Chase Total Checking Review [2024]: In-person Banking Meets A Great Mobile App Experience

Chase Total Checking overview

Chase Total Checking is a popular Chase checking account option if you’re interested in a traditional brick-and-mortar bank that also offers mobile and online banking. With Chase Bank, you get access to more than 4,700 in-person branches nationwide as well as a highly rated mobile app.

Chase’s wide reach is one of its primary benefits. It’s the first national bank to have a retail presence across all 48 of the lower states (not including Hawaii and Alaska), so you don’t have to worry about being a resident of a specific state to become a customer.

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

Here are some other details about the Chase Total Checking account:

Annual percentage yield (APY)	N/A
Minimum deposit requirement	$0
Monthly maintenance fees	$12, but can be waived under certain conditions
Number of branches	4,700+
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

What we like about Chase Total Checking

• No minimum opening deposit: You don’t need to make a minimum opening deposit for approval of a Chase Total Checking account. This sets Chase apart from some other big banks and makes this account great for beginners.
• Chase Overdraft Assist: Chase does not charge 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 will still avoid the overdraft fee if your account ends the business day overdrawn by $50 or less.
• 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.

What Chase Total Checking could improve

• No APY rate: 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. 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.

Chase Total Checking customer service

Chase provides a number of customer service options. You can find the answers to most basic questions on the company’s extensive FAQ pages. I have referred to these FAQ pages for questions I’ve had in the past, and I’ve never had to call customer service as a result.

Chase also offers 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.

If you need more personalized help, 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 going into a physical location and speaking with someone in person about your banking needs.

Who is a Chase Total Checking account best for?

The Chase Total Checking account makes sense if you want an everyday checking account from a well-known and established bank. With its many branches and exceptional mobile app experience, Chase will appeal to both in-person and online users.

Chase Total Checking may be good for beginners given its $0 minimum initial deposit. However, to avoid the $12 monthly maintenance fee, you will have to either set up direct deposits of at least $500 a month or maintain a sizable balance in your account (between $1,500 and $5,000). Therefore, Chase Total Checking may not be the best option if you’re a student, frequently carry a low balance, or if you don’t receive direct deposit pay.

FAQ

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 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.