Chase charges monthly fees on most checking and savings accounts, but you can waive them by meeting specific requirements

Chase does charge monthly maintenance fees on most of its checking and savings accounts. The amount varies by account type — typically $12 for a standard checking account and $5 for a basic savings account — but the fee is waived if you meet one of Chase's conditions. The most common way to avoid the fee is to keep a minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or maintain a linked account with Chase.

Not every Chase account charges a monthly fee. Some accounts, like Chase's student checking and certain savings products, have no monthly maintenance fee at all. The key is understanding which account you have and what the waiver requirements are for that specific product.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase checking accounts typically charge $12 per month, but the fee is waived if you maintain a minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or link a may have access to savings account.
  • Chase savings accounts usually charge $5 per month, waived by maintaining a minimum balance or linking a checking account with direct deposit.
  • Student checking accounts and some specialty accounts have no monthly maintenance fee.
  • If you do not meet waiver requirements, the fee is charged automatically on your statement each month.

Checking account fees and how to waive them

Chase's most common checking account is the Chase Total Checking account, which carries a $12 monthly maintenance fee. You can waive this fee by meeting any one of these conditions: maintaining a minimum daily balance of $500, setting up a direct deposit of any amount, or linking a Chase savings account that also has its fee waived.

Chase also offers Chase Premier Plus Checking, aimed at customers with higher balances. This account charges $25 per month but waives the fee if you maintain a $15,000 minimum daily balance or set up direct deposit. If you do not meet these thresholds, the fee posts to your account automatically.

Chase Student Checking has no monthly maintenance fee and is available to customers under 24 years old with a valid student ID. This account is designed to help younger customers avoid fees while they are building their banking habits.

Savings account fees and waiver requirements

Chase's Chase Savings account charges $5 per month. The fee is waived if you keep a minimum daily balance of $300 or link a Chase checking account that has its monthly fee waived. Many customers pair their savings account with a checking account that already meets the direct deposit requirement, which waives both fees with a single deposit.

Chase also offers Chase High Yield Savings, which charges no monthly maintenance fee. This account earns interest on your balance and has no minimum balance requirement, though the interest rate changes based on market conditions.

What happens if you do not meet waiver requirements

If your account does not meet any of the waiver conditions, Chase charges the monthly fee automatically. The fee appears as a line item on your statement and reduces your account balance. For example, if you have $400 in a Chase Total Checking account with no direct deposit and no linked savings account, the $12 fee will be charged each month.

Once a fee is charged, you cannot recover it retroactively. However, if you set up direct deposit or increase your balance after the fee posts, the fee will not be charged again the following month — the waiver applies going forward.

How to check your account's fee status

You can see whether your account is being charged a monthly fee by logging into your Chase account online or through the mobile app. Look at your recent statements — if a maintenance fee appears as a line item, your account is being charged. The statement will also show which waiver conditions apply to your specific account type.

If you are unsure whether you meet the waiver requirements, you can call Chase customer service at the number on the back of your debit card. They can tell you which condition you need to meet and help you set up direct deposit or adjust your balance if needed.

Switching accounts to avoid fees

If you are being charged a monthly fee and cannot meet the waiver requirements, you can switch to a different Chase account with lower or no fees. Chase allows you to change account types online or by visiting a branch. Moving to Chase Student Checking (if you may have access to) or Chase High Yield Savings eliminates the monthly fee entirely.

Before switching, consider whether the new account offers the features you need. For example, Chase High Yield Savings has no monthly fee but is designed for saving rather than everyday spending. A student checking account works for daily use but is only available to customers under 24.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Chase charge a fee if I have direct deposit set up?

No. Direct deposit of any amount waives the monthly maintenance fee on Chase Total Checking and most other Chase checking accounts. Once direct deposit is active, the fee will not be charged, even if your balance drops below the minimum.

What counts as a minimum balance for fee waiver?

Chase looks at your minimum daily balance during the statement period. For Chase Total Checking, you need to maintain $500 in the account every day. If your balance drops below $500 for even one day, you do not meet the requirement and the fee will be charged that month.

If I close my account, do I owe the monthly fee?

No. When you close an account, Chase stops charging the monthly maintenance fee. However, if a fee was already charged in that month before you closed the account, it will not be refunded.

Does linking a savings account to checking waive both fees?

Linking accounts can waive the checking fee if your checking account has direct deposit or meets the balance requirement. The savings account fee is waived if it is linked to a checking account that has its fee waived. You do not need to meet two separate conditions — one waiver can cover both accounts.

Are there any Chase accounts with no fees at all?

Yes. Chase High Yield Savings has no monthly maintenance fee and no minimum balance requirement. Chase Student Checking also has no monthly fee for customers under 24 with a valid student ID.