Hello there! Thinking about opening a Chase bank account? That's a fantastic step towards managing your finances, whether you're looking for everyday banking, saving for a big goal, or simply want the convenience of a widely recognized bank.
Let's dive right into how you can make that happen, step by step!
How to Make a Chase Bank Account: A Comprehensive Guide
Opening a new bank account can seem like a daunting task, but with the right information and a clear plan, it's actually quite straightforward. Chase offers a variety of accounts to suit different needs, and we'll walk you through the process, from deciding which account is right for you to setting it up for success.
Step 1: Discover Your Banking Needs – What Kind of Account Suits You Best?
Before you even think about gathering documents, let's figure out what you truly need from a bank. Do you primarily want a place to manage your daily expenses and receive direct deposits? Or are you looking to stash away savings for a rainy day or a future investment?
Chase offers a range of accounts, each with its own features, benefits, and potential fees. Understanding these will help you choose wisely.
Sub-heading: Exploring Chase Account Options
Checking Accounts: These are your go-to for everyday transactions.
Chase Total Checking®: A very popular option, great for everyday banking. It usually has a monthly service fee that can be waived by meeting certain criteria (like minimum daily balance or direct deposits).
Chase Secure Banking℠: This account is designed for those who want a simple, no-overdraft-fee account. It has a fixed monthly service fee.
Chase Premier Plus Checking℠, Chase Sapphire℠ Checking, Chase Private Client Checking℠: These are higher-tier checking accounts that offer more benefits, often with higher balance requirements to waive fees. They might offer interest on balances and other perks.
Chase College Checking℠: Specifically for students aged 17-24, often with no monthly service fees for eligible students.
Savings Accounts: Designed for saving money, often earning a small amount of interest.
Chase Savings℠: A standard savings account with a monthly fee that can be waived.
Chase Premier Savings℠: Offers potentially higher interest rates, usually with higher balance requirements to waive fees.
Certificates of Deposit (CDs): These are for long-term savings where you agree to keep your money deposited for a specific period to earn a fixed interest rate. You generally cannot withdraw money from a CD without penalty until its maturity date.
Pro Tip: Carefully review the monthly fees and waiver requirements for each account type. Chase's website (chase.com) is the best place to find the most up-to-date information on their account offerings and their associated terms and conditions.
Step 2: Gather Your Essential Documents – Be Prepared!
Once you have an idea of the account type, it's time to gather the necessary documentation. This is a crucial step to ensure a smooth application process, whether you're applying online or in person.
Sub-heading: What You'll Likely Need
Proof of Identity (Photo ID): This is essential. You'll typically need one or more of the following:
U.S. Government-issued Photo ID (e.g., Driver's License or State ID)
Passport (U.S. or foreign with photo)
Social Security Card or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
Birth Certificate (for minors only)
Proof of Address: This must show your name and current residential address. Examples include:
Utility bill (electricity, gas, water – usually dated within the last 60 days)
Bank statement or credit card statement
Mortgage statement or lease agreement
Employer pay stub or paycheck
Opening Deposit: While many Chase accounts don't have a minimum opening deposit requirement, it's always good to be prepared to fund your account. You can typically do this with:
Cash (if opening in a branch)
Debit card from another bank
ACH transfer (electronic transfer from another bank account)
Check or money order
Sub-heading: Special Considerations for Non-U.S. Citizens
If you are a non-U.S. citizen residing in the U.S., you can absolutely open a Chase account! The documentation requirements might be slightly different. You will still need a valid government-issued photo ID (like your passport) and proof of U.S. address. If you don't have a Social Security Number (SSN), you may need to provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), which is issued by the IRS for tax reporting purposes. It's always best to contact Chase directly or visit a branch to confirm the exact requirements for your specific situation.
Step 3: Choose Your Application Method – Online or In-Branch?
Chase offers two primary ways to open an account: online or by visiting a physical branch. Both have their advantages.
Sub-heading: Opening a Chase Account Online (Convenience at Your Fingertips)
Opening an account online is often the quickest and most convenient option if you have all your documents readily available.
Visit the Official Chase Website: Go to chase.com and navigate to the "Personal" banking section.
Select Your Desired Account: Browse the checking and savings account options. Click on the one you've decided is best for you.
Review Terms and Conditions: This is crucial! Read through all the account details, fees, and requirements before proceeding.
Click "Open Account" or "Apply Now": This will usually take you to an online application form.
Fill Out the Application: You'll be asked for personal information such as:
Full Name
Date of Birth
Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN
U.S. Residential Address
Contact Information (phone number, email address)
Employment Information
Answers to security questions
Upload Documents (if prompted): You might be asked to upload images of your identification and proof of address. Ensure the images are clear and legible.
Fund Your Account: If an initial deposit is required, or if you simply want to fund your account immediately, you'll be prompted to do so. You can usually link an existing external bank account for an ACH transfer or use a debit card.
Review and Submit: Double-check all the information you've provided for accuracy. Once everything looks good, submit your application.
Receive Confirmation: Chase will typically send you an email confirmation regarding your application status. Approval can sometimes be instant, or it might take a few business days if further verification is needed.
Sub-heading: Opening a Chase Account In-Branch (Personalized Assistance)
If you prefer face-to-face interaction, have complex questions, or need assistance with documentation, visiting a Chase branch is an excellent choice.
Locate a Branch: Use the "Find a Branch & ATM" tool on chase.com or a mapping application to find the nearest Chase branch.
Gather Your Documents: Bring all the documents we discussed in Step 2. It's better to have too much than too little.
Visit the Branch: During business hours, head to your chosen Chase branch. You might need to take a number or wait for a banker to assist you.
Speak with a Banker: Explain that you'd like to open a new account. The banker will guide you through the process, answer any questions you have, and help you select the most suitable account.
Complete the Application: The banker will assist you in filling out the application form.
Provide Identification and Proof of Address: The banker will review and verify your documents.
Make Your Initial Deposit: You can deposit cash or a check directly with the banker to fund your new account.
Sign Necessary Paperwork: You'll sign agreements and disclosures related to your new account.
Receive Account Information: The banker will provide you with your account number, routing number, and typically temporary checks or a temporary debit card until your official card arrives in the mail.
Step 4: Activating and Setting Up Your New Account
Congratulations! You've opened your Chase bank account. Now it's time to get it fully functional.
Sub-heading: Activating Your Debit Card
Your new Chase debit card will usually arrive in the mail separately from any PIN you receive. For security, you'll need to activate it before use.
Online: Visit
chase.com/activate By Phone: Call the activation number provided on the sticker on your debit card.
At a Chase ATM: Use your PIN at any Chase ATM.
Sub-heading: Setting Up Online Banking and Mobile App
This is essential for convenient banking from anywhere.
Enroll in Online Banking: Go to chase.com and look for the "Not Enrolled? Sign up now" option. You'll need your account information (account number, Social Security Number) to create a username and password.
Download the Chase Mobile® App: Search for "Chase Mobile" in your smartphone's app store (Google Play Store for Android, Apple App Store for iOS) and download it.
Log In: Use the same username and password you created for online banking to log into the app.
Sub-heading: Setting Up Direct Deposit
To ensure your paychecks or other regular income go directly into your new Chase account, you'll need to set up direct deposit with your employer or benefit provider.
Provide Your Account and Routing Number: Your employer will need your Chase account number and the Chase routing number. You can usually find the routing number on your checks, in your online banking portal, or by asking a Chase representative.
Fill Out a Direct Deposit Form: Your employer will likely have a form for this.
Sub-heading: Linking External Accounts
If you have accounts at other financial institutions, linking them to your Chase account can make transfers and financial management much easier.
Via Chase Online Banking or Mobile App: Look for an option like "Link external accounts" or "Add external accounts." You'll typically need to provide the login credentials for your other bank or their account and routing numbers.
Step 5: Managing Your Account Effectively
Now that your Chase account is up and running, here are some tips for managing it like a pro.
Sub-heading: Monitoring Your Transactions
Regularly Check Your Statements: Review your monthly statements for accuracy and to spot any unauthorized transactions.
Use Online Banking/Mobile App: Stay on top of your balance and transactions in real-time. Set up alerts for low balances or large transactions.
Sub-heading: Understanding Fees and Waiving Them
Revisit the fee schedule for your specific account. Many Chase accounts have ways to waive the monthly service fee, such as maintaining a minimum daily balance, having a certain amount in direct deposits, or linking other qualifying Chase accounts. Make sure you meet these criteria to avoid unnecessary charges.
Sub-heading: Utilizing Chase Features
Mobile Deposit: Deposit checks using the Chase Mobile® app by simply taking a picture of the front and back of the endorsed check.
Zelle®: Send and receive money quickly and easily with Zelle®, directly from your Chase account to friends and family with eligible U.S. bank accounts.
Bill Pay: Set up recurring or one-time payments for your bills through Chase online banking or the mobile app.
Remember: Chase offers a robust online and mobile banking experience. Take the time to explore all the features available to you to maximize your banking convenience.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions, starting with "How to," about managing your Chase bank account:
How to find my Chase routing number?
Your Chase routing number can typically be found on the bottom left corner of your checks, within your Chase online banking account, or by contacting Chase customer service.
How to transfer money to my new Chase account?
You can transfer money to your new Chase account via an ACH transfer from another bank (using your Chase account and routing number), a wire transfer, a mobile deposit of a check, or by depositing cash/check at a Chase ATM or branch. Within Chase accounts, you can easily transfer money online or through the mobile app.
How to link an external bank account to Chase?
You can link external accounts by logging into your Chase Online Banking or Mobile App, navigating to the "Link external accounts" section, and then either entering the login credentials for the external bank or manually providing the external account's routing and account numbers.
How to activate my new Chase debit card?
You can activate your Chase debit card online at
How to set up online banking with Chase?
To set up online banking, visit chase.com and click "Not Enrolled? Sign up now." You'll need to provide your account information (like your account number and Social Security Number) to create a username and password.
How to deposit a check using the Chase Mobile® App?
In the Chase Mobile® app, select "Deposit Checks," choose the account, enter the check amount, and then take clear photos of the front and back of your endorsed check.
How to avoid monthly fees on my Chase checking account?
Ways to avoid monthly fees vary by account type but often include maintaining a minimum daily balance, having qualifying direct deposits, or linking other eligible Chase accounts. Check your specific account's terms and conditions on the Chase website.
How to find out my current Chase account balance?
You can find your current Chase account balance by logging into your Chase Online Banking account, checking the Chase Mobile® App, calling the automated phone banking system, or visiting a Chase ATM or branch.
How to order new checks for my Chase account?
You can typically order new checks for your Chase account through your Chase Online Banking portal, by contacting Chase customer service, or by visiting a Chase branch.
How to close a Chase bank account?
You can close a Chase bank account by sending a secure message through your Chase online banking profile, calling Chase customer service, or visiting a Chase branch in person. Ensure you transfer all funds and update any recurring payments or direct deposits before closing.
