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 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 — Chase will verify the address matches what you provide.

You'll also need to bring or have ready your initial deposit amount. Chase checking accounts have no minimum opening deposit, but you do need to fund the account on the day you open it. You can deposit cash, a check, or transfer money from another bank account if you have one.

If you're opening the account online or by phone instead of in a branch, Chase will ask you to verify your identity through a video call with a representative. This step replaces the in-person ID check and usually takes a few minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government photo ID, your Social Security number, and a recent utility bill or bank statement showing your current address.
  • Chase checking accounts have no minimum opening deposit, but you must fund the account on the day you open it.
  • You can open an account in a branch, online, or by phone; online and phone applications require a video identity verification call.
  • If you don't have a Social Security number, Chase offers accounts for non-U.S. citizens using an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead.
  • The account is typically active and ready to use within one business day of opening.

Opening in a Chase branch versus online

Opening in a branch is the fastest route if you have all your documents ready. You walk in with your ID, Social Security number, proof of address, and initial deposit. A banker verifies everything on the spot, you sign the account agreement, and your account is usually active the same day or the next business day. You can start using your debit card and online banking immediately in most cases.

Opening online takes longer because of the identity verification step. You'll enter your personal information on Chase's website, upload photos of your ID and proof of address, and then schedule a video call with a Chase representative. That call can happen within hours or may take a day or two depending on availability. After the call, Chase reviews your documents and typically activates the account within one business day.

Opening by phone follows the same process as online: you provide information over the call, schedule the video verification, and wait for activation. Phone opening is useful if you prefer speaking to someone, but it doesn't move faster than the online route.

What happens if you don't have all documents

If you don't have a government photo ID, Chase will not open a checking account for you. A state ID card, passport, or tribal ID all work, but Chase requires one of these specific forms of identification. There is no workaround for this requirement.

If you don't have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN instead. An ITIN is issued by the IRS to non-U.S. citizens and non-residents who need to file taxes or open financial accounts. You'll need to provide your ITIN in place of your Social Security number, and Chase will verify it the same way.

If you don't have proof of address in your name, you have limited options. Some branches may accept an alternative document like a lease agreement, employment letter with your address, or government benefit statement. Call your local Chase branch to ask what they'll accept before you go in; policies vary slightly by location.

Age requirements and accounts for minors

You must be at least 18 years old to open a Chase checking account on your own. If you're under 18, a parent or legal guardian must open a Chase First Banking account with you, which is a separate product designed for minors. The adult must be present in the branch or on the video call and will be the primary account holder.

Chase First Banking requires the same documents from the parent (ID, Social Security number, proof of address) plus your birth certificate or school ID to verify your age. The parent controls the account until you turn 18, at which point you can transition to a standard checking account.

Fees and account maintenance

Chase's basic checking account is called Chase Total Checking, and it has a monthly maintenance fee of $12 unless you meet one of the fee-waiver conditions. You can waive the fee by maintaining a minimum daily balance of $500, setting up direct deposit, or being a student under 25 with a .edu email address. Many people waive the fee through direct deposit alone, which requires your employer to deposit your paycheck into the account.

There are no fees to open the account, and Chase does not charge you to close it. If you close the account within 90 days, Chase may flag it as unusual activity, but you won't be penalized financially. Closing takes a phone call or a branch visit and usually happens within a few business days.

What to expect after you open the account

Your debit card typically arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your account for online transfers and bill pay immediately through Chase's website or mobile app, even before the physical card arrives. If you need a card sooner, some branches can issue a temporary card on the spot or order expedited delivery for a fee.

Your account number and routing number are available immediately after opening, so you can set up direct deposit or automatic bill payments right away. Chase provides these numbers through your online banking portal or by calling customer service.

If you opened the account online or by phone, you'll receive a welcome packet in the mail with your account agreement and disclosures. Keep this for your records. You can also access all account documents through your online banking portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase checking account if I have bad credit or a ChexSystems record?

Chase does not use your credit score to decide whether to open a checking account. However, Chase does check ChexSystems, a banking history database that tracks overdrafts, fraud, and closed accounts. If you have a negative ChexSystems record, Chase may deny your application. You can request your ChexSystems report for free at chexsystems.com to see what's on file.

What if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

You can open a Chase checking account as a non-U.S. citizen if you have an ITIN or a valid passport. You'll need to provide proof of address in the same way as a U.S. citizen. Some branches are more experienced with non-citizen accounts than others, so call ahead to confirm your local branch can process your application.

Do I need to have another bank account to open a Chase account?

No. You can open a Chase checking account with cash as your initial deposit. You don't need an existing bank account or direct deposit to get your free guide, though having direct deposit set up later will waive the monthly maintenance fee.

How long does it take to receive my debit card?

Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need a card faster, ask about expedited shipping when you open the account; there is usually a fee for this service. Some branches can issue a temporary card immediately if you open in person.

Can I open multiple Chase checking accounts?

Yes, you can open more than one checking account at Chase. Each account will have its own account number, debit card, and online login. However, each account will be subject to the $12 monthly maintenance fee unless you meet the waiver conditions for that specific account.