Chase Total Checking Account Review (2023.10 Update: $900 Offer in Total w/Savings)

2026.4 Update: There is now a $900 signup bonus available for opening just a checking account. Compared to the usual $900 bonus that requires opening both a checking and a savings account, this version saves you the hassle of opening a savings account (after all, with a 0.01% APY, there’s really no point parking money there anyway). Expiration date: 07/15/2026. HT: DoC.

2023.10 Update: The $300 checking + $200 savings + $400 for both offer has returned! HT: DoC.

Application Link

Benefits

1. Welcome offer: $900. See below for the requirements to get this bonus. Offer expires on 7/15/2026.
2. There is a monthly maintenance fee of $12. You can avoid this by following the steps below.
3. If you close your account within 6 months, the award bonus will be rescinded.
4. Chase is one of the largest banks in the US, so their branch and ATM network is vast.
5. New: You can refer a friend. Click this link to start referring. You will get $50 for each friend who opens a qualifying checking or savings account (up to 10 bonuses per year). Note that your friend will only get the $200 (Checking Account) + $150 (Savings Account) offer.
6. In order to avoid Chase closing your accounts, please make sure never to do the following:
   1. Depositing an enormous amount of cash.
   2. Regular cash deposits.
   3. Depositing money orders.
   4. Large remittances from abroad.

   Regular use of the account for direct deposits, cashing checks, transferring between banks in the US is fine. For more details, please see “How to avoid getting your account closed by Chase”.

Bonus Requirements

1. This bonus is only available for new clients of Chase Checking Account. Those who currently have a Chase Checking Account, or have closed an account within 90 days are not eligible for this offer. Those with a Chase Savings Account or a Chase credit card are not exempt from this offer.
2. You can receive only one new checking account opening related bonus every two years from the last enrollment date and only one bonus per account. It means Chase Sapphire Checking and Chase Total Checking are now affecting each other.
3. Direct Deposit (DD) requirement: have one direct deposit made to this account within 90 days of account opening. No minimum amount.
4. Deposit requirement: Deposit a total of $15,000 or more in new money (not limited to direct deposit) within 30 days of offer enrollment, and maintain balance for 90 days from offer enrollment.

How to Avoid the Monthly Fee (Meet Any One of the Requirements Below)

1. Each month have at least a $500 Direct Deposit .
2. Daily balance of at least $1,500 in this account.
3. Checking + Savings + Investment Account monthly average balance at least $5,000.

Related Accounts

Here is a comparison and contrast on the official website.

Summary

Chase is a major national bank with a large branch footprint, so for many people around the country, it can work perfectly well as a primary checking account. In my view, opening and closing it once for the signup bonus is still reasonable, but I would not recommend repeatedly cycling their accounts just to farm bank bonuses. After all, Chase’s credit card lineup is simply too valuable, and it would be a terrible trade if you somehow annoyed them and ended up hurting your relationship. One thing to keep in mind is that Chase Checking accounts can be quite sensitive, so do your best to avoid cash transactions and unusually large transfers whenever possible. Be sure to read “How to avoid getting your account closed by Chase” carefully. The signup bonus is very generous, and if you have never earned this bonus before, this is a great time to go for it.

Application Link

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