What You Need to Open a Chase Bank Account

Documents and information Chase will ask for

Chase requires a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address to open a checking or savings account. The photo ID can be a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or tribal ID. Proof of address typically means a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days — Chase will accept either a physical copy or a digital image.

You will also need to bring or provide your phone number and email address. If you are opening an account for a minor, you will need the child's Social Security number and birth certificate, plus your own ID and proof of address as the parent or guardian.

Chase does not require a minimum deposit to open most checking or savings accounts, though some account types have monthly fees if you do not maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. You can start with any amount you choose to deposit.

Key Takeaways

• You will need a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address dated within the last 60 days.
• Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement in physical or digital form.
• Chase does not require a minimum opening deposit for most account types, though some accounts charge monthly fees if your balance falls below a certain amount.
• You can open an account in person at a Chase branch, online through Chase.com, or by phone, and the process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes.
• If you have a history of overdrafts or unpaid accounts, Chase may deny your process, and you can check your ChexSystems report to see what banks see about your account history.

Opening an account in person versus online

You can open a Chase account at any Chase branch during business hours, online at Chase.com, or by calling 1-800-935-9935. In-person opening takes about 10 to 15 minutes and lets you ask questions and deposit cash when ready. Online opening is faster if you have a camera or scanner to upload your ID and proof of address — Chase will verify your information and send you a confirmation email within minutes, though it may take one to two business days for the account to be fully active.

If you open online, you will receive temporary account numbers by email and can begin using your account before your debit card arrives in the mail, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days. Opening by phone follows a similar timeline to online opening but requires you to mail or upload documents afterward.

What Chase checks before opening your account

Chase runs a background check through ChexSystems, a banking history reporting company, to see whether you have unpaid overdrafts, closed accounts with negative balances, or fraud flags at other banks. If you have recent negative marks — typically within the last two years — Chase may deny your process or offer you a second-chance account with limited features and higher fees.

You have the right to see your ChexSystems report for free once per year at ChexSystems.com. If you find errors, you can dispute them directly with ChexSystems. Some people who are denied at Chase are later accepted at banks with less strict policies, such as online banks or credit unions, while they work to resolve ChexSystems issues.

Account types and what each requires

Chase offers several account types, and the documents you bring are the same for all of them, but the features and fees differ. Chase Total Checking has no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance or set up direct deposit of at least $500 per month. Chase Sapphire Checking requires a $2,500 minimum balance or direct deposit to avoid a $25 monthly fee and offers higher interest rates and travel benefits. Chase Premier Plus Checking has a $10,000 minimum balance requirement and a $25 monthly fee but includes concierge services and higher interest rates.

Chase also offers savings accounts, money market accounts, and certificates of deposit (CDs). All require the same opening documents. Savings accounts and money market accounts have no minimum balance requirement but earn interest that varies by account type and current rates. CDs require you to lock money away for a set period — typically three months to five years — in exchange for a may provide interest rate.

If you 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 do not have either, you will need to obtain one before Chase can open an account for you. An ITIN is issued by the IRS to people who are not U.S. citizens but have tax obligations in the United States. You can explore for an ITIN through the IRS website or by mail using Form W-7.

Some banks and credit unions will open accounts for people without a Social Security number or ITIN if they use a passport or other government ID from their home country, but Chase's policy requires one of these two numbers. If you are in the process of obtaining an ITIN or Social Security number, you may want to check with a credit union or online bank in the meantime to see whether they have different requirements.

Bringing documents to a Chase branch

When you go to a Chase branch, bring your original photo ID and proof of address — Chase will not accept copies for in-person opening. If you are opening an account for a minor, bring the child's original birth certificate and your own original ID and proof of address. You do not need to bring your Social Security card; the branch representative will ask you to state your number, which they will verify against government records.

Chase branches are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and closed on Sunday, though some branches have extended hours. You can find your nearest branch and its hours on Chase.com. Arriving early in the week or mid-morning typically means shorter wait times.

After your account opens

Once your account is open, Chase will mail you a debit card within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your temporary account number to transfer money or set up direct deposit before the card arrives. Chase will also send you online banking login information by email, which you can use to check your balance, transfer money between accounts, and pay bills when ready.

If you need a second debit card, a cashier's check, or a change to your account settings, you can request these through the Chase mobile app, Chase.com, or by visiting a branch. Most changes take effect within one to two business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase account if I have been denied before?

Chase denials are usually due to ChexSystems issues or fraud flags. You can check your ChexSystems report for free and dispute any errors. After 12 to 24 months of clean banking history, Chase may reconsider your process. Some people are denied at Chase but accepted at credit unions or online banks with less strict policies.

What if my proof of address is older than 60 days?

Chase will not accept proof of address older than 60 days. If your most recent document is older, bring a newer one such as a recent utility bill, credit card statement, or lease renewal. If you have just moved and do not yet have a document in your new name, ask Chase whether they will accept a lease or rental agreement signed by you and your landlord.

Do I need to bring a minimum deposit amount?

No. Chase does not require a minimum opening deposit for most accounts. You can open an account with $1 or any amount you choose. However, some account types charge monthly fees if your balance falls below a set amount, so check the fee schedule for the account type you want before opening.

Can someone else open an account on my behalf?

No. Chase requires the account holder to be present in person or to open the account themselves online. A parent or guardian can open an account for a minor, but the adult must provide their own ID and proof of address along with the child's birth certificate and Social Security number.

How long does it take to use my new account?

If you open in person, you can deposit money and use your account when ready. If you open online, your account is usually active within one to two business days, and you can use temporary account numbers to transfer money or set up direct deposit before your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 days.