Opening a bank account is a significant step towards financial independence, and for many, Chase Bank is a popular choice. But if you're wondering how old you have to be to start a Chase bank account, you've come to the right place! It's not a one-size-fits-all answer, as Chase offers various account types catering to different age groups, from young children to young adults.
Ready to dive into the details and find the perfect Chase account for you or your child? Let's get started!
Step 1: Understand the Different Chase Account Types for Minors and Young Adults
Chase Bank offers a range of accounts designed to introduce financial literacy and provide banking services to individuals under 18, and then seamlessly transition them into adult accounts. It's crucial to understand these distinctions as they directly impact age requirements and account features.
Sub-heading: Chase First Banking℠ - For the Youngest Learners (Ages 6-17)
This account is designed for younger children and teens to learn basic money management with significant parental oversight.
Age Range: Primarily designed for kids aged 6-12, but available for children 6-17 years old.
Ownership: This account is parent-owned and managed. The child gets a debit card in their name, but the parent has full control and visibility.
Features: Parents can set spending limits, assign chores, allocate allowances, and track spending. Funds can only be transferred into the Chase First Banking account from the parent/guardian's Chase checking account.
Key takeaway: If you're a parent looking to teach your young child about money in a controlled environment, this is a great starting point.
Sub-heading: Chase High School Checking℠ - For Teens Taking the Next Step (Ages 13-17)
This account offers more independence for teenagers while still maintaining a co-owner (parent/guardian) for guidance.
Age Range: For teens aged 13 to 17 years old at account opening.
Ownership: The teen is the primary account holder, but a parent/guardian must be a co-owner. The account also needs to be linked to the parent/guardian's personal Chase checking account (excluding certain types).
Features: No Monthly Service Fee, a personalized debit card for the teen, and the ability to manage money with confidence. This account is designed to help teens build financial independence.
Important Note: Standard Overdraft Practice and Chase Debit Card Coverage℠ are not available with this account.
Key takeaway: This account is ideal for teenagers who are ready for more financial responsibility and want their own debit card and direct deposit capabilities.
Sub-heading: Chase College Checking℠ - For the College-Bound (Ages 17-24)
As the name suggests, this account is specifically tailored for students pursuing higher education.
Age Range: Students must be 17-24 years old at account opening.
Requirements: You'll typically need to provide your school name and expected graduation date. A valid student ID or proof of enrollment/acceptance may also be required.
Benefits: This account often comes with a $0 Monthly Service Fee for up to five years, which is a great benefit for students.
Key takeaway: If you're heading to college, this account provides essential banking services with student-friendly terms.
Sub-heading: Standard Adult Checking and Savings Accounts (Ages 18+)
Once you turn 18, you are generally considered an adult in the eyes of the bank and can open most standard Chase checking and savings accounts independently.
Age Range: 18 years or older.
Independence: At this age, you can open accounts without a co-owner (though you can certainly choose to have one).
Account Types: You'll have access to a wider variety of checking accounts (like Chase Total Checking®, Chase Premier Plus Checking℠, etc.) and savings accounts.
Considerations: These accounts may have monthly service fees, but these can often be waived by meeting certain requirements (e.g., direct deposit thresholds, minimum daily balances).
Key takeaway: Turning 18 opens up the full spectrum of Chase banking products, offering greater flexibility and independence.
Step 2: Gather Your Required Documentation
Regardless of your age or the specific Chase account you're opening, you'll need certain documents to verify your identity and address. Having these ready will make the account opening process much smoother.
Sub-heading: For the Minor (if applicable)
Proof of Identity:
Social Security Number (SSN)
Birth Certificate
Passport (if available)
State-issued ID (if available and applicable for the age)
Proof of Address: While less common for minors, if they receive mail at their name, a piece of mail with their name and address might be helpful. Often, the parent's proof of address will suffice for joint or custodial accounts.
Sub-heading: For the Parent/Guardian (for minor accounts)
Proof of Identity:
Valid, government-issued photo ID (e.g., Driver's License, State ID, Passport)
Social Security Number (SSN)
Proof of Address:
Utility bill (gas, electric, water)
Bank statement from another financial institution
Lease agreement or mortgage statement
Recent pay stub
Sub-heading: For Individuals 18 and Older
Proof of Identity:
Valid, government-issued photo ID (e.g., Driver's License, State ID, Passport)
Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
Proof of Address:
Utility bill
Bank statement
Lease agreement or mortgage statement
Recent pay stub
Step 3: Choose Your Account Opening Method
Chase offers a few convenient ways to open an account, depending on the account type and your personal preference.
Sub-heading: Online Account Opening
Feasibility: Many standard adult checking and savings accounts can be opened online. For minor accounts like Chase First Banking, the parent can often initiate the opening process online through their Chase checking account. Chase High School Checking might require an in-branch visit.
Benefits: Convenience and speed. You can do it from the comfort of your home.
Process: Visit the Chase website, navigate to the "Checking Accounts" or "Savings Accounts" section, and follow the prompts for online application. You'll typically need to upload images of your documents or enter the information manually.
Sub-heading: In-Branch Account Opening
Feasibility: This is often the preferred or required method for minor accounts (Chase First Banking, Chase High School Checking) as it facilitates the co-owner setup and allows for direct assistance from a banker. It's also an option for adults who prefer in-person service.
Benefits: Personalized assistance, ability to ask questions, and immediate resolution of any documentation issues.
Process: Use the Chase website to find the nearest branch. It's a good idea to call ahead and make an appointment to ensure a banker is available to help you. Bring all your required documentation with you.
Step 4: The Account Opening Process
Once you've decided on the account type and your opening method, here's a general idea of what to expect.
Sub-heading: Completing the Application
Whether online or in-branch, you'll fill out an application form that requests your personal information, contact details, and employment status (if applicable).
For minor accounts, the parent/guardian will fill out their information and then the minor's details.
Sub-heading: Identity Verification
This is a critical step. Chase will use the documents you provide (or the information you input online) to verify your identity in compliance with banking regulations.
Be prepared for additional questions if your identity cannot be easily verified.
Sub-heading: Initial Deposit
Most Chase accounts require a minimum initial deposit to open. This amount can vary by account type. Be sure to check the specific requirements for the account you're interested in.
You can typically make this deposit via cash, check, or transfer from an existing account.
Sub-heading: Account Activation and Debit Card Issuance
Once your application is approved and the initial deposit is made, your account will be activated.
You'll typically receive your debit card in the mail within 7-10 business days. Some branches might offer instant-issue debit cards.
For minor accounts, the child will receive their own debit card (Chase First Banking, Chase High School Checking), which the parent can manage.
Step 5: Start Banking and Learn!
Congratulations! You or your child now have a Chase bank account. The journey doesn't end here; it's just the beginning of building good financial habits.
Sub-heading: Utilize Online and Mobile Banking
Download the Chase Mobile® app: It's an incredibly powerful tool for managing your account, checking balances, transferring funds, and setting up alerts.
Set up Account Alerts: For minor accounts, parents can set up alerts to monitor spending and account activity, providing a great opportunity for teaching moments.
Explore financial education resources: Chase often provides resources for financial literacy, especially for younger account holders.
Sub-heading: Teach and Practice Good Money Habits
For minors, use the account as a learning tool. Talk about budgeting, saving for goals, and responsible spending.
Encourage direct deposit for allowances or part-time job earnings.
Help them understand the importance of avoiding overdrafts (though some minor accounts don't allow them).
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to open a Chase bank account for a 10-year-old?
You can open a Chase First Banking℠ account for a 10-year-old. This account is parent-owned and managed, and the child receives a debit card for supervised spending. The parent needs to have an existing Chase checking account.
How to get a debit card for my 15-year-old with Chase?
Your 15-year-old can get a debit card by opening a Chase High School Checking℠ account with you as a co-owner. They will receive their own debit card linked to this account.
How to waive monthly fees on a Chase High School Checking account?
The Chase High School Checking account has no monthly service fee for eligible teens aged 13-17 when opened with a parent/guardian as a co-owner and linked to the parent's qualifying Chase checking account.
How to convert a Chase High School Checking account to an adult account?
Once the student turns 19, their Chase High School Checking account will typically automatically convert to a Chase Total Checking® account. Students 17 or older can also speak to a banker about converting to a Chase College Checking account.
How to open a Chase College Checking account for an 18-year-old?
An 18-year-old can open a Chase College Checking℠ account independently. They will need to provide their school name and expected graduation date, and potentially proof of enrollment.
How to link a parent's account to a child's Chase bank account?
For Chase High School Checking and Chase First Banking, the child's account is automatically linked to the parent's qualifying Chase checking account during the opening process.
How to add a minor as a joint account holder on a Chase account?
Chase's specific minor accounts (First Banking, High School Checking) are set up with a parent as the primary owner or co-owner. For standard adult accounts, you generally cannot add a minor as a joint account holder in the same way you would another adult. The minor accounts are designed for this purpose.
How to manage spending limits for a child's Chase account?
With Chase First Banking℠, parents can set and manage spending limits directly through the Chase Mobile® app, allowing for controlled spending by the child.
How to make deposits into a Chase First Banking account?
Funds can only be transferred into a Chase First Banking account from the parent/guardian's Chase checking account via the Chase Mobile® app. Cash/check deposits or direct deposits are not supported for this specific account.
How to close a minor's Chase bank account?
Generally, the parent or guardian who opened the minor's account will need to initiate the closure process. This typically involves visiting a Chase branch or contacting Chase customer service. The process may vary depending on the account type and the minor's age.
