What You Need to Open a Chase Savings Account

Chase lets you open a savings account online, by phone, or in a branch. You will need a government-issued ID, your Social Security number, and an initial deposit. The minimum opening deposit varies by account type — some Chase savings accounts require $0 to start, while others ask for $25 or more. You can fund the account with a debit card, transfer from another bank, or cash if you open in person.

Chase runs a background check through ChexSystems, which is a banking history database. If you have unpaid overdrafts or fraud flags from another bank, Chase may deny your application. You can request your ChexSystems report before you apply if you want to know whether you might face a problem.

You will also need a mailing address and a phone number. If you do not have a physical address, some Chase branches may work with you on alternatives, but this varies by location — call your local branch first if this applies to you.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase requires a government ID, Social Security number, and an initial deposit that ranges from $0 to $25 depending on the account type.
  • You can open online, by phone at 1-800-935-9935, or walk into a Chase branch during business hours.
  • Chase checks your banking history through ChexSystems, so past overdrafts or fraud flags at other banks may block your application.
  • Online accounts open immediately and you can start using them the same day, while branch applications may take a few minutes to process.

Opening a Chase Savings Account Online

The online route is the fastest. Go to chase.com, click "Open an Account," and select the savings account type you want. Chase offers several: the basic Chase Savings account, Chase Premier Savings (which requires a higher balance), and Chase Secure Savings (designed for people rebuilding credit). Read the current rates and fees for each before you choose, because they change.

The online form asks for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and employment information. You will upload a photo of your ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Chase uses technology to verify the ID matches your face. If the system cannot read your ID clearly, you may need to try again or call to finish the process by phone.

Once Chase approves you, you will see your account number and routing number on screen. You can link an external bank account to transfer money in, or you can wait for Chase to mail you a debit card. If you need cash immediately, you can visit a Chase branch and deposit it in person using your new account number.

Opening a Chase Savings Account at a Branch

Walk into any Chase branch with your ID and Social Security number. Tell the banker you want to open a savings account. They will ask the same questions the online form does — name, address, date of birth, employment — and they will scan your ID themselves. The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

The advantage of opening in branch is that you can deposit cash immediately and walk out with a temporary debit card number. You can also ask the banker questions about which account type fits your situation, though they may steer you toward accounts with higher fees. If you are unsure, you can always open the basic Chase Savings account and upgrade later.

Find your nearest Chase branch at chase.com/locations or by searching "Chase near me." Check the branch hours before you go — some locations have limited weekend hours or are closed on certain days.

Opening a Chase Savings Account by Phone

Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 and say you want to open a savings account. A representative will walk you through the same questions and verify your ID over the phone. This route takes about 20 minutes. You will need to provide your Social Security number verbally, so make sure you are in a private place.

After approval, Chase will mail you a debit card and checks (if you opened a checking account). Your account opens the same day, and you can transfer money from another bank account to start using it right away. If you need to deposit cash, you will have to visit a branch or use a Chase ATM once your card arrives.

What Happens After You Open Your Account

Your Chase savings account is active immediately, whether you opened online, by phone, or in branch. You can transfer money in from another bank using your new routing number and account number. Chase will send you a debit card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days if you opened online or by phone.

Chase will also send you login credentials if you opened online, or you can set up online access by visiting chase.com and clicking "Enroll." You can then check your balance, set up automatic transfers, and monitor your savings from your phone or computer. Chase offers a mobile app where you can deposit checks by taking a photo.

Your account comes with a savings rate — the interest Chase pays you on your balance. Rates change frequently, so check chase.com for the current rate on your account type. You will also see any monthly fees listed in your account agreement. Some Chase savings accounts charge a monthly maintenance fee unless you keep a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.

Understanding Chase Savings Account Types and Fees

Chase offers different savings accounts with different features and costs. The Chase Savings account is the basic option — it has no monthly fee if you keep $300 in the account, or you can avoid the fee by setting up a direct deposit of any amount. If your balance drops below $300 and you have no direct deposit, Chase charges $5 per month.

Chase Premier Savings requires a higher opening deposit and minimum balance, usually $10,000 or more, but it pays a higher interest rate. This account makes sense only if you have that much money sitting in savings already. Chase Secure Savings is for people with no banking history or a damaged ChexSystems record — it has a lower opening deposit and no monthly fee, but the interest rate is lower.

Read the fee schedule for whichever account you choose. Chase publishes these on the account details page before you open, and they are also in the account agreement you receive after opening. If you do not understand a fee, call 1-800-935-9935 and ask a representative to explain it.

What to Do If Chase Denies Your Application

Chase will tell you immediately if it denies your application, either online or by phone. The most common reason is a ChexSystems flag — usually unpaid overdrafts at another bank, or a fraud report. You have the right to see your ChexSystems report for free. Go to chexsystems.com and click "Request Your Report" to see what Chase saw.

If the report contains an error, you can dispute it directly with ChexSystems. If it contains accurate information, you may need to wait — most negative items fall off after five years. Some banks, including some Chase branches, will open an account for you even with a ChexSystems flag if you bring proof that you have resolved the issue (like a letter from the old bank saying the overdraft is paid).

If you were denied, call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 and ask whether you can reapply after a certain period, or whether a branch manager can make an exception. Different branches have different policies, so it is worth asking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase savings account if I don't have a Social Security number?

No. Chase requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open any account. If you have an ITIN, you can use that instead. If you have neither, you will not be able to open a Chase account.

How long does it take to open a Chase savings account online?

The application itself takes about 10 minutes. Chase approves most applications instantly, and your account is ready to use the same day. Your debit card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

What's the difference between a Chase savings account and a Chase money market account?

A money market account usually requires a higher minimum balance and pays a higher interest rate, but it also comes with check-writing privileges and a debit card. A savings account has lower minimums and simpler features. Choose based on how much money you have and whether you need to write checks.

Can I open a Chase savings account if I'm under 18?

No, you must be at least 18 years old to open an account in your own name. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian can open a custodial savings account for you, which they control until you reach the age of majority in your state.

Do I need to have a Chase checking account to open a savings account?

No. You can open a Chase savings account on its own without a checking account. However, Chase may offer you a discount or waive fees if you open both at the same time.