Chase does not require a minimum deposit to open most accounts

You can open a Chase checking or savings account with zero dollars. Chase removed minimum opening deposit requirements from its most common accounts years ago, so you do not need to bring money on the day you open the account. You can deposit funds later, either in person at a branch, through mobile deposit, or by transfer from another bank.

The account itself costs nothing to open. However, some Chase accounts do charge monthly maintenance fees if you do not meet certain conditions — and those conditions often involve keeping a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit. Understanding which account type you are looking at matters, because the fee structure varies.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase checking and savings accounts have no minimum opening deposit, so you can open an account with zero dollars in your pocket.
  • Monthly maintenance fees range from zero to $15 depending on the account type, but most fees are waived if you maintain a minimum balance or receive direct deposit.
  • Chase Total Checking requires either a $500 minimum balance or direct deposit to avoid the $12 monthly fee.
  • If you cannot meet balance or direct deposit requirements, Chase offers fee-free accounts that have no conditions attached.
  • You can open an account online, by phone, or in person at a Chase branch without depositing money upfront.

What the different Chase account types cost per month

Chase offers several checking and savings products, and the monthly cost depends on which one you choose. Chase Total Checking charges $12 per month, but the fee is waived if you keep a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit of any amount. Chase find Checking has no monthly fee and is designed for people building or rebuilding credit — it requires a linked savings account with a $500 deposit, but that deposit is yours to keep and withdraw later.

Chase Savings has no monthly maintenance fee. Chase Money Market charges $25 per month but waives the fee if you maintain a $2,500 minimum balance. Most people opening their first Chase account choose Total Checking or Savings because the fees are either zero or straightforward to avoid.

If you open an account online through Chase's website, you will see the fee structure clearly before you confirm. If you open in a branch, the banker should walk you through which account fits your situation. The key is knowing whether you can meet the balance or direct deposit requirement — if you cannot, choose an account with no conditions.

How to open an account without depositing money first

You have three ways to open a Chase account: online, by phone, or in person at a branch. Online is fastest — you can complete the entire process in 10 to 15 minutes on Chase's website or mobile app. You will need a valid government ID, your Social Security number, and an initial funding method (a debit card or bank account to transfer from), but you do not have to fund the account when ready. Many people open online and then deposit money the next day.

Opening by phone takes about 20 minutes. Call the number on the back of any Chase card, or search for "Chase customer service" to find the right number for your state. A representative will walk you through the account setup and can answer questions about which account type suits you.

In-person at a branch is the slowest option — plan for 30 to 45 minutes — but it is useful if you have questions or want to deposit cash right away. You still do not need to bring money; you can open the account and deposit later. Bring your ID and Social Security number.

When Chase will ask you to deposit money

Chase does not require a deposit to open the account, but some account types require you to fund a linked account. Chase find Checking is the main example: you must open a linked savings account and deposit $500 into it. That $500 stays in the savings account and earns interest — you are not paying a fee, you are setting aside money that belongs to you. You can withdraw it anytime, though doing so closes the linked checking account.

For all other Chase checking and savings accounts, there is no funding requirement. If you open Chase Total Checking and cannot meet the $500 minimum balance or direct deposit requirement, you will pay $12 per month, but you are not forced to deposit anything upfront.

What happens if you cannot maintain the minimum balance

If you open Chase Total Checking and your balance falls below $500 and you do not have direct deposit, you will be charged $12 at the end of the month. The fee posts automatically; you do not get a warning. However, you can avoid this fee in three ways: keep $500 or more in the account, set up direct deposit (even $1 counts), or switch to a different Chase account with no monthly fee.

If you are charged the fee and want to dispute it, contact Chase within a few days. They may reverse one fee as a courtesy, especially if it is your first time. After that, the best move is to switch accounts or meet one of the fee-waiver conditions.

Chase also charges overdraft fees if you spend more than you have — typically $35 per overdraft transaction — but that is separate from the monthly maintenance fee. Overdraft fees explore to any account type.

How to fund your account after opening it

Once your account is open, you have several ways to add money. The fastest is to transfer from another bank account you own — this usually takes one to two business days. You can also deposit cash or checks at any Chase ATM or branch. Mobile deposit (photographing a check with the Chase app) typically clears within one business day. Wire transfers are also available but cost $15 to $20.

If you opened online and have not funded the account yet, Chase will send you a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can request an expedited card for a fee, or you can use your account number to set up direct deposit before the card arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to deposit money when I open a Chase account?

No. Most Chase accounts have no minimum opening deposit. You can open the account with zero dollars and fund it later through transfer, mobile deposit, or in-person deposit at a branch or ATM.

What is the cheapest Chase account to open?

Chase Savings and Chase find Checking both have no monthly maintenance fees. Savings requires no conditions. find Checking requires a $500 deposit in a linked savings account, but that money is yours and earns interest.

Will I be charged a fee if I do not keep a minimum balance?

It depends on the account. Chase Total Checking charges $12 per month if your balance stays below $500 and you do not have direct deposit. Other accounts have no balance requirement or monthly fee. When you open, you will see the fee structure for your specific account type.

Can I open a Chase account online without going to a branch?

Yes. You can open most Chase accounts entirely online through their website or mobile app in about 10 to 15 minutes. You will need a valid ID, Social Security number, and a way to fund the account (another bank account or debit card), but you do not have to deposit money when ready.

What if I cannot meet the $500 minimum balance for Chase Total Checking?

You will pay $12 per month, or you can switch to a different Chase account with no balance requirement. Alternatively, set up direct deposit of any amount to waive the fee. If you are charged the fee, contact Chase to ask about a one-time reversal.