Opening a bank account can feel like a big step, but it doesn't have to be complicated, especially when it comes to a major institution like Chase. Many people wonder about the costs involved, and the good news is that opening a Chase bank account online typically doesn't have an upfront fee. However, there are monthly service fees that can apply to certain account types, but these are often easily avoidable by meeting specific criteria.
Let's dive into the details and walk you through the process of opening a Chase bank account online, clarifying all the potential costs and how to navigate them.
Your Guide to Opening a Chase Bank Account Online (and Avoiding Fees!)
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| How Much Is It To Open A Chase Bank Account Online |
Step 1: Are You Ready to Bank with Chase? Let's Find Out!
Before we even talk about fees, ask yourself: Is Chase the right bank for you? Do you value a large branch network, robust online and mobile banking tools, and potentially lucrative sign-up bonuses? If so, Chase might be a great fit. If you're looking for a bank with no monthly fees whatsoever without having to meet any requirements, or consistently high interest rates on savings, you might consider other options.
What you'll generally need to open an account:
Social Security Number (SSN)
Valid Government-Issued ID (Driver's License, State ID, or Passport)
Physical Address (not a P.O. Box)
Email Address and Phone Number
Existing Bank Account Information (if you plan to fund your new Chase account from another bank)
Step 2: Understanding Chase Account Types and Their Fees
Chase offers a variety of checking and savings accounts, each with its own features and, crucially, its own monthly service fee structure. The key to avoiding fees is knowing the requirements for your chosen account.
Tip: Jot down one takeaway from this post.
Chase Checking Accounts (Most Popular Options):
Chase Total Checking®: This is Chase's most popular checking account.
Monthly Service Fee: $12 (increasing to $15 effective August 24, 2025).
How to Avoid the Fee: You can waive this fee by meeting one of the following conditions each monthly statement period:
Have electronic deposits (like direct deposits from payroll or government benefits) totaling $500 or more.
Maintain a beginning daily balance of $1,500 or more in your account.
Maintain an average beginning day balance of $5,000 or more across eligible linked Chase accounts (checking, savings, and certain investment accounts).
Chase Secure Banking℠: A simpler checking account designed to help you manage your money without overdraft fees.
Monthly Service Fee: $4.95.
How to Avoid the Fee: You can waive this fee by receiving at least $250 in monthly electronic deposits.
Chase Premier Plus Checking℠: Offers more benefits than Chase Total Checking.
Monthly Service Fee: $25.
How to Avoid the Fee: You can waive this fee by meeting one of the following conditions:
Maintain a beginning daily balance of $15,000 or more across linked Chase accounts.
Have a qualifying Chase first mortgage with automatic payments from the account.
Be a current U.S. Armed Forces member or veteran.
Chase Sapphire℠ Checking: A premium banking experience with enhanced benefits.
Monthly Service Fee: $25.
How to Avoid the Fee: You can waive this fee by maintaining an average beginning day balance of $75,000 or more in the account or in combination with eligible linked accounts.
Chase College Checking℠: Designed for students.
Monthly Service Fee: Generally no monthly fee while in school for up to five years. After that, a $12 fee applies (though this can often be waived by meeting specific requirements similar to Total Checking).
Chase Savings Accounts:
Chase Savings℠: Chase's standard savings account.
Monthly Service Fee: $5.
How to Avoid the Fee: You can waive this fee by meeting one of the following conditions each monthly statement period:
Maintain a beginning daily balance of $300 or more in the account.
Have at least $25 or more in total Autosave or other repeating automatic transfers from your personal Chase checking account.
Have a linked Chase College Checking℠ account for Overdraft Protection.
The account owner is an individual younger than 18.
Chase Premier Savings℠: Offers slightly higher interest rates with a higher balance requirement.
Monthly Service Fee: $25.
How to Avoid the Fee: This fee can be waived by maintaining a $15,000 (or higher) balance at the beginning of each day, or by linking a Chase Premier Plus Checking or Chase Sapphire Checking account.
Step 3: Online Application Process – Smooth and Seamless
Opening an account online with Chase is generally a straightforward process.
Sub-heading: Getting Started with Your Application
Visit the Official Chase Website: Always go directly to Chase.com. Be wary of phishing scams.
Select "Open an Account": You'll typically find this prominently displayed on their banking homepage.
Choose Your Account Type: Carefully review the options based on your needs and the fee avoidance strategies discussed above.
Check for Sign-Up Bonuses: Chase frequently offers attractive sign-up bonuses for new checking and savings accounts. Look for promotions on their website! These often require direct deposits or maintaining a certain balance for a period to qualify. For example, a common offer for Chase Total Checking is a $300 bonus for new customers who open an account and make direct deposits totaling $500 or more within 90 days.
Sub-heading: Providing Your Information
You'll be guided through a series of screens where you'll input your personal details:
QuickTip: Don’t skim too fast — depth matters.
Personal Information: Name, date of birth, Social Security Number, contact information (phone, email).
Address: Your current residential address.
Employment Information: Occupation and employer details.
Financial Information: You'll be asked about your income and how you plan to fund the account.
Sub-heading: Funding Your New Account
You typically have several options to fund your new Chase account online:
Electronic Transfer (ACH): Link an existing bank account from another institution and transfer funds. This is usually free.
Debit Card: You might be able to fund it with a debit card from another bank, though there might be limits.
Mail a Check: Less common for online openings, but an option.
Important Note: While there's often no minimum deposit to open many Chase accounts, remember that meeting balance requirements can be crucial for waiving monthly fees.
Step 4: Verification and Confirmation
After submitting your application, Chase will review your information.
Identity Verification: In some cases, Chase might require additional verification, such as uploading documents or visiting a branch, especially if they can't verify your identity electronically.
Account Activation: Once approved, you'll receive confirmation via email. You'll then be able to set up your online banking access and order your debit card. Your debit card usually arrives within 5-7 business days.
Step 5: Managing Your Account and Avoiding Future Fees
Congratulations, your account is open! Now, it's all about proactive management.
QuickTip: Don’t just scroll — process what you see.
Sub-heading: Setting Up Direct Deposit
If your chosen account has a direct deposit requirement to waive fees, make this a priority. Provide your new Chase account and routing numbers to your employer or benefit provider.
Sub-heading: Monitoring Your Balance
Regularly check your account balance through the Chase mobile app or online banking. This helps ensure you meet any minimum balance requirements. Set up alerts to notify you if your balance drops below a certain threshold.
Sub-heading: Understanding Other Potential Fees
While opening the account is generally free, be aware of other fees that can occur with banking activity:
Non-Chase ATM Fees: Chase charges a fee for using non-Chase ATMs in the U.S. and its territories ($3 per transaction), plus any fees from the ATM owner. This fee can be waived for some premium accounts.
Overdraft Fees: Chase charges $34 per overdraft, up to 3 times per day. However, they generally don't charge a fee when your account is overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the day. Chase Secure Banking has no overdraft fees.
Wire Transfer Fees: Domestic outgoing wire transfers can cost $35 (or $25 if done online). Incoming wire transfers are $15, but often $0 if made online or with a Chase banker's help. Some premium accounts waive these.
Cashier's Checks/Money Orders: Fees typically apply, though some premium accounts waive them.
Always refer to Chase's official fee schedule for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information.
Final Thoughts
QuickTip: Repetition reinforces learning.
Opening a Chase bank account online is a convenient way to get started with a major financial institution. The upfront cost is typically zero, but understanding and proactively managing the monthly service fee requirements is crucial to enjoying fee-free banking. By choosing the right account for your needs and meeting its specific criteria, you can easily benefit from Chase's extensive services without incurring unnecessary charges.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to open a Chase bank account without any money? You can generally open most Chase checking and savings accounts with a $0 minimum opening deposit. However, to avoid monthly service fees, you will likely need to meet specific balance or direct deposit requirements after opening.
How to avoid Chase Total Checking monthly fees? You can avoid the $12 (soon to be $15) monthly fee for Chase Total Checking by having electronic deposits totaling $500 or more, maintaining a beginning daily balance of $1,500 or more, or maintaining an average beginning day balance of $5,000 or more across linked Chase accounts.
How to get a Chase checking account bonus? Chase frequently offers sign-up bonuses for new checking accounts. To qualify, you typically need to open a specific account (like Chase Total Checking) and meet direct deposit requirements within a set timeframe (e.g., $500 in direct deposits within 90 days). Always check the specific offer terms.
How to link my existing bank account to fund a new Chase account online? During the online application process, Chase will provide an option to link an external bank account. You'll typically need to provide the routing number and account number of your existing bank to initiate an electronic transfer.
How to check my new Chase account balance online? Once your account is open, you can check your balance by logging into your Chase Online Banking account via their website or by using the Chase Mobile® app on your smartphone or tablet.
How to set up direct deposit for my new Chase account? After opening your account, you'll find your Chase account and routing numbers within your online banking portal or on your checks. Provide these details to your employer's payroll department or the government agency providing your benefits.
How to close a Chase bank account if I don't like it? You can typically close a Chase bank account by visiting a Chase branch, calling their customer service, or sometimes by sending a written request. Ensure your balance is zero before closing to avoid any issues.
How to get a debit card for my new Chase account? A debit card is automatically ordered for you when you open a new checking account. It will be mailed to your physical address, typically arriving within 5-7 business days after your account is approved.
How to find a Chase ATM near me? You can easily find the nearest Chase ATM or branch using the "Locate Us" or "ATM & Branch Locator" tool on the Chase website or within the Chase Mobile® app.
How to avoid overdraft fees with Chase? To avoid overdraft fees, monitor your balance carefully and ensure you have sufficient funds before making transactions. Consider signing up for overdraft protection (linking to a savings account) or opting for a Chase Secure Banking account, which has no overdraft fees.
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