Chase does not charge a fee to open most checking or savings accounts

You can open a Chase checking account, savings account, or money market account without paying an opening fee. Chase does not require a minimum deposit to start the account either — you can open one with $0 and add money later. The account itself is free to create.

What you pay depends on how you use the account after it opens. Some Chase accounts charge a monthly maintenance fee if your balance drops below a certain level, if you don't set up direct deposit, or if you don't meet other conditions. Other accounts have no monthly fee at all. The fee structure varies by account type and by whether you're opening it online, on a mobile app, or in a branch.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase charges no fee to open a checking or savings account, and does not require money upfront to create one.
  • Monthly maintenance fees range from $0 to $15 depending on the account type and whether you meet the bank's conditions to waive the fee.
  • Most Chase checking accounts waive the monthly fee if you keep a minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or maintain a linked savings account.
  • You can open an account online in minutes, by phone, or in a branch, and you'll need a government ID and Social Security number.
  • Chase offers different account types for different needs — some designed for frequent transactions, others for saving, and some for students or young adults.

Monthly maintenance fees by account type

Chase Total Checking has a $12 monthly maintenance fee, but it's waived if you keep a $500 minimum balance, set up direct deposit of any amount, or maintain a linked savings account with at least $500. Chase Secure Checking has no monthly fee. Chase Premier Plus Checking charges $25 per month and is designed for customers with higher balances and more complex banking needs.

Chase Savings Account has a $5 monthly maintenance fee, waived if you keep a $300 minimum balance or set up automatic transfers of $25 or more per month from a linked checking account. Chase Money Market Account charges $25 per month, waived if you maintain a $25,000 minimum balance or set up automatic transfers of $100 or more monthly.

Chase also offers student and young adult accounts with different fee structures. Chase Student Checking has no monthly fee for customers under 24, and no minimum balance requirement. Once you turn 24, it converts to Chase Total Checking and the standard fee structure applies.

How to open an account online or in a branch

Opening online takes about 10 minutes. Go to Chase.com, select the account type you want, and enter your personal information: name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. You'll need a government-issued ID to verify your identity. Chase will ask for your initial deposit method — you can link a bank account to transfer money, use a debit card, or start with $0.

If you open in a branch, bring a government ID and your Social Security number. A banker will walk you through the account options, explain the fee structure, and help you choose which account fits your needs. You can deposit cash or a check at that time if you want to fund the account immediately.

You can also open an account by phone by calling Chase customer service, though this route is slower than online or in-branch. You'll still need to verify your identity and provide the same information.

What happens after you open the account

Once your account is open, you'll receive a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your account online or through the Chase mobile app immediately, even before the card arrives. If you need cash right away, you can withdraw from any Chase ATM using your account number and ID, or visit a branch.

Your first statement will show any monthly maintenance fees that apply. If you opened an account with a fee and you meet one of the waiver conditions — like setting up direct deposit — the fee will not appear on your next statement. Chase also offers overdraft protection, which you can link to a savings account or credit line to cover transactions that would otherwise overdraw your checking account.

Differences between online-only and branch accounts

Chase does not offer a separate online-only checking account with different fees. All Chase checking accounts have the same fee structure whether you open them online or in a branch. The difference is in how you manage the account: online and app customers never visit a branch, while branch customers can deposit checks and cash in person.

If you need to deposit checks or cash regularly, opening in a branch or keeping a branch relationship makes sense. If you're comfortable with mobile check deposit (taking a photo of the check through the app) and ATM deposits, online opening is faster and just as functional.

Minimum balance requirements and how they work

Chase's minimum balance requirements are tied to fee waivers, not to account opening. You don't need $500 to open Chase Total Checking — you can open it with $0. But if your balance falls below $500 and you don't have direct deposit or a linked savings account, the $12 monthly fee will be charged.

The balance is calculated as your average daily balance over the statement period. If you dip below the minimum for a few days but recover, you may still be charged the fee. Some customers avoid this by setting up a small automatic transfer from savings to checking each month, which counts as meeting the direct deposit or transfer condition and waives the fee entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to deposit money when I open the account?

No. You can open any Chase checking or savings account with $0 and add money later. You'll need to provide a funding method (a linked bank account or debit card) during setup, but you can choose not to transfer anything immediately.

Can I avoid the monthly maintenance fee?

Yes, for most accounts. Chase Total Checking waives the $12 fee if you keep $500 on hand, set up direct deposit, or link a savings account with $500. Chase Savings waives the $5 fee with a $300 balance or $25 monthly transfers. Chase Secure Checking has no monthly fee at all.

How long does it take to open an account?

Online opening takes 10 to 15 minutes and your account is active immediately. In-branch opening takes 20 to 30 minutes. Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use your account online and at ATMs right away.

What ID do I need to open an account?

You need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and your Social Security number. Chase verifies your identity electronically during online opening, so you don't need to visit a branch unless you prefer to.

Can I open multiple Chase accounts at the same time?

Yes. You can open a checking account and a savings account in the same session, and many customers do this to meet the linked-account requirement that waives checking fees. You can also open additional accounts later.