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Chase Secure Banking℠ Checking Account
- Our Rating 3/5 How our ratings work
- APYN/A
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Deposit RequiredN/A -
Intro Bonus
$100Expires July 24, 2024
New Chase checking customers enjoy a $100 checking account bonus when you open a Chase Secure BankingSM account with qualifying transactions. Qualifying transactions include debit card purchases, Zelle®, ACH credits, Chase QuickDepositSM or online bill payments. Your bonus will appear in your account within 15 days after completing the qualifying transactions.
Chase Secure Banking℠ is best suited for people who have had spending issues in the past, or who are new to checking entirely. It does not offer overdraft protection, paper checks or wire transfers. While the $4.95 monthly fee cannot be waived, there is usually a sign-up bonus, which is a nice touch.
Designed to Discourage Overspending
Chase is one of the most recognizable names in banking. In fact, according to Chase, about 66 million American households use at least one its financial products such as a credit card, personal bank account or Chase small business account. With over 4,700 branches and 15,000 ATMs, Chase offers convenient banking options to consider if you’re searching for a new checking account—especially your first checking account, or your first checking account in a while.
Right now, new Chase Secure Banking℠ customers can enjoy a $100 bonus when they open a new checking account with qualifying activities. On top of that, it offers long-term value thanks to several valuable benefits, including zero fees on most everyday transactions. And while the $4.95 monthly service fee means your account won’t necessarily be free, Chase does offer customers a way to get it waived each month.
Pros
- No minimum opening balance
- Access Chase’s network of in-person branches and fee-free ATMs
- No fees for money orders or cashier’s checks
Cons
- Monthly service fee cannot be waived
- Does not offer overdraft protection, paper checks or wire transfers
- Non-Chase ATM fees
Chase Secure Banking Bonus: $100
Everyone enjoys a little extra cash. But you will need to jump through a few hoops to qualify for the $100 bonus Chase Bank offers when you open a new Chase Secure Banking account. As long as you understand the rules up front, earning the bonus shouldn't be too difficult.
You can qualify for the $100 Chase Secure Banking bonus after you complete the following steps:
- Open a new Chase Secure Banking account by July 24, 2024, either online or at a Chase branch. Your application for a new checking account will be subject to approval. Note: You'll need a coupon to redeem the offer. And if you plan to open your account in person, you'll need to request for a coupon to be sent to you via email.
- Complete at least 10 "qualifying transactions" within first 60 days after account opening (with an eligible coupon enrollment).
Chase Bank defines qualifying transactions as any of the following: debit card purchases, online bill payments, Zelle transactions, Chase QuickDeposit and ACH credits. (Note: Direct deposit is not a qualifying transaction for this sign-up bonus offer.)
Bonus Eligibility Fine Print
The bonus offer contains some fine print regarding a few exclusions that could disqualify you from receiving the $100 bonus as well.
You will not be eligible for a new account bonus under any of the following conditions:
- You're an existing Chase checking customer.
- You closed a Chase checking account within the past 90 days.
- You closed a Chase checking account with a negative balance anytime in the last three years.
- You received a new checking account bonus from Chase within the last two years.
- You're an employee of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. or one of its affiliates.
- The enrolled Chase Secure Banking account is restricted or closed at the time of bonus payout.
As long as none of the exclusions above apply to you, you will receive your $100 Chase Secure Banking bonus within 15 days after completing the bank's requirements above. It's also worth noting that Chase Bank will count your new account bonus as interest and report it to the IRS via Form 1099-INT or Form 1042-S.
Recommended Bank Bonuses
| Bank Account | Intro Bonus | Minimum Deposit | Learn More |
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Up to $700Expires June 27, 2024
Earn up to $700 when you open a new U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account and a Standard Savings account and complete qualifying activities. Subject to certain terms and limitations. Offer valid through June 27, 2024. Member FDIC. Offer may not be available if you live outside of the U.S. Bank footprint or are not an existing client of U.S. Bank or State Farm. |
$25 | Open Account |
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$50-$300Expires June 30, 2024
New customers can earn a $300 bonus for opening a new SoFi Checking and Savings account and receiving a total of $5,000+ in qualifying direct deposits within the specified evaluation period; receive $1,000 - $4,999 in qualifying direct deposits to earn a $50 bonus. |
N/A | Open Account |
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$300Expires July 24, 2024
New Chase checking customers enjoy a $300 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking® account with qualifying activities |
N/A | Open Account |
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$300Expires July 22, 2024
Earn $300 when you open a new Chase Business Complete Checking® account. For new Chase business checking customers with qualifying activities. |
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Benefits and Features
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The $100 new account bonus may be enough to pique your interest in a new Chase Secure Banking account. Yet this checking account comes with other perks and benefits (along with a few drawbacks) that you'll want to consider as well when you're comparing available options.
Monthly Service Fee
Opening a Chase Secure Banking account means you must agree to a $4.95 monthly fee, which the bank will deduct from your account balance. However, customers who receive at least $250 in electronic deposits each month do not have to pay this fee. If you're considering this account, it's a good idea to think about whether you'll be able to easily meet this fee waiver requirement.
If you prefer a checking account with no monthly fee at all, it's possible to find some options online or perhaps with a local credit union. However, if you're looking for a nationwide bank with a large footprint of branch locations, the monthly fee (and waiver requirement) isn't bad.
No Fees at Chase ATMs
You can withdraw funds from your account anytime at a Chase ATM without incurring any fees. And with 15,000 Chase ATMs, it's often easy to find free locations to access the cash in your checking account.
But if you use a non-Chase ATM, you may be charged fees by both Chase and the ATM network. Non-Chase ATM fees may apply for any of the following:
- Withdrawal
- Balance inquiry
- Funds transfer
As is often the case, fees are higher for non-Chase ATM withdrawals conducted outside of the United States. Because of these fees, it's important to confirm (either online or via phone at 1-800-935-9935) that there's a Chase ATM and/or branch near you. Otherwise it could be costly to access your cash when you need it.
Quick Tip
You won’t have to worry about overdraft fees, but it’s still important to keep a close eye on the amount of money you have in your checking account at all times so you don’t unintentionally overspend.
Send and Receive Money for Free
Another benefit of the Chase Secure Banking account is the option to send and receive money for free through Zelle®. To use Zelle, you must enroll your account. Both you and the other party must have a valid bank account based in the United States.
Potential for Early Direct Deposit
Chase Secure Banking customers who set up direct deposit may receive their funds up to two business days early. While Chase Secure Banking isn't the only account on the market to offer early direct deposit, it's still a nice benefit that can potentially ease some stress for those who are struggling with money management issues.
Chase Mobile App
As a Chase Secure Banking customer, you can download the Chase Mobile app for free. The app provides a user-friendly way to manage your checking account, featuring the ability to:
- Check your balance
- Deposit checks
- Pay bills
If your device doesn't support the Chase Mobile App, there is also another option available to you. You can perform the same account functions above from most internet browsers via Chase Online℠.
Related Article
Best High-Yield Savings Accounts (April 2024)
Fee-Free Money Orders and Cashier's Checks
Chase Secure Banking customers can enjoy no fees on both money orders and cashier's checks. This is a good deal because with other accounts, like Chase Total Checking®, the fees for these services often range from $5 to $8 per request.
To purchase a money order or cashier's check, you need to visit a brick-and-mortar Chase branch. Make sure you have sufficient funds in your account, and be prepared to show your I.D. when you arrive.
Referral Program
As a Chase Secure Banking customer, you are eligible to participate in the Refer-a-Friend program. You can invite your friends to open an eligible Chase checking account using a special referral link you request online. You can earn $50 per referral who opens a qualifying account—up to a total of 10 times each calendar year.
Like the new account sign-up bonus, there are some restrictions with the Chase Refer-a-Friend program as well. For starters, your referral must open a new Chase Total Checking account for you to receive a $50 referral fee. The new customer will need to complete qualifying activities (as listed above) as well. Finally, employees of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. or any affiliates of the bank cannot participate.
Related Article
5 Banks With Strong Referral Bonuses
Drawbacks
While Chase Secure Banking does have a lot of advantages, there are some drawbacks to consider.
- No Interest: In general, checking accounts aren't known for their interest-earning potential. (Although some high-yield checking accounts do exist). But the Chase Secure Banking account doesn't earn any interest at all.
- No Overdraft Protection: Without overdraft protection services, Chase Bank will simply deny a transaction if you try to make a charge that's larger than your available account balance. And while having a bank deny your transaction can be awkward, it's better than the consequences of sending your checking account balance into the red.
- No Paper Checks: Another feature the Chase Secure Banking account is missing is the ability to write paper checks. If you prefer a checking account that gives you the option to write checks, you may want to look at some different options.
Compare Other Checking Accounts
Since the Chase Secure Banking account doesn't offer any interest-bearing capability, here are some other checking account options that offer the opportunity to earn interest on your balance.
| Checking Account | APY | Sign-Up Bonus | Monthly maintenance fee | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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0.50% - 4.60%
Customers earn 4.60% APY on savings balances when they set up recurring monthly direct deposit of their paycheck or benefits provider via ACH deposit. Alternatively, deposit at least $5,000 each month to earn 4.60% APY on your savings balance. Checking balances earn 0.50% APY |
$50-$300Expires June 30, 2024
New customers can earn a $300 bonus for opening a new SoFi Checking and Savings account and receiving a total of $5,000+ in qualifying direct deposits within the specified evaluation period; receive $1,000 - $4,999 in qualifying direct deposits to earn a $50 bonus. |
$0 | Open Account |
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Up to 3.30%
Earn up to 3.30% APY for completing qualifying activities. |
Up to $300Expires June 30, 2024
Use promo code AXOS300 and apply by June 30th, to earn up to a $300 bonus! |
$0 | Open Account |
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Up to 1.10%
10 debit card point of sale transactions of $10 or more per statement cycle required to earn the maximum APY per account balance tier. If the qualifying activity requirement is NOT fulfilled, the interest rate paid on the entire balance will be 0.01% APY. |
N/A | $0 | Open Account |
Who Is Chase Secure Banking for?
A Chase Secure Banking account is worth considering if its limitations could help you manage an account more easily or if your ChexSystems or similar report makes it difficult to qualify for a new checking account. Plus, it's more attractive than a number of the second chance checking account choices you might be considering as an alternative.
A Chase Secure Banking account can help you establish a traditional banking relationship with a brick-and-mortar bank and it provides many of the benefits of a traditional checking account, like direct deposit, ATM access and mobile banking tools.
However, if you have a good banking track record or you want more features, such as check-writing capability or wire transfers, you may want to review other attractive bank accounts with cash bonuses first. A different account (like Chase Total Checking or Citi Basic Banking Account) might suit you better.
Ready to open a Chase Secure Banking Account? Start here.
Michelle Lambright Black
Michelle Black is founder of CreditWriter.com and HerCreditMatters.com. Michelle is a leading credit card journalist with over a decade and a half of experience in the financial industry. She’s an expert on credit reporting, credit scoring, identity theft, budgeting, small business, and debt eradication. Michelle is also a certified credit expert witness and personal finance writer.
