Documents and information Chase requires before you open an account

To open a Chase checking or savings account, you will need a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit. Chase accepts a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You will also need to provide your date of birth, current address, and a phone number. If you are opening the account online or by phone, Chase will verify this information against their records before the account goes live.

The initial deposit amount depends on the account type. Chase does not require a minimum deposit for most personal checking accounts, though some account tiers do have minimums. You can fund the account with a debit card, transfer from another bank, or a check deposit. If you are opening an account in a branch, you can also deposit cash.

If you do not have a Social Security number, Chase will accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You will need to bring additional documentation to verify your identity and address — typically a passport, consulate ID, or utility bill dated within the last 60 days.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government-issued photo ID, Social Security number or ITIN, and your current address to open any Chase personal account.
  • Most Chase checking accounts have no minimum deposit requirement, though you must fund the account with at least some amount to activate it.
  • You can open an account online, by phone, or in a Chase branch, and the process typically takes a few minutes to complete.
  • If you have had banking problems in the past, Chase may deny your application based on ChexSystems records or prior account closures.

How Chase verifies your identity

Chase uses ChexSystems, a banking history database, to check whether you have had problems with previous accounts. This includes unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or accounts closed by the bank. If you appear in ChexSystems with negative marks, Chase may decline your application or require you to resolve the issue first.

You can request your own ChexSystems report for free at www.chexsystems.com. If there is an error or a resolved issue still showing on your report, you can dispute it directly with ChexSystems. Chase will also run a soft credit check, which does not affect your credit score.

Opening an account online versus in a branch

Opening online is faster and requires no appointment. You will upload a photo of your ID, enter your personal information, and fund the account from another bank account or debit card. The account usually opens within minutes, though Chase may place a hold on deposits or require additional verification by phone.

Opening in a Chase branch takes longer but allows you to ask questions and deposit cash immediately. A banker will verify your ID in person, which can speed up approval if there are any questions about your identity or address. Branches are useful if you do not have online banking set up elsewhere or prefer to handle everything face-to-face.

You can also open an account by phone by calling Chase customer service. A representative will walk you through the same questions as the online process and can answer questions in real time. Phone applications typically take 10 to 15 minutes.

What happens if you do not have a current address

Chase requires a current mailing address to open an account. If you are homeless or living temporarily, you can use a shelter address, a trusted friend or family member's address, or a mail forwarding service address. Chase will send account documents and a debit card to this address, so make sure it is a place where you can receive mail.

If you use someone else's address, be prepared to explain the situation to the banker or customer service representative. Some Chase locations may ask for additional documentation, such as a letter from a shelter or proof of mail forwarding service. Having this ready before you apply speeds up the process.

Age requirements and accounts for minors

You must be at least 18 years old to open a personal Chase account in your own name. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must open a Chase First Banking account with you, and they will have access to the account and its transactions.

Chase First Banking requires the same ID and Social Security number as an adult account, plus the parent or guardian's ID and Social Security number. The adult must be present in person at a Chase branch or available during a phone or video call to verify their identity. The account can be converted to a standard checking account once the minor turns 18.

Funding your account and getting your debit card

After your account opens, you can fund it immediately through an external transfer, debit card, or check deposit. External transfers from another bank typically take one to three business days to appear in your Chase account. Debit card deposits post instantly if you use a Visa or Mastercard from another bank.

Chase will mail your debit card to the address you provided during signup. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You can request expedited shipping at some branches or through the Chase app, though this may have a fee. Until your card arrives, you can use your account number and routing number to set up direct deposits or bill payments.

What to do if Chase denies your application

Chase will tell you the reason for a denial, which is usually related to ChexSystems records, a previous account closure, or an address verification issue. If the reason is ChexSystems, you can dispute the record or wait for negative marks to age off (typically after five years). If the reason is a previous Chase account closure, you may need to wait a set period before reapplying — Chase's policy on this varies.

If your application was denied due to an address issue, you can reapply with corrected information. If you were denied because of fraud or unpaid overdrafts at another bank, you may need to resolve that issue first. Some people in this situation open accounts at banks with less restrictive policies, such as online banks or credit unions, and then reapply to Chase after a year or two of clean banking history.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, if you have an ITIN instead. You will need to bring additional ID documents to verify your identity and address, such as a passport, consulate ID, or a utility bill dated within 60 days. Some Chase branches are more experienced with ITIN applications than others, so calling ahead to confirm they can process your application is helpful.

What if I do not have a government-issued photo ID?

Chase requires a photo ID as part of their verification process. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, you can obtain a state ID card from your local DMV. This typically costs under $20 and takes a few weeks to arrive. Until then, you cannot open a Chase account.

How long does it take to open a Chase account?

Online applications usually complete within minutes. Phone applications take 10 to 15 minutes. In-branch applications can take 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the branch is. Your debit card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, though you can use your account immediately after opening.

Will opening a Chase account hurt my credit score?

No. Chase runs a soft credit check, which does not appear on your credit report and does not lower your score. Hard inquiries, which do affect your score, are only used when you apply for credit products like loans or credit cards.

Can I open multiple Chase accounts at the same time?

Yes, you can open both a checking and savings account in the same application. You can also open accounts in different account tiers if you meet the requirements for each. However, Chase limits the number of accounts you can have open at once, and having too many accounts may trigger additional review.