How To Open a Chase Bank Account
Written by
Kim Olson
Edited by
Nupur Gambhir, CFHC™
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Opening a Chase bank account takes just a few minutes online — or you can do it in person at a branch if you prefer. Either way, the process is straightforward. This guide walks you through everything you need: what documents to bring, which account to choose, and how to avoid monthly fees once you’re up and running.
What You Need to Open a Chase Account
Before you start your application, gather the following:
- A valid government-issued ID (driver’s license or state-issued ID)
- Your Social Security number
- Your contact information — name, address, email, and phone number
If you’re opening a joint account, both account holders need to provide this information, and you’ll need to apply in person.
How to Open a Chase Account: Step by Step
Online
Opening an account online takes just a few minutes from any device.
- Visit Chase.com and browse the available accounts
- Select the account that fits your needs and click “Open Account”
- Fill in your personal, contact, and employment information
- Fund your account — there’s no minimum deposit required, but it’s a good idea to add funds right away
In Person
Prefer to do things face to face? Visit your nearest Chase branch with your ID and required documents. A banker will walk you through the process. If you’re opening a joint account, both account holders must be present.
Chase Account Options: Which One Is Right for You?
Chase offers accounts for almost every situation — from everyday checking to student accounts, savings, CDs, and business banking. Here’s a breakdown of what’s available.
Personal Checking Accounts
- Chase Total Checking is Chase’s most popular account. There’s no minimum opening deposit, and the $12 monthly fee is waivable if you meet direct deposit, daily balance, or combined balance requirements.
- Chase Secure Banking has a flat $4.95 monthly fee — waivable if you make at least $250 in electronic deposits per statement period. It’s a good option if you want predictable, low-cost banking without worrying about minimum balances.
- Chase Premier Plus Checking is an interest-bearing account with premium perks — free checks, ATM fee waivers (up to four times per statement period), and the ability to link a fee-free Chase savings account. The $25 monthly fee is waivable by maintaining a combined average daily balance of $15,000 or more.
Student Checking Accounts
Chase has three student accounts designed for different age groups:
| Account | Best For |
|---|---|
| Chase First Banking | Ages 6-12 (available up to 17) |
| Chase High School Checking | Ages 13-17 |
| Chase College Checking | Ages 17-24 |
Chase College Checking has no monthly fee until graduation (as noted at account opening), after which a $12 fee applies — waivable with qualifying deposits or balance requirements.
Savings Accounts
- Chase Savings requires no minimum deposit and charges a $5 monthly fee, waivable if you maintain a $300 daily balance, are under 18, or set up automatic transfers of $25 or more from a linked Chase checking account.
- Chase Premier Savings requires a $25 minimum deposit and a $25 monthly fee (waivable). Linking it to a Chase Premier Plus Checking account may unlock a higher interest rate.
CDs
Chase CDs require a minimum deposit of $1,000 and offer terms ranging from two to 12 months. Existing Chase customers may qualify for higher APYs.
Business Checking Accounts
| Account | Monthly Fee | Transactions | Free Cash Deposits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Complete Banking | $15 (waivable) | Up to 100 | $5,000/month |
| Performance Business Banking | $30 (waivable) | Up to 250 | $20,000/month |
| Platinum Business Checking | $95 (waivable) | Up to 500 | $25,000/month |
Chase Account Fees and How to Avoid Them
Every Chase account carries a monthly maintenance fee — but all of them are waivable. Here’s what you need to do to avoid the fee on each account:
- Chase Total Checking: Make $500 or more in electronic deposits per statement period, maintain a $1,500 beginning daily balance, or keep a $5,000 combined balance across linked Chase accounts.
- Chase Secure Banking: Make at least $250 in electronic deposits per statement period.
- Chase Premier Plus Checking: Maintain an average beginning daily balance of $15,000 across linked qualifying accounts, have a Chase first mortgage on auto-pay from the account, or be an active military servicemember or veteran with a valid military ID.
- Chase College Checking: Make $500 in electronic deposits per statement period or maintain an average ending balance of $5,000.
Overdraft Fees
Chase charges $34 per transaction that overdraws your account by more than $50, with a maximum of three fees per day. To avoid overdraft charges, keep a close eye on your balance and consider setting up low balance alerts through the Chase app.
How to Fund Your New Chase Account
Once your account is open, you have three easy options to add money:
- Transfer from another bank: Initiate an external transfer from your existing bank account directly into your new Chase account.
- Deposit a check or cash: Endorse a check with your new Chase account number and signature, or make a cash deposit at a branch or ATM.
- Set up direct deposit: Have your paycheck deposited directly into your Chase account — this also helps you waive monthly fees on most account types.
Benefits of Banking With Chase
Chase is one of the largest banks in the country, and that size comes with some real advantages for everyday customers.
- Wide ATM network: Chase has over 15,000 ATMs across the United States, making fee-free cash access easy no matter where you are.
- Highly rated mobile app: The Chase app is rated 4.8 out of 5 on the Apple App Store and 4.3 out of 5 on Google Play — making it one of the more reliable banking apps available.
- 24/7 account access: Manage your accounts, transfer funds, pay bills, and check balances anytime through the app or online banking platform.
- Credit card rewards: Chase credit cards offer some of the most competitive rewards programs available, with options for travel points, cash back, and gift cards.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Chase Account
- Set up automatic savings. Schedule recurring transfers from your checking to your savings account — or direct a portion of each paycheck straight to savings. It’s one of the easiest ways to build a financial cushion without thinking about it.
- Use Chase rewards. If you pair your Chase bank account with a Chase credit card, you can earn points on everyday purchases and redeem them for travel, cash back, or shopping.
- Turn on account alerts. Set up notifications for every transaction, low balance warnings, and large purchases so you always know what’s happening with your money in real time.
Is Chase the Right Bank for You?
Chase works well for people who want a reliable, full-service bank with a large ATM network, a strong mobile app, and plenty of account options under one roof. The monthly fees are manageable — most are easy to waive — and the range of accounts means there’s likely a good fit whether you’re a student, a professional, or a business owner.
If maximizing interest on your savings is your top priority, an online bank might edge Chase out on rates. But for everyday banking with broad access and a polished digital experience, Chase is a strong choice.
More About Chase Bank
- Chase Bank Review
- Chase Bank CD Rates
- Chase Bank Savings Account Interest Rates
- Chase Bank Hours
- Chase Bank Routing Numbers
Rudri Patel and Daria Uhlig contributed to the reporting for this article.
The information related to the Chase accounts above was collected by GOBankingRates and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of these products. Product details may vary. Please see the issuer’s website for current information. GOBankingRates does not receive commission for these products.
Chase Total Checking has a monthly fee of $12 or $0 with one of the following, each monthly statement period: Electronic deposits made into this account totaling $500 or more, such as payments from payroll providers or government benefit providers, by using (i) the ACH network, (ii) the Real Time Payment or FedNowSM network, (iii) third party services that facilitate payments to your debit card using the Visa® or Mastercard® network, OR a balance at the beginning of each day of $1,500 or more in this account, OR an average beginning day balance of $5,000 or more in any combination of this account and linked qualifying Chase checking, savings, and other balances.
*With Chase Overdraft AssistSM, Chase won’t charge an insufficient funds fee if you’re overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day, or if you’re overdrawn by more than $50 and you bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day (you have until 11 p.m. ET, or 8 p.m. PT, to make a deposit or transfer). Chase Overdraft Assist does not require enrollment and comes with eligible Chase checking accounts.
J.P. Morgan Wealth Management is a business of JPMorgan Chase & Co., which offers investment products and services through J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (JPMS), a registered broker-dealer and investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC. Insurance products are made available through Chase Insurance Agency, Inc. (CIA), a licensed insurance agency, doing business as Chase Insurance Agency Services, Inc. in Florida. Certain custody and other services are provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (JPMCB). JPMS, CIA and JPMCB are affiliated companies under the common control of JPMorgan Chase & Co. Products not available in all states.
INVESTMENT AND INSURANCE PRODUCTS: • NOT A DEPOSIT • NOT FDIC INSURED • NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY • NO BANK GUARANTEE • MAY LOSE VALUE
This article has been updated with additional reporting since its original publication.
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.
