Chase Total Checking account is best for customers looking for added incentives to sign up for a personal checking account. With a $200 sign-up bonus for new customers, and no minimum deposit requirements, Chase makes it easy for customers to manage their accounts from branches across the U.S. and provides a comprehensive online banking and mobile app service.
Overall rating
4.5
Summary: If you’re looking for a bank with extensive ATM and branch access for in person personalized support, Chase’s checking account could be a great fit.
Chase provides you with an easy-to-use online banking and mobile app service to help you manage your account day-to-day. In addition, new customers can receive a $200 sign-up bonus and customers can have the $12 monthly fee waived by meeting certain qualifying criteria. With branches across the U.S., you can receive personalized support at a location convenient for you.
Chase Total Checking is best for
Extensive branch network: Chase has a network of over 4,700 branches and 16,000 ATMs. It has a presence in every state (except Hawaii and Alaska), making it easier to receive personalized in-person support from the majority of U.S. states.Â
$200 sign-up bonus: New customers are eligible to receive $200 when opening an account and set up for direct deposit. Â
Online banking and mobile app services: You can manage your accounts, and securely send and receive payments online using the website or the mobile app.Â
Chase Total Checking benefits
$0 minimum deposit requirement: There is no minimum deposit to open an account.
$12 monthly fee waived: There are several ways you can qualify to have the monthly fee waived. Some of these include electronic deposits of $500 or more made into your account by payroll providers or government benefit providers, maintaining a minimum beginning of the day balance of $1,500 in your account, or maintaining an average $5,000 beginning of the day balance across qualifying linked deposit/investment accounts.
Send and receive money with Zelle: You can easily send money without cash or checks to other accounts compatible with Zelle in just a few clicks.
Chase Total Checking drawbacks
No ATM fee reimbursements: There are no out-of-network ATM fee reimbursements.
Overdraft and insufficient funds fee: There is a $34 fee per item up to a maximum of 3 fees ($102) per business day. However, there is no overdraft fee if you’re overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day or if you’re overdrawn by more than $50 and bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day.
Account opening
5
You can get started with a Chase Total Checking account in a few simple steps. You can apply online via the website, and you’ll need to provide the following information:
Name
Date of birth
Proof of address
Information about sources of income
Social security number
The application process takes a few minutes and once you’ve been approved, you can request your debit card.
Fees
3
It’s a good idea to be aware of what fees apply when opening a checking account. For the Total Checking account with Chase, some of these fees include:
Monthly service fee: There is a $12 monthly service fee. This can be waived if you meet one of the qualifying criteria.
Out-of-network ATM fee: There is a $3.00 fee for using a non-Chase ATM. This does not include third-party fees. Plus, there is a $5 withdrawal fee for ATMs outside of the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Overdraft fee: This fee applies when you do not have enough money in your account to pay for an item. A $34 overdraft fee applies with a maximum of 3 fees per business day.
Card replacement – rush request: A $5 fee applies when you require express shipping of a debit or ATM card.
Incoming wire transfer fees: There is a $0 incoming wire transfer fee if the transfer originates from Chase, otherwise it’s $15 per transfer. This is for both domestic and international transfers.
Outgoing wire transfer: There is a $25 outgoing domestic wire transfer fee if done online otherwise $35 if done with the help of a banker. The outgoing international wire transfer fee ranges between $0 to $50 depending on the amount, whether it is an FX or USD international wire, and whether it is done with the help of a Chase banker or completed online.
Foreign exchange fee: A 3% fee applies to international transactions.
Stop Payment: There is a $30 fee for each stop payment request.
There are no in-network ATM fees and there is no minimum deposit requirement. You’ll also have access to Chase QuickPay with Zelle to send and receive the money within the U.S.
Features
4
Key features for the Chase Total Checking account include:
$200 sign-up bonus: New customers looking for added incentives can sign up for the Chase Total Checking account and enjoy a $200 sign-up bonus. To qualify for the bonus, you’ll need to set up a direct deposit within 90 days of enrollment. You should receive the bonus within 15 days. This bonus is only available during a qualifying period.
Account alerts: You can monitor your finances and sign up for alerts to help avoid overdraft charges.
Access to branch, online banking, and mobile app services: Whether you value in-person support or prefer to bank digitally, you have the option with Chase to manage your accounts from anywhere at any time.
Deposits and withdrawals
5
There are several ways you can fund and withdraw from your Chase Total Checking account. Some of the methods to fund your account include ATM deposit, wire transfer, electronic transfer, Zelle, check by mail, branch deposit, and mobile check deposit.
You can withdraw from an ATM, but you should keep in mind that there is a $2.50 ATM fee that applies to out-of-network ATMs, plus third-party fees. You can also withdraw using Zelle, ACH transfers, checks, and visiting a branch.
Customer service
5
With Chase, you have the option to receive in-person support via a branch at any time during business hours. With branches available across the U.S. and a customer helpline, you can easily connect with Chase with any questions you might have.
You can also schedule a meeting with someone online via the website or get in touch via social media.
Safe and secure
5
Chase keeps your account details secure by taking various measures to protect your information. Accounts are monitored for suspicious activity to detect fraud as early as possible. In addition, there are multiple authentication checks including a second authentication requirement sent via email, phone, or text when your device is not recognized.
Is Chase Total Checking right for you?
Chase Total Checking could be a great option if you’re looking for an account with a sign-up bonus, multiple ways to manage your account digitally or in-branch, and no minimum deposit requirements. However, there are many fees to consider that could leave you with less money in your pocket. If you do not meet the criteria to waive the $12 monthly fee or value in-person support, you could find cheaper alternatives elsewhere.
*There won’t be a charge for overdraft if you are overdrawn $50 or less at the end of the business day. Chase may pay, for a $34 fee, overdraft transactions at our discretion based on your account history, deposits, and transaction amount. If you’ve enrolled in Debit Card Coverage, everyday debit card purchases like groceries may be approved at our discretion when you don’t have enough money in your account.
