Documents and information Chase requires to open an account

Chase requires a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address to open a checking or savings account. You'll also need an initial deposit — the amount varies by account type, but many Chase accounts have no minimum. Bring your ID and one piece of mail or utility bill showing your name and address; Chase will verify your Social Security number electronically.

If you're opening an account online, you can upload photos of your ID and address proof instead of visiting a branch. Chase will ask you to confirm your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history, or by verifying a small deposit to an existing bank account you control.

Non-U.S. citizens can open accounts with a valid passport and an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number, though some Chase branches may have additional requirements. Call your local branch ahead of time if you don't have a Social Security number.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government-issued photo ID, Social Security number, and proof of current address — a utility bill or piece of mail with your name on it works.
  • Most Chase checking and savings accounts have no minimum deposit requirement, though some premium accounts do.
  • You can open an account online by uploading photos of your ID and address proof, or in person at a Chase branch.
  • Chase will verify your identity through security questions or by confirming a small deposit to another bank account you own.
  • If you don't have a Social Security number, bring a valid passport and ITIN to a branch and confirm their requirements first.

Opening an account in person versus online

Opening in person at a Chase branch takes about 15 to 30 minutes. Bring your ID, proof of address, and your Social Security number or ITIN. A banker will review your information, run a background check through ChexSystems (a banking history database), and set up your account on the spot. You can make your initial deposit in cash, by check, or by transfer from another bank.

Opening online is faster — you can complete it in 10 minutes from home. You'll upload photos of your ID and address proof, answer identity verification questions, and choose your account type. Chase will send you a debit card within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to deposit money before your card arrives, you can transfer funds from another bank account or use a Chase ATM once your account is active.

Online applications sometimes require additional verification if Chase cannot confirm your identity through its security questions. In that case, you may need to visit a branch or provide extra documentation by mail.

What Chase checks before opening your account

Chase runs your information through ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking history and fraud. If you've had accounts closed for overdrafts, fraud, or other issues, ChexSystems will flag it. Chase may deny your application or require you to pay outstanding balances before opening a new account. You can request your ChexSystems report for free at www.chexsystems.com to see what's on file.

Chase also checks your Social Security number against government records to confirm your identity and age. If there's a mismatch — for example, if the name on your ID doesn't match Social Security records — you may need to bring additional documents like a birth certificate or marriage certificate to a branch.

Chase does not run a traditional credit check to open a basic checking or savings account, so your credit score won't affect your ability to open one. However, if you're opening a credit card or line of credit at the same time, Chase will pull your credit report for that product.

Initial deposit options and account minimums

Chase's most common accounts — Chase Total Checking and Chase Savings — have no minimum deposit requirement. You can open with $1 or $100; the choice is yours. However, some premium accounts like Chase Premier Plus Checking do require a minimum balance, typically $15,000 or more, to avoid monthly fees.

You can make your initial deposit in several ways: cash at a branch, check deposited in person or by mobile app, or electronic transfer from another bank account. If you transfer from another bank, the funds usually arrive within one to three business days. If you deposit cash or a check in person, the funds are available immediately or within one business day.

If you don't have money to deposit right now, you can open many Chase accounts with zero dollars and add money later. There's no time limit to make your first deposit, though Chase may close inactive accounts after a period of inactivity — typically 12 months or longer.

Age requirements and accounts for minors

You must be at least 18 years old to open a Chase account in your own name. Minors can have accounts through Chase's Youth Savings account, which requires a parent or guardian to co-own the account and be present at the branch or online during setup.

For a Youth Savings account, the parent or guardian provides their ID and Social Security number, and the minor provides their ID (or birth certificate if they don't have one) and Social Security number. The parent has full access to the account and can monitor spending and set limits on debit card use.

What happens after you open your account

Once your account is open, Chase will issue you a debit card if you opened a checking account. The card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can activate it online, through the Chase mobile app, or by calling the number on the back of the card when it arrives.

Chase will also set up online banking access so you can check your balance, transfer money, and pay bills from any computer or phone. You'll create a username and password during account setup, or Chase will email you a temporary password to use the first time you log in.

Your account comes with a routing number and account number, which you'll need to set up direct deposit for paychecks or to pay bills by bank transfer. Chase provides these numbers in your welcome materials and in the mobile app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase account without a Social Security number?

Yes. Non-U.S. citizens can use a valid passport and an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Some branches may have additional requirements, so call ahead to confirm what your local branch needs.

What if Chase denies my account application?

Chase usually denies applications because of ChexSystems records — past overdrafts, fraud, or closed accounts. Request your free ChexSystems report to see what's listed. You can dispute inaccurate information or wait for old items to age off the report, typically after five years.

Do I need a minimum deposit to open a Chase checking account?

No. Chase Total Checking and Chase Savings have no minimum deposit. You can open with $1. Premium accounts like Chase Premier Plus Checking do require a higher minimum balance to avoid fees.

How long does it take to open a Chase account online?

Online applications usually take 10 to 15 minutes. Your account is active immediately, though your debit card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your account and transfer money before the card arrives.

What address should I use if I just moved?

Use your current address — the one where you're living now. Bring a recent utility bill, lease, or piece of mail showing that address. If you moved very recently and don't have mail yet, ask Chase what alternative documents they'll accept, such as a lease agreement or a bill from your previous address plus a forwarding address confirmation.