If you’re new to Chase or just opened your account, the Chase app can feel like a lot at first. There are tools for managing your account, activating and replacing cards, transferring money, depositing checks, sending wires, using Zelle, reviewing transactions, and much more.
This guide explains how to use the Chase App step by step, including which features are worth using and where you need to be careful about fees, security, and irreversible transactions.
How to Open a Chase Checking Account
Before learning how to use the Chase App, you first need a Chase account. You can open a checking account by going to Chase.com and selecting Checking, then choosing the checking account you want.
Chase offers several checking options. Total Checking is the most popular option, while Secure Banking is designed as a simpler account with no overdraft fees. There are also premium and youth-oriented accounts.
Pay close attention to the monthly fee before opening an account. Chase Total Checking can have a $15 monthly fee unless you meet one of the qualifying requirements to waive it. Setting up direct deposit is one of the most common ways to avoid the fee.
During the application, Chase will ask for information such as:
- Your legal name
- Date of birth
- Phone number and email
- Residential address
- Citizenship status
- Social Security number
- Employment status
You’ll also authorize identity verification and a consumer report. The consumer report is a soft pull and does not affect your credit score.
Before submitting the application, carefully review your personal information. Errors in your name, address, or other details can cause delays.
After agreeing to the account terms, you can create your debit card PIN. Choose something that isn’t based on easily guessed information such as your birthday, phone number, or address.
Once the account is approved, Chase will provide your account information and tell you how your debit card will be delivered.
How to Fund Your New Chase Account
One important detail new customers should know is that Chase may close an account that remains at a zero balance for an extended period.
You can fund your new account by transferring money from another bank, depositing a check, setting up direct deposit, receiving money through Zelle, sending a wire, or visiting a Chase branch or ATM where applicable.
For most people, transferring money from another bank or setting up direct deposit is the simplest option. Direct deposit can also help you qualify for a monthly fee waiver.
How to Secure Your Chase Account
Security should be one of the first things you set up when learning how to use the Chase App.
Open your profile by tapping the profile icon and then select Security & Privacy. From there, you can report fraud, lock or replace a card, request a new PIN, and manage additional security features.
One of the most important settings is two-step verification. Enable it so Chase requires an additional verification code when you sign in from a browser.
Even if someone obtains your username and password, two-step verification adds another layer of protection because they would also need access to your verification method.
You can also manage passkeys and security keys from the security settings.
How to Set Up Direct Deposit
To set up direct deposit, open your checking account and select Manage Account. Scroll down to the Services section and choose Set up direct deposit form.
Chase provides your routing number and account number, which you can copy directly into your employer’s payroll system.
You can also download a prefilled direct deposit form. This is often easier because it includes your banking information and can be provided to your employer’s HR or payroll department.
The form is for your employer, not Chase. Print and sign it, or sign it digitally if your employer accepts digital signatures, and submit it to payroll.
If you’re receiving government payments such as Social Security or certain federal benefits, use the appropriate government process rather than the standard employer direct deposit form.
Remember that your account number is sensitive information. Only provide it through a secure channel when it is legitimately required.
How to Activate Your Chase Debit Card
Learning how to use the Chase App also means knowing where to manage your debit card.
Open your checking account and select Manage Account. Under Card Setup & Maintenance, choose Activate your card.
Chase will ask for information from the physical card, such as its expiration date, to confirm that you have the card in your possession. Enter the requested information and select Activate.
Once activation is complete, your card is ready to use.
Sign the back of the card after receiving it. Also be cautious of phone calls claiming to help you activate your card. Use the Chase app, Chase’s official website, or the phone number printed on the card or its official materials instead of an unexpected number provided by a caller.
How to Change Your Chase Password
To change your password, tap the profile icon and go to Sign-in Preferences.
Select Username and Password, then choose the password option. You’ll need to enter your current password, your new password, and the new password again for confirmation.
Your new password should be unique and should not match your username or your recent passwords.
Avoid obvious information such as birthdays, names, or simple combinations. A password manager can make it much easier to create and maintain strong, unique passwords.
How to Lock and Unlock Your Debit Card
If you temporarily misplaced your debit card, you can lock it through the Chase app.
Open the account connected to the card, tap Manage Account, and select Lock and Unlock Card.
Locking the card can prevent new purchases and ATM withdrawals made with the card number. However, certain transactions, such as recurring payments and some digital wallet transactions, may continue.
When you find the card, return to the same section and select Unlock Card.
If the card is actually lost or stolen, don’t rely on a temporary lock. Instead, use the option to replace the lost or damaged card and consider contacting Chase immediately if you suspect unauthorized activity.
How to Replace Your Chase Debit Card
To replace a debit card, go to your account, select Manage Account, and choose Replace a Lost or Damaged Card.
Chase gives you different reasons for replacement, including:
- Card is lost
- Card is damaged
- Card was never received
The choice matters. A lost or never-received card may be canceled and replaced with a new card number. A damaged card may be replaced while keeping the same number.
If your old card number is replaced, remember to update subscriptions and automatic payments connected to the old card.
Before submitting the request, verify your mailing address and shipping method. Review the replacement details carefully before confirming.
How to Find Your Chase Account and Routing Number
From your checking account, select Show Details to view your account number and routing number.
Your regular routing number is generally used for things such as direct deposits, ACH transfers, electronic bill payments, and linking your Chase account to other financial apps.
Wire transfers can use a different routing number. Always use the routing information specifically provided for the type of transaction you’re making.
Your routing number isn’t particularly sensitive and is publicly associated with the bank. Your account number, however, should be protected.
How to Enable Paperless Statements
Go to your profile and select Account Settings, then choose Paperless.
You can enable paperless documents across all your accounts or configure them individually. Depending on your preferences, you can choose paperless:
- Statements
- Notices and letters
- Tax documents
- Other account documents
Make sure the email address shown in your paperless settings is current.
After making your selections, scroll down and save the changes. Your statements and other documents can then be accessed digitally through your Chase accounts.
How to View Transactions and Statements
Open the account you want to review and scroll to See All Transactions.
You’ll find purchases, deposits, withdrawals, and transfers listed with the newest activity generally appearing first.
For statements, select Statements from the appropriate account section. Chase provides access to online statements organized by year, along with other documents such as tax forms and notices.
You can open a statement as a PDF and download or share it when necessary.
If you need a statement that’s older than what’s available online, you may need to contact Chase.
How to Deposit a Check
One of the most useful features when learning how to use the Chase App is mobile check deposit.
From the main screen, select Deposit Checks and complete the initial agreement if you’re using the feature for the first time.
Choose the account where you want the money deposited and enter the exact amount written on the check.
You’ll then photograph the front and back of the check. Before photographing the back, endorse the check as instructed by Chase.
Make sure both images are clear and that all four corners are visible. Review the deposit details before submitting it.
Chase will show you when the deposit was received and when the funds are expected to become available.
Mobile deposit limits can vary by account, so check the limit displayed in your app before depositing a large check.
After depositing the check, keep the physical check for several business days. Once you’re certain the deposit has cleared, mark the check as void and securely destroy it.
Chase Pending Deposits Explained
Don’t be alarmed if your present balance and available balance are different after depositing a check.
The present balance can include the deposited check even while it is still being verified. The available balance represents the money you can actually use at that moment.
For spending decisions, pay attention to your available balance.
Mobile deposits made after the applicable cutoff time, or on weekends and holidays, may be processed on the next business day. Some deposits can also be subject to longer holds.
Be particularly cautious with checks from people you don’t know. A common scam involves someone sending a fraudulent check and asking you to deposit it and send some of the money back. The initial funds may appear available before the check is ultimately rejected.
How to Order Checks From Chase
Chase check orders are placed through the desktop website rather than directly through the mobile app.
After signing in at Chase.com, select the checking account you want, choose More, and find Order Checks and Deposit Slips under account services.
Chase may direct you to its check-printing partner to customize and order your checks.
You can select different check styles, quantities, and customization options. Review the design and total cost carefully before completing the order, since premium designs and customizations can increase the price.
Standard delivery may be included, while faster shipping can cost extra.
How to Link an External Bank Account
To move money between Chase and another bank, open Pay & Transfer and select Manage External Accounts.
Choose Add an External Account and search for your bank.
Depending on the institution, you may be able to connect by signing into your external bank or by manually entering the routing and account numbers. Manual verification may involve small test deposits.
When using an instant connection, carefully verify that you’re on the legitimate website of your bank before entering your login information.
Only link accounts that belong to you. External account linking is designed for moving money between accounts you own.
Once the account is connected, you can transfer money between your Chase account and the external bank.
How to Transfer Money Between Banks
From Pay & Transfer, select Transfer.
Enter the amount and choose the account you’re transferring from and the account you’re transferring to.
If you’re moving money from another bank into Chase, select your external account as the source. If you’re moving money from Chase to another bank, select your Chase account as the source.
Depending on the transfer, Chase may offer a real-time option or a standard transfer. Real-time transfers can arrive quickly but have lower limits and may not be cancelable. Standard transfers generally take longer but may provide higher limits and more flexibility.
Before confirming, carefully review the direction of the transfer, the amount, the accounts, and the delivery method.
Transfers between your own linked accounts can be a convenient way to move money without using a wire transfer.
How to Send a Domestic Wire Transfer
For a domestic wire, go to Pay & Transfer and select Wires & Global Transfers.
You’ll need to verify your identity before continuing. Chase will then ask for the purpose of the payment.
Take the scam warnings seriously, particularly if someone is pressuring you to send money urgently. Romance scams and family impersonation scams are common reasons people lose money through irreversible transfers.
When entering the recipient’s information, get the recipient’s wire routing number and account number directly from a trusted source. Don’t assume the routing number printed on a check is the correct number for a wire.
Chase may verify the bank associated with the routing number you enter. Use this as another opportunity to catch mistakes.
Enter the recipient’s information carefully, including their legal name and address. Review every detail before adding the recipient.
When you’re ready to send the wire, enter the amount and review the applicable fee.
Domestic wires can be expensive compared with other payment methods. For smaller payments, a service such as Zelle may be more appropriate when available and appropriate.
Before scheduling a wire, make sure you understand that recovering money sent to the wrong recipient can be extremely difficult.
How to Send an International Wire Transfer
For an international transfer, go to Pay & Transfer → Wires & Global Transfers and select the international option.
You’ll need information such as the recipient’s country, bank details, SWIFT/BIC code, account number or IBAN where applicable, and recipient information.
A SWIFT code identifies the recipient’s bank in the international banking system. An IBAN is an international bank account number used by many countries.
When selecting the currency, compare the available options carefully. Sending in the recipient’s local currency can involve an upfront fee and an exchange-rate spread. Sending U.S. dollars can involve a different fee structure and may result in additional currency-conversion costs at the receiving bank.
Before sending the transfer, check the exchange rate, fees, recipient details, and expected delivery time.
International wires generally take longer than domestic wires because the payment may pass through multiple financial institutions.
Once you add a recipient, Chase can save their information for future wires. If you ever receive an email saying a new recipient was added and you didn’t make the change, contact Chase immediately.
How to Set Up Zelle on Chase
Zelle is integrated into the Chase app and can be useful for sending money to people you know and trust.
Open Pay & Transfer and select Send Money with Zelle.
If you’re setting it up for the first time, agree to the applicable terms and select your Zelle ID. You can use an eligible phone number or email address.
Chase will verify the selected phone number or email with a one-time code.
You can also use a Zelle QR code to make receiving money easier in situations where both parties support the feature.
Remember that Zelle is intended for people you know and trust. It isn’t a good payment method for strangers you meet online, and payments may be difficult or impossible to reverse.
How to Send Money With Zelle
Once Zelle is set up, select Send Money with Zelle and add a recipient.
You can add someone from your contacts, scan their QR code, or enter their information manually.
Before sending, carefully check the recipient’s information. Chase may show the recipient’s registered name, which is useful for making sure you’re paying the correct person.
Enter the amount, select the account the money should come from, and add a message if required.
Review the payment carefully before selecting Send. Once sent, Zelle payments generally cannot be canceled, so verify the recipient before confirming.
How to Dispute a Transaction
If you notice a problem with a transaction, open the account where it occurred and find the transaction in your activity.
The transaction generally needs to be posted before you can dispute it. Pending transactions aren’t final and may change or disappear.
Select the transaction and look for the option to report a problem.
Depending on the situation, you may be asked to choose among issues such as:
- A returned purchase with no refund
- Product or service not received
- Poor-quality product or service
- Incorrect amount
- Duplicate charge
- Purchase you didn’t make
Fraud and ordinary disputes are different. If you didn’t authorize the purchase, treat it as potential fraud rather than simply filing a normal merchant dispute. Lock or replace your card as appropriate and contact Chase promptly.
Some dispute types may require you to call Chase instead of completing the claim entirely through the app.
Have supporting information ready, including the transaction date, amount, merchant, receipts, emails, or other relevant documentation.
How to Reset Your Debit Card PIN
If you’ve forgotten your debit card PIN, open your checking account and select Manage Account.
Under Card Setup & Maintenance, choose Manage PIN.
Chase may require your full debit card number to verify that you have the physical card.
The app does not necessarily allow you to immediately choose a new custom PIN. Instead, Chase may mail a newly generated PIN to your address, which can take several business days.
If you want to choose your own PIN, you may need to visit a Chase branch.
Until the new PIN arrives, your existing PIN remains active. If you don’t remember it, avoid transactions that require a PIN until you receive the replacement.
If the PIN doesn’t arrive within the expected timeframe, contact Chase rather than repeatedly requesting another one.
Final Tips for Using the Chase App
Once you understand how to use the Chase App, most everyday banking tasks become much easier to manage from your phone.
A few habits can save you money and prevent headaches:
- Check your available balance, especially after depositing checks.
- Enable two-step verification for stronger account security.
- Lock a misplaced card temporarily, but replace a card if it’s actually lost or stolen.
- Review recipient details carefully before sending Zelle payments or wires.
- Use ACH transfers instead of wires when you’re simply moving money between your own bank accounts.
- Watch wire fees and exchange rates before sending international payments.
- Keep your account funded and make sure you understand any monthly maintenance fee.
- Never send money to someone just because they pressure you to act quickly.
- Protect your account number, card information, passwords, and verification codes.
- Review your transactions regularly so you can catch unauthorized activity quickly.
The key to how to use the Chase App isn’t memorizing every menu. It’s knowing where the important tools are and, just as importantly, knowing when to slow down before tapping that final button. For routine banking, the app puts a surprising amount of control right at your fingertips—as long as you use the security features and double-check anything involving money leaving your account.
