Do you want to start your financial journey with a reputable bank like Chase? Perhaps you're a parent looking to help your child learn about money management, or a teenager eager for more financial independence. Understanding the age requirements and the process involved in opening a Chase bank account is your first, crucial step. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the youngest age Chase supports to what's required for adult accounts.
Navigating Chase Bank Account Age Requirements: A Step-by-Step Guide
Opening a bank account can seem daunting, but Chase offers various options tailored for different age groups. Let's break down the process.
Step 1: Identify Your Age Group and Needs - Are You a Kid, Teen, or Adult?
Before diving into the specifics, it's important to figure out which category you fall into, as Chase has distinct account types for different age ranges.
For the Youngest Savers (Ages 6-17): The Chase First Banking Account
This account is specifically designed for kids and teens, with a parent or guardian as the primary account owner. It's a fantastic tool for introducing financial literacy early on. While it's available for ages 6-17, Chase designed it with 6-12 year olds in mind.
Key Feature: It comes with a debit card for the child, but parents retain significant control over spending limits and categories.
For High Schoolers (Ages 13-17): The Chase High School Checking Account
This account is for teens aged 13-17, and requires a parent or guardian to be a co-owner. It offers more features suitable for a teenager ready for a bit more independence, like peer-to-peer transactions.
Important Note: This account must be linked to the parent/guardian's personal Chase checking account.
For College Students (Ages 17-24): The Chase College Checking Account
If you're between 17 and 24 years old and enrolled in college, a vocational, technical, or trade school, this account is tailored for you. It offers a monthly service fee waiver for up to five years, aligning with typical college durations.
Proof of Student Status is Required.
For Adults (Ages 18 and Above): Standard Chase Checking and Savings Accounts
If you're 18 or older, you can generally open a standard Chase checking or savings account independently. This includes options like Chase Total Checking, Chase Premier Plus Checking, and various savings accounts.
No co-signer is typically required for individuals 18 and older, unless specific circumstances (like credit history) necessitate it.
Step 2: Gather Your Essential Documents - Don't Forget Anything!
Regardless of the account type, you'll need certain documents to open a Chase bank account. Having these ready will significantly speed up the process.
For All Applicants (Adults and Minors with Co-owners):
Primary Photo ID: A government-issued photo ID is essential. This could be:
A valid driver's license
A state-issued identification card
A U.S. passport
A U.S. military ID
Secondary ID: Sometimes a second form of identification is required, such as:
A debit or credit card (from another institution)
A utility bill (with your name and address)
A lease agreement
Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN): This is a mandatory requirement for tax reporting purposes.
Proof of Address: This can often be covered by your primary ID, but sometimes an additional document like a utility bill or lease agreement is needed if your ID doesn't reflect your current address.
Initial Deposit Funds: You'll typically need a minimum deposit to open most accounts. This can vary by account type.
Additional Documents for Minors (Chase First Banking, High School Checking):
Parent/Guardian's Valid ID and SSN/ITIN: As the primary account holder or co-owner, the parent or legal guardian will need to provide their identification and SSN/ITIN.
Minor's Identification: While a strong primary ID might not be available for very young children, some form of identification like a birth certificate or school ID might be requested.
Proof of Relationship: Documents like a birth certificate or legal guardianship papers may be required to prove the relationship between the minor and the parent/guardian.
Additional Documents for College Students (Chase College Checking):
Proof of Student Status: This is critical for the College Checking account and can include:
A valid student ID card
An acceptance letter from your college/university
A transcript or enrollment verification
Your expected graduation date
Step 3: Choose Your Opening Method - Online or In-Person?
Chase offers flexibility in how you can open an account, depending on your age and the specific account type.
Online Account Opening:
Generally available for adults (18+) opening standard checking or savings accounts.
For Chase College Checking, if you're 18-24 years old and have a Social Security Number, you can apply online.
Pros: Convenient, can be done from anywhere with internet access, often quicker.
Cons: Might not be available for all account types (especially those requiring a co-owner or specific documentation), and you might miss out on personalized advice.
In-Branch Account Opening:
Required for minors opening Chase First Banking or Chase High School Checking, as a parent/guardian needs to be present.
Required for 17-year-olds opening a Chase College Checking account.
Recommended for anyone who prefers face-to-face interaction, has complex questions, or needs assistance with documentation.
Pros: Direct assistance from a banker, opportunity to ask questions, can resolve issues on the spot.
Cons: Requires a trip to a physical branch, may involve waiting times.
Step 4: Complete the Application - Filling Out the Forms
Whether online or in-branch, you'll need to complete an application form. This will ask for personal information, including:
Full legal name
Date of birth
Residential address
Contact information (phone number, email)
Employment status and income (for adult accounts)
Be sure to fill out all sections accurately and completely to avoid delays. If opening a joint account, both individuals will need to provide their information.
Step 5: Make Your Initial Deposit - Getting Started
Once your application is approved, you'll need to fund your new account.
Online: You can often link an existing external bank account to transfer funds, or deposit funds via mobile check deposit (if available for the account type).
In-Branch: You can deposit cash, checks, or transfer funds from another account.
Check the minimum opening deposit requirement for your chosen account type.
Step 6: Set Up Online and Mobile Banking - Managing Your Money
After your account is open, setting up online and mobile banking is highly recommended. The Chase Mobile® app offers a variety of features that make managing your money convenient and secure.
Features typically include:
Checking balances and transaction history
Transferring funds between accounts
Paying bills
Depositing checks via mobile
Setting up alerts and notifications
Managing debit card controls (especially useful for Chase First Banking)
Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about opening a Chase bank account, especially concerning age requirements:
How to open a Chase bank account for a child under 18? You can open a Chase First Banking account (ages 6-17) or a Chase High School Checking account (ages 13-17) for a child under 18. Both require a parent or legal guardian to be the primary account holder or co-owner. You'll need to visit a Chase branch to open these accounts.
How to get a debit card for my child with a Chase account? Both the Chase First Banking and Chase High School Checking accounts come with a debit card for the child. The parent/guardian has control over spending limits and can monitor transactions.
How to switch my Chase High School Checking account to a College Checking account? Eligible students (typically 17 years or older) can visit a Chase branch to convert their High School Checking account to a Chase College Checking account. You'll need proof of student status.
How to avoid monthly fees on a Chase student checking account? The Chase College Checking account offers a monthly service fee waiver for up to five years, provided you are a student aged 17-24 and meet the enrollment criteria.
How to open a Chase bank account if I am 17 years old? At 17, you can open a Chase High School Checking account (with a co-owning parent/guardian) or a Chase College Checking account (if enrolled in an eligible educational institution, also often requiring a parent/guardian present for opening in-branch if you don't have an SSN).
How to apply for a Chase bank account online if I'm under 18? Generally, if you are under 18, you cannot open a Chase account online independently. Minor accounts like Chase First Banking and High School Checking require an in-branch visit with a parent or legal guardian. Some college students aged 18-24 can apply for a College Checking account online.
How to know what documents I need to open a Chase account for my teenager? For a teenager, you'll need your valid photo ID and SSN/ITIN, your teenager's identification (if available, like a school ID), and proof of your relationship (e.g., birth certificate). For the High School Checking account, you'll also need a qualifying Chase checking account of your own.
How to deposit money into a Chase First Banking account? Funds can generally only be transferred into a Chase First Banking account from the parent/guardian's Chase checking account via the Chase Mobile® app. Direct cash or check deposits at branches or ATMs may not be supported for this specific account.
How to find a Chase branch near me to open an account? You can easily find the nearest Chase branch by using the "Find a branch or ATM" tool on the Chase website (chase.com) or within the Chase Mobile® app.
How to close a Chase First Banking account when my child turns 18? Once your child turns 18, Chase recommends they open their own account. If they don't select another account by the time they turn 25, the Chase First Banking account will be closed. You can also proactively visit a branch to discuss options for transitioning the account or closing it.
