What You Need to Open a Chase Bank Account

What Chase requires before you can open an account

Chase requires a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open a personal checking or savings account. You will also need an initial deposit, though the amount varies by account type — some accounts require $0, while others ask for $25 or more. Chase verifies your identity against ChexSystems, a banking history database, and checks whether you have had accounts closed for cause at other banks.

The specific documents you bring depend on whether you open the account in person at a branch, online, or by phone. In-person applications move faster because Chase can verify your ID on the spot. Online and phone applications require you to upload images of your documents or answer security questions to confirm your identity.

Key Takeaways

• You must provide a government-issued photo ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number or ITIN before Chase will open any personal account.
• Chase checks ChexSystems to see whether you have been flagged for fraud or account mismanagement at other banks, which can result in denial.
• The initial deposit amount depends on the account type — some Chase accounts have no minimum, while others require $25 to $100.
• Opening an account in person at a branch is usually faster than opening online because Chase can verify your identity when ready.

Documents you need to bring or upload

Your government-issued photo ID must be current and show your full name and date of birth. Chase accepts a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. If you are opening an account online, you will photograph both the front and back of your ID and upload the images through Chase's website or mobile app.

Proof of your current address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Some online applications allow you to skip this step if your ID address matches your current address. If you are opening an account by phone, Chase may ask you to mail a copy of your address proof after the account is set up.

You will need to provide your nine-digit Social Security number (SSN) or ITIN. Chase uses this to check your credit history and verify you are not on a government exclusion list. If you do not have an SSN or ITIN, you cannot open a personal account at Chase.

How Chase verifies your identity and banking history

Chase runs your information through ChexSystems, a third-party service that tracks banking behavior across the industry. ChexSystems records accounts you have closed, overdrafts you did not pay, and fraud investigations. If you appear in ChexSystems with a negative mark, Chase may deny your process or require you to resolve the issue first.

Chase also checks Early Warning Services (EWS), another banking database, and may review your credit report depending on the account type. These checks do not affect your credit score. If Chase denies your process, you have the right to request the reason and to dispute inaccurate information in ChexSystems or EWS.

Initial deposit amounts by account type

Chase offers accounts with different minimum deposit requirements. The Chase Total Checking account requires a $0 initial deposit, though Chase may ask you to link a savings account or set up direct deposit to waive monthly fees. The Chase Sapphire Checking account requires a $0 initial deposit as well. The Chase Premier Plus Checking account requires a $25 initial deposit.

Savings accounts also vary. The Chase Savings account requires a $0 initial deposit, while the Chase Preferred Savings account requires a $0 initial deposit but charges a monthly fee unless you maintain a minimum balance or meet other conditions. You can fund your initial deposit using a debit card, transfer from another bank, or cash if you open the account in person.

Opening an account in person versus online

Opening an account at a Chase branch takes 15 to 30 minutes. Bring your photo ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number or ITIN. A banker will verify your identity on the spot, run your ChexSystems check, and set up your account when ready. You can deposit cash or a check and receive a debit card the same day or within one to two business days.

Opening an account online through Chase.com or the Chase mobile app takes 5 to 10 minutes but requires you to upload images of your documents. Chase will verify your identity within one to two business days. Your account is usually active within 24 hours, but you cannot deposit cash until you receive a debit card in the mail, which takes 7 to 10 business days. You can transfer money from another bank account to fund your new Chase account while you wait.

Opening by phone requires you to call Chase at 1-800-935-9935. A representative will ask you security questions to verify your identity and will mail you documents to sign. This method is slower than in-person or online and is usually only offered if you are already a Chase customer or have a specific reason for calling.

What happens if Chase denies your process

Chase may deny your process if you appear in ChexSystems with an unresolved negative mark, if you have an outstanding balance from a previous Chase account, or if your identity cannot be verified. Chase will send you a letter explaining the reason for denial. You can request a copy of your ChexSystems report and dispute any inaccurate information directly with ChexSystems.

If you were denied because of a closed account or unpaid overdraft, you may be able to resolve the issue and reapply. Contact the bank that closed your account or reported the overdraft to find out what steps are needed. Some people denied by Chase open accounts at other banks first, build a clean banking history for six months to a year, and then reapply to Chase.

Special situations: minors, non-citizens, and business accounts

If you are under 18, you can open a Chase account only with a parent or guardian present. The adult must provide their own ID, proof of address, and Social Security number. The minor's Social Security number is also required. Chase offers a Chase First Banking account designed for teenagers, which allows the minor to use a debit card and mobile app while the parent retains control.

If you are a non-citizen with a valid visa or passport, you can open a personal account using your passport as ID and your ITIN instead of a Social Security number. Some visa types may require additional documentation. If you are opening a business account, you will need your Employer Identification Number (EIN), business license, and the Social Security numbers of all owners with more than 20 percent ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase account without a Social Security number?

No, Chase requires either a Social Security number or an ITIN. If you are a non-citizen, you can use your ITIN. If you do not have either, you cannot open a personal account at Chase.

How long does it take for my Chase account to be active?

In-person accounts are active when ready. Online accounts are usually active within 24 hours, though identity verification can take up to two business days. Phone applications take the longest, typically three to five business days.

What if my address on my ID is outdated?

Bring a second document showing your current address, such as a utility bill or lease. Chase will update your address in their system. If you are opening online, upload both your ID and your address proof.

Will opening a Chase account affect my credit score?

No. Chase checks ChexSystems and may review your credit report, but these inquiries do not affect your credit score. Only credit applications (loans, credit cards) create a hard inquiry that impacts your score.

Can I open multiple Chase accounts at the same time?

Yes, you can open a checking and savings account in the same process. Some people open multiple checking accounts for different purposes, though Chase may flag unusual patterns. Contact Chase directly if you plan to open more than two accounts.