Yes, you can open most Chase accounts online, but not all of them
Chase lets you open a checking or savings account entirely online through their website or mobile app. You do not need to visit a branch. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you can fund the account when ready with a transfer from another bank. However, some Chase products — like certain business accounts, investment accounts, and accounts that require a large opening deposit — still require a visit to a branch or a phone call to complete.
The accounts you can open online are the most common ones: Chase Total Checking, Chase Sapphire Checking, Chase Premier Plus Checking, and Chase Savings. Each has different monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and benefits, but all follow the same online opening process.
Key Takeaways
- Chase checking and savings accounts open online in about 10 minutes using their website or app, and you need a Social Security number, valid ID, and proof of address.
- You must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. resident to open an account online; some states have additional restrictions.
- Chase verifies your identity by asking questions about your credit history, and you may need to provide a photo of your ID depending on your answers.
- You can fund your new account when ready by linking an external bank account, or you can wait to deposit money later.
- Business accounts, accounts requiring very large opening deposits, and some specialty products still require a branch visit or phone call.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before opening your account online: a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government document with your name and address on it. The document should be dated within the last 60 days.
You will also need access to an external bank account if you want to fund your new Chase account right away. This can be a checking or savings account at another bank. If you do not have one, you can open the Chase account and deposit money later by mail, at a Chase ATM, or at a branch.
Make sure the name on your ID matches the name you use to open the account. If your name has changed recently, update your ID first or contact Chase before opening the account online.
The online opening process, step by step
Go to Chase.com or open the Chase mobile app and select "Open an Account." Choose which type of account you want — checking or savings — and which specific product. Chase will ask for your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, phone number, and email address. Enter your current address and mailing address if different.
Next, Chase runs an identity verification check. They ask questions about your credit history and previous addresses to confirm you are who you say you are. These questions are based on information from credit bureaus and are not trick questions — they have a correct answer based on your actual history. If you answer correctly, you move forward when ready. If you answer incorrectly or are unsure, Chase may ask you to upload a photo of your ID.
After identity verification, you choose your account settings: online banking username and password, whether you want paper statements or electronic only, and whether you want overdraft protection. Then you review the account terms and sign electronically. The account opens when ready, and you receive an account number right away.
Funding your account after opening it online
You can fund your new Chase account in several ways. The fastest is to link an external bank account and transfer money when ready — this usually takes one to two business days to appear in your Chase account. During the online opening process, Chase gives you the option to add an external account right then.
If you do not link an account during opening, you can do it later through Chase online banking or the app. You will need the routing number and account number from your other bank. Chase can also send you a debit card and checks by mail, which arrive within 7 to 10 business days.
You can also deposit cash or checks at any Chase ATM or branch, though this requires waiting for the card to arrive or visiting in person. Some Chase branches offer mobile deposit through the app, which lets you photograph a check and deposit it without visiting.
Age, residency, and state restrictions
You must be at least 18 years old to open an account online. Chase requires you to be a U.S. resident, and you must have a valid U.S. address. Some states have additional rules: for example, a few states require in-person verification for certain account types, or have different rules about which accounts can be opened remotely.
If you are under 18, you can open a Chase student checking account, but it requires a parent or guardian to open it with you, either online or at a branch. If you are not a U.S. resident or citizen, you may still be able to open an account, but you will need to visit a branch with additional documentation, such as a passport and visa.
What happens if you cannot open an account online
If Chase denies your online process, they will tell you why — usually because identity verification failed, because you do not meet age or residency requirements, or because you have a history with ChexSystems (a banking verification system) that flags you. You can call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to discuss the denial and ask whether you can open an account at a branch instead.
Some account types straightforward cannot be opened online. If you want a Chase business checking account, a Chase investment account, or an account that requires a very large opening deposit (such as Chase Private Client), you will need to visit a branch or speak with a banker by phone. Chase can connect you with a banker who can walk you through those options.
Your debit card and online banking access
Once your account opens, you can use Chase online banking and the mobile app when ready. You can transfer money, pay bills, set up alerts, and check your balance right away. Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can use your account number to set up direct deposit, or you can withdraw cash at any Chase ATM using your temporary digital card in the Chase app.
Chase sends your debit card PIN separately from the card itself for security. When the card arrives, set up it through the app or by calling the number on the back. You can also request a replacement card or a second card for someone else through online banking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a minimum deposit to open a Chase account online?
No minimum deposit is required to open most Chase checking or savings accounts online. However, some accounts have a minimum balance requirement to avoid a monthly fee — for example, Chase Total Checking waives its $12 monthly fee if you keep a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit. You can open the account with $0 and deposit money later.
How long does it take to open a Chase account online?
The entire process takes about 10 minutes. Your account number appears on screen when ready after you complete the process and sign electronically. You can start using online banking and your account number right away, though your physical debit card arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Can I open a Chase account online if I have bad credit?
Chase does not check your credit score to open a checking or savings account. They use ChexSystems, a different banking verification system that tracks account history at other banks. If you have had problems with previous bank accounts — such as overdrafts you did not pay back or fraud — ChexSystems may flag you. In that case, you can visit a branch and ask about second-chance checking options.
What if I make a mistake during the online process?
If you notice an error before you submit the process, go back and correct it. If you submit the process with wrong information and it is rejected, you can start over. If your account opens but has incorrect information, contact Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935 or visit a branch to update your name, address, or other details.
Can someone else open a Chase account for me online?
No. You must open the account yourself using your own identity and information. A parent or guardian can open a student account with you, but they cannot open a regular adult account on your behalf. If you need help, you can call Chase or visit a branch and speak with a banker.