How to Open a Chase Bank Account

What You Need to Open a Chase Account

You can open a Chase checking or savings account online, by phone, or in person at a branch. The fastest route is online — most accounts open in minutes. You will need a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and an initial deposit, which can be as small as $0 for some account types, though Chase may require $25 or more for others depending on the account you choose.

Chase also asks for your date of birth, current address, and phone number. If you are opening an account online, you can fund it when ready from another bank account using your routing and account numbers, or you can deposit cash or a check at a Chase branch afterward. The entire process takes about 10 to 15 minutes online.

Key Takeaways

• You can open a Chase account online in minutes with just your ID, Social Security number, and a small initial deposit.
• Chase offers different account types — Total Checking, Savings, and Money Market accounts among them — each with different fees and minimum balance requirements.
• Online account opening is the fastest method, but you can also visit a branch or call 1-800-935-9935 to open an account by phone.
• After your account opens, you can order a debit card online or pick one up at a branch, and it typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Opening an Account Online

Go to chase.com and click "Open an Account" or "Sign Up" in the top navigation. Select the account type you want — Chase Total Checking is the most common choice for everyday banking. You will be asked to enter your name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email.

Chase will verify your identity by checking your information against databases. This usually happens when ready. Once verified, you will choose a username and password for online banking, then fund your account. You can transfer money from another bank account (you will need that bank's routing number and your account number), or you can skip funding online and deposit cash or a check at a branch later.

After you complete these steps, your account number and routing number appear on screen. Write them down or take a screenshot — you will need them if you want to set up direct deposit or transfer money from another bank. Your debit card will be mailed to you and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Opening an Account at a Chase Branch

Walk into any Chase branch with your ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit (cash or a check). A banker will walk you through the account opening process on their computer — it takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You will fill out the same information as you would online: name, address, Social Security number, phone number, and email.

The advantage of opening in person is that you can ask questions and get a debit card on the spot in some cases, though you may still need to wait for a personalized card to arrive by mail. You can also deposit your initial funding when ready in cash or check form, and the banker can show you how to use Chase's mobile app and online banking.

Opening an Account by Phone

Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 to open an account over the phone. A representative will ask for your ID information, Social Security number, date of birth, address, and phone number. They will verify your identity and walk you through choosing an account type and funding method.

Phone opening takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You will need to have your initial deposit ready — either a routing and account number from another bank to transfer from, or you can arrange to deposit cash or a check at a branch after your account opens. Your debit card will be mailed to you after the account is set up.

Understanding Chase Account Types and Fees

Chase offers several account types, and the one you choose affects your monthly fees and minimum balance requirements. Chase Total Checking is free with no minimum balance if you set up direct deposit or keep $500 in the account. Without either, there is a $12 monthly fee. Chase Savings earns interest but has a $300 minimum balance to avoid a $5 monthly fee.

Chase also offers Chase Money Market, which combines checking and savings features and requires a higher minimum balance. Each account type has different rules about how many withdrawals you can make per month and what interest rate you earn. When you open your account, the banker or online form will show you the current fees and requirements for each type, so you can choose the one that fits your banking habits.

What Happens After Your Account Opens

Once your account is open, you will receive a confirmation email with your account number and routing number. You can log into Chase's website or mobile app using the username and password you created. Your debit card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

When your debit card arrives, you will need to set up it before you can use it. You can do this by calling the number on the back of the card, using the Chase mobile app, or logging into your online account. After set up, you can use the card to withdraw cash at any ATM, make purchases at stores, or pay bills online.

If you want to set up direct deposit (for paychecks or government benefits), you will need to give your employer or benefits administrator your Chase routing number and your account number. Direct deposit usually takes one to two pay periods to start.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase account if I do not have a Social Security number?

Chase requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open an account. If you have an ITIN, you can open an account using that instead. Contact your local Chase branch or call 1-800-935-9935 to confirm what documentation they need.

How much money do I need to open a Chase account?

Chase Total Checking requires no minimum deposit to open, though you may need to fund it with at least $25 depending on the promotion running at the time. Other account types have different minimums — Savings requires $300 to avoid a monthly fee. Check the current requirements on chase.com when you open your account.

What if I do not have a government-issued ID?

Chase requires a valid government-issued ID to open an account. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, passport, state ID, or military ID. If you do not have one of these, visit your local DMV or passport office to get one before opening your account.

Can I open a joint account with someone else?

Yes. When you open an account online or at a branch, you can add a joint owner. Both people will need to provide their ID, Social Security number, and date of birth. Both owners have equal access to the account and can withdraw money or close it.

How long does it take to receive my debit card?

Your debit card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days after your account opens. If you need a card sooner, you can visit a Chase branch and ask about a temporary card or expedited shipping options, though expedited delivery may have an additional cost.