How to Avoid Chase Monthly Service Fee

Chase Bank's monthly service fees can really add up if you're not keeping track. Here's how you can avoid each fee.

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Let's cut straight to the chase—pun intended. You're considering opening a Chase account, but that pesky monthly fee has got you on the fence.

No worries! Chase gives you multiple ways to get that fee out of the picture. It's actually quite easy to waive the fee for their basic accounts, so you can enjoy all the perks without the monthly pinch.

• What Is a Monthly Service Fee?
  
• Chase Checking Account Fees
  
• Chase Savings Account Fees
  
• How to Avoid Chase Monthly Service Fees
  
  • How to Waive Chase Checking Service Fees
    
  • How to Waive Chase Savings Service Fees
    
  • How to Avoid Chase Overdraft Fees
    
  • How to Avoid Chase ATM Fees
• Which Banks Don't Charge Monthly Fees
  
• Is Chase a Good Bank?

What Is a Monthly Service Fee?

Chase, and most banks, charge a monthly service fee to cover the cost of account maintenance and amenities provided to account holders. These amenities can include free ATM access, overdraft protection programs, and more.

However, many banks agree to waive their fee if you maintain a minimum balance or regular deposits.

This is because they collect interest based on how much is in your account. If you're able to maintain a minimum balance, they'll make more money charging interest on that balance than they would from a flat-rate service fee.

Chase Checking Account Fees

JPMorgan Chase & Co., one of the largest banks in the U.S, is among those that charge monthly fees on its checking accounts. The fees depend on the type of checking account.

• Chase Total Checking® ($12 per month)
  
• Chase Premier Plus Checking^SM ($25 per month)
  
• Chase College Checking^SM ($6 per month)
  
• Chase Sapphire^SM Checking ($25 per month)
  
• Chase Private Client Checking^SM ($35 per month)

Chase Savings Account Fees

Chase Bank also charges a monthly fee for its savings accounts:

• Chase Savings^SM: $5 per month
  
• Chase Premier Savings^SM: $25 per month

The main difference between the two accounts is that Chase Premier Savings^SM Account users can earn higher interest rates.

How to Avoid Chase Monthly Service Fees

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Chase Bank account holders have several ways to avoid Chase monthly services fees, depending on the type of account they have.

How to Waive Chase Checking Service Fees

Chase Total Checking®
Waive the $12 monthly service fee if you do one of the following:

• Have $500 or more in monthly direct deposits,
  
• Have at least a $1,500 balance at the beginning of each day, or
  
• Have an average of $5,000 in daily combined balances in qualifying Chase checking and savings accounts.

Member FDIC

Chase Total Checking® - $200 Bonus

Click Here to Open an Account

Expires 10/18/2023

• New Chase checking customers enjoy a $200 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking^® account and set up direct deposit
• Access to more than 15,000 Chase ATMs and more than 4,700 branches
• Chase Mobile^® app - Manage your accounts, deposit checks, transfer money and more -- all from your device.
• JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC
• Open your account online now
• Available online nationwide except in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. For branch locations, visit locator.chase.com.
• Chase Overdraft Assist℠ - no overdraft fees if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day or if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day*

Chase Premier Plus Checking^SM
Waive the $25 monthly service fee if you meet one of these conditions:

• Have an average of $15,000 in daily combined balances in qualifying Chase checking and savings accounts, or
  
• Link a Chase first mortgage to your account for automatic payments, or
  
• Current members or veterans of the US military with qualifying ID.

Chase College Checking^SM
Waive the $6 monthly service fee if you meet one of the following conditions:

• College students ages 17-24 (qualified up to 5 years)
  
• Make monthly electronic deposit, or
  
• Have an average ending day balance of at least $5,000 in this account.

Chase Sapphire^SM Checking
Waive the $25 monthly service fee if you:

• Have an average beginning day balance of at least $75,000 in any combination of this and other qualifying Chase checking and savings accounts.

Chase Private Client Checking^SM
Waive the $35 monthly service if you:

• Have an average beginning day balance of at least $150,000 in any combination of this and other qualifying Chase checking and savings accounts, or
  
• Link a Chase Platinum Business Checking^SM account.

Chase Secure Banking^SM
The $4.95 monthly fee cannot be waived. This is meant to be a second chance account that gives you access to banking services while you build up positive banking history.

How to Waive Chase Savings Service Fees

Chase Savings^SM
Waive the $5 monthly fee if you meet the following criteria:

• Minimum daily balance of at least $300.
  
• $25 automatic monthly transfers from their Chase checking account.
  
• Link a Chase College Checking^SM account for Overdraft Protection
  
• Link a savings account to a Chase Sapphire^SM Checking account, Chase Premier Plus Checking^SM account, or Chase Private Client Checking^SM account.
  
• Younger than 18 (Chase will automatically begin charging its monthly service fee when the account holder turns 18).

Chase Premier Savings^SM
Waive the $25 monthly service fee if you meet either of the following:

• Maintain a $15,000 minimum daily balance, OR
  
• Link your savings account to a Chase Sapphire^SM Checking account or Chase Premier Plus Checking^SM account.

Keep in mind that Chase doesn't offer the best savings rates. Want to grow your savings faster? Check out these top savings account options with no monthly fee.

How to Avoid Chase Overdraft Fees

Chase charges an insufficient funds fee and returned item fee of $34 per incident, with a maximum of three items per day, for a daily total maximum of $102.

Of course, the easiest way to avoid an overdraft fee is to make sure your account has enough funds in it to cover any purchases you make.

Another way to avoid Chase overdraft fees is to enroll in overdraft protection. You can do this by linking your checking account to a Chase savings account for backup.

That way, the funds in your savings account can be transferred to your checking account to make up the difference and cover any transaction where additional money is needed.

However, if you don't have enough funds in your savings account to cover the cost, you'll be charged the overdraft fee.

Keep in mind that you're only allowed six withdrawals per month from your savings for overdraft protection. After that, you incur a $5 savings withdrawal limit fee, which can be waived if you have more than $15,000 in a Chase Premier Savings^SM Account.

Plus, Chase Sapphire^SM Checking customers who have less than four overdraft or returned item fees per year get those fees waived.

How to Avoid Chase ATM Fees

If you have a Chase Total Checking® account, you'll be subject to ATM fees for non-Chase ATMs:

• $3.00 for inquiries, transfers and withdrawals while using a non Chase ATM in the US, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands. Fees from the ATM owner/network still apply.
  
• $5 per withdrawal and $3.00 for any transfers or inquiries at ATMs outside the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Fees from the ATM owner/network still apply.

If you have a Chase Premier Plus Checking^SM account, you get up to four non-Chase ATM fees waived per month. And Chase Sapphire^SM Checking account holders enjoy no ATM fees worldwide.

Is Chase a Good Bank?

Chase Bank is a good bank if you're looking for a reliable traditional bank with lots of physical branches and full range of services. Banking with a larger institution offers security and convenience, which many people like.

The monthly fee for its everyday checking account is easy to waive with just $500 in direct deposits every month.

By opening a Chase account, you gain:

• Convenience: 4,700+ branches & 15,000+ ATMs nationwide.
  
• Top-rated mobile banking: Pay bills, transfer money, deposit checks, and more—all from your smartphone.
  
• Excellent customer support: Chase ranks high in banking customer satisfaction.

The main downside is that the savings interest rate is low. But you can work around that by using an online savings account with higher APYs.

As an extra perk, Chase often offers a cash bonus for new customers. Just click on the links below to take advantage of it.

Member FDIC

Chase Total Checking® - $200 Bonus

Open an Account

Expires 10/18/2023

• New Chase checking customers enjoy a $200 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking^® account and set up direct deposit
• Access to more than 15,000 Chase ATMs and more than 4,700 branches
• Chase Mobile^® app - Manage your accounts, deposit checks, transfer money and more -- all from your device.
• JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC
• Open your account online now
• Available online nationwide except in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. For branch locations, visit locator.chase.com.
• Chase Overdraft Assist℠ - no overdraft fees if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day or if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day*

Member FDIC

Chase Secure Banking℠ - $100 Bonus

Get $100 Coupon

Expires 10/18/2023

• 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.
• No overdraft fees with a Chase debit card that helps you stay within your balance.
• Chase Secure Banking℠ customers told us they save an average of $50 a month on fees after opening their account.
• JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
• Pay bills, cash checks and send money with Zelle^® all for a $4.95 monthly service fee.
• Bank from anywhere with access to more than 15,000 Chase ATMs, more than 4,700 Chase branches, the Chase Mobile^® app and Chase Online℠.

Member FDIC

Chase College Checking℠ - $100 Bonus

Get $100 Coupon

Expires 10/18/2023

• Enjoy $100 as a new Chase checking customer when you open a Chase College Checking℠ account and complete 10 qualifying transactions within 60 days of coupon enrollment.
• No Monthly Service Fee for up to 5 years if you're a student between the ages of 17-24 at account opening with proof of student status.
• Students ages 18-24 with a Social Security Number can open an account online or at a Chase branch. Students with no Social Security number or who are 17-year-olds can only open an account at a branch.
• Keep track of your money in the Chase Mobile^® app. The app helps you manage your money.
• Zelle^® is available in more than 1,000 banking apps in the U.S. So you can send and receive money from almost anyone you know and trust who has a bank account in the U.S.
• Access to more than 15,000 Chase ATMs and more than 4,700 branches.
• JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC
• Chase Overdraft Assist℠ - no overdraft fee if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day or if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day*

Member FDIC

Chase Private Client - $3,000 Bonus

Get Upgrade Code

Expires 10/18/2023

• You're eligible for up to a $3,000 bonus when you open a new Chase Private Client Checking℠ account with qualifying activities.
• Speak with a Private Client Banker to open your Chase Private Client Checking account today. Schedule your meeting at your nearest branch or over the phone.
• Priority service for everyday banking. Receive personalized attention from a dedicated Chase Private Client Banker who is ready to help you.
• Earn $1,000 when you deposit $150,000 or earn $2,000 when you deposit $250,000 or earn $3,000 when you deposit $500,000
• No ATM fees worldwide.
• No Chase fee on incoming or outgoing wire transfers; can be completed online or over the phone.
• Experience a financial relationship that brings you more.
• Deposit products provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Deposit products are FDIC insured up to the maximum amount allowed by law.

Which Banks Don't Charge Monthly Fees

While Chase Bank is willing to waive its monthly service fee if certain conditions are met, some financial institutions don't charge monthly services fees at all.

Member FDIC

BMO Smart Advantage Checking - $400 Cash Bonus

Open a new BMO Smart Advantage Checking online and get a $400 cash bonus when you have a total of at least $4,000 in qualifying direct deposits within the first 120 days of account opening. Offer is limited to one per customer and is not available for existing BMO personal checking customers (including signers on joint accounts) or those who have closed a BMO personal checking account within the past 12 months. Conditions apply.

Get Deal

Read Review

Expires 12/8/2023

Member FDIC

Online Checking Account - Earn Cash Back

• 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month. See website for details
• No fees
• Early Pay - Get your paycheck up to two days early with no charge
• No credit impact - You can apply without affecting your credit score.
• Access to over 60,000 no-fee ATMs in the U.S.

Apply Now

Read Review

Member FDIC

Rewards Checking - Up to 3.30% APY

• Use promo code SUNNYBONUS and apply by December 31st, to earn up to a $300 bonus!
• Up to 3.30% APY
• Zero monthly maintenance fees
• Zero overdraft or NSF fees
• Zero minimum monthly balance reqs
• Unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements
• Online debit card management
• Simple, 3-step process for direct deposit
• Only $50 to open an account

Get Deal

Read Review

Member FDIC

High Interest Checking - Up to 1.10% APY

• Earn up to 1.10% APY
• $100 minimum opening deposit
• APY is based on the account balance and making at least 10 qualifying debit card point-of-sale transactions of $10.00 or more per statement cycle.

Learn More

Read Review

Free Rewards Checking

• Earn up to 5.00% APY*
• Unlimited reimbursement for any and all ATM fees**
• Over 30,000 ATMs & over 5,000 shared branches
• No monthly maintenance fees
• No minimum balance

Get Deal

Rewards Checking Plus - Up to 2% Cash Back

• Up to 2% cash back on purchases.
• No monthly fees
• Get paid up to 2 days early.
• Maximize your rewards with direct deposit.

Upgrade is a financial technology company, not a bank. Checking and savings accounts provided by Cross River Bank, Member FDIC.

Learn More

Read Review

Advantage Checking - Up to 0.90% APY

• Up to 0.90% APY
• $50 minimum opening deposit
• No monthly service fee
• No minimum balance requirement
• 80,000+ fee-free ATMs

Get Deal

Key Smart Checking® - $200 Bonus

• Earn a $200 cash bonus when you open a Key Smart Checking account by 12/8/23 and make one direct deposit of at least $500 within 60 days.
• Convenient banking at 40,000+ KeyBank and Allpoint ATMs.
• Key Smart Checking® is a no monthly maintenance fee account
• Set custom alerts so you can receive text or email updates about the account information that's important to you.
• Move money easily with Zelle, mobile check deposit, online banking and more.
• Enjoy chip security, Tap & Go technology and all benefits of Mastercard.
• FDIC Insured. Up to the maximum allowable limit.

Learn More

Read Review

Expires 12/8/2023

Credit unions usually have lower or zero fees on their accounts and are viewed as more "consumer-friendly." That's because credit unions prioritize their members' best interests instead of shareholder profits.

If you're looking to stay with a typical bank and want to cut monthly service fees altogether, learn which banks offer free checking accounts to find the best option for you.

Bottom Line

Like most banks, Chase charges a monthly service fee to cover the costs of various amenities and account maintenance. The monthly service can range from $5 to $25, depending on which type of account you open. However, there are multiple ways to waive these fees.

By maintaining a minimum balance, initiating a specific number of transfers or deposits, or meeting other criteria, you can waive Chase's monthly service fees and get the most out of your account.