Documents and information Chase will ask for

Chase requires a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address to open a checking or savings account. The photo ID can be a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or tribal ID. Proof of address means a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days — a piece of mail with your name and address on it.

You'll also need to bring or have ready your initial deposit. Chase doesn't require a minimum deposit to open most checking or savings accounts, but you do need to fund the account on the day you open it. This can be as little as $1, though many people deposit more. If you're opening an account online, you can transfer money from another bank account or use a debit card.

If you're opening a business account, the requirements are different — Chase will ask for an Employer Identification Number (EIN), business license, and personal identification for the owner or authorized representative. This article covers personal accounts only.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government photo ID, your Social Security number, and a recent piece of mail showing your current address.
  • You need an initial deposit to open the account, but Chase does not require a minimum amount for most personal accounts.
  • You can open an account in person at a Chase branch, by phone, or online through Chase's website.
  • The account opens immediately if you apply in person or online, and you can start using your debit card within one to two business days.

Opening an account in person at a Chase branch

Walk into any Chase branch with your ID, Social Security number, proof of address, and your initial deposit. A banker will verify your documents, ask you to choose a checking or savings account (or both), and set up your account on the spot. The whole process takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

You'll receive a temporary debit card immediately or within one to two business days, depending on the branch. Your account number and routing number are available right away, so you can set up direct deposit or transfers to other banks the same day. If you need checks, you can order them through your online banking portal once your account is open.

Opening an account online or by phone

Chase allows you to open a checking or savings account entirely online through chase.com. You'll upload photos of your ID and proof of address, enter your Social Security number, and choose your initial deposit method. The account opens within minutes, and you can use your account number and routing number immediately for transfers or direct deposit.

Your debit card ships to your address and typically arrives within five to seven business days. You can also call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to open an account by phone, though you'll still need to upload documents online or visit a branch to complete the process.

Online and phone applications move faster than in-person visits if you're in a hurry, but you won't have a physical debit card until it arrives in the mail. Many people open online and use their account number for immediate transfers while they wait for the card.

What happens after you open the account

Once your account is open, you can log into Chase's online banking portal or mobile app to check your balance, transfer money, pay bills, and deposit checks by phone camera. Your account comes with online bill pay at no extra cost. If you set up direct deposit, your employer can send your paycheck directly to your Chase account.

Chase will send you a welcome packet in the mail with your debit card (if you opened online), checks (if you ordered them), and information about your account. You can start using your account immediately even if you haven't received the physical card yet — you can add your account to digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay using your account number.

Account types and what they cost

Chase offers several personal checking accounts: Chase Total Checking, Chase Sapphire Checking, and Chase Premier Plus Checking. Each has different monthly fees and benefits. Total Checking has a $12 monthly fee but waives it if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Sapphire Checking costs $25 per month and is designed for customers who want higher interest rates and premium features.

Savings accounts include Chase Savings and Chase Premier Savings. Both earn interest, though the rate changes based on the Federal Reserve's decisions. There is no monthly fee for savings accounts. You can open a checking account, a savings account, or both at the same time.

If Chase denies your application

Chase may deny your application if you have unpaid overdrafts or negative balances at another bank, a history of fraud, or if ChexSystems (a banking history report) shows problems with your account history. You can request a copy of your ChexSystems report at chexsystems.com to see what information is on file.

If you're denied, ask Chase why. Some denials are temporary — if you had a recent overdraft, waiting 30 to 60 days and reapplying sometimes works. If the issue is older, you may need to resolve it with the previous bank first. Some people open accounts at banks with less strict requirements (like online banks or credit unions) while they work on their banking history, then move to Chase later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a minimum balance to keep my Chase account open?

Most Chase checking accounts require a $500 minimum balance to waive the monthly fee, though you can avoid the fee by setting up direct deposit instead. Savings accounts have no minimum balance requirement. If your balance drops below the minimum, Chase charges the monthly fee but does not close your account.

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

Chase requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open an account. If you have an ITIN, bring documentation of it along with your other required documents. Call your local Chase branch to confirm they can process ITIN applications before you visit.

How long does it take to receive my debit card?

If you open an account in person at a branch, you receive a temporary debit card immediately or within one to two business days. If you open online, your debit card ships within one to two business days and typically arrives within five to seven business days. You can use your account number for transfers and bill pay while you wait.

What if I don't have proof of address?

Chase requires proof of address dated within the last 60 days. If you don't have a utility bill or lease, ask Chase which other documents they accept — some branches accept cell phone bills, insurance statements, or government correspondence. Call ahead to confirm what your local branch will take.

Can I open multiple accounts at Chase?

Yes. You can open a checking account and a savings account at the same time, and you can open multiple checking or savings accounts if you want to separate your money for different purposes. Each account has its own account number and debit card (if it's a checking account).