Opening a Chase Bank Account Online: Step-by-Step

What you need to open a Chase account online

You can open most Chase checking and savings accounts entirely online without visiting a branch. The process takes about 10 minutes and requires a valid government ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit method — either a debit card, bank account, or wire transfer.

Chase offers several account types online: Chase Total Checking, Chase Sapphire Checking, Chase Premier Plus Checking, and various savings accounts. Each has different monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and interest rates. You choose which account type during the online process, so knowing the differences beforehand helps.

You'll need to be at least 18 years old and a U.S. resident with a valid address. If you're opening a joint account, both account holders must complete the online process together or one person can start it and the other can be added later through Chase's find messaging.

Key Takeaways

• Chase online account opening requires a government ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit method, and takes about 10 minutes to complete.
• You can fund your new account when ready using a debit card, existing bank account, or wire transfer, and money typically appears within one to three business days.
• Chase sends a debit card to your address within 7 to 10 business days, and you can use your account number and routing number for direct deposits or transfers before the card arrives.
• Different Chase account types have different monthly fees and minimum balances, so review the specific account details before you submit your process.

The online process process at Chase.com

Start at chase.com and look for the "Open an Account" button, usually on the homepage. Select the account type you want — checking or savings — and Chase will show you the specific features, fees, and minimum balance requirements for each option. Read through these details because you cannot change your account type after opening without closing and reopening.

Enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. Chase verifies this information against credit bureaus and fraud databases. If you have a common name or recent address changes, verification may take longer, but the system usually confirms your identity within seconds.

Next, you'll choose how to fund the account. You can transfer money from an existing bank account (you'll enter the routing and account number), use a debit card, or arrange a wire transfer. If you're transferring from another bank, have that account number and routing number ready. The minimum opening deposit varies by account type — some Chase accounts require $25, others require $100 or more.

Review the account agreement and disclosures, then submit. Chase sends a confirmation email when ready with your new account number and routing number. You can use these numbers right away for direct deposits or transfers, even before your debit card arrives.

When your debit card and checks arrive

Chase mails your debit card to the address you provided during signup. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You can use your account number and routing number for online transfers, bill pay, and direct deposits while you wait. If you need the card faster, some Chase branches can issue a temporary card in-person, but this requires a visit.

Checks are not automatically sent with new accounts. If you want checks, you can order them through your Chase online banking portal after your account is open. Chase charges for checks — the cost depends on the design and quantity you order. Many people skip checks entirely and use online bill pay or transfers instead.

Once your debit card arrives, set up it through the Chase mobile app or by calling the number on the back of the card. You can then use it at Chase ATMs, in stores, and online. Your account is fully functional before the card arrives, so you won't have gaps in access to your money.

Funding your account and initial deposits

The deposit method you choose during signup determines when money appears in your account. If you transfer from another bank account, the transfer usually takes one to three business days. If you use a debit card, the deposit may appear within hours or up to one business day. Wire transfers typically arrive the same business day if sent before the bank's cutoff time, usually 2 p.m. Eastern Time.

Chase holds some deposits temporarily if the amount is large or if your account is brand new. This is called a hold, and it's a standard banking practice. The hold period is usually one to five business days. You can still use your account and make transfers during a hold — the money just isn't available for withdrawal until the hold lifts.

If you don't have another bank account or debit card to fund the opening deposit, you can visit a Chase branch in person and deposit cash. Some branches also allow you to complete the account opening in-person if the online process doesn't work for you.

Account types and their differences

Chase Total Checking has no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Without either, the monthly fee is $12. This is Chase's most basic checking account and the most common choice for everyday banking.

Chase Sapphire Checking requires a $500 minimum balance to avoid a $25 monthly fee and offers higher interest rates on the account balance. It's designed for customers who maintain larger balances or want to earn interest on checking deposits.

Chase Premier Plus Checking requires a $25,000 minimum balance and has a $25 monthly fee if you fall below that threshold. It offers the highest interest rates and additional perks like fee waivers and priority customer service.

Chase savings accounts include Chase Savings and Chase Premier Savings. Both earn interest, but rates vary. Chase Savings has no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement. Premier Savings requires a higher balance but pays higher interest. Interest rates change frequently, so check chase.com for current rates before opening.

What happens after you submit your process

Chase sends a confirmation email within minutes. Your account number appears in that email and in your online banking portal. You can log in to chase.com when ready using your email address and a password you create during signup.

Your account is active and ready to use right away. You can set up bill pay, transfer money to other accounts, or provide your account number to your employer for direct deposit. You don't have to wait for your debit card or any physical mail to start using the account.

If Chase needs additional information to verify your identity, they'll contact you by email or phone within one business day. This happens occasionally with new accounts and usually requires you to confirm your address or provide a copy of your ID. Responding quickly keeps your account from being frozen.

You can read the Chase mobile app and log in with the same email and password you used for online banking. The app shows your balance, recent transactions, and lets you transfer money, pay bills, and deposit checks by photo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase account online if I don't have another bank account?

Yes. You can use a debit card to fund the opening deposit, or you can visit a Chase branch and deposit cash in person. If you have neither, contact Chase customer service to discuss other options — some branches may allow you to complete the account opening with just your ID and Social Security number.

What if Chase denies my online process?

Chase may deny an process if there are fraud concerns, ChexSystems issues (a banking history report), or identity verification problems. If denied, Chase sends a letter explaining the reason. You can dispute inaccurate information on your ChexSystems report or wait six months and reapply. Visiting a branch in person sometimes allows you to open an account even if the online process was denied.

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

It depends on the account type. Chase Total Checking waives the $12 monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Other accounts have different requirements. Check the specific account details before opening to understand what's required for your account type.

Can I open a joint account online with someone else?

Yes. One person starts the process and adds the other person's information during signup. Both account holders must verify their identity and Social Security numbers. Alternatively, one person can open the account alone and add a joint owner later through Chase's find messaging or by visiting a branch together.

How do I use my account before my debit card arrives?

Your account number and routing number are available when ready after you open the account. You can use these for direct deposits, online transfers to other banks, bill pay, and ACH transfers. You can also visit a Chase ATM and withdraw cash using your account number and ID, though this varies by branch.