Chase is the largest bank in the United States by assets, owned by JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Chase operates as a retail and commercial bank, meaning it takes deposits from individuals and businesses, lends money, and offers investment services. You can open a checking or savings account at Chase, get a mortgage or auto loan, apply for a credit card, or invest through their brokerage arm. The bank has roughly 4,700 branches and 16,000 ATMs across the country, making it one of the most accessible banks for everyday banking.

Chase is a subsidiary of JPMorgan Chase & Co., a financial holding company that also owns investment banking, asset management, and insurance divisions. When you bank at Chase, you are banking with a company that operates on a massive scale — it holds trillions of dollars in assets and serves millions of customers. This size matters for your account: Chase's scale means competitive rates on some products, but also that customer service often routes through automated systems first.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase is a full-service retail bank where you can deposit money, borrow, and invest, with branches and ATMs in most U.S. states.
  • Chase accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) up to $250,000 per account type, so your deposits are protected if the bank fails.
  • Chase offers checking and savings accounts with varying fee structures, credit cards with different rewards programs, and mortgage and auto loans.
  • Chase's size means lower fees on some products but also longer wait times for customer service compared to smaller regional banks.

How Chase Makes Money and What That Means for You

Chase makes money the way most banks do: by charging interest on loans, collecting fees on accounts and services, and earning returns on investments. When you take out a mortgage or car loan from Chase, you pay interest. When you use an out-of-network ATM or overdraft your account, Chase charges a fee. When you keep money in a Chase savings account, Chase lends that money out and keeps most of the interest it earns.

This business model affects what you pay. Chase's checking accounts often come with monthly maintenance fees unless you meet a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Savings accounts earn interest, but the rate is typically lower than what online-only banks offer, because Chase's branch network and customer service infrastructure cost money to maintain. Loans from Chase tend to be competitively priced because the bank has so much capital to lend, but you will pay more interest than you would earn in savings — that spread is how Chase profits.

Types of Accounts and Services Chase Offers

Chase's main consumer products are checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, and certificates of deposit (CDs). Checking accounts come in several tiers: Chase Total Checking is the basic option with a monthly fee waived if you meet certain conditions; Chase Premier Plus Checking is aimed at customers with higher balances. Savings accounts range from basic savings to high-yield savings, though the rates vary and are often lower than online banks.

Beyond deposit accounts, Chase offers credit cards with different rewards structures — some earn cash back, others earn travel points, and some are designed for people building or rebuilding credit. Chase also originates mortgages, auto loans, and personal loans. If you want to invest, Chase offers brokerage accounts through its subsidiary, and you can buy stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs. Chase also offers wealth management services for high-net-worth customers and small business banking products.

How Your Money Is Protected at Chase

Deposits at Chase are insured by the FDIC, a federal agency that protects bank deposits if a bank fails. The FDIC covers up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank, per account type. This means if you have $100,000 in a Chase checking account and $100,000 in a Chase savings account, both are fully covered. If you have $300,000 in a single checking account, only $250,000 is covered and you lose the rest.

FDIC coverage does not apply to investment accounts, brokerage accounts, or credit card balances. If you invest money through Chase's brokerage, that money is not FDIC-insured, though it may be protected under Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) rules, which cover up to $500,000 per account. Credit card balances are not deposits — they are debt you owe to Chase, so FDIC insurance does not apply.

Chase's Fees and How to Avoid Them

Chase charges monthly maintenance fees on most checking accounts, typically $12 to $15, though the fee is waived if you maintain a minimum balance (usually $500 to $1,500), set up direct deposit, or meet other conditions. Savings accounts may also carry monthly fees, though many are waived with a minimum balance. Out-of-network ATM withdrawals cost $2.50 to $3.00 per transaction. Overdraft fees run $35 per overdraft, and Chase allows multiple overdrafts per day, so a single shopping trip can trigger several fees.

Chase also charges fees for services like wire transfers, stop payments, and expedited check delivery. Credit cards may carry annual fees depending on the card — premium travel cards often charge $95 to $550 per year. The way to minimize fees is to understand the conditions for waiving them: set up direct deposit if you can, keep the minimum balance required, use Chase ATMs, and avoid overdrafts by monitoring your account regularly or setting up alerts.

Chase Online and Mobile Banking

Chase offers online banking through its website and a mobile app available on iOS and Android. You can check balances, transfer money between accounts, pay bills, deposit checks by photograph, and manage credit cards through these platforms. The app also includes budgeting tools and the ability to set up alerts for low balances or large transactions. Two-factor authentication is available to secure your account.

Chase's digital tools are generally reliable and user-friendly, though some customers report that the app can be slow during peak hours. Customer service is available through the app, website, phone, and in-branch, though wait times for phone support can be long during business hours. Chase also offers 24/7 fraud monitoring and will contact you if suspicious activity appears on your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my money safe at Chase?

Yes, deposits up to $250,000 per account type are insured by the FDIC. Chase is also one of the largest and most stable banks in the country, regularly examined by federal regulators. Investment accounts and credit card balances are not FDIC-insured.

Does Chase offer the best interest rates?

Chase's savings and money market rates are typically lower than online-only banks because Chase maintains physical branches and customer service. If earning the highest possible interest is your priority, online banks often offer better rates. Chase's advantage is convenience and access to in-person service.

Can I avoid Chase's monthly account fees?

Yes. Most Chase checking accounts waive the monthly fee if you maintain a minimum balance, set up direct deposit, or meet other conditions listed in the account agreement. Read the specific terms for the account you choose to understand what waives the fee.

What should I do if I see fraud on my Chase account?

Contact Chase immediately through the phone number on the back of your card or through the mobile app. Chase has fraud protection policies and will investigate unauthorized transactions. You are generally not liable for fraudulent charges if you report them promptly.

Does Chase offer business banking?

Yes. Chase has a separate business banking division offering checking accounts, savings accounts, loans, and payment processing for small businesses and larger companies. Business accounts have different fee structures and requirements than personal accounts.