What you need to start a Chase checking account
You can open a Chase checking account online, by phone, or in person at a branch. The fastest route is online — you can complete it in about 10 minutes if you have the required documents ready. Chase will ask for your Social Security number, a government-issued ID, your date of birth, and an initial deposit (which varies by account type, but some accounts have no minimum).
If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Chase will verify your identity using information from credit bureaus and public records, so the process is faster if your name, address, and other details match what is already on file.
You will also need to choose which type of checking account fits your situation — Chase offers several, and the features and fees differ. Some accounts waive monthly fees if you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit; others charge a fee regardless.
Key Takeaways
- You can open a Chase checking account online in about 10 minutes with your Social Security number, government ID, date of birth, and an initial deposit.
- Chase offers multiple checking account types with different fee structures — some waive fees for direct deposit or a minimum balance, others charge monthly fees regardless.
- If you open online, your account is usually active the same day, but you will need to visit a branch or use mobile deposit to add funds if you do not transfer electronically.
- If you already have a Chase savings account or credit card, opening a checking account takes less time because Chase already has your information on file.
Chase checking account types and their differences
Chase offers Chase Total Checking, Chase Premier Plus Checking, and Chase Sapphire Checking, plus a few others depending on your state. Total Checking is the most common option for everyday banking — it has a $12 monthly service fee, but the fee is waived if you maintain a $500 minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or keep a linked savings account with at least $500 in it.
Premier Plus Checking is designed for customers who want more perks and higher balance requirements. Sapphire Checking is tied to the Sapphire credit card and offers benefits if you hold that card. Each account comes with a debit card, online banking, and mobile app access, but the number of free ATM withdrawals and other features vary.
Before you open an account, check Chase's website or call 1-800-935-9935 to confirm which accounts are available in your state and what the current fee structure is, because these details change and vary by location.
Steps to open an account online
Start at chase.com and look for the "Open an Account" or "Checking" section. Chase will ask you to enter your Social Security number, date of birth, and email address. You will then upload or photograph your government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work.
Next, you will choose which checking account type you want and review the terms. Chase will ask for your current address and phone number, then confirm your identity by checking against credit bureau records. This usually takes a few minutes, but sometimes Chase flags an application for manual review, which can add a day or two.
Once approved, you will set up online banking credentials and choose how to fund the account. You can transfer money from another bank account (which takes one to three business days), deposit a check using mobile deposit, or visit a Chase branch in person. Your account number and routing number are available immediately, even if your debit card has not arrived yet.
Opening an account in person at a Chase branch
Bring your government-issued ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement all work). A Chase banker will walk you through the account setup, answer questions about fees and features, and process your initial deposit on the spot.
Opening in person takes 15 to 30 minutes. Your debit card is usually ordered during the appointment and arrives in five to seven business days. You can start using your account the same day — the banker will give you your account number and routing number, and you can set up online banking before you leave the branch.
This route is useful if you want to ask questions in real time, if you have an unusual situation (like no credit history or a recent address change), or if you prefer to deposit cash immediately.
What happens after you open your account
Your Chase checking account is active the same day you open it, whether online or in person. You can log into online banking and the mobile app right away, transfer money from another bank, and set up bill pay. Your debit card arrives by mail in five to seven business days.
If you opened online and need to deposit cash or checks before your debit card arrives, you can visit a Chase branch and deposit in person, or use mobile deposit (photograph the check with your phone) if you have a check. Cash deposits must be made at a branch.
Chase will send you a welcome packet with your account details, debit card, and information about online banking and fraud protection. If you set up direct deposit, your employer or benefit provider can start sending payments to your new account once you give them the account number and routing number (which you can find in online banking or on your welcome materials).
Fees and how to avoid them
Chase Total Checking charges a $12 monthly service fee. You can waive it by maintaining a $500 minimum balance, setting up at least one direct deposit per month, or keeping a linked Chase savings account with $500 in it. If none of those apply, you will be charged the fee each month.
Other fees include overdraft fees (charged when you spend more than your balance), out-of-network ATM fees (usually $2.50 per withdrawal at ATMs not owned by Chase), and wire transfer fees. Chase does not charge a fee to open an account or to close one.
If you think you will have trouble maintaining a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit, compare Chase's options to other banks before you commit. Some banks offer checking accounts with no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement.
If you already have a Chase account
If you already have a Chase savings account, credit card, or other product, opening a checking account is faster. Chase already has your identity information verified, so you can open online in five minutes. You may also see offers for bonus cash or waived fees for the first few months, though these vary.
Log into your existing Chase account, look for "Open an Account" or "Add a Checking Account," and follow the prompts. You will still need to choose an account type and make an initial deposit, but the identity verification step is skipped.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do I need to open a Chase checking account?
The minimum initial deposit varies by account type. Some Chase checking accounts have no minimum, while others require $25 or more. Check the specific account details on Chase's website or call 1-800-935-9935 to confirm the current requirement for the account you want.
Can I open a Chase checking account if I have been denied before?
Chase uses ChexSystems, a banking history database, to review applications. If you were denied because of a closed account with a negative balance or fraud, you may be denied again. Contact Chase directly to ask about your specific situation, or look into second-chance banking accounts at other institutions.
How long does it take to get my debit card?
Debit cards usually arrive in five to seven business days after you open your account. If you need a card sooner, visit a Chase branch and ask about expedited card options, though these may have a fee.
Can I open a Chase checking account without a Social Security number?
Yes, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You will still need a government-issued ID and proof of address. Call 1-800-935-9935 to confirm the process, as it may differ slightly from the standard online application.
What if my application is denied?
Chase will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include negative ChexSystems history, unpaid overdrafts at other banks, or identity verification issues. You can dispute inaccurate information in ChexSystems or wait and reapply after the issue is resolved.