Chase is the largest bank in the United States by assets, with $4.09 trillion in consolidated assets and the most domestic branches of any US bank (5,137), per the Federal Reserve as of June 30, 2026. It’s an excellent choice if you want a reliable checking account with nationwide branch access, a large ATM network, or if you’re bundling banking with Chase’s premium credit cards. It’s a poor choice for earning interest on savings.
The short version: Chase for checking and branch access; an online bank for savings.
Chase at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Branches | 5,137 domestic (Federal Reserve, June 30, 2026) |
| ATMs | 14,000+ (Chase’s figure) |
| Checking monthly fee | $15 (waivable) |
| Savings APY | 0.01% |
| Overdraft fee | $34 (up to 3/day) |
| Minimum to open | $0 |
| FDIC insured | Yes |
| Customer service | Phone (1-800-935-9935) and in-app messaging |
Chase Checking Accounts
Chase Total Checking is Chase’s main consumer checking account. It includes all standard features — debit card, online bill pay, Zelle, mobile deposit, and full branch access.
- Monthly fee: $15 — waived with $500+ in qualifying electronic deposits per statement period, a $1,500 beginning-of-day balance, a $5,000 average beginning day balance with linked accounts, or a linked qualifying checking account
- ATMs: 14,000+ Chase ATMs with no Chase fee; $3.00 at non-Chase ATMs in the U.S.
- Overdraft: $34/transaction, max 3/day, waived if balance ≥ -$50 at end of day
- Opening deposit: $0 required
Chase Secure Banking is a no-overdraft, no-minimum option at $4.95/month. The fee can be waived with $250+ in qualifying electronic deposits, by linking a qualifying checking account, or for account owners age 17-24. Chase Overdraft Services aren’t available on it, so it suits people who frequently overdraft.
Chase Premier Plus Checking costs $25/month (waived with a $15,000 average beginning day balance with linked deposits and investments, a linked qualifying checking account, a linked Chase first mortgage on automatic payments, or for current servicemembers and veterans). Check Chase’s fee page for what it adds.
Chase Sapphire Banking (Sapphire Checking, no longer for sale to new customers) costs $25/month (waived with a $75,000+ average beginning day balance across the account and linked deposits or investments, or by linking a qualifying Chase checking account). Includes premium benefits; check Chase’s fee page for details.
For most people, Total Checking with direct deposit — which waives the fee — is the right option.
Chase Savings Account
Chase Savings earns 0.01% APY — approximately $1 per year on a $10,000 balance. This is not a competitive rate. The FDIC national average savings rate is 0.38% (October 19, 2026); online high-yield savings accounts such as Ally pay 3.10%.
Chase offers a Premier Savings account, but it pays 0.01%, or 0.02% at relationship rates with a linked Premier Plus or Sapphire account (rate sheet in effect October 9, 2026) — far below what online banks offer.
The standard recommendation: Keep your Chase checking account for day-to-day banking, and move your savings to a high-yield savings account at Ally, Marcus, or Capital One 360.
On a $20,000 savings balance:
- Chase at 0.01%: $2/year
- Ally at 3.10%: $620/year
- Difference: $618/year — roughly $52/month
Chase Fees Summary
| Fee | Amount | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly maintenance | $15 | $500+ qualifying electronic deposits OR $1,500 balance |
| Overdraft | $34 | Leave Debit Card Coverage off AND link savings as Overdraft Protection |
| Out-of-network ATM | $3.00 | Use Chase ATMs |
| Domestic wire (outgoing) | $25 online / $35 branch | Use Zelle (free) |
| International wire (outgoing) | $40 online (USD) / $50 banker | Use Wise |
| Stop payment | $30 banker / $25 online | — |
See the complete Chase fee schedule for the full breakdown.
Where Chase Excels
Branch network: Chase’s roughly 5,000 branches and 14,000+ ATMs cover virtually every major US city and most suburban areas. If you travel frequently within the US, you’re rarely far from a Chase branch or ATM.
Credit card ecosystem: Chase’s credit card lineup — Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, Freedom Unlimited, Freedom Flex — is widely regarded as the best in the industry for travel rewards and cashback. If you already have a Chase credit card, having a Chase checking account makes it easier to pay your bill and manage everything in one app.
Business and investment integration: Chase offers business banking, mortgages, auto loans, and investment accounts (through J.P. Morgan Wealth Management) all under one login.
Mobile app: Chase’s app is consistently rated among the top banking apps for reliability, features, and ease of use.
Where Chase Falls Short
Savings rates: 0.01% APY is inexcusable when online competitors offer 3%+. Chase relies on convenience to retain savings customers rather than competing on rate.
Fee complexity: Waiving the $15 monthly fee is straightforward for most people with direct deposit, but the fee structure is more complex than no-fee online banks.
Overdraft fees: $34 per overdraft (up to $102/day). Capital One and Ally have eliminated overdraft fees entirely.
Who Should Bank With Chase?
Chase is a good fit if you:
- Want consistent branch access in virtually any US city
- Already have or plan to get a Chase credit card and want consolidated banking
- Prefer face-to-face service for mortgages, auto loans, or business banking
- Value a reliable, full-featured mobile app
Consider an online bank instead if you:
- Primarily care about earning interest on savings
- Rarely or never visit a bank branch
- Want to avoid monthly fees entirely
See also: Chase checking account guide | Chase savings account | Chase fees
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