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There are many benefits to opening a Chase Bank checking account. But, having to pay a monthly service fee may deter you. As it turns out, it’s possible for students and adults to get free checking with Chase from your normal banking activity for personal and business accounts. Here’s how to get free checking with Chase.

free checking with chase
The Spa at La Costa in Carlsbad, California from Oct. 2021. Credit: Johnny Jet

Getting Free Checking With Chase: Does Chase Have a Free Checking Account?

Chase only offers totally free checking accounts for students and children. However, you can waive the fee with typical monthly activities for the best Chase checking accounts. Select accounts also waive the monthly fee for current and retired military personnel.

These three free checking options with Chase include:

  • For kids between ages 6 and 17, Chase First Banking℠ provides a kid’s debit card, has parental controls, and the ability to create savings goals in the Chase Bank mobile app. Parents must be existing Chase checking customers. See our review to learn if Chase First Banking is worth it for your family.
  • Students between ages 13 and 17 are eligible for Chase High School Checking which provides the opportunity to receive direct deposits which Chase First Banking doesn’t support. Additionally, this account converts into a Chase Total Checking® when the teen turns 18 years old, unless the teen goes to college.
  • College students between ages 17 and 24 can get Chase College Checking℠. Additionally, students enjoy no monthly service fees for up to five years or until graduation (whichever occurs first).

If you’re a working adult or a retiree, you will need to open a checking account that’s subject to a monthly fee. Thankfully, most personal accounts provide ways to waive this cost. That also holds true for the Chase business checking accounts that we’ll get into later.

Additionally, military members (active and retired) can automatically waive fees on select consumer and business products. These accounts tend to be the mid-tier products which are also helpful in receiving more complimentary perks as a way to thank you for your service.

Free Checking With Chase: Ways To Waive Chase Checking Fee

Here is how to waive the monthly fee on these personal and business Chase checking accounts.

Chase Premier Plus Checking

The Chase Premier Plus Checking has a waivable $25 monthly fee:

  • An average beginning-of-day balance of $15,000 or more in any combination of this account and linked qualifying Chase checking, savings, and other balances
  • A linked qualifying Chase first mortgage enrolled in automatic payments from your Chase account
  • For current or prior members of our nation’s military with qualifying military ID

Chase Sapphire Banking

The information for Chase Sapphire Banking℠ has been collected independently by Johnny Jet. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Here’s another option to possibly get free checking with Chase, though it is costly. Chase Sapphire Banking℠ customers can waive the $25 monthly fee with an average beginning day balance of $75,000 or more in any combination of this account and linked qualifying Chase checking, savings, and other balances.

Chase Private Client

Chase Private Client Checking℠ customers avoid the $35 monthly fee after one of the following traits:

  • Maintaining an average beginning day balance of $150,000 or more in linked qualifying Chase checking, savings, and other balances
  • Linking a Chase Platinum Business Checking℠ account

Enjoy up to a $3,000 bonus when you open a new Chase Private Client Checking℠ account with qualifying activities. Within 45 days of coupon enrollment, transfer qualifying new money or securities to a combination of eligible checking, savings and/or J.P. Morgan Wealth Management non-retirement accounts (excludes Chase Personal and Business CDs, Chase business checking and savings accounts, any J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing & Automated Investing, J.P. Morgan Personal Advisors Accounts, and J.P. Morgan Wealth Management retirement accounts). Your bonus will be determined on day 45. Maintain your new money for 90 days from coupon enrollment and enjoy your bonus. Chase will add it to your account within 40 days.

A $1,000 bonus and a $2,000 bonus are also available with smaller qualifying deposit amounts.

The deposit thresholds and bonus amounts are as follows:

  • $1,000 bonus: $150,000 to $249,999 in deposits
  • $2,000 bonus: $250,000 to $499,999 in deposits
  • $3,000 bonus: $500,000 or more in deposits

Get more information in our detailed Chase Private Client review.

Chase Business Complete Checking

Waive the $15 monthly service fee for the Chase Business Complete Banking® in the following ways:

  • Maintaining a $2,000 minimum daily balance
  • Make $2,000 in net purchases on your Chase Ink® Business Card(s)
  • Receive $2,000 in deposits from Chase QuickAccept℠ or other eligible Chase Payment Solutions transactions
  • Link a Chase Private Client Checking℠ account
  • Provide qualifying proof of military status

Earn $300 when you when you open a new Chase Business Complete Checking® account. For new Chase Business Complete Banking® customers with qualifying activities.

Chase Performance Business Checking

The information for the Chase Performance Business Checking® has been collected independently by Johnny Jet. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

With Chase Performance Business Checking®, there is a $30 monthly service fee that’s avoidable in the following manner. Simply maintain a combined average daily balance of $35,000 or more in qualifying business deposit accounts.

Related: How Much Money Do I Need For A Chase Business Checking Account?

Chase Platinum Business Checking

The information for Chase Platinum Business Checking℠ has been collected independently by Johnny Jet. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Well-established businesses can waive the $95 fee for the Chase Platinum Business Checking℠ by one of the following steps:

  • Maintaining a combined average daily balance of $100,000 or more in qualifying business deposit and business investment balances
  • Maintaining a combined average daily balance of $50,000 and linking a Chase Private Client Checking℠ account

How To Avoid Chase Monthly Checking Fee?

In most cases, you must maintain a minimum beginning-of-day account balance or receive a minimum amount of qualifying direct deposits during the statement cycle. Premium accounts can also waive the fee by linking other Chase banking accounts or by having military experience.

Consider the Chase Total Checking® as it’s the easiest account to waive the fees on. You also have local branch access and can easily manage your account online too. For instance, it’s possible to schedule Zelle transfers or enroll in direct deposit.

If the various Chase checking accounts are not a good fit, you may also consider an account from Quontic Bank High Interest Checking which lets you earn interest on your deposits and pay no monthly service fee. However, you won’t have local branch access or other conveniences accompanying banking with a nationwide brick-and-mortar institution.

Another option is CIT Bank, an online-only bank that began in 1908. Don’t worry if you’ve never heard of CIT Bank, it is trustworthy and legitimate. You’ll find personal checking, savings, and even home loan accounts. Business owners can find small business and commercial banking solutions as well. These accounts can save you money.

Summary of Free Checking With Chase

In conclusion, working households won’t automatically qualify for free checking with Chase, but the national bank offers many ways to waive the monthly service fee. It can be easier than you think for its personal or business checking products. After opening these foundation accounts you may also consider opening kids and student accounts which automatically waive the fee as a student.

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