What you need before you start
Chase requires a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit to open a checking account. You can open an account online, on the phone, or in a branch. The process takes about 10 minutes online or 15 to 20 minutes in person, and your account is usually active the same day.
You will also need a valid email address and a phone number. If you are opening an account for someone under 18, a parent or guardian must be present or co-sign online. Chase does not require a minimum opening deposit for most checking accounts, but some accounts have monthly maintenance fees unless you meet certain conditions — like keeping a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit.
If you do not have a government ID yet, you can bring a passport, military ID, or state driver's license. Chase will not open an account without one of these.
Key Takeaways
- You can open a Chase checking account online in about 10 minutes with a photo ID, Social Security number, and email address.
- Chase offers several checking account types with different fee structures — some waive monthly fees if you maintain a minimum balance or receive direct deposit.
- Opening online is the fastest route; you can fund the account when ready with a debit card, bank transfer, or wire transfer.
- If you have had banking problems in the past, Chase may decline your process, and you will not receive a detailed reason why.
Opening an account online
Go to chase.com and click "Open an Account" in the top navigation. Select the checking account type you want — Chase offers Chase Total Checking, Chase Sapphire Checking, and Chase Premier Plus Checking, each with different fee structures and benefits. Read the fee schedule for each one before you choose, because the monthly maintenance fee ranges from $0 to $25 depending on the account and whether you meet the waiver conditions.
Enter your email address, create a password, and provide your full name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Chase will ask for your current address and phone number. You will then verify your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history — Chase pulls this information from the credit bureaus to confirm you are who you say you are.
Once identity verification is complete, you will choose your initial deposit method. You can transfer money from another bank account, use a debit card, or wire funds. If you transfer from another bank, the funds usually arrive within one to two business days. If you use a debit card, the deposit posts when ready. After you fund the account, your account number and routing number appear on screen, and you can set up online banking right away.
Opening an account in a Chase branch
Bring your photo ID, Social Security number, and proof of address — a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement works. A Chase banker will walk you through the account options and help you choose the right one for your situation. The banker will verify your identity in person and process your initial deposit on the spot.
If you open an account in a branch, you can leave with a debit card the same day in some locations, though you may need to wait for it to arrive by mail. Ask the banker whether they have cards in stock before you leave. Your account is active when ready, and you can use online banking and mobile banking as soon as you get home.
What happens if Chase declines your process
Chase uses ChexSystems, a banking history database, to screen new account applications. If you have unpaid overdrafts, a history of fraud, or multiple accounts closed for cause at other banks, Chase may decline you. You will receive a letter in the mail explaining that your process was not approved, but Chase does not detail the specific reason.
You have the right to request a copy of your ChexSystems report for free. Go to chexsystems.com and follow the steps to order your report. If there is an error on your report — for example, a closed account listed twice or an overdraft you already paid — you can dispute it directly with ChexSystems. Correcting errors sometimes allows you to reapply successfully.
If your report is accurate but you were declined, you can reapply after 30 to 90 days. Some people have better luck explore in a branch rather than online, because a banker can sometimes override a decline or suggest an alternative product.
Setting up direct deposit and online banking
Once your account is open, you can set up direct deposit through Chase's online banking portal or mobile app. You will need your employer's routing number and your new Chase account number. Direct deposit usually takes one to two pay cycles to set up, so your first deposit may not hit on the next payday.
Chase online banking lets you transfer money between your own accounts, pay bills, and send money to other people using Zelle. Zelle transfers are usually when ready if both people use participating banks. You can also set up alerts for low balances, large transactions, or when your account is overdrawn.
Monthly fees and how to avoid them
Chase Total Checking has a $12 monthly maintenance fee unless you meet one of these conditions: maintain a $500 minimum daily balance, set up direct deposit of at least $500 per month, or link a Chase savings account with a $300 minimum balance. Chase Sapphire Checking has a $25 monthly fee with similar waiver options. Chase Premier Plus Checking has a $25 fee and requires a higher minimum balance or direct deposit amount to waive it.
If you do not meet the waiver conditions, the fee posts on the last day of each month. You can avoid the fee by switching to a different account type, meeting the balance requirement, or setting up direct deposit. Some people open a Chase savings account specifically to waive the checking account fee, since linking the accounts counts as meeting the condition.
Funding your account after opening
After your account is open, you can add money by transferring from another bank, depositing a check through the mobile app, using an ATM, or visiting a branch. Chase has about 4,700 ATMs nationwide, and you can deposit cash or checks at any of them. Mobile check deposit lets you photograph a check and deposit it without visiting a branch — the funds usually post within one business day.
If you are transferring money from another bank, the transfer takes one to two business days. If you need the money faster, you can use a wire transfer, which usually arrives the same day but costs $15 to $20. Some employers also offer same-day direct deposit, which is the fastest way to get paid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Chase checking account if I have bad credit?
Chase does not check your credit score to open a checking account. They use ChexSystems, which tracks banking history, not credit history. Bad credit does not disqualify you, but unpaid overdrafts or closed accounts at other banks might.
How long does it take to get a debit card?
If you open an account in a branch, you may receive a debit card the same day. If you open online, the card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or transfers before the card arrives.
What is the difference between Chase Total Checking and Chase Sapphire Checking?
Chase Sapphire Checking has a higher monthly fee ($25 vs. $12) but offers higher interest on your balance and waives ATM fees worldwide. Choose Sapphire if you travel internationally or keep a large balance; choose Total Checking if you want the lowest fee.
Can I open a joint checking account with Chase?
Yes. Both account holders must be present in a branch or both must verify their identity online. Each person needs a photo ID and Social Security number. Both names appear on the account, and either person can withdraw money or close the account.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
Chase requires a Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) to open an account. If you have an ITIN, you can use that instead. If you do not have either, you will not be able to open a Chase account.