$4.95 monthly service fee
None
$0
$100
- No minimum opening deposit
- No overdraft fees
- Free money orders and cashier's checks
- Early direct deposit (up to 2 days early)
- $100 bonus
- $4.95 monthly service fee
- No overdraft protection
- Fees for non-Chase ATM
- Does not include paper checks
- No wire transfers to or from this account with qualifying transactions
Chase is one of the best national banks out there. It has several types of checking accounts, but Chase Secure Banking℠ is the only one that offers early direct deposit so you can receive paychecks up to two days early. But if early direct deposit doesn't matter to you, you may be more interested in another Chase checking account — one that lets you waive the monthly fee or enroll in overdraft protection.
- New Chase checking customers enjoy a $100 checking account bonus when you open a Chase Secure Banking℠ account with qualifying transactions. Open online or at any Chase branch.
- Set up direct deposit and you may get your money up to two business days early—exclusively for Chase Secure Banking℠ customers.
- No minimum deposit to open an account and get started plus no overdraft fees with a Chase debit card that helps you stay within your balance.
- No need to worry about overdraft fees - Chase Secure Banking℠ allows you to spend only the money you have available.
- Chase Secure Banking℠ customers told us they save an average of more than $40 per month on fees after opening their account.
- Pay bills, cash checks and send or receive money with Zelle® with a Chase Secure Banking℠ account.
- Bank from anywhere with access to more than 15,000 Chase ATMs, more than 4,700 Chase branches, the Chase Mobile® app and Chase.com.
- JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
The bottom line: Chase is one of the best banks out there. It has several types of checking accounts, but Chase Secure Banking℠ is the only one that offers early direct deposit so you can receive paychecks up to two days early. But if early direct deposit doesn't matter to you, you may be more interested in another Chase checking account — one that lets you enroll in overdraft protection.
Chase Secure Banking: Pros and Cons
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Chase Secure Banking℠ Review
Chase Secure Banking is a good option if you want to receive your direct deposits up to two days early. You can also earn a bonus of $100 when you open a Chase Secure Banking account as a new Chase checking customer with qualifying transactions (offer expires 4/16/2025).
But you'll want to keep an eye on fees. You'll pay a $4.95 monthly service fee, unless you qualify to waive it, and $3 if you use an out-of-network ATM. And although the account doesn't charge overdraft fees, it also doesn't offer any sort of overdraft protection. So if a transaction would put your balance in the negative, the bank will simply deny your purchase.
See Insider's guide to the best bank account bonuses »
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Is Chase Secure Banking Trustworthy?
Chase is a Member FDIC Bank, so your Chase Secure Banking account is FDIC-insured for up to $250,000, or $500,000 for joint accounts. This means that if Chase shuts down, your insured funds are still safe. Your money would be moved to another federally insured institution, or you would receive a check in the mail.
The Better Business Bureau gives Chase an A+ rating. A strong BBB grade indicates that a company responds effectively to customer complaints, is transparent about business practices, and advertises honestly.
A good BBB score doesn't guarantee you'll have a perfect relationship with a bank, though. Read online customer reviews or speak with friends and family who use Chase to help determine if it will be a good fit.
Chase has been involved in a couple of recent public controversies. In 2020, JP Morgan Chase & Co. paid the Department of Justice $920 million in a settlement that claimed the bank was involved in wrongful trading. In the same year, the US Department of Labor required Chase to pay $800,000 in back wages in a settlement that accused the bank of underpaying women.
Chase Secure Banking FAQs
Yes, Chase Secure Banking is a real checking account with Chase Bank, and it's federally insured through the FDIC.
Chase Secure Banking is a type of checking account, even though the word "checking" isn't in the name.
Yes, Chase Secure Banking has a $4.95 monthly service fee (with options to waive) and a $3 fee if you use an out-of-network ATM. But it doesn't charge fees for overdrafts, money orders, or cashier's checks. There's also no minimum balance, so you aren't charged a fee if your balance drops below a certain amount.
You can avoid the monthly service fee when you have electronic deposits made into the account totaling $250 or more during each monthly statement period.
Yes, Chase Secure Banking lets you enroll in direct deposits. It also has early direct deposit so you can receive your money up to two business days early.
To upgrade your Chase Secure Banking account, schedule a meeting with a banker online or visit your local branch.
Methodology: How We Reviewed Chase Secure Banking
At Personal Finance Insider, we rate products using our bank account ratings methodology. We rate each account from zero to five.
We look at ethics, customer service, and the bank's mobile app when we rate all types of accounts. For checking accounts specifically, we also evaluate minimum opening deposits, monthly fees, overdraft fees/protection, and ATM access/fees.
How Chase Secure Banking Compares
Chase Secure Banking vs. Chase Total Checking
Chase Total Checking® is the bank's most basic checking account. It has a leg up over Secure Banking because it offers a larger bonus of $300. It also has Overdraft Assist — this gives you more options if you overdraw, including free overdraft protection that transfers money from your Chase Savings℠ account.
Total Checking doesn't offer early direct deposit, though, and you'll pay for cashier's checks and money orders. You should also note that if you don't qualify to waive the Total Checking monthly fee, you'll probably prefer Secure Banking. Total Checking has a $12 monthly service fee, as opposed to Secure Banking's $4.95 monthly service fee charge, which also has options to waive.
Chase Secure Banking vs. Chase Premier Plus Checking
The Chase Premier Plus Checking℠ account charges a $25 monthly service fee. It could be the better choice if you're eligible to waive the fee, but otherwise, you'll pay a lot more than you would with Chase Secure Banking. It also doesn't offer a cash bonus.
Otherwise, Premier Plus Checking is the better option when it comes to fees. It offers Overdraft Assist, a great option if you enroll in free overdraft protection. It also reimburses up to four out-of-network ATM fees per statement period, which is convenient if you travel frequently.
Chase Premier Plus Checking doesn't offer early direct deposit, though. If receiving your paycheck early is important to you, Chase Secure Banking is the way to go.
