly fees. You can compare them on Chase's website or ask a banker in person.
Have your information ready: your full legal name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and employment status. If you're opening the account online or by phone, you'll also need a debit card or bank account number to make that initial deposit. If you open in person, you can deposit cash or a check.
Key Takeaways
- You need a valid ID, Social Security number, and an opening deposit (usually $0 to $25) to open a Chase savings account online, by phone, or in person.
- Chase offers three main savings account types with different interest rates and balance requirements — compare them before you open to pick the one that matches your needs.
- Online and phone applications take 10 to 15 minutes; in-person applications at a branch may take longer if the branch is busy.
- Once your account is open, you can deposit money through mobile check deposit, transfers from another bank, ATM deposits, or in-person at a branch.
- Monthly maintenance fees apply to most Chase savings accounts if your balance drops below a certain level or you don't meet other requirements — read the fee schedule before you open.
Opening your account online
Go to Chase.com and click "Open an Account" or "Savings" in the main menu. Select the savings account type you want, then click the button to open it online. You'll be asked to enter your personal information: name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number. Chase will run a soft credit check (which does not affect your credit score) to verify your identity.
Next, you'll choose how to fund the account. You can transfer money from another bank account (this takes one to two business days), use a debit card (instant), or link a Chase checking account if you already have one. Enter the amount — your opening deposit — and confirm. Chase will send you a confirmation email with your account number and login details. Your account is active immediately, though transfers from outside banks may take a day or two to show up.
Opening your account by phone
Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to speak with a banker. Have your ID, Social Security number, and opening deposit method ready. The banker will walk you through the same questions as the online process: your personal information, which account type you want, and how you'll fund it. The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
After the call, you'll receive a confirmation email with your account number and online banking login. If you're funding the account with a transfer from another bank, that transfer will process within one to two business days. If you're using a debit card, the deposit is immediate. You can start using your account right away, though you won't receive a debit card or checkbook unless you order one separately.
Opening your account in person at a branch
Bring your valid government-issued ID and Social Security number to any Chase branch. Tell the banker you want to open a savings account. They'll ask the same questions as the online and phone processes, show you the different account options, and help you choose. You can deposit cash or a check on the spot, which funds your account immediately.
The in-person process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the branch is. Before you leave, the banker will give you your account number and temporary login information for online banking. You can set up your permanent password and username online or on the Chase mobile app once you get home. A debit card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days if you order one.
Understanding Chase savings account fees
Most Chase savings accounts charge a monthly maintenance fee of $5 to $25, but you can avoid it by meeting one of these conditions: keeping a minimum balance (usually $300 to $500), setting up direct deposit, or maintaining a linked Chase checking account. Read the fee schedule for your specific account type before you open — Chase posts this on the account details page online or the banker can show you in person.
Chase also charges fees for things like overdrafts (if you somehow go negative), wire transfers, and stopping a payment. These are separate from the monthly maintenance fee. Once your account is open, you can log into online banking anytime to see your current balance and check whether you're meeting the requirements to avoid the monthly fee.
Funding your account after it opens
After your account is open, you can add money in several ways. Mobile check deposit lets you photograph a check with the Chase mobile app and deposit it without visiting a branch — the funds usually appear within one business day. Transfers from another bank take one to two business days and are free. ATM deposits at any Chase ATM are immediate. In-person deposits at a Chase branch (cash or check) are also immediate.
You can also set up automatic transfers from a linked Chase checking account or another bank account on a schedule you choose — weekly, biweekly, monthly, or any custom date. This is useful if you want to move money to savings without thinking about it each time.
Setting up online banking and the mobile app
Once your account is open, log into Chase.com with the username and password the banker gave you (or that you created during the online application). You can view your balance, transaction history, and statements anytime. Set up two-factor authentication for security — Chase will send you a code by text or email when you log in from a new device.
Download the Chase mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play and log in with the same username and password. The app lets you check your balance, deposit checks by photo, transfer money, and set up alerts (for example, a notification when your balance drops below $100). You can also use the app to contact Chase customer service or find the nearest branch or ATM.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to open a Chase savings account?
Online and phone applications take 10 to 15 minutes, and your account is active immediately. In-person applications at a branch may take 20 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the branch is. If you're funding the account with a transfer from another bank, that transfer takes one to two business days to appear.
Can I open a Chase savings account if I don't have a Chase checking account?
Yes. You can open a savings account on its own. However, linking a Chase checking account to your savings account can help you avoid the monthly maintenance fee on the savings account, so it may be worth considering if you don't have one already.
What's the difference between the Chase Savings Account and the Chase Premier Savings Account?
The Premier Savings Account typically offers a higher interest rate but requires a larger minimum balance to earn that rate and to avoid monthly fees. The standard Savings Account has a lower minimum balance requirement. Compare the current rates and balance requirements on Chase's website, as these change over time.
What happens if my balance drops below the minimum?
If your account balance falls below the minimum required to avoid the monthly maintenance fee, Chase will charge the fee (usually $5 to $25 per month). You can avoid this by meeting one of the other requirements listed in your account agreement, such as setting up direct deposit or maintaining a linked checking account.
Can I open a savings account for someone else, like a child?
Chase offers accounts for minors, but a parent or guardian must open the account and be listed as the owner or co-owner. Contact Chase directly or visit a branch to learn about the options for youth savings accounts, as requirements vary by age.