How to Open a Bank Account at Chase

What You Need to Open a Chase Bank Account

You can open a Chase bank account online, by phone, or in person at a branch. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and you'll need a valid government-issued ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit (the amount varies by account type). Chase offers several account types — checking, savings, and money market accounts — and you can choose which one fits your needs before you start.

Chase uses ChexSystems, a banking history report system, to check your background. If you've had problems with a previous bank account — like overdrafts you didn't pay back or fraud — Chase may decline you. You'll find out during the process process, not after.

Key Takeaways

• You need a valid ID, Social Security number, and an opening deposit to start a Chase account, whether you open it online, by phone, or in a branch.
• Chase checks ChexSystems, a banking history database, so past account problems at other banks may affect whether you're accepted.
• Online applications take about 10 minutes and you can fund the account when ready with a debit card or bank transfer.
• In-branch openings let you speak to someone face-to-face and ask questions about which account type suits you best.
• Chase offers different account types with different minimum balances and monthly fees, so compare them before you choose.

Opening an Account Online

Go to chase.com and click "Open an Account" at the top of the page. You'll choose which type of account you want — most people start with Chase Total Checking or Chase Savings. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and employment information. Have your ID ready to photograph or scan, because Chase will ask you to verify it during the process.

Once you've filled in the form, Chase runs the ChexSystems check. If you pass, you'll see a confirmation page with your new account number. You can fund the account right away using a debit card, or you can link an external bank account and transfer money. If you use a debit card, the deposit posts when ready. If you transfer from another bank, it usually takes one to two business days.

After you open the account, Chase will mail you a debit card and checks (if you ordered them). The debit card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or bill pay before the card arrives.

Opening an Account Over the Phone

Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to open an account by phone. A representative will walk you through the same questions as the online form — name, address, Social Security number, ID information, and which account type you want. Have your ID in front of you because the representative may ask you to read information from it to verify your identity.

Phone applications take about 15 to 20 minutes. Once you're approved, the representative will give you your new account number and routing number. You can fund the account over the phone by providing a debit card number, or you can hang up and transfer money from another bank account later. If you fund by debit card during the call, the deposit posts when ready.

Opening an Account in a Chase Branch

Walk into any Chase branch with your ID, Social Security number, and the amount you want to deposit. Tell a banker you want to open an account. They'll sit down with you, explain the different account types, and help you choose one that matches how you plan to use it. This is the best option if you have questions about fees, minimum balances, or which account features you need.

The banker will fill out the process with you, run the ChexSystems check, and if you're approved, you'll walk out with a temporary debit card that works when ready. Your permanent card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can deposit cash or a check at the branch to fund the account, and it posts right away.

What Happens If Chase Declines You

If Chase denies your process, it's usually because of ChexSystems — either you have unpaid overdraft fees at another bank, a history of fraud, or too many accounts opened and closed in a short time. Chase will send you a letter explaining the reason. You have the right to request your ChexSystems report for free at www.chexsystems.com to see what's on file.

If there's an error on your report, you can dispute it directly with ChexSystems. If the information is correct, you can wait six months to a year and reapply, or you can look into second-chance banking accounts at other banks that don't use ChexSystems as strictly. Some credit unions and smaller regional banks have more flexible policies.

Account Types and Minimum Balances

Chase Total Checking is the most common account for everyday banking. It has no monthly fee if you set up direct deposit, maintain a $500 minimum balance, or keep an average daily balance of $1,500. If you don't meet any of those, the fee is $12 per month. You get unlimited debit card transactions, online bill pay, and access to Chase's ATM network.

Chase Savings is for money you want to set aside. It earns interest, though the rate changes based on the Federal Reserve's decisions. There's no monthly fee if you maintain a $300 minimum balance. If your balance drops below $300, you pay $5 per month. You can make up to six transfers or withdrawals per month; after that, you're charged $10 for each extra transaction.

Chase also offers Chase Premier Plus Checking and Chase Sapphire Checking, which have higher minimum balances but include benefits like higher interest rates, travel insurance, or fee waivers. Compare the account types on chase.com before you open to see which one matches your situation.

What to Do After Your Account Opens

Once your account is open, set up direct deposit if your employer offers it — this waives the monthly fee on most Chase checking accounts. You can also set up bill pay through the Chase mobile app or website to pay bills automatically each month. Link external bank accounts if you want to transfer money between Chase and other banks.

read the Chase mobile app so you can check your balance, deposit checks by taking a photo, and get alerts when your balance is low. Turn on fraud alerts in the app settings so Chase notifies you of unusual activity. If you ordered checks, they'll arrive separately from your debit card; don't use them until they arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase account if I'm under 18?

No, you must be at least 18 years old to open an account in your own name. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian can open a Chase First Banking account for you, which is a youth checking account linked to their account. They can monitor spending and teach you how to manage money.

Do I need to have a minimum deposit to open an account?

The minimum opening deposit varies by account type, but it's usually $25 to $100. You can fund the account with a debit card, a check, or a transfer from another bank. If you don't have cash on hand, you can open the account online and transfer money from another bank within a few days.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

You'll need either a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open a Chase account. If you don't have either, you may not be able to open an account at Chase. Some smaller banks and credit unions have different policies, so contact them to ask about alternatives.

How long does it take to get my debit card?

Your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you open an account in a branch, you get a temporary card that works when ready. If you open online or by phone, you can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit or transfers before your card arrives.

Can I open multiple Chase accounts at the same time?

Yes, you can open a checking account and a savings account in the same process. However, opening too many accounts in a short period can trigger ChexSystems flags and may result in denial on future applications. Most people open one account at a time and wait a few months before opening another.