I’ve been a Chase customer since roughly 1996. I originally opened a Chase checking account because it was located in the same strip mall as my first job at a bookstore. I received a bonus for signing up with direct deposit. With fewer choices in banking back then, it was a no-brainer!
Products and Services Used
Over the years, I’ve held Chase credit cards, checking and savings accounts and a home mortgage. I also have a Chase Business account and I just recently opened Chase First bank accounts with debit cards for my 12- and 14-year-old.
Online Experience
As a finance writer, I’ve explored many fin-tech and online banking websites and apps. I’ve found Chase Bank to be one of the most intuitive and robust. Chase remains at the cutting edge of technology.
Using Mobile Check Deposits
On the rare occasions when I get a check, I can avoid a trip to my local Chase branch by using mobile check deposit. It’s an easy process.
- Choose “Deposit checks” from your Chase app on your phone.
- Enter the amount of the check in the app.
- Endorse your check — write “mobile deposit only” under your signature.
- Follow the prompts to take photos of the front and back of your check and submit them.
- Choose “Deposit” and click “Yes.”
Your funds will usually be available by the next business day with Chase QuickDeposit.
Setting Up Bill Pay
I don’t usually use online bill pay through Chase. Instead, I set up automatic bill pay through each vendor, such as my electronic company. However, if you prefer to pay all your bills through one platform, Chase Bank makes it easy.
- Open your app or log in to your account online.
- Click the “Pay & Transfer” tab.
- Choose “Bill pay” and then “Add recipient.”
- Search for your payee’s name and then enter your account number for that provider.
Keep in mind that some accounts will receive their payment via paper check, which takes up to five business days. Whether you are scheduling automatic payments or paying bills online, leave time before the due date for the payee to receive your payment, so you won’t get charged late fees.
Sending, Transferring or Moving Money Between Accounts
Chase Bank makes it easy to transfer money between accounts. Click “Pay & Transfer” and then choose “Transfer.” In the app or on the website, enter the amount of money you want to transfer. Choose the outgoing account, and the account where you want to transfer the funds.
You can transfer between linked Chase accounts, such as your checking and savings accounts, or you can transfer to and from external checking or savings accounts.
In-Person Branch Experience
Chase has more than 4,700 branches nationwide, which is perfect for me since I travel so much. While the quality of service may vary between branches, most Chase representatives are friendly and knowledgeable.
Opening an Account at a Branch
While it’s possible to open an account at a branch, it’s easier to open it online. Last year, I opened Chase First checking accounts for my kids, and we didn’t have to go to the branch to do so.
However, if you want to open it with the help of a Chase representative, there is rarely a wait to speak to a personal banker. If you want to deposit cash or write a check to open your new account, it might be easier to visit a branch. Otherwise, you can open your account and transfer funds from any external account online.
Withdrawing and/or Deposing Checks or Cash
You can visit a Chase teller to deposit or cash a check or to deposit or withdraw cash. When you deposit a check in the branch, a portion of the funds are typically available immediately, although sometimes there will be a hold until the next business day.
You can deposit cash or checks at the in-branch ATM or at a teller window. You don’t need to fill out a deposit slip if you use the ATM. Some Chase branches have added more advanced teller machines that allow you to withdraw cash in increments of $1 and choose the denominations of bills that come out of the machine. This has dramatically reduced lines in branches — from what I have observed — and allows tellers to focus on customers who need or prefer personalized service.
Exchanging Coins
Do you have a collection of coins that you’d like to convert to cash without paying fees? If you are a Chase customer, you can wrap your coins in paper coin rolls and deposit them at any branch. Write your name and account number on each roll. Your teller may even provide coin wrappers free of charge if you ask.
Sending or Receiving Money
The easiest way to send or receive money between family and friends is by using the Zelle peer-to-peer payment system. You’ll find Zelle as an option within your Chase app or online. To use Zelle, you’ll need the person’s phone number or email address.
Alternatively, Chase Bank offers ACH direct deposit or wire transfers. If you’re wiring money to a new recipient, there might be an activation code required and a one-day delay while Chase reviews the account for your security.
Reporting Fraud
Chase’s fraud protection is second to none. I’ve dealt with the fraud department on several occasions. One time, Chase noticed “unusual activity” on my account — purchases in New Jersey on a weekday when I lived in New York. They blocked a $300 purchase at Target and sent me a text asking if the purchase was mine. I replied “Yes.” A few minutes later, the cashier ran my card through again and it worked.
Another time, I was woken early by a text message saying there were charges on my account for an Uber ride in San Francisco. Again, I live in New York. I replied, “No,” and immediately called the Chase Fraud Department, as instructed. After asking me a few questions, they put a stop on my Chase Business card and overnighted me a new one at no cost.
You can also use the app to put a stop on your card and request a new one if it’s lost, stolen, or used for unauthorized charges. Likewise, you can visit a branch, but the teller will just walk you through requesting a new card in the app.
Chase’s fraud protection has never let me down. Coupled with the security of knowing I have the bulk of my money with one of the four banks in our country deemed “too big to fail,” I rest easy with Chase as my primary bank.
Other Personal Experiences
Chase blends their online services and in-branch, personalized services very well. If you visit a branch, a representative can help you complete a task — such as requesting a new debit card — in the app.
A few years ago I visited my local branch and the lines were exceptionally long. When the personal banker realized I was just depositing a check, he taught me how to use the mobile app to do it.
Final Take
For all the technology in place, Chase Bank still maintains some old traditions. My kids look forward to lollipops each time we visit a branch. Before the pandemic, many branches near me used to provide complimentary coffee and Chase-branded cookies.
You might think a bank this size would not care about customer service, but my experience has been the opposite. I’ve banked with them for 27 years and am pleased with the service at Chase.
Editorial Note: This content is not provided by Chase. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by Chase.