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The bottom line: Chase has five checking accounts. Your best fit could come down to what perks you want and whether you can waive the monthly fee. Higher-fee accounts come with more perks, and you may qualify to waive the monthly fee with each account — except Chase Secure Banking, which has a fixed fee.
Chase Total Checking® review
Chase Total Checking® is a good option if you want a basic checking account, because it’s easy to waive the $12 monthly service fee. You just have to electronically deposit $500 per month, start each day with a $1,500 balance, or maintain a daily average balance of $5,000 in all of your Chase accounts. You also may qualify for a $200 bonus.
Chase Secure Banking℠ review
You can’t waive the fee on your Chase Secure Banking℠ account, but the $4.95 is relatively low. You might like it if you’re unable to waive the $12 fee with Chase Total Checking.
Chase Premier Plus Checking℠ review
Your get many more perks with Chase Premier Plus Checking℠, including a free 5-inch by 3-inch safe deposit box, four waived out-of-network ATM fees each month, and waived monthly fees on two linked Chase checking accounts and to Chase savings accounts. However, you’ll pay a $25 monthly fee if you can’t keep a $15,000 balance in all of your Chase bank accounts and partner investment accounts combined.
Chase Sapphire℠ Checking review
Chase Sapphire℠ Checking comes with many of the same benefits as Premier Plus Checking, plus waived foreign transaction and wire transfer fees. You’ll need $75,000 in all of your Chase and partner accounts to waive the $25 monthly fee, though.
Chase Private Client Checking Account review
Chase Private Client Checking Account includes many of the perks as Sapphire Checking, plus access to a private banker for customized service and to exclusive events. You’ll also have a Business Relationship Manager, which is useful if you’re a business owner. To waive the $35 monthly fee, you’ll need $150,000 in all of your Chase and partner accounts.
FAQs
Is Chase a good bank for a checking account?
Chase can be a good place to open a checking account if you qualify to waive the monthly fee with an account that meets your needs. If you can’t waive the fee but want a free checking account, you may be better off banking elsewhere.
There are plenty of free checking accounts with online banks, but Chase is a good option if you want a brick-and-mortar bank. There are over 4,700 branches in 32 US states and Washington, DC.
Does Chase have a free checking account?
Chase does not have a free checking account, but Chase Total Checking® makes it easy to waive the monthly service fee. You just need to do one of the following each month: electronically deposit $500, start each day with a $1,500 balance, or have $5,000 in all of your Chase accounts combined.
How can I get a sign-up bonus from Chase?
Chase offers cash sign-up bonuses for two accounts: Chase Total Checking® and Chase Secure Banking℠.
To get the $200 bonus with Chase Total Checking, open an account at a branch or Chase Total Checking®, then set up direct deposits within the first 90 days.
Chase Secure Banking pays a $100 bonus when you open an account at a branch or Chase Secure Banking℠. You must make 10 qualifying transactions in the first 60 days.
What is the minimum amount for a Chase checking account?
You don’t need any money to open a Chase checking account. You will need to keep a minimum balance to waive the monthly fee on most accounts, though. The exception is Chase Secure Banking, which charges a fixed $4.95 monthly fee.