What It Costs to Open a Chase Bank Account

Chase does not charge a fee to open most of its checking and savings accounts

You can open a Chase checking account, savings account, or both without paying an opening fee. Chase does not require a minimum deposit to start the account either — you can open it with zero dollars and add money later. The accounts themselves are free to open and maintain, though some accounts have monthly fees if you do not meet certain conditions.

The cost difference comes down to which account type you choose and whether you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. A basic Chase Total Checking account has no monthly fee. A Chase Premier Plus Checking account charges $25 per month unless you maintain a $15,000 balance or have a may have access to direct deposit. Savings accounts also vary: Chase Savings has no monthly fee, but some higher-tier accounts charge fees that are waived if you meet balance requirements.

Key Takeaways

• Chase checking and savings accounts have no opening fee, and you do not need to deposit money to open one.
• Most basic Chase checking accounts have no monthly maintenance fee, but premium accounts charge $25 per month unless you meet balance or direct deposit requirements.
• You can open an account online, by phone, or in a branch, and the process takes about 10 minutes.
• Chase may place a hold on your first deposit or run a background check through ChexSystems, which can delay access to your funds.

Monthly fees depend on the account type and your balance

Chase Total Checking has no monthly fee, no matter what. This is the most common checking account Chase offers. You can use it with a debit card, write checks, and set up bill pay at no cost.

Chase Premier Plus Checking charges $25 per month, but the fee is waived if you keep a $15,000 minimum balance or set up a may have access to direct deposit. A may have access to direct deposit is typically any regular paycheck or government benefit deposited electronically into the account. If you do neither, you pay the $25 fee each month.

Chase Savings has no monthly fee. Chase Premium Savings charges a monthly fee that is waived if you maintain a $10,000 balance. The exact fee amount varies, so confirm the current rate when you open the account or check your account agreement online.

How to open an account without visiting a branch

You can open a Chase checking or savings account online through Chase.com or the Chase mobile app in about 10 minutes. You will need your Social Security number, a government-issued ID, your current address, and an initial funding method (a debit card or bank account to transfer money from). You do not have to fund the account when ready — you can open it and add money later.

During the online process, Chase will ask which account type you want and whether you want checking, savings, or both. You will review the account terms, create a username and password, and verify your identity. Chase uses ChexSystems, a banking history database, to check whether you have had problems with previous bank accounts. This check is not a credit check and does not affect your credit score.

Once you complete the process, your account opens when ready, and you can use it right away. Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need a card sooner, you can visit a Chase branch and request a temporary card or expedited shipping.

Opening an account in person at a Chase branch

You can walk into any Chase branch with your ID and open an account on the spot. Bring your Social Security number, a government-issued ID, and your current address. You do not need to bring money — the teller can open the account with a zero balance. If you want to fund it when ready, bring a debit card or a check.

The process takes 10 to 15 minutes. The banker will ask which account type you want, review the terms with you, and set up your online login. You will receive a temporary debit card at the branch or be told when your permanent card will arrive. You can start using the account the same day.

What happens after you open the account

If you fund your account with a check or transfer from another bank, Chase may place a hold on the deposit. A hold means the money is in your account but you cannot withdraw it yet. Chase typically holds checks for one business day and transfers from other banks for one to two business days. During the hold, the money counts toward any minimum balance requirement, but you cannot spend it.

Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your account online and by phone before the card arrives. If you need cash when ready, you can visit a Chase ATM or branch and withdraw from your account using your ID.

Chase will send you account statements by mail or email, depending on what you choose during setup. You can also view your balance and transactions anytime through the Chase app or website. If you set up direct deposit, your paycheck or benefit will arrive on the same day each pay period.

What Chase checks before opening your account

Chase runs your name and Social Security number through ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking history. ChexSystems is not a credit bureau — it does not look at your credit score or credit history. Instead, it checks whether you have had overdrafts, bounced checks, or fraud issues at other banks.

If ChexSystems finds a problem, Chase may still open your account, but it might limit what you can do or require a higher minimum balance. In rare cases, Chase may decline to open an account if the ChexSystems report shows serious issues like fraud. You have the right to see your ChexSystems report and dispute anything on it that is wrong.

Chase does not run a hard credit inquiry, so opening an account does not lower your credit score. You can open as many Chase accounts as you want without affecting your credit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to go to a branch to open a Chase account?

No. You can open an account online through Chase.com or the mobile app in about 10 minutes without visiting a branch. You will need your ID, Social Security number, and a way to fund the account (a debit card or bank account). If you prefer in-person help, any Chase branch can open an account for you on the spot.

Can I open a Chase account with no money?

Yes. You can open a checking or savings account with a zero balance. You do not have to make an initial deposit. You can add money anytime after the account opens, either online, at a branch, or through direct deposit.

What if Chase denies my account?

Chase rarely denies accounts, but it can happen if ChexSystems shows serious fraud or if you have an outstanding negative balance at another bank. If your account is denied, ask Chase why. You can request your ChexSystems report and dispute any errors. Some banks offer second-chance accounts for people with banking history issues — Chase does not, but other banks do.

Will opening a Chase account hurt my credit?

No. Chase does not run a credit check to open a bank account. Opening an account does not affect your credit score. Chase only checks ChexSystems, which is a banking history database, not a credit bureau.

How long does it take to use my account after I open it?

Your account is ready to use when ready after you open it online or in a branch. You can transfer money, pay bills, and set up direct deposit right away. Your physical debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need cash before then, you can visit a Chase ATM or branch and withdraw using your ID.