Banking Checking Accounts

Chase Total Checking Review [2025]: In-person Banking Meets A Great Mobile App Experience

Chase Total Checking offers the best of both worlds with in-person branches and mobile banking services.

By Ben Walker, CEPF, CFEI®
and Lisa Harrison

Edited by Melinda Sineriz, ABFP™

Updated Aug. 14, 2025

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4.2

Chase Total Checking®

OUR VIEW

Chase Total Checking is a great option for a straightforward, everyday checking account. If I was just starting out, I would consider setting up a Chase Total Checking account due to its low opening requirements, excellent mobile app, and the fact that it is supported by a large, well-known national bank.

Compared to other checking accounts from traditional banks, the Chase Total Checking account is similar with its waivable monthly fee¹ $12 Monthly Service Fee OR $0 with one of the following, each monthly statement period: Electronic deposits made into this account totaling $500 or more, such as payments from payroll providers or government benefit providers, by using (i) the ACH network, (ii) the Real Time Payment network, or (iii) third party services that facilitate payments to your debit card using the Visa® or Mastercard® network, OR a balance at the beginning of each day of $1,500 or more in this account, OR an average beginning day balance of $5,000 or more in any combination of this account and linked qualifying Chase checking, savings, and other balances. and overdraft benefits. However, where it really stands out is with its $0 minimum initial deposit and its highly rated Chase Mobile app.

Pros

No minimum initial deposit

Offers overdraft assistance²

More than 4,700 in-person branches and 15,000 ATMs

Member FDIC

Cons

$12 monthly service fee ($15, effective August 24, 2025; can be waived if certain conditions are met)

$34 overdraft fee for overdrafts greater than $50

No earned interest

How we evaluate products

Chase Total Checking is the most popular checking account that the big bank offers.

Chase Total Checking^® overview


Minimum deposit requirement	$0
Monthly maintenance fees	$12 ($15 effective August 24, 2025), but can be waived under certain conditions
Number of branches	4,700+ (48 states)
ATM access	Fee-free access to 15,000+ Chase ATMs $3-$5 fees at non-Chase ATMs
FDIC insured	Up to $250,000 per depositor
Annual percentage yield (APY)	N/A
	Visit Chase Total Checking®

Note that Chase Total Checking isn't an interest-bearing account, which is common for checking accounts from traditional banks.

Who is a Chase Total Checking account best for?

The Chase Total Checking account makes sense for you if:

You want an everyday checking account you can access in person.
You're a beginner opening up your first account.
You'd be able to waive the monthly maintenance fee.

With overdraft assistance² With Chase Overdraft Assist℠, we won’t charge an 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 you bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day (you have until 11 PM ET (8 PM PT) to make a deposit or transfer). Chase Overdraft Assist does not require enrollment and comes with eligible Chase checking accounts. and no minimum initial deposit, this is a pretty beginner-friendly account. It's not the most feature-forward, but it is basic enough to be easy to use every day. Chase also provides a bit of wiggle room in case you accidentally overdraw your account. With Chase Overdraft Assist, you won't be charged overdraft fees as long as you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day. That means even if you are overdrawn by more than $50 at some point, you'll still avoid the overdraft fee if your account ends the business day overdrawn by $50 or less. This overdraft policy is by no means groundbreaking or unusual, but it's still nice to see a bit of flexibility here in a standard account from a big bank.

Chase Total Checking is also great for beginners looking to open up their first account. I opened it as a joint account with my parents when I was in high school, for example, and I found it helpful to learn about banking with support and the option to walk into a branch when I had questions.

To avoid the $12 monthly maintenance fee ($15 effective August 24, 2025), you'll have to either set up direct deposits³ Your direct deposit needs to be an electronic deposit of your paycheck, pension or government benefits (such as Social Security) from your employer or the government. Person to Person payments (such as Zelle®) are not considered a direct deposit. Micro-deposits do not qualify as a direct deposit for the bonus. Micro-deposits are small deposits, typically less than $1, that are sent to your account to verify it is the correct account. of at least $500 a month or maintain a sizable balance in your account (between $1,500 and $5,000). If you set up direct deposit pay or keep an eye on your balance, this shouldn't be an issue.

Pro tip

For those newer to banking, Chase offers FAQs on its site, as well as several guides and videos covering topics like how to set up a direct deposit, where to find your account and routing numbers, and how to track your spending.

Chase Total Checking^®: $300 bonus

For a small amount of work, Chase is willing to give you a bonus for opening up a Chase Total Checking account. Some banks don't offer any bonus at all for opening up an account, so this makes it worth it in our book.

Chase is offering a $300 bonus when you open a new Chase Total Checking account with qualifying activities.

To earn $300: Make qualifying direct deposits totaling $500 or more within 90 days of coupon enrollment. This includes payments from payroll providers or government benefit providers. Other electronic and check deposits, as well as person-to-person payments, are not considered direct deposits.

You can expect to receive this bonus within 15 days of completing the requirements. This offer expires on 10/15/2025.

Open a New Checking Account With Chase

4.2

Chase Total Checking® Benefits

Get a $300 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking® account with qualifying activities; offer valid through 10/15/2025⁴ Offer not available to existing Chase checking customers, or those whose accounts have been closed within 90 days or closed with a negative balance within the last 3 years. You can receive only one new checking account opening related bonus every two years from the last coupon enrollment date and only one bonus per account. Coupon is good for one-time use. To receive the bonus: 1) Open a new Chase Total Checking account, which is subject to approval; AND 2) Have your direct deposits totaling $500 or more made to this account within 90 days of coupon enrollment. Your direct deposit needs to be an electronic deposit of your paycheck, pension or government benefits (such as Social Security) from your employer or the government. Person to Person payments (such as Zelle®) are not considered a direct deposit. Micro-deposits do not qualify as a direct deposit for the bonus. Micro-deposits are small deposits, typically less than $1, that are sent to your account to verify it is the correct account. After you have completed all the above requirements, we'll deposit the bonus in your new account within 15 days. To receive this bonus, the enrolled account must not be closed or restricted at the time of payout. Eligibility may be limited based on account ownership. Bonus is considered interest and will be reported on IRS Form 1099-INT (or Form 1042-S, if applicable). Offer availability subject to change. Other Chase checking bonus offers may exist concurrently.
Access to more than 15,000 ATMs and more than 4,700 branches
Manage all your accounts from the Chase Mobile® app
Monthly Service Fee as low as $0 when you meet qualifying electronic deposits or account balance minimums¹ $12 Monthly Service Fee OR $0 with one of the following, each monthly statement period: Electronic deposits made into this account totaling $500 or more, such as payments from payroll providers or government benefit providers, by using (i) the ACH network, (ii) the Real Time Payment network, or (iii) third party services that facilitate payments to your debit card using the Visa® or Mastercard® network, OR a balance at the beginning of each day of $1,500 or more in this account, OR an average beginning day balance of $5,000 or more in any combination of this account and linked qualifying Chase checking, savings, and other balances.
Member FDIC

4.2

Open an Account

What we like about Chase Total Checking

In-person branches: Chase gives you access to more than 4,700 in-person branches nationwide. Customers can feel confident knowing that they can get in-person support from nearly anywhere in the U.S.
ATM access: Chase offers access to more than 15,000 fee-free Chase ATMs.
Excellent mobile app: Chase Mobile is highly rated on both the Apple App Store and Google Play. While I don't have the Chase Total Checking Account, I do use the Chase Mobile app to manage one of my credit cards. I find the app to be secure and easy to navigate. I especially like the "Spending Planner" feature, which provides insights into your spending habits and allows you to set a budget based on your monthly income and goals.
Customer Service: The Chase Mobile app has a "Digital Assistant" that you can chat with 24/7. Additionally, you can call 1-800-935-9935 to speak with a customer service representative. Because Chase is also a brick-and-mortar bank, you also have the option of speaking with someone in person about your banking needs.

What Chase Total Checking could improve

No APY: While some checking accounts provide interest, the Chase Total Checking option doesn't. It's worth noting that this is still relatively normal for most checking accounts.
Monthly service charge: Chase charges a $12 monthly maintenance fee for this account ($15 effective August 24, 2025). Chase will waive the fee if you meet certain criteria — like having monthly deposits of at least $500 or a beginning day balance of at least $1,500 — but some checking accounts don't have a fee at all.
No early direct deposit: Many checking accounts allow for early access to direct funds by up to two days, but Chase Total Checking isn't one of them.

Reach Your Savings Goals Faster

5.0

2025 award winner Best Checking and Savings Combo

SoFi Checking and Savings Benefits

Limited-Time Offer: Earn up to a $300 bonus and up to 4.50% APY on Savings (3.80% APY⁵ New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/2026. Full terms at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/">sofi.com/banking</a>. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.80% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at <a href="http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet" >http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>. with +0.70% APY Boost) for 6 Months on new accounts with eligible direct deposit. Terms Apply.⁶ Earn up to 4.50% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.80% APY as of 8/5/25) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking & Savings account and enroll in SoFi Plus by 9/3/25. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#2">sofi.com/banking#2</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
No account, overdraft, or monthly fees⁷ We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at <a href="http://sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/">sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/</a>
Get your paycheck up to two days early⁸ Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.
Access additional FDIC insurance up to $3 million⁹ SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations. Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms</a>. See list of participating banks at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks</a>.

5.0

Open an account with SoFi® here

Alternatives to consider

While Chase Total Checking offers a bonus for new customers and no minimum initial deposit, you may not be completely sold. Check out some of our best banks and alternative accounts.

SoFi Checking and Savings

If the monthly service fees, overdraft fees and low APY are a major turnoff, consider SoFi. SoFi® offers a 0.50% (as of 01/24/25) APY on checking balances, up to 3.80% APY on savings balances with qualified direct deposit, or 1.00% (as of 01/24/25) APY on savings balances without direct deposit¹⁰ SoFi members who enroll in SoFi Plus with Eligible Direct Deposit or by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days or SoFi members with $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits during the 30-Day Evaluation Period can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. Members without either SoFi Plus or Qualifying Deposits, during the 30-Day Evaluation Period will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. If you have satisfied Eligible Direct Deposit requirements for our highest APY but do not see 3.80% APY on your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit arrives, please contact us at 855-456-7634. Additional information can be found at <a href="http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet">http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>. See the SoFi Plus Terms and Conditions at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus">https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus</a>. .

Plus, no monthly maintenance or overdraft fees⁷ We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at <a href="http://sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/">sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/</a> ¹¹ Overdraft Coverage is limited to $50 on debit card purchases only and is an account benefit available to customers with Eligible Direct Deposits of $1,000 or more during the current 30-day Evaluation Period as determined by SoFi Bank, N.A.  The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the "Start Date" and "End Date" set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the "30-Day Evaluation Period"). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY.  Members with a prior history of non-repayment of negative balances are ineligible for Overdraft Coverage. , is a win-win in our book.

Visit SoFi | Read our SoFi review

Truist One Checking

If you value being able to bank in person and live near a Truist, consider opening an account with them. New Truist One Checking account customers can earn a $400 bonus¹² Terms and Conditions for Truist One Checking $400 Affiliate Offer 2025: TRUIST25AFL400 Offer Information: Open a new Truist One Checking account online from 5/1/25 through 10/29/25, receive at least 2 qualifying Direct Deposits* totaling $1,000 or more within 120 days of account opening and earn $400.  Account must be opened online. Enrollment in the promotion is required at the time of account opening using promo code TRUIST25AFL400. Please refer to the Account Opening and Enrollment section below for full instructions.  *A qualifying Direct Deposit is an electronic credit (greater than $5.00) of your salary, pension, Social Security or other regular monthly income deposited into your new checking account by your employer or outside agency via ACH. Person to person payments (such as Zelle®) or deposits made via a branch, ATM, online transfer, mobile device, debit/prepaid card number or the mail are not eligible direct deposits.  Offer Eligibility: Clients that are the primary account holder on an existing personal checking account with Truist or who have closed a personal checking account with Truist on or after 5/1/24 are not eligible to participate. Offer valid for Truist One Checking accounts only. Primary account holder must be 18 or older at the time of account opening. Truist employees, Directors, Officers, and Local Boards/Advisors are not eligible. Offer available only to US residents with a valid US taxpayer identification number. The qualifying checking account must be opened online and have a mailing address in: AL, AR, FL, GA, IN, KY, MD, MS, NC, NJ, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV or DC. Reward Processing: The reward will be deposited to the new checking account within 4 weeks after the qualification requirements have been met and verified. In order to receive the reward, the new checking account must be open, not restricted, and in good standing with a balance of at least $0.01 at the time of Truist verification and at the time of payout. An account is considered restricted if it has a temporary or permanent block that prevents credits from posting to the account. Truist verification will occur one time after the qualification requirements are initially met. Promotion is only applicable once per client and for one new qualifying checking account. Truist may report the value of any offer reward received to the IRS as required by law. Any applicable taxes are the responsibility of the recipient. Reward Forfeiture: Reward forfeiture will occur if: (1) the new checking account is changed to an account type not included in this client offer prior to payout, (2) the new checking account has a $0.00 or negative available balance or is restricted at the time Truist verifies the qualification requirements have been met or (3) the new checking account is closed or restricted at the time of payout. Other Terms: Minimum opening deposit is $50. The offer is non-transferable, may not be combined with any other checking offers, is subject to change, and may be discontinued at any time. Truist reserves the right, in its sole discretion: 1) to prohibit a reward payout for any offers claimed through third-party websites with no affiliation or prior authorization from Truist; and 2) to disqualify any account if Truist suspects accounts are being opened for the purpose of exploiting this promotional offer. All promotional payouts will be processed no later than 7/31/26 at which point this promotion (and any related disbursements) will be considered final, and no further disbursements will be made. Account Opening & Enrollment Instructions: To open and enroll your new account in the promotion, visit the offer website and click on “Open an account online.” Enter TRUIST25AFL400 into the promo code field provided, review the offer Terms and Conditions, and then select “Accept Offer”. Accounts opened without the promo code applied will not be eligible to participate in the offer. Once enrolled in the promotion, clients may receive promotional updates via the email address provided or by calling 800.709.8700. Version 2 03262025 TRUIST25AFL400 with qualifying activities.

Truist also doesn't charge overdraft fees. It also offers a Balance Buffer¹³ The Balance Buffer is only available with Truist One Checking and allows clients to overdraw their account up to $100. There is no decision required as this feature is automatically available when a client qualifies. To INITIALLY QUALIFY for the Balance Buffer, the requirements below must be met: <ul> <li>- Account must be opened for a minimum of 35 calendar days</li> <li>- Account must be funded with a positive balance</li> <li>- A single direct deposit of at least $100 made within the last 35 calendar days</li> </ul> To REMAIN QUALIFIED for the Balance Buffer, the requirement below must be met: <ul> <li>- A single direct deposit of at least $100 made within the last 35 calendar days.  After qualifying, if 35 calendar days pass without a Direct Deposit of at least $100, you will no longer have access to the Balance Buffer.</li> </ul> For accounts that qualify for the Balance Buffer, once the account is overdrawn by $100, additional transactions will typically be declined or returned. For accounts that qualify for the Balance Buffer and also have Overdraft Protection, Truist will use the Balance Buffer first.  If the account has neither, transactions that exceed the account balance will typically be declined or returned. for Truist One Checking in case you overdraw funds from your account (up to $100). Chase Total Checking has a $34 overdraft fee for overdrafts greater than $50, so in a head-to-head match, Truist comes out on top.

Read our Truist review

Chase Total Checking vs. Chase Secure Checking

Chase Total Checking monthly fee: $0 or $12

Chase Secure Checking monthly fee: $0 or $4.95

Chase Total Checking is the bank's "everyman" account, not geared toward a specific purpose or demographic. Chase Secure Checking, on the other hand, is ideal for people whose finances might be stretched thin from time to time. It doesn't charge overdraft fees (because it doesn't let you overdraw your account and will decline transactions that would cause this), and it offers early access to your paycheck with direct deposit. You can get paid up to two days early, a feature exclusive to this Chase bank account.

Chase Total Checking makes more sense if you carry a higher balance (at least $1,500) so you can waive the $12 monthly maintenance fee ($15 effective August 24, 2025). If you tend to carry a lower balance, a Chase Secure Banking is best, but you'll have to pay a $4.95 monthly service fee (this fee can be waived if you have electronic deposits totaling $250 or more during each monthly statement period).

FAQs

Is Chase Total Checking a good account?

Chase Total Checking is an excellent product if you want a checking account to use for everyday purposes, such as paycheck deposits and money transfers. Chase has a stellar reputation for its online and mobile banking services, but you also have the option to visit over 4,700 in-person branches.

Why did I get denied for Chase Total Checking?

It's possible that you have negative information, such as an unpaid overdraft balance or having too many open bank accounts in a short amount of time, showing up on a checking account report. Many large banks and credit unions use checking account screening companies, such as ChexSystems and Early Warning Services, to help screen bank account applicants.

How do I avoid monthly fees on Chase Total checking account?

Meet one of these three requirements to avoid fees on a Chase Total Checking account each monthly statement period:

Have qualifying electronic deposits totaling $500 or more
Have a beginning-day balance of at least $1,500 in your account
Have an average beginning-day balance of at least $5,000 in combined qualifying accounts

Bottom line

We recommend Chase Total Checking if you want to take advantage of a large network of in-person branches, more than 15,000 fee-free ATMs, and highly rated mobile apps for iOS and Android devices.

Chase Total Checking makes the most sense if you're able to easily waive the $12 monthly service fee ($15 effective August 24, 2025) by keeping at least a $1,500 balance or by meeting one of the other requirements.

However, Chase Total Checking isn't an interest-bearing account and doesn't completely waive overdraft fees, even with Chase Overdraft Assist. If it doesn't seem like the right fit for you, check out alternative options from our list of the best banks.