What Chase asks for when you open an account
Chase requires a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit to open most checking or savings accounts. The specific documents and deposit amount depend on which account type you choose and whether you open it in person, online, or by phone.
You will also need a current mailing address. Chase verifies your identity against their internal records and third-party databases before the account goes live, which usually takes one to three business days.
If you do not have a Social Security number, you can open an account with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, though not all Chase branches handle ITIN accounts — call ahead to confirm.
Key Takeaways
- Bring a government photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and know your Social Security number or ITIN before you start.
- Chase requires an opening deposit that varies by account: checking accounts typically start at $0 to $25, while savings accounts may require $0 to $300.
- You can open an account online, in a branch, or by phone, and the process takes 10 to 30 minutes if you have all documents ready.
- Chase will run a ChexSystems check (a banking history report) and may deny the account if you have unpaid overdrafts or fraud flags from other banks.
- If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must open a teen account with you and provide their own ID and Social Security number.
Documents to bring or have ready
Government-issued photo ID is non-negotiable. Chase accepts a driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID. The ID must not be expired, and the name on it must match the name you use to open the account.
Social Security number or ITIN is required for identity verification. Have the actual number memorized or written down — you will need to provide it verbally or type it into an online form. If you do not have either, ask the branch whether they can open an account with an ITIN; not all locations do.
Current mailing address is needed for account statements and Chase communications. If you recently moved, bring a utility bill, lease, or recent mail showing your new address. Chase will mail your debit card and account documents to this address.
Initial deposit varies by account type. Most Chase checking accounts require $0 to $25 to open; some savings accounts require $0 to $300. You can deposit cash, transfer funds from another bank, or deposit a check at the time you open the account.
Opening deposit amounts by account type
| Account Type | Typical Opening Deposit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Total Checking | $0 | No minimum deposit required; no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 balance or set up direct deposit. |
| Chase Sapphire Checking | $0 | Premium account; no monthly fee if you maintain a $10,000 balance or have a linked investment account. |
| Chase Savings Account | $0 | No minimum deposit; interest accrues daily. |
| Chase Money Market Account | $25,000 | Higher opening deposit; tiered interest rates based on balance. |
How Chase verifies your identity
Chase runs a ChexSystems report, which is a banking history database that tracks overdrafts, fraud, and closed accounts at other banks. If you have unpaid overdrafts or fraud flags from another institution, Chase may deny your application or require you to resolve those issues first.
Chase also verifies your Social Security number against IRS records and checks your identity against public records. This verification usually completes within one to three business days. If Chase cannot verify your information, they will contact you by phone or mail to ask for additional documents.
If you have been denied a bank account before, ask Chase directly whether you can still open one. Some people with ChexSystems flags can open accounts at Chase if they pay off the old debt or wait a certain period. Chase does not publish a specific timeline, so calling your local branch is the fastest way to find out.
Opening an account online versus in person
Online: You can start the application on Chase.com or the Chase mobile app. You will upload a photo of your ID, enter your Social Security number, and provide your address. Chase will ask verification questions based on your credit history. The process takes 10 to 15 minutes, and your account usually opens within one business day. You will receive a temporary debit card number immediately and can use it for online purchases; the physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
In person: Visit a Chase branch with your ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit. A banker will complete the application, verify your information on the spot, and issue a temporary debit card or give you a card number to use right away. The account opens immediately, and your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. This route is faster if you want to start using the account the same day.
By phone: Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to open an account over the phone. You will need your ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit information (bank account number if transferring funds, or cash if depositing at a branch). Phone applications take 15 to 20 minutes and the account opens within one business day.
Teen and minor accounts
If you are under 18, Chase requires a parent or guardian to open a teen checking account with you. Both of you must be present in the branch or on the phone call. The parent or guardian must provide their own government ID and Social Security number.
Teen accounts have the same features as regular checking accounts but may have spending limits or require parental approval for certain transactions, depending on the account type. Once you turn 18, the account converts to a standard adult account automatically.
What happens if Chase denies your application
Chase will notify you by mail or phone if your application is denied. The most common reasons are unpaid overdrafts or fraud flags from another bank (shown on your ChexSystems report), a mismatch between your ID and Social Security number, or an address that cannot be verified.
If you are denied, ask Chase for the specific reason. If it is a ChexSystems issue, you can contact ChexSystems directly at 1-800-428-9623 to review your report and dispute errors. If it is an address or identity verification issue, you may be able to reapply after updating your information or providing additional documents like a utility bill or lease.
Some people denied at Chase open accounts at other banks first, build a clean banking history for six months to a year, and then reapply at Chase. This is not required, but it can improve your chances if you had serious issues at another bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Chase account without a Social Security number?
You can open an account with an ITIN if you do not have a Social Security number, but not all Chase branches offer this option. Call your local branch or visit in person to ask whether they accept ITIN accounts before you apply.
How long does it take for my Chase account to be ready to use?
If you open online, your account is usually ready within one business day and you get a temporary card number immediately. If you open in person, the account opens the same day. Your physical debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
What if I do not have a government ID?
Chase requires a government-issued photo ID to open an account. If you do not have one, you will need to obtain a state ID card or passport first. Contact your state's DMV or the U.S. State Department for the process in your area.
Can I open a Chase account if I have been denied before?
It depends on why you were denied. If it was due to unpaid overdrafts or fraud, you may be able to resolve the issue and reapply, or wait a certain period before trying again. Call Chase directly to ask whether you can open an account now.
Do I need to keep a minimum balance after I open the account?
Most Chase checking accounts have no minimum balance requirement, but some accounts waive monthly fees only if you maintain a certain balance or set up direct deposit. Review the account terms before you open to understand any ongoing requirements.