When opening a new bank account, you want to choose a financial institution that’s convenient, minimizes fees and offers many services. As the nation’s largest bank, Chase is a reputable choice for checking, savings and CD accounts. With extensive digital banking services and branches in all of the lower 48 states, it can fit your needs regardless of how you prefer to do your banking.
In this article, we at the MarketWatch Guides team will compare Chase’s bank account options and tell you how to open a Chase account at a branch or online.
Written by Ashley Donohoe ContributorAshley Donohoe is a personal finance writer based in Cincinnati covering banking, loans, investments and taxation. She has written for several personal finance websites such as GoBanking Rates, The Balance and PocketSense.
Edited by Alyssa Trostle EditorAlyssa Trostle is a MarketWatch Guides team editor based in Pittsburgh. She has written and edited for marketing firms and publications across the U.S. and covered many different topics, including areas of legal practice, auto insurance and personal finance.
Our Research Process Edited by Alyssa Trostle EditorAlyssa Trostle is a MarketWatch Guides team editor based in Pittsburgh. She has written and edited for marketing firms and publications across the U.S. and covered many different topics, including areas of legal practice, auto insurance and personal finance.
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154 Institutions MonitoredOur team reviewed 154 of the country’s largest and most prominent financial institutions, from big banks like Chase and Bank of America to credit unions like Navy Federal Credit Union and PenFed Credit Union.
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Chase checking, savings and CD accounts have similar application processes. You’ll need to gather required information and documents and apply for an account either on Chase.com or in person. To make the process easier, follow these steps:
First, decide which type of account you want to open. For example, you might choose a Chase checking account for daily spending and a savings account for your savings goals. Consider account features, fees and any minimum opening deposit requirement as well. And for a CD, you’ll also choose a term.
Next, decide whether you want to apply in person or online. Applying online can save you time, but make sure it’s an option for your situation and the account you want. For example, applications for joint accounts, the Chase High School Checking account and CDs for new customers must be done in person at a Chase Bank near you.
The Chase bank account application will ask for information about each account holder. While specifics can depend on the account type, common items include:
Chase also requires documents for identification. If applying online, you’ll use your driver’s license or state ID for your primary ID. If applying at a Chase branch, you might provide alternatives such as your passport, Social Security card or military ID. In-person applications also require a secondary ID, such as another primary ID, an employer ID or a Chase-issued bank card.
If you plan to open a Chase College Checking℠ account, you’ll need proof that you’re a student. This could be your college acceptance letter or current transcript.
If you visit a Chase branch, simply tell the banker you’re ready to open an account. You’ll give them the information and documentation mentioned in step two. You can set up an online banking account later.
To apply online, visit the account’s page on Chase.com and look for a “Get Started,” “Open Account” or “Open Now” button. You’ll see an option to log in if you’re an existing Chase customer, and this fills in some personal details to save you time. Otherwise, you’ll provide the information from step two, including your photo ID details, on multiple application screens.
The online application asks you to sign various agreements, set your account preferences and create online banking credentials. You’ll select a term if you open a CD and set up a PIN if you open a checking account.
If you apply for a CD, Chase makes you choose a linked bank account for the one-time deposit. Otherwise, you’ll fund your account after it’s open. At the end of the application, click “Open Account.”
After opening a Chase account, you can start using online banking and do in-person transactions. You should also get documents from Chase with information about your new account. If you have a checking account that allows paper checks, you’ll need to order them. It will take about a week for your debit card to come.
You have several options for funding your new Chase checking or savings account. You can use the Chase mobile app or website to move money from another bank account, or you can have someone send you funds through Zelle. You can also fund your account with direct deposits or mobile check deposits. If you prefer depositing cash, visit a Chase ATM or local branch.
Chase Bank has a long history that dates back to 1877. It’s now a popular and accessible bank with over 4,700 branches in Washington, D.C., and all states except Hawaii and Alaska. Chase also has a large network of over 15,000 ATMs.
The bank has a positive reputation when it comes to industry awards and ratings. It topped the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Retail Banking Satisfaction Study ℠ in Florida and the mid-Atlantic and Upper Midwest regions. The Better Business Bureau gives JPMorgan Chase & Co. an A+ rating , but the financial institution isn’t accredited by the BBB.
Chase customers can choose from a wide range of banking products. These include:
Chase is also has numerous online and mobile banking features, including:
>> Related: Read our Chase Bank Review
Chase offers a wide selection of checking accounts, including interest-bearing accounts and options for kids and students. It also has two regular savings accounts and a bank CD for earning higher annual percentage yields.
Except for the CD, Chase’s accounts don’t require a minimum opening deposit. Several accounts have a monthly fee, but there’s often a way to waive it, such as keeping a minimum daily balance or having a linked Chase account.
| Account Type | APY* | Minimum Opening Deposit | Monthly Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Secure Banking | N/A | None | $4.95 |
| Chase Total Checking | N/A | None | $0 or $12 |
| Chase Premier Plus Checking | 0.01% | None | $0 or $25 |
| Chase Sapphire Banking | 0.01% | None | $0 or $25 |
| Chase Private Client Checking | 0.01% | None | $0 or $35 |
| Chase First Banking | N/A | None | None |
| Chase High School Checking | N/A | None | None |
| Chase College Checking | N/A | None | $0 or $6 |
| Chase Savings | 0.01% | None | $0 or $5 |
| Chase Premier Savings | 0.01% to 0.02% | None | $0 or $25 |
| Chase Private Client Savings | 0.01% to 0.02% | None | $0 or $35 |
| Chase CD | 0.01% to 4.5% | $1,000 | N/A |
Chase Secure Banking is a checking account that doesn’t let you write paper checks or overdraft your account. It’s best for use with your debit card, Zelle and electronic bank transfers. However, Chase provides free cashier’s checks and money orders. You may also be able to get early direct deposits.
There’s no minimum deposit for a Chase Secure Banking account, and it doesn’t earn interest. The bank charges a $4.95 monthly service fee that you can’t have waived.
Chase Total Checking supports paper checks, along with your debit card and electronic transfers. This account includes the Chase Overdraft Assist℠ feature, which lets you avoid overdraft fees for charges of up to $50. You’ll just need to deposit the overdrawn amount by the end of the next business day.
This account doesn’t pay interest or offer early direct deposits. You also don’t get free cashier’s checks or money orders. But you get a useful autosave option if you have a Chase savings account.
There’s no minimum deposit. A $12 monthly service fee applies unless you meet one of these requirements:
If you don’t want to have to pay for a checking account, check out our list of the best free checking accounts.
Chase Premier Plus Checking is an interest-bearing account with several perks. It has the basic features of Chase Total Checking, including autosave and Overdraft Assist, and includes free cashier’s checks and money orders too. You can order checks from Chase and get four non-Chase ATM fees reimbursed each cycle.
There’s no minimum deposit required. The account’s $25 monthly fee can be waived if one of these situations apply:
Once you open this account, you get a monthly fee waiver for a Chase savings account and two other checking accounts.
If you want to look into checking accounts with benefits, read our list of the best bank account bonuses.
Chase Sapphire Banking is a premium checking account that earns interest. It offers 24/7 dedicated phone support and free Chase design checks. You get the following perks, some of which could save you money:
No minimum deposit is required. You can have the $25 monthly service fee waived if your qualifying Chase accounts have a combined minimum $75,000 average beginning daily balance.
Chase Private Client Checking pays interest and expands on the perks of the Chase Sapphire Banking account. You get access to special events and personalized support from a dedicated personal banker and a business banking advisor. This account also comes with personal design checks and the opportunity to get lower rates on auto and home loans.
Chase Private Client Checking doesn’t have a minimum deposit. The $35 monthly fee can be waived through one of these these options:
The account doesn’t earn interest, and Chase limits online banking services. For example, it doesn’t support Zelle, direct deposits or mobile check deposits. Overdraft protection is also unavailable. This account has no monthly fee or minimum deposit.
Chase High School Checking is an account you can own with your teen aged 13 to 17. Unlike Chase First Banking, it supports Zelle, direct deposits and full online banking services. It also has an autosave option and lets teens deposit checks remotely. However, it doesn’t pay interest or provide overdraft protection.
There’s no minimum deposit, but Chase requires applying in person. No monthly service fee applies.The bank converts this account to a Chase Total Checking account when the teen turns 19.
Available to 17- to 24-year-olds, Chase College Checking doesn’t earn interest and doesn’t require a parent to apply. However, Chase may require an applicant to provide proof of current college student status. The account includes the features of Chase High School Checking but also supports Overdraft Assist and Zelle.
You won’t need to make a minimum deposit, and you can apply online as long as you’re at least 18. Chase waives the $6 monthly fee automatically for a maximum of five years while you’re a student. You can also have it waived by making a qualifying monthly electronic deposit or having a minimum $5,000 average balance at the end of each day.
If you open a qualifying checking account, Chase First Banking is an option you can manage for a child aged six to 17. It comes with a debit card and features such as spending limits and recurring allowances.
Chase Savings is the most basic option for saving money with ongoing deposits. You can take advantage of the convenient option to set up automatic transfers from your Chase checking account.
There’s no minimum deposit. Chase will waive the $5 monthly service fee if one of the following applies:
Chase Premier Savings features both standard and relationship interest rates. The standard APY is available to all customers, and you can earn a higher APY if you meet both of these Chase relationship rate criteria:
This account has a $25 monthly fee. Chase will waive it if one of these requirements is met:
Like the Private Client Checking account, the Private Client Savings account gives you access to priority service and benefits such as invitations to exclusive events. You’ll also be able to work with a J.P. Morgan Private Client advisor.
This account has higher daily limits for ATM withdrawals, Chase QuickDeposit check deposits and Zelle transactions. The monthly fee of $35 can be waived if you meet one of the following requirements:
>> Related: Learn more about the best high-yield savings accounts
Chase Bank’s CDs have term options between one month and 10 years. You must deposit at least $1,000, and you can’t add to the balance after you buy the CD. There’s a standard APY for all CD options and balances. However, Chase offers higher CD relationship rates depending on the balance and term length.
You get the best CD rates with a term of six to eight months. CDs are offered in these lengths:
For Private Client Checking customers, Chase also offers two options for CD ladders. These combine four CDs that have different maturity dates but the same deposit amount.
You’ll pay no monthly account fees, but there’s a penalty if you make an early withdrawal. Depending on your term length and when you opened the CD, this can cost you anywhere from seven days’ to one year’s worth of interest. You must apply for a Chase CD in person if you’re a new customer.
To open an account at Chase, here’s what you need for each account holder:
To open a CD, you’ll also need a minimum deposit of $1,000.
You don’t need any money to open a Chase checking or savings account, but you’ll need at least $1,000 to open a Chase CD.
Chase has a new customer coupon code that gives you $200 for opening a Total Checking account and setting up direct deposits of at least $500 during the first 90 days. Learn more about checking account promotions.
**Data accurate at time of publication.
Editor’s Note: Before making significant financial decisions, consider reviewing your options with someone you trust, such as a financial adviser, credit counselor or financial professional, since every person’s situation and needs are different.
Editor’s Note: Parts of this story were auto-populated using data from Curinos, a research firm that collects data from more than 3,600 banks and credit unions. For more details on how we compile daily rate data, check out our methodology here.
If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at editors@marketwatchguides. com.