
The monthly fee for an account with Chase can add up, so it's essential to understand what you're getting into. Some Chase accounts come with a monthly fee, which can range from $5 to $35.
If you're a student, you might be eligible for a Chase College Checking account, which has no monthly fee. However, if you're not a student, you'll likely need to pay a monthly fee, which can range from $4.95 to $14.95, depending on the account type.
To avoid these fees, you'll need to meet certain requirements, such as maintaining a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit. For example, the Chase Total Checking account requires a minimum balance of $1,500 to avoid the $12 monthly maintenance fee.
Account Types
Chase offers various account types with different fee structures. The Chase Private Client Checking℠ account has a monthly fee of $35.
To waive this fee, you need to meet certain requirements, such as maintaining an average balance of $150,000 or more across linked Chase accounts. Alternatively, linking a Chase Platinum Business Checking℠ account can also waive the fee.
The minimum opening deposit for the Chase Private Client Checking℠ account is $0. This makes it easy to get started with the account.
Service Fees
The monthly service fees for Chase accounts vary, but most require a minimum balance or direct deposit to waive the fee. Some accounts, like the Chase Secure Banking℠, have a lower monthly fee of $4.95 that can be waived with electronic deposits totaling $250 or more each month.
Chase Total Checking and Chase Premier Plus Checking℠ accounts have monthly fees of $12 and $25, respectively, but these can be waived under certain conditions. For example, the Chase Total Checking fee can be waived if you have a direct deposit, while the Chase Premier Plus Checking fee can be waived if you have a minimum balance of $15,000 or more across linked Chase accounts.
Here's a breakdown of the monthly service fees for some Chase accounts:
Keep in mind that these fees and waiver conditions are subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check with Chase directly for the most up-to-date information.
Sapphire
The Chase Sapphire℠ Checking account has a monthly fee of $25, but you can waive it by maintaining an average beginning day balance of at least $75,000 across linked Chase accounts.
You don't need a large initial deposit to open a Chase Sapphire℠ Checking account, as the minimum opening deposit is $0.
The account earns a 0.01% APY, which is a relatively low interest rate, but it's still something.
You can enjoy no ATM fees worldwide, and fees from ATM owners will be refunded.
However, be aware that overdraft fees are charged after the first four business days, with a fee of $34 per overdraft, up to three times per day.
To avoid these fees, you can keep your account balance above $50 at the end of the day.
Here's a quick rundown of the account's fees:
- Monthly fee: $25
- Overdraft fee: $34 (up to 3 times per day)
- ATM fees: No fees worldwide
Service Fee
Chase Bank's monthly service fees can be waived in various ways, depending on the account type. For example, the Chase Total Checking account has a $5 monthly fee, but it can be waived if you have a direct deposit of $500 or more.
The Chase Premier Plus Checking account has a $25 monthly fee, but it can be waived if you maintain an average beginning day balance of at least $15,000 across linked Chase accounts.
The Chase Premier Savings account has a $20 monthly service fee, but it can be waived if you have at least a $15,000 minimum daily balance in your account or link the account to a Chase Premier Plus Checking, Chase Premier Sapphire Checking, or Chase Private Client Checking account.
Here's a breakdown of the monthly service fees for different Chase accounts:
It's worth noting that some Chase accounts have no monthly service fee at all, like the Chase Savings account, which has no fee if you maintain a daily balance of at least $300.
Availability and Access
You can access your Chase account online or through the Chase Mobile app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices.
The Chase Mobile app allows you to check your account balance, make payments, and transfer funds between accounts, all with just a few taps on your screen.
Chase accounts are also accessible through the Chase website, where you can manage your accounts, pay bills, and set up account alerts.
You can also visit a Chase branch or call the Chase customer service number to access your account information and get assistance with any account-related issues.
Secure Banking
Secure Banking offers a range of features to help you manage your finances with ease.
The Chase Secure Banking℠ account has a monthly fee of $4.95, but you can waive it by making electronic deposits totaling $250 or more each month.
With a minimum opening deposit of $0, you can start using the account right away.
Interest on balances is not offered with this account.
ATM fees apply when using non-Chase ATMs, with a $3 fee plus any additional fees from the ATM owner.
One of the benefits of Secure Banking is that it comes with no overdraft fees.
If you're interested in opening a Secure Banking account, be aware that it comes with a sign-up bonus of $100, but this offer expires on 01/22/2025.
Free Availability
Free availability isn't always a guarantee, but there are some exceptions. Chase offers two checking accounts with no monthly fee, specifically designed for children: Chase First Banking and Chase High School Checking.

Some banks may have limited availability of free checking accounts, but Chase's options are geared towards minors. You can get the fee waived on most Chase checking accounts by meeting certain requirements, such as keeping a balance in the account or setting up direct deposit.
These accounts are a great option for parents looking for a no-fee checking account for their kids.
What's Available
Chase offers a range of checking accounts, including Chase Total Checking, Chase Secure Checking, and Chase Premier Plus checking account.
You can use any of the 16,000 Chase network ATMs without being charged a fee.
The Chase Sapphire Checking account doesn't charge for the first four overdrafts within 12 months, a benefit that's not available on other Chase checking accounts.
Chase also offers international ATM access, but using a non-Chase ATM outside of the US and its territories will incur a $5 fee.
Here are some details on Chase checking accounts that offer free ATM access:
- Chase Sapphire Checking account offers free ATM access worldwide
- Chase Premier Plus Checking account waives four ATM fees charged by Chase per statement period
Some Chase checking accounts require a minimum balance to avoid monthly fees, such as the $15,000 balance required for the Chase Premier Plus Checking account.
Comparison and Options
Chase Premier Plus Checking℠ requires a $15,000 balance across linked Chase accounts to avoid the monthly fee, which is lower than Bank of America’s Gold Preferred Rewards account and Citibank’s Citi Priority account.
The monthly fee for Chase Premier Plus Checking℠ is the same as Wells Fargo's Prime Checking at $25 if you don’t meet minimum balance requirements.
Chase Sapphire℠ Checking requires the highest average balance of $75,000 across qualifying accounts to avoid the monthly fee.
How We Compare
Chase's checking account fees are comparable to those of other national banks.
The $12 monthly fee for Chase Total Checking is the same as Bank of America charges for a similar account. Wells Fargo's basic option is a bit cheaper at $10.
Some banks have lower direct deposit minimums than Chase requires to waive the monthly fee. This can be a significant difference for those who rely on direct deposits to manage their finances.
Chase offers student checking options for high school and college students. The high school account is free, while the college account charges a $12 monthly fee.
Other banks let you avoid fees by making transactions on your account, or by not having a monthly fee at all.
Premium vs. Other Banks

Chase Premier Plus Checking℠ requires a $15,000 balance across linked Chase accounts to avoid the monthly fee, which is lower than Bank of America's Gold Preferred Rewards account and Citibank's Citi Priority account.
Bank of America's Gold Preferred Rewards account requires a $20,000 balance to avoid monthly fees, making it a less favorable option for those with lower balances.
Citibank's Citi Priority account requires a whopping $30,000 balance to avoid monthly fees, making it the most exclusive of the three.
Wells Fargo's Prime Checking monthly fee is the same as Chase Premier Plus Checking℠ and Chase Sapphire℠ Checking if you don’t meet minimum balance requirements, at $25.
Chase Sapphire℠ Checking requires the highest average balance: $75,000 across qualifying accounts, to avoid the monthly fee.
The high-end checking accounts from Chase and Bank of America offer some free use of out-of-network ATMs, and complimentary services and products including wire transfers.
Chime
Chime is a great option for those looking for a low-fee checking account. Their Checking Account has no monthly maintenance fee, which is a huge plus for anyone who wants to save money.

Their fees for everyday transactions are also very reasonable, with no overdraft fee and a card replacement fee of $0. In fact, Chime's fees are significantly lower than those of other banks, such as Chase.
One thing to consider is the ATM fees. Chime charges $2.5 for out-of-network ATM usage, which is lower than Chase's $5 fee. However, Chime's ATM network is still quite extensive, with over 60,000+ ATMs available.
Here's a quick comparison of Chime's fees with Chase's:
Overall, Chime is a solid choice for anyone looking for a low-fee checking account with no monthly maintenance fee and low fees for everyday transactions.
Requirements and Details
Chase doesn't require direct deposits to open or have a checking account.
You can avoid the $12 Chase monthly service fee for the Total Checking account by having at least $500 in monthly electronic deposits.
Electronic deposits can include payments from government benefit providers or payroll providers using the Automated Clearing House (ACH) system.
The FedNow Service network and the Real-Time Payment (RTP) network are also accepted for meeting this minimum requirement.
Receiving payments to your debit card using the Visa or Mastercard networks through third-party services also counts towards meeting this requirement.
Understanding Fees
Chase offers a range of checking accounts with varying monthly fees, some of which can be waived under certain conditions.
To avoid the monthly service fee on some Chase accounts, you'll need to meet specific requirements, such as having electronic deposits totaling $250 or more each month, or maintaining a minimum balance.
Chase's monthly service fees can be waived in several ways, including making electronic deposits, maintaining a minimum balance, or linking accounts.
Here's a breakdown of the monthly fees for some popular Chase checking accounts:
- Chase Total Checking: $12; can be waived.
- Chase Secure Banking℠: $4.95; can be waived.
- Chase Premier Plus Checking℠: $25; can be waived.
- Chase Sapphire℠ Checking: $25; can be waived.
- Chase Private Client Checking℠: $35; can be waived.
Some accounts, like Chase Secure Banking℠, have a lower monthly fee of $4.95, which can also be waived under certain conditions.
Other Banking Charges
Chase ATM fees are pretty similar to other banks in that you won't be charged to use any one of the bank's 16,000 network ATMs.
If you're traveling internationally, using an international ATM that's not in the Chase network will come with a $5 withdrawal fee or a $2.50 balance inquiry fee.
Chase charges a $15 fee every five days that your account remains overdrawn, and you can have up to three overdraft fees charged to your account per day.
The Chase Sapphire Checking account doesn't charge for the first four overdrafts within 12 months, which can be a relief if you're prone to accidental overdrafts.
Chase has a network of 16,000 ATMs across nearly 30 states, making it convenient to access your cash without incurring a fee.
If you upgrade to a Chase Sapphire Checking account, you'll be reimbursed for all ATM fees worldwide, which can be a huge perk if you travel frequently.
Here's a breakdown of the other banking charges associated with Chase accounts:
- Overdraft fees: $34 per overdraft, with a maximum of three per day
- Insufficient funds fee: $15 every five days
- International ATM fees: $5 withdrawal fee or $2.50 balance inquiry fee
- Out-of-network ATM fees: $3 fee at non-Chase ATMs in the U.S. and its territories, plus any fees from the ATM owner
Why Is My Bank Charging a Service Fee?
Your bank may be charging a service fee to help cover costs such as managing accounts and providing services like customer support and ATM network maintenance.
These fees are often waived if you meet certain requirements, like maintaining a minimum balance or setting up direct deposit.
The more money you deposit into your account, the more your bank can use to earn income by lending it out to borrowers.
This interest rate is usually higher than the APY rate your bank pays you for keeping your money with them, creating a profit margin.
The Federal Reserve requires banks to hold a portion of deposits as reserves to meet customer withdrawal demands, and your deposits are backed by deposit insurance from the FDIC.
Sources
Featured Images: pexels.com