Hey there! Ever found yourself wondering, "How much is Chase Bank's monthly fee?" You're not alone! It's a common question, and understanding these fees is crucial for managing your money wisely. Many people open bank accounts without fully grasping the potential costs, only to be surprised by monthly charges later. But don't worry, by the end of this comprehensive guide, you'll be a pro at understanding and, more importantly, avoiding Chase Bank's monthly fees.
Let's dive in and demystify Chase Bank's monthly fees, step by step!
Step 1: Understand Why Banks Charge Monthly Fees
Before we get into the specifics of Chase, it's helpful to understand why banks like Chase charge monthly fees in the first place.
1.1 The Cost of Doing Business
Banks incur significant operational costs. Think about it: they maintain thousands of physical branches, employ tellers, customer service representatives, and security personnel, develop and maintain online banking platforms and mobile apps, and invest in robust cybersecurity systems. These monthly fees contribute to covering these overheads.
1.2 Profit Generation
While providing essential services, banks are also businesses aiming to generate profit. Monthly fees, along with interest on loans and other service charges, are a key part of their revenue model.
1.3 Encouraging Certain Behaviors
Often, fee waivers are designed to encourage certain customer behaviors. For instance, maintaining a minimum balance incentivizes you to keep more money with the bank, while setting up direct deposits makes their accounts your primary banking relationship.
Step 2: Identify Your Chase Account Type
The most important factor in determining your potential monthly fee is the type of Chase account you have or plan to open. Chase offers a variety of checking and savings accounts, each with its own fee structure and waiver requirements.
2.1 Chase Personal Checking Accounts
Let's break down the common personal checking accounts and their associated fees (as of July 2025, but always check the most current Chase disclosures as these can change):
Chase Total Checking®: This is one of Chase's most popular checking accounts.
Monthly Fee: $12 (note: this is set to increase to $15 effective August 24, 2025).
Key Features: Widespread ATM and branch access.
Common Use Case: General everyday banking.
Chase Secure Banking℠: This account is designed for those who want to avoid overdraft fees.
Monthly Fee: $4.95.
Key Features: No overdraft fees, no paper checks.
Common Use Case: Budget-conscious individuals, those new to banking, or who prefer a simpler account.
Chase Premier Plus Checking℠: A step up, offering more benefits.
Monthly Fee: $25.
Key Features: Earns a small amount of interest, four free non-Chase ATM withdrawals per statement period.
Common Use Case: Customers with higher balances and a need for more features.
Chase Sapphire℠ Checking: Geared towards higher-net-worth individuals.
Monthly Fee: $25.
Key Features: Earns interest, no Chase ATM fees worldwide, no foreign transaction fees on debit card purchases.
Common Use Case: Affluent customers who travel frequently and maintain substantial balances.
Chase Private Client Checking℠: The top-tier personal checking account.
Monthly Fee: $35.
Key Features: Enhanced banking benefits, dedicated financial advisor, preferred rates on loans.
Common Use Case: High-net-worth individuals seeking comprehensive financial services.
2.2 Chase Personal Savings Accounts
Savings accounts also come with their own fees:
Chase Savings℠: The standard personal savings account.
Monthly Fee: $5.
Key Features: Basic savings features.
Chase Premier Savings℠: A higher-tier savings option.
Monthly Fee: $25.
Key Features: Potentially higher interest rates if linked to certain checking accounts and meeting transaction requirements.
2.3 Chase Business Checking Accounts
If you run a business, Chase offers specific accounts for your needs:
Chase Business Complete Banking®: A popular option for small businesses.
Monthly Fee: $15.
Key Features: Integrated credit card processing (Chase QuickAccept℠).
Chase Performance Business Checking®: For businesses with higher transaction volumes.
Monthly Fee: $30.
Chase Platinum Business Checking℠: For large businesses with complex banking needs.
Monthly Fee: $95.
Step 3: Discover the Ways to Waive Monthly Fees
This is where the magic happens! Chase offers several common methods to avoid those pesky monthly service fees. The key is understanding which waiver applies to your specific account type and consistently meeting its requirements.
3.1 For Chase Total Checking®
You can waive the $12 (soon to be $15) monthly fee by meeting any one of the following conditions each statement period:
Direct Deposits: Have electronic direct deposits totaling $500 or more made to this account. This typically refers to payments from payroll providers or government benefit providers.
Minimum Daily Balance: Maintain a beginning daily balance of at least $1,500 in your Chase Total Checking account.
Combined Average Daily Balance: Maintain an average beginning day balance of $5,000 or more in any combination of this account and qualifying linked Chase deposits/investments. This means if you have other Chase savings accounts or investment accounts, their balances can contribute to this waiver.
3.2 For Chase Secure Banking℠
This account has a fixed $4.95 monthly fee, which can be waived by:
Electronic Deposits: Receiving electronic deposits (via ACH, Real Time Network, FedNow℠ network, or third-party services using Mastercard® or Visa® network) totaling $250 or more each month.
3.3 For Chase Premier Plus Checking℠
The $25 monthly fee can be waived if you meet any one of the following criteria each statement period:
Combined Average Daily Balance: Maintain an average beginning day balance of $15,000 or more in any combination of this account and linked qualifying deposits/investments.
Linked Chase First Mortgage: Have a linked qualifying Chase first mortgage enrolled in automatic payments from your Chase account.
Military Status: Be a current U.S. Armed Forces member or veteran (with qualifying military ID).
3.4 For Chase Sapphire℠ Checking
The $25 monthly fee is waived if you meet this condition:
Combined Average Beginning Daily Balance: Maintain an average beginning daily balance of $75,000 or more across this account and any linked qualifying Chase deposit/investment accounts.
3.5 For Chase Private Client Checking℠
The $35 monthly fee is waived if you meet this condition:
Combined Average Beginning Daily Balance: Maintain an average beginning daily balance of $150,000 or more across this account and any linked qualifying Chase deposit/investment accounts.
3.6 For Chase Savings℠
The $5 monthly fee can be waived if you meet any one of the following:
Minimum Daily Balance: Maintain a beginning daily balance of at least $300 in this account.
Autosave Transfers: Have at least $25 or more in total Autosave or other repeating automatic transfers from your personal Chase checking account (available through chase.com or Chase Mobile® app).
Account Owner Age: Be an account owner who is an individual younger than 18.
Linked College Checking: Have a Chase College Checking℠ account linked to this account for Overdraft Protection.
Linked Premier/Sapphire/Private Client Checking: Have a linked Chase Premier Plus Checking℠, Chase Sapphire® Checking, or Chase Private Client Checking℠ account.
3.7 For Chase Premier Savings℠
The $25 monthly fee can be waived if you meet any one of the following:
Minimum Daily Balance: Maintain a beginning daily balance of at least $15,000 in this account.
Linked Premier Plus/Sapphire Checking: Have a linked Chase Premier Plus Checking℠ or Chase Sapphire® Checking account.
3.8 For Chase Business Complete Banking®
The $15 monthly service fee can be waived if you meet any one of the following qualifying activities for each statement period:
Minimum Daily Balance: Maintain a minimum daily balance of $2,000.
Chase QuickAccept® Deposits: Have eligible deposits from Chase QuickAccept® associated with your business account.
Chase Ink® Business Card Purchases: Spend at least $2,000 on eligible Chase Ink® Business card purchases in the most recent monthly Ink card billing cycle.
Linked Personal Account: Maintain a linked Chase Private Client Checking℠, JPMorgan Classic Checking, or Private Client Checking Plus account (the owner of the linked personal account must be a direct owner of the business and signer on the business accou
nt). Chase Military Banking: Meet Chase Military Banking eligibility.
Step 4: Proactive Strategies to Avoid Fees
Now that you know the specific waiver conditions, let's talk about proactive strategies to ensure you consistently meet them and keep your money in your pocket.
4.1 Set Up Direct Deposit Immediately
If direct deposit is an option for your account, make it your priority.
Action: As soon as you open your Chase account, contact your employer's HR or payroll department to set up direct deposit. Ensure the amount meets the minimum requirement for your account type. Even if it's a small portion of your paycheck, it could save you the monthly fee.
4.2 Monitor Your Balance Regularly
For accounts with a minimum balance waiver, consistent monitoring is key.
Action: Use the Chase Mobile App or online banking to check your balance frequently, especially towards the end of your statement cycle. Set up account alerts to notify you if your balance drops below the required minimum. This gives you time to transfer funds if needed.
4.3 Link Your Accounts Smartly
If you have multiple Chase accounts, leverage them to your advantage.
Action: If you have a Chase checking account and a Chase savings or investment account, ensure they are linked if that helps you meet a combined balance waiver. This strategy is particularly effective for Premier Plus, Sapphire, and Private Client checking accounts.
4.4 Utilize Autosave Features
For savings accounts, automating transfers can be a lifesaver.
Action: Set up recurring automatic transfers (Autosave) from your Chase checking account to your Chase Savings℠ account. Even a small recurring transfer of $25 or more can waive the monthly fee.
4.5 Understand Your Statement Cycle
Fees are typically assessed based on activity within a specific statement period.
Action: Know when your statement cycle begins and ends. This helps you ensure you meet the waiver conditions before the cycle closes. You can usually find this information in your online banking portal or on your monthly statements.
4.6 Consider Account Upgrades/Downgrades
Your banking needs might change over time.
Action: If you consistently struggle to meet the waiver requirements for a high-tier account (e.g., Premier Plus), consider downgrading to a Chase Total Checking® or even Chase Secure Banking℠ if its features meet your needs. Conversely, if your financial situation improves, an upgrade might offer more benefits that outweigh the fee.
4.7 Explore Student or Military Waivers
Special conditions apply to certain demographics.
Action: If you are a student or have military affiliation, confirm if your account qualifies for specific fee waivers. For instance, Chase College Checking accounts often have fee waivers for several years while you're in school.
4.8 Leverage Credit Card Spending (for Business Accounts)
For business owners, linking your Ink card can be beneficial.
Action: If you have a Chase Business Complete Banking® account, ensure you're spending at least $2,000 on eligible Chase Ink® Business card purchases in the relevant billing cycle if that's your chosen waiver method.
Step 5: What to Do If You're Charged a Fee
Even with the best intentions, sometimes a fee might slip through. Don't panic!
5.1 Review Your Statement
Action: The first step is to carefully review your statement to understand why the fee was charged. Did you miss a direct deposit? Did your balance dip below the minimum?
5.2 Contact Chase Customer Service
Action: If you believe you met the waiver conditions or if it's your first time being charged a fee, call Chase customer service. Politely explain your situation. Sometimes, especially for good customers, they may offer a courtesy fee waiver. While not guaranteed, it's always worth asking!
FAQs: How to Navigate Chase Bank Monthly Fees
Here are 10 related FAQ questions with quick answers to help you further:
How to find my Chase account's specific fee waiver requirements?
Quick Answer: You can find your specific account's fee waiver requirements in your account disclosures, which are available online through Chase.com, within your Chase Mobile App, or by requesting them at a Chase branch. They are also often listed on your monthly statements.
How to set up direct deposit to waive Chase fees?
Quick Answer: Contact your employer's payroll department and provide them with your Chase account and routing numbers. Ensure the direct deposit amount meets the minimum requirement for your specific Chase checking account (e.g., $500 for Chase Total Checking).
How to check my current balance to avoid fees?
Quick Answer: Log in to your Chase online banking account or use the Chase Mobile App. Your current balance will be prominently displayed. For specific waiver requirements, look for your "beginning daily balance" which is usually taken at the start of the business day.
How to link multiple Chase accounts to waive fees?
Quick Answer: Typically, if your account type (e.g., Chase Premier Plus Checking, Chase Sapphire Checking) allows for a combined balance waiver, Chase automatically considers balances across your eligible linked checking, savings, and investment accounts. You generally don't need to take a specific action to "link" them beyond having them under the same customer profile.
How to avoid overdraft fees with Chase?
Quick Answer: Consider opening a Chase Secure Banking account (which has no overdraft fees), enroll in Overdraft Protection (linking your checking to a Chase savings account), or set up balance alerts to ensure you have sufficient funds before making transactions.
How to switch Chase account types if fees are too high?
Quick Answer: You can contact Chase customer service or visit a branch to discuss changing your account type. They can guide you through the process of downgrading or upgrading your account based on your needs and eligibility.
How to know my Chase statement cycle dates?
Quick Answer: Your statement cycle dates are usually listed on your monthly bank statements, both paper and electronic. You can also find this information within your online banking portal or the Chase Mobile App.
How to set up balance alerts for my Chase account?
Quick Answer: Log in to your Chase online banking account, navigate to the "Customer Service" or "Account Services" section, and look for "Alerts" or "Notifications." You can typically set up alerts for low balances, large transactions, and more.
How to avoid ATM fees with Chase?
Quick Answer: Use Chase-branded ATMs whenever possible, as these are free. If you have Chase Premier Plus Checking (four free non-Chase ATM withdrawals) or Chase Sapphire Checking (no ATM fees worldwide), utilize those benefits.
How to get a Chase monthly fee waived after it's charged?
Quick Answer: Call Chase customer service. Explain your situation politely and ask if a courtesy fee waiver is possible, especially if it's your first time being charged or if you've been a long-standing customer. While not guaranteed, they often grant one-time waivers.
By thoroughly understanding Chase Bank's fee structure and proactively implementing these strategies, you'll be well-equipped to manage your accounts efficiently and avoid unnecessary monthly charges. Happy banking!
