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

You can open most Chase accounts online in about 10 minutes using a computer or phone

Chase lets you open a checking or savings account from your home without visiting a branch. The process happens entirely online through Chase.com or the Chase mobile app. You'll need a valid government ID, a Social Security number, and a way to fund the account — either a debit card, another bank account, or a wire transfer.

The account opens when ready after approval, though you won't see your debit card for 7 to 10 business days. You can start using mobile banking and transfers right away. Some account types have monthly fees unless you meet balance or deposit requirements, so read the fee schedule before you finish.

Key Takeaways

• Chase opens most checking and savings accounts online in about 10 minutes using a government ID and Social Security number.
• You must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. resident to open an account online; some account types have additional requirements.
• You can fund your new account when ready with a debit card, transfer from another bank, or wire transfer.
• Monthly maintenance fees vary by account type and can be waived if you meet balance or deposit minimums.
• Your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use your account for transfers and mobile payments before it arrives.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you open your browser. You'll need a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Chase will ask you to verify information from it, so have it nearby. You also need your Social Security number and your current address.

If you want to fund the account right away, have a debit card from another bank, or the routing and account numbers from an existing bank account. You can also fund it later, but doing it during signup is faster. If you're opening a business account, you'll need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security number for the business, plus business formation documents.

The online signup process, step by step

Go to Chase.com and click "Open an Account" or use the Chase mobile app. You'll see a list of account types — most people choose Chase Total Checking or Chase Savings. Read the fee information for each one, because some charge $12 per month unless you keep a minimum balance or have direct deposits.

Click the account you want and start the process. Chase will ask for your name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. Enter your Social Security number when prompted. The system verifies this information against your credit file — this is a soft inquiry and does not affect your credit score.

Next, you'll verify your identity. Chase may ask you to photograph your ID using your phone camera, or it may ask security questions based on your credit history. Answer accurately. If you can't verify your identity online, Chase will tell you to visit a branch or call 1-800-935-9935.

Choose how to fund your account. If you use a debit card, enter the card number and expiration date. If you transfer from another bank, enter the routing number and account number. Chase will deposit a small amount (usually $0.01 to $0.99) to verify the account, and you'll confirm that amount when it arrives. This takes 1 to 3 business days.

Review the account agreement and fee schedule, then submit. Chase will tell you when ready whether your account is open. You'll receive a confirmation email with your account number and routing number.

What happens after you submit your process

Your account is active as soon as Chase approves it, which usually happens within minutes. You can log into Chase.com or the mobile app right away and see your account number, routing number, and balance. You can transfer money between accounts, set up bill pay, and use Chase Pay or a digital wallet to make purchases.

Your physical debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, you can use your account number to make online purchases, or you can add your new Chase account to Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay and use your phone to pay in stores.

If Chase needs more information before opening your account, it will email you within 24 hours. This happens rarely, but if it does, follow the link in the email and provide what they ask for. Do not ignore the email — your account won't open until you respond.

Monthly fees and how to avoid them

Chase checking accounts charge a monthly maintenance fee unless you meet one of these conditions: keep a minimum balance (usually $500 to $1,500 depending on the account type), have direct deposits totaling a certain amount per month, or maintain a linked savings account with a minimum balance. Chase savings accounts typically charge a fee unless you keep a minimum balance, usually $300 to $500.

When you open your account, Chase shows you the fee schedule for that specific account type. Read it before you finish. If the fee applies to you, you can avoid it by setting up direct deposit from your employer, or you can close the account within 30 days without penalty. Some people open a free account type first, then upgrade later if they need different features.

If your process is denied or delayed

Chase may deny your process if you have a history of fraud, unpaid overdrafts, or other banking issues. If this happens, Chase will tell you why and give you a phone number to call. You can ask for reconsideration, though the decision is usually final.

If your process is delayed, Chase will email you asking for more information — usually a copy of your ID or proof of address. Respond within the timeframe they give you, usually 10 days. If you don't respond, your process will be closed.

If you can't open an account online, you can visit a Chase branch in person. Bring your ID, Social Security number, and proof of address (a recent utility bill or lease). A banker can open your account on the spot, and you'll leave with a temporary debit card.

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 or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open any account. If you have an ITIN, you can open an account online using the same process. Bring your ITIN documentation to a branch if you prefer to open in person.

What if I don't have a debit card to fund my account?

You can fund your account with a bank transfer instead. Enter the routing number and account number from your existing bank, and Chase will verify it with a small deposit. You can also visit a Chase branch and deposit cash or a check. If you have no other bank account, you can open the account with $0 and add money later.

How long does it take to open a Chase account online?

The process itself takes about 10 minutes. Chase approves most applications within minutes and sends a confirmation email. Your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you're transferring money from another bank to verify the account, that verification takes 1 to 3 business days.

Can I open a business account online?

Chase offers online signup for some business accounts, but the process is more complex than personal accounts. You'll need your business formation documents, an EIN, and information about the business owners. Start at Chase.com/business and follow the prompts, or call 1-800-935-9935 to open over the phone.

What if I want to close my account right after opening it?

You can close your Chase account anytime online or by calling 1-800-935-9935. If you close within 30 days, Chase waives any monthly maintenance fees. Make sure your balance is $0 before you close, and any pending transactions will process after closure.