How to Open a Chase Bank Account Online or In Person

You can open a Chase checking or savings account online in about 10 minutes, or visit a branch in person

Chase lets you open most personal checking and savings accounts entirely online without visiting a branch. The online process takes roughly 10 minutes and you can start using your account the same day. If you prefer to open an account in person, you can walk into any Chase branch during business hours — a banker will help you choose an account type and complete the paperwork on the spot.

Both routes require the same basic information: your Social Security number, a government-issued ID, your date of birth, and a current address. You'll also need to fund the account with an opening deposit, though the amount varies by account type. Chase will run a background check through ChexSystems, which is a banking history database — this is standard practice across banks and does not affect your credit score.

Key Takeaways

• Opening a Chase account online takes about 10 minutes and you can use it the same day, while in-person opens take longer but let you ask questions face-to-face.
• You need a government ID, Social Security number, current address, and an opening deposit to open any Chase personal account.
• Chase runs a ChexSystems check on all new accounts, which looks at your banking history but does not affect your credit score.
• Different account types have different opening deposit minimums — some Chase accounts require $25 while others require $100 or more.
• Once your account is open, you can order a debit card when ready online or receive one at the branch, though it takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.

Opening a Chase Account Online

Go to chase.com and click "Open an Account" at the top of the page. You'll see options for checking, savings, and money market accounts — choose the one you want. Chase will ask you to enter your email address, create a password, and confirm your phone number. This becomes your login for Chase online banking.

Next, enter your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. Upload or take a photo of your government ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID all work. Chase verifies your identity when ready using this information. You'll then choose your opening deposit amount and how you want to fund it: you can link an external bank account and transfer money, use a debit card, or wire funds.

Once your deposit clears, your account is active. Chase will mail you a debit card within 7 to 10 business days. In the meantime, you can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit, receive transfers from other people, or pay bills through Chase's bill pay system.

Opening a Chase Account at a Branch

Find your nearest Chase branch using the branch locator on chase.com. Walk in during business hours with your government ID and Social Security number. Tell a banker you want to open an account and they'll walk you through the options — checking, savings, money market, and any current promotions.

The banker will ask for your address, phone number, and email, then run your ChexSystems check. You'll sign paperwork and make your opening deposit right there — you can pay by check, debit card, or cash. Some branches can issue you a temporary debit card on the spot, though your permanent card will still arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the branch is. Your account is active when ready, and you can start using it the same day.

What Opening Deposit You'll Need

Chase's opening deposit requirements vary by account type. Chase Total Checking requires a $25 opening deposit. Chase Savings requires $25. Chase Money Market requires $2,500. Some specialty accounts like Chase Premier Plus Checking require higher minimums.

The opening deposit is your own money — it goes into your account balance, not to Chase as a fee. You can withdraw it anytime after the account opens. If you're opening online and funding from an external bank account, the transfer usually clears within one to two business days.

What Happens During the ChexSystems Check

Chase runs every new account through ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking history. ChexSystems looks for things like unpaid overdrafts, closed accounts due to fraud, or repeated NSF (non-sufficient funds) fees. This check does not pull your credit report and does not affect your credit score.

Most people pass the ChexSystems check without issue. If you have a history of overdrafts or closed accounts, Chase may still open your account — they may just limit features or require a higher opening deposit. If ChexSystems flags something serious, Chase will tell you and explain why they cannot open the account. You can dispute inaccurate information in your ChexSystems report by contacting ChexSystems directly.

Getting Your Debit Card and Starting to Use Your Account

Your debit card arrives by mail 7 to 10 business days after you open your account. When it arrives, you'll need to set up it before you can use it. You can set up it by calling the number on the card, through the Chase mobile app, or online at chase.com.

Before your physical card arrives, you can still use your account. You can set up direct deposit using your account number and routing number. You can receive money transfers from other people through Zelle (Chase's money transfer service) or other banks' transfer systems. You can pay bills through Chase bill pay. You can also request a temporary digital card through the Chase app to use for online shopping.

Choosing Between Account Types

Chase Total Checking is the most common choice for everyday banking. It has no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit. It comes with a debit card, online banking, bill pay, and access to Chase ATMs nationwide.

Chase Savings is a basic savings account with a low opening deposit and no monthly fee. It earns interest on your balance, though the rate is typically very low. Chase Money Market combines checking and savings features but requires a $2,500 opening deposit and higher balance to avoid fees.

If you're not sure which account fits your needs, the banker at your branch can explain the differences, or you can read the account disclosures on chase.com before you open.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase account if I don't have a Social Security number?

No. Chase requires a Social Security number for all personal accounts. If you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead, you may be able to open an account at some Chase branches, but you'll need to visit in person and bring additional documentation. Call your local branch first to confirm they can help.

What if I fail the ChexSystems check?

Chase will tell you why they cannot open the account. You can dispute inaccurate information directly with ChexSystems. Some banks offer second-chance checking accounts for people with banking history issues — Chase does not, but other banks do if you need an alternative.

Can I open a joint account with someone else?

Yes. Both people need to be present if you open in person, or you can open online and add the other person afterward. Both account holders will need to provide their Social Security number, ID, and signature. Both names appear on the debit card and both have full access to the account.

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

Your account is active when ready after you open it, whether online or in person. You can use your account number and routing number to receive direct deposits or transfers the same day. Your physical debit card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.

Do I need to keep a minimum balance to avoid fees?

It depends on the account. Chase Total Checking has no monthly fee if you either maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Chase Savings has no monthly fee regardless of balance. Chase Money Market requires a higher balance to avoid fees. Check the account details on chase.com or ask a banker which account has no balance requirement.