You can open a Chase checking or savings account online in about 10 minutes, or visit a branch in person with your ID and Social Security number

Chase lets you start an account through their website, mobile app, or at a physical branch. The online route is fastest — you'll need a valid government ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit (usually $25 minimum, though this varies by account type). You can fund the account immediately with a debit card or bank transfer. If you prefer to open in person, bring the same documents to any Chase branch, and a banker will walk you through it on the spot.

The account becomes active within one business day if you open online. You'll get a debit card mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, though you can use your account number to set up direct deposit or transfers before the card arrives. If you open at a branch, you may walk out with a temporary debit card the same day.

Key Takeaways

  • Online account opening takes about 10 minutes and requires a government ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit of at least $25.
  • You can fund a new Chase account immediately using a debit card or by transferring money from another bank account.
  • Your account is active within one business day online; your physical debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
  • Opening in person at a Chase branch lets you leave with a temporary debit card the same day if you bring ID and your Social Security number.
  • Chase offers different account types — checking, savings, and money market — each with different minimum balances and monthly fees.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you begin, whether online or in person. You'll need a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. A recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement works for the address proof if you're opening online; in person, the banker may just verify your address verbally.

You'll also need an initial deposit. Chase checking accounts typically require a $25 minimum to open, though some accounts have higher minimums. Have a debit card or another bank account number ready so you can fund it right away. If you're opening in person, you can bring cash or a check, but a debit card or transfer is faster.

Opening an account online through Chase.com

Go to Chase.com and click "Open an Account" or "get your free guide" in the top menu. Select the account type you want — most people choose Chase Total Checking or Chase Savings. You'll answer questions about your personal information, employment status, and annual income. Chase uses this to verify your identity and check for fraud.

Next, you'll upload or photograph your ID. Chase's system reads it automatically, but you can also enter the information manually. Then you'll provide your Social Security number and confirm your address. At this point, Chase runs a soft credit check and checks ChexSystems (a banking history database) to see if you've had problems with other banks.

Finally, you'll choose how to fund the account. Enter a debit card number or your routing and account number from another bank. Chase will debit $25 (or your chosen amount) immediately. Your new account number appears on screen, and you can start using it for direct deposit or transfers the same day. Your physical debit card ships within 7 to 10 business days.

Opening an account in person at a Chase branch

Walk into any Chase branch during business hours with your ID, Social Security number, and initial deposit. Tell the banker you want to open a new account. They'll ask the same questions the online form does — your name, address, employment, and income — and will verify your ID in person.

The banker will show you the different account options and explain the features and fees. Once you choose, they'll process the application, which usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You'll sign documents and provide your initial deposit. Many branches can issue you a temporary debit card on the spot, so you can use it immediately while your permanent card is mailed.

Different Chase account types and their minimums

Chase Total Checking is the most common account. It has no monthly fee if you maintain a $500 minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or keep $300 in linked savings. If you don't meet any of those, the fee is $12 per month. The minimum to open is $25.

Chase Savings requires $25 to open and charges $5 per month unless you maintain a $300 minimum balance. Chase Money Market accounts have higher minimums — typically $2,500 — and higher interest rates. Chase also offers student checking (for ages 17 to 24) with no monthly fee and no minimum balance.

If you're not sure which account fits your situation, the banker can walk you through the differences. Most people starting out choose Total Checking because the monthly fee is easy to avoid.

What happens after your account opens

Your account is active immediately online, though it may take one business day to fully process. You can log into Chase.com or the mobile app using your Social Security number and a temporary password. Set up a permanent password and enable two-factor authentication for security.

Your debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. When it does, you'll activate it through the app or by calling the number on the card. Until then, you can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposit from your employer or receive transfers from other people.

If you opened in person and received a temporary card, activate it the same way. Your permanent card will arrive separately.

Reasons Chase might decline your application

Chase will decline your application if you have an active fraud case, a history of overdrafts you didn't repay, or a ChexSystems record showing you closed accounts with unpaid balances. If you've been banned from Chase before, you won't be able to open a new account. Some people are also declined for providing false information or if their identity can't be verified.

If Chase declines you, they'll send a letter explaining why. If it's a ChexSystems issue, you can dispute the record directly with ChexSystems. If it's fraud-related or a previous ban, you may need to wait a set period before reapplying, or contact Chase directly to discuss your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to go to a branch, or can I do everything online?

You can open a Chase account entirely online without visiting a branch. The process takes about 10 minutes on Chase.com or the mobile app. You'll get your account number immediately and can use it for direct deposit or transfers right away. Your physical debit card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

Chase requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open an account. If you don't have either, you won't be able to open a standard Chase account. Some banks offer accounts for people without an SSN, but Chase does not.

Can I open an account if I'm under 18?

Chase offers a student checking account for ages 17 to 24 with no monthly fee and no minimum balance. You'll need a parent or guardian to co-sign. For ages under 17, you'll need a parent or guardian to open a joint account with you at a branch in person.

How long does it take to receive my debit card?

If you open online, your debit card ships within 7 to 10 business days. If you open in person at a branch, you may receive a temporary card the same day. Your permanent card will arrive separately in the mail.

What's the minimum deposit to open a Chase account?

The minimum initial deposit is $25 for most Chase checking and savings accounts. Some specialty accounts have higher minimums. You can fund it with a debit card, bank transfer, or cash or check if you're opening in person.