How to open a Chase Bank account: full guide

Chase® has a broad range of popular checking and saving accounts that are available to US citizens and residents.

If you’re considering opening an account with Chase you might be wondering which is the best product for you — read on for our overview of Chase account options, the process and requirements to open a Chase bank account, and answers to important questions like: what is the minimum to open a Chase checking account?

We’ll also introduce Wise as a smart way to send money overseas paying from your Chase account — more on that later.

How to open a Chase checking account: step by step

We’ll dive into a comparison of different Chase account options later — first, let’s get an overview of the account opening process with Chase.

1. Choose the right account for you

Your first task is to pick from the broad selection of checking and saving accounts available from Chase¹.

Different accounts have their own features and fees which make them more suited to different customer needs. Compare a few to see which might work for you.

2. Find out all the requirements to open a Chase bank account

Checking over the eligibility criteria is the next step. For example, Chase has some extra benefits for students who are looking to open an account.

But to access these benefits you’ll need to fulfill the eligibility requirements, including being aged 17 to 24, with a valid student ID or proof of college acceptance². Read the small print carefully to make sure you’re eligible for your preferred account.

3. Check all the documents needed to open a Chase bank account

Next — what do you need to open a Chase account? The documents required to open a Chase bank account vary depending on whether you’re a US citizen, permanent resident or a non-permanent resident³.

To open a Chase bank account, US citizens generally need to provide:

• Primary ID: photo driving license, passport or state ID for example
• Secondary ID: recent bank statement or utility bill or a social security card for example

To open a Chase bank account, US permanent residents (Green Card holders) generally need to provide:

• Primary ID: photo driving license, passport or Green Card for example
• Secondary ID: recent bank statement or utility bill or a social security card for example

To open a Chase bank account, US non-permanent residents (visa holders) generally need to provide:

• Primary ID: passport or Matrícula Consular Card for example
• Secondary ID: recent bank statement or utility bill or a photo driving license for example

There’s a pretty broad range of acceptable documents for all categories, with some alternatives for minors — check out the full list online, on the Chase desktop site.

4. Fill out the application

You’ll now need to complete the Chase bank account application form online or in person. Online account opening is usually only available to customers with a US SSN and a document like a driving license or state ID.

If you’re under 18, you’re also not usually allowed to open your account online. In this case, you can schedule a meeting to open an account in a branch.

5. Make sure to know what's the minimum amount needed to open a Chase checking account

And one last, important, question: do you need money to open a Chase account?

In most cases, you do not need money to open a Chase account as no minimum opening deposit is required to complete the account application process for standard Chase checking accounts.

However, if you don’t maintain a minimum balance, you may find you pay a monthly fee. More on that, in the table below.

What is the right Chase Bank account for you?

Let’s take a look at some popular Chase accounts, and how they compare on key features like how much deposit to open each Chase bank account.

Account	Maintenance fee	Interest earning?	Features	Other fees
Chase Secure Checking⁴	4.95 USD	No	Early direct deposit available No overdraft, wire transfer or checks	3 USD — 5 USD out of network ATM fee 3% foreign transaction fee
Chase Total Checking⁴	12 USD (can be waived by meeting eligibility criteria)	No	Check safekeeping available	3 USD — 5 USD out of network ATM fee 3% foreign transaction fee 34 USD overdraft fee 15 USD incoming wire fee, 0 USD — 5 USD outgoing wire fee
Chase Premier Plus Checking⁴	25 USD (can be waived by meeting eligibility criteria)	Yes — variable	No Chase fee for 4 ATM transactions per statement period	3 USD — 5 USD out of network ATM fee 3% foreign transaction fee 34 USD overdraft fee 15 USD incoming wire fee, 0 USD — 5 USD outgoing wire fee

Pay for international transfers through your Chase account with Wise

If you need to send a payment overseas from your Chase account, you may be better off with Wise.

Set up a Wise account online or in the Wise app, to send payments to 80+ countries with the mid-market rate and low fees from 0.41%⁵.

You can pay by wire or ACH from Chase, and your funds will be deposited to your recipient’s account quickly — or even instantly⁶.

Just enter the payment details into the Wise app to get an instant no obligation quote, and see if you can save.

Get started with Wise

Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information

Opening a Chase account: online or in person?

Let’s take a look at an overview of what you can do in person vs online with Chase.

Task	Online	In person
Open an account	US citizens opening individual accounts, for adults over the age of 18	Any eligible customer
Review accounts, balance and transactions	Once you’ve signed up for online banking	Available for account holders — appointments may be recommended
Send payments	All account holders who have signed up for online banking	All account holders — fees may be higher compared to transacting online

Does Chase accept walk-ins?

Chase recommends you schedule a meeting if you want to set up a bank account, to avoid waiting in line in the branch. Simple over the counter transactions may not require an appointment.

Can you open a Chase account online?

US citizens over the age of 18, opening individual accounts, can usually do so online.

Wondering: can I open a joint Chase account online?

Unfortunately, joint accounts can not be opened online — you’ll need to make an appointment at a branch.

Should you open a Chase checking account?

Whether or not a Chase checking account is right for you comes down to your personal needs and preferences.

Chase has a good selection of checking and saving account products. Compare a few — and don’t forget to look at other banks and credit unions, as well as specialist services, too, so you’ll know you’re getting the best account for your personal needs.

Common questions about opening a Chase bank account

Let's take a look at frequent questions on opening a Chase account.

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

If you’re applying online and have all the required information to hand, opening a Chase account should not take long.

You’ll then receive your Chase card in the mail a week or so later⁷.

Is there a limit on how many Chase Bank accounts you can open?

Limits may apply depending on the specific accounts you hold and your personal situation. It’s worth asking in a Chase branch directly if you have any concerns.

How can you fund your new Chase Bank account?

You can transfer funds into your Chase bank account in a variety of ways — the exact options will depend on the account product you pick.

Usually you’ll have options including bank transfer or wire, cash or card payments⁸.

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Use this guide to open the right Chase account for you — and next time you need to send money internationally from Chase, take a look at Wise for low cost, fast payments to 80+ countries with the mid-market rate.

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Sources:

1. Chase
2. Chase student account
3. Chase account opening documents
4. Chase personal account fee schedule
5. Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information
6. The speed of transaction claim depends on funds availability, approval by Wise's proprietary verification system and systems availability of our partners' banking system, and may not be available for all transactions
7. Chase new bank account FAQ
8. Chase — how to open a checking account

Sources checked on 05.10.2023