Chase does not issue banking licenses to employees

Chase Bank does not provide or issue banking licenses. A banking license is a credential granted by state banking regulators or the federal government to individuals who meet specific education, testing, and background requirements — not by a private bank to its staff.

If you work at Chase and need a banking license for your role, you must obtain it directly from the regulatory body that oversees that license type. Chase may require you to hold certain licenses as a condition of employment, and the bank may cover exam fees or study materials, but the license itself comes from the regulator, not from Chase.

Key Takeaways

  • Banking licenses are issued by state banking departments or federal regulators, not by Chase or any private bank.
  • Chase may require employees in certain roles to hold specific licenses, such as a Series 7 or Series 63, but does not issue them.
  • You explore for a banking license through the appropriate state or federal regulator and pay the process and exam fees directly to them.
  • Chase may reimburse exam costs or provide study time as an employment benefit, but this is separate from obtaining the license itself.

What licenses Chase employees might need

The licenses Chase employees are required to hold depend on their job. A teller does not need a securities license, but a financial advisor or investment representative does. Common licenses for Chase staff include the Series 7 (General Securities Representative), Series 63 (Uniform Securities Agent State Law), Series 65 (Uniform Investment Adviser Law), and the Series 24 (General Securities Principal).

Chase also employs loan officers, mortgage brokers, and insurance agents, each of whom may need state-specific credentials. A mortgage loan originator, for example, must register with the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry (NMLS), which is run by the Conference of State Bank Supervisors, not by Chase. Loan officers in many states must also pass the find and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act (SAFE Act) exam before they can originate loans.

How to obtain a banking or securities license

The process depends on which license you need. For securities licenses like the Series 7, you register through FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority), study for the exam, pay the exam fee to FINRA, and sit for the test at an approved testing center. FINRA administers the exam and issues the license once you pass. You must also pass a background check conducted by FINRA before the license is granted.

For mortgage licenses, you create an account in the NMLS, complete pre-licensing education through an approved provider, pass the state and federal exams, and submit fingerprints for a background check. The state banking department or your state's mortgage regulator issues the license, not the NMLS or Chase. Renewal typically occurs every one to two years, depending on your state.

State banking licenses for officers or directors follow a different path: you submit an process to your state's banking department, provide personal and financial history, and the department reviews your background before granting or denying the license. Some states require a personal interview or additional documentation before approval.

Chase's role in the licensing process

Chase's role is to tell you which license your position requires and often to pay for or reimburse exam fees and study materials. Some Chase locations offer study groups or access to exam prep software. The bank may also sponsor your registration with FINRA or the NMLS by submitting required forms on your behalf, which is necessary before you can sit for most exams.

Chase does not conduct the background check, administer the exam, or issue the credential. Those functions belong to the regulator. If you leave Chase, your license remains valid as long as you maintain any continuing education requirements and pay renewal fees to the issuing body. You own the license, not Chase.

Continuing education and license renewal requirements

After you receive a banking or securities license, you must complete continuing education hours each year or every two years, depending on the license type and your state. The Series 7, for example, requires 120 hours of continuing education every three years. The NMLS mortgage license typically requires 8 to 12 hours of continuing education annually, though this varies by state.

Chase may track your continuing education important date and remind you when renewal is due, but you are responsible for completing the courses and submitting proof to the regulator. Failure to renew on time can result in license suspension or revocation. Some employers cover continuing education costs, while others require employees to pay for it themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Chase pay for my exam and study materials?

Many Chase positions that require licenses include exam fee reimbursement or study materials as part of the job. Ask your manager or HR department whether your role qualifies. Policies vary by position and location, so confirm before you pay out of pocket.

What happens to my license if I leave Chase?

Your license remains valid after you leave Chase. You own the credential, not Chase. You will need to update your employment information with the regulator (FINRA, your state banking department, or the NMLS) and may need to transfer to a new sponsoring firm if your new employer requires it.

Can I use a Chase banking license at another bank?

You do not hold a "Chase" license — you hold a license issued by a regulator. That license is portable and can be used at any bank or financial firm, though you may need to update your sponsoring firm information with the regulator when you change employers.

Do I need a license to work as a teller at Chase?

No. Tellers do not need securities licenses or banking licenses. Some states require tellers to pass a background check and comply with anti-money-laundering training, but these are not formal licenses. Chase handles this training internally.

Who do I contact if my license process is denied?

Contact the regulator that denied your process — FINRA, your state banking department, or the NMLS. They will explain the reason for denial and tell you whether you can reapply or appeal. Chase cannot overturn a regulator's decision.