What a Chase checking account is
A Chase checking account is a deposit account you open at Chase Bank that lets you store money, write checks, use a debit card, and set up automatic bill payments. Chase is one of the largest banks in the United States, with branches and ATMs across the country. When you open a checking account, Chase holds your money and lets you withdraw it on demand—you don't earn interest on the balance, but you get access to your funds whenever you need them.
Chase offers several checking account products, each with different monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and features. The most common are Chase Total Checking, Chase Premier Plus Checking, and Chase Sapphire Checking. Which one makes sense for you depends on how much money you keep in the account, how often you use it, and whether you want extra perks like travel rewards or higher interest rates on linked savings.
Key Takeaways
- Chase checking accounts let you deposit money, write checks, use a debit card, and pay bills, with access to your funds at any time.
- Monthly fees range from $0 to $25 depending on the account type, and most can be waived if you meet a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.
- Chase Total Checking is the entry-level option with no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or receive direct deposit.
- You can access your account through Chase branches, ATMs, online banking, and the mobile app, with no charge for basic transactions.
- Overdraft fees apply if you spend more than your balance, and Chase allows overdrafts up to a certain limit before declining transactions.
Chase checking account types and their costs
Chase Total Checking is the most basic option. There is no monthly fee if you keep a minimum balance of $500 or receive at least one direct deposit per month. If you fall below $500 and have no direct deposits, Chase charges $12 per month. You get a debit card, online and mobile banking, and access to Chase's network of branches and ATMs.
Chase Premier Plus Checking requires a $25,000 minimum balance to avoid the $25 monthly fee. In exchange, you get higher ATM fee reimbursements, priority customer service, and a higher overdraft limit. This account is designed for people who keep larger balances at Chase.
Chase Sapphire Checking is linked to a Sapphire savings account and offers rewards points on debit card purchases. It has a $10,000 minimum balance requirement to avoid the $25 monthly fee. The rewards rate is typically 1 point per $1 spent, which you can redeem for cash or travel.
All Chase checking accounts include the same core features: unlimited check writing, online bill pay, mobile check deposit, and 24/7 customer service. The differences are in fees, minimum balances, and bonus features.
How to use your Chase checking account
Once your account is open, you receive a debit card and checks. You can deposit money by visiting a Chase branch, using an ATM, or depositing checks through the mobile app. Direct deposit—where your employer or government agency sends your paycheck straight to your account—is the fastest way to get money in, and it typically posts within one or two business days.
To spend money, you can use your debit card at stores, online, or at ATMs to withdraw cash. You can also write checks and mail them, or set up automatic bill payments through Chase's online banking portal. Bill payments to other Chase customers usually post the same day; payments to other banks typically take one to three business days.
Chase's mobile app and website let you check your balance, transfer money between your own accounts, send money to other people through Zelle (a peer-to-peer payment service), and monitor your transactions in real time. You can also set up alerts to notify you when your balance drops below a certain amount or when a large transaction occurs.
Overdraft protection and fees
If you spend more money than you have in your account, Chase may allow the transaction to go through and charge you an overdraft fee. The overdraft fee is typically $35 per transaction. Chase allows overdrafts up to a certain limit—usually around $100 to $500 depending on your account history—before declining transactions outright.
You can link your Chase checking account to a savings account or credit card to set up overdraft protection. If you overdraw your checking account, Chase automatically transfers money from the linked account to cover the shortfall, usually without charging a fee. This is optional, and you can turn it on or off through your online account settings.
If you receive an overdraft fee, you can contact Chase and ask them to reverse it, especially if it is your first time or if the overdraft was small. Chase sometimes waives one or two fees per year as a courtesy, though they are not required to do so.
ATM access and branch locations
Chase has over 4,700 branches and 16,000 ATMs across the United States. Account holders can withdraw cash and deposit checks at any Chase ATM for free. If you use an ATM from another bank, that bank may charge you a fee (typically $2 to $3), and Chase may also charge you a fee (typically $2 to $3), so using a Chase ATM is cheaper.
Premier Plus Checking customers get reimbursement for out-of-network ATM fees up to $15 per month, which helps if you travel or live far from a Chase branch. Standard checking accounts do not include this benefit.
You can also visit any Chase branch to withdraw cash, deposit checks, or speak with a banker about your account. Branches are open Monday through Saturday, with limited hours on Sunday. If you prefer not to visit a branch, you can handle most tasks online or through the mobile app.
Security and fraud protection
Chase uses encryption and multi-factor authentication to protect your account when you log in online or through the mobile app. You can set up a password, a security question, and optional biometric login (fingerprint or face recognition) to keep your account secure.
If your debit card is lost or stolen, you can report it through the app or by calling Chase, and they will cancel it immediately and send you a replacement. If someone makes fraudulent charges on your card, Chase's Zero Liability Protection means you are not responsible for unauthorized transactions as long as you report them within a reasonable time frame (typically 60 days).
If someone gains access to your online banking login and transfers money out of your account, Chase will investigate and typically refund the money if you report it promptly. The key is to report fraud as soon as you notice it, because your liability increases the longer you wait.
How to open a Chase checking account
You can open a Chase checking account online, through the mobile app, or at a branch. Online and app applications take about 10 minutes and require your Social Security number, date of birth, address, and employment information. Chase will run a soft credit check (which does not affect your credit score) and may verify your identity by asking security questions.
Once approved, you can start using your account immediately for transfers and bill payments. Your debit card and checks arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need a card faster, you can visit a branch and request an expedited card or a temporary card number to use online.
If you already have a Chase account, opening a second checking account is faster because Chase already has your information on file. You can do it entirely online in a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay a monthly fee for Chase checking?
Chase Total Checking has no monthly fee if you keep a $500 minimum balance or receive at least one direct deposit per month. If you do neither, the fee is $12 per month. Premier Plus and Sapphire accounts have higher minimum balances ($25,000 and $10,000 respectively) and charge $25 per month if you do not meet them.
Can I use my Chase debit card at other banks' ATMs?
Yes, but you may be charged a fee by the other bank (typically $2 to $3) and by Chase (typically $2 to $3). Using a Chase ATM is free. Premier Plus customers get reimbursed for out-of-network ATM fees up to $15 per month.
How long does it take to transfer money between Chase accounts?
Transfers between your own Chase accounts are instant and available immediately. Transfers to other banks typically take one to three business days, depending on the receiving bank's processing time.
What happens if I overdraw my account?
Chase charges a $35 overdraft fee per transaction. You can set up overdraft protection by linking a savings account or credit card, which allows Chase to automatically transfer money to cover the shortfall without charging a fee.
Is my money safe if Chase fails?
Yes. Chase is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), which means deposits up to $250,000 per account holder are protected. If Chase were to fail, the FDIC would return your money up to that limit.