Is Chase a Good Bank?

Chase is known for their customer service and generous sign-up bonuses. But before you join, find out if they're safe to bank with.

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Reasons Why Chase Is A Good Bank

Chase is one of the oldest and largest banks in the United States.

It has a reputation for excellent customer service and a wide array of services, including banking, credit cards and investments.

If you're looking for a full-service bank with nationwide availability, Chase is definitely worth considering. However, it won't be right for everyone. We'll also discuss the downsides below.

GENEROUS SIGN-UP BONUSES

Chase Bank often offers large welcome bonuses to new customers for opening a new account.

Before you open a new bank account, make sure to check out the current promotions.

Besides the banking products, Chase offers some of the largest credit card welcome bonuses as well. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® bonus is huge (when redeemed through the Chase Travel℠ portal).

WIDE ARRAY OF BANKING PRODUCTS

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Chase is a full-service bank offering just about every financial service. It makes for a great option for those who like to have all their financial accounts under one roof.

Chase offers:

• Several checking options for all financial situations
  
• Savings and CDs
  
• Business banking, financing, and merchant services
  
• Credit cards
  
• Investing services through You Invest or JP Morgan Advisor
  
• Mortgages, home refinancing, and home equity line of credit
  
• Auto loans and auto refinancing

Sometimes, it's good to use the same bank for all your financial needs. It could be easier to transfer money between accounts. Or you could receive some special perks as you build a relationship.

LOTS OF CHECKING OPTIONS

Chase provides more checking options compared to other big U.S. banks. It offers checking solutions for different financial situations, making it a good option for just about anyone.

The basic Chase Total Checking account has no minimum deposit requirement to open. And it's pretty easy to waive the monthly service fee with direct deposits of at least $500 each month.

Chase also offers checking options for high schoolers and college students. It even offers a Secure checking account that's ideal for those who have had trouble opening a bank account in the past.

For those with bigger balances, the higher-tier checking accounts will provide more benefits. These could include ATM fee refunds, free checks, and other banking fee waivers. The top-tier Private Client Checking includes your own private banker and personal investment adviser.

GREAT CREDIT CARDS

Chase issues some of the best credit cards on the market. Not only are they known for the amazing sign-up bonuses, they also offer great rewards.

The most popular Chase cards are from the Ultimate Rewards lineup of cards. Ultimate Rewards is one of the most lucrative credit card reward programs. The premium cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve, allow you to transfer points to leading airline and hotel partners.

It offers some great basic cards as well for beginners or more casual users. The Chase Freedom cards have the potential for high cash-back rewards with no annual fee.

However, Chase is one of the tougher credit card issuers with more rules and restrictions. If you have a banking relationship with Chase, it could help you better qualify for a Chase card.

NATIONWIDE PRESENCE

Chase Bank has more than 4,700 physical branches and more than 15,000 ATMs across the country. If you're in a Chase service area, you're never far from a branch or ATM.

However, it's not located in every state. If you don't live near where Chase operates, you won't be able to get in-person service and the ATM fees will add up. One way to avoid ATM fees is by getting cash back with your debit card purchases.

Because of Chase's availability in most major cities, it's a good advantage if you travel often within the U.S.

USER FRIENDLY MOBILE APP

In today's banking-on-the-go culture, having a strong mobile app is super important. Chase has one of the most highly rated mobile banking apps. It's rated:

• 4.8 stars on Apple App Store with 2.3M ratings
  
• 4.2 stars on Google Play with 1.5M ratings

The app offers pretty close to full functionality. With just one login, you can access your banking, credit cards, loans, and investment accounts. So even if you don't live near a branch, you can still manage all your finances through the app.

Some things you can do on the app include:

• Sign in with FaceID
  
• View your account balances
  
• Transfer money between your Chase accounts, to another bank, or through Zelle®
  
• Deposit checks remotely by taking just a photo
  
• Set up travel notifications on your cards
  
• Pay bills online
  
• Send wire transfers
  
• Schedule payments on your Chase credit cards
  
• Track and redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points
  
• Get updates on your credit score
  
• Set up custom mobile alerts
  
• Manage your investments

24/7 CUSTOMER SERVICE

Chase provides 24/7 customer service with real human reps for banking and credit card services. You can call at any time of the day or night and reach a live person.

Some customer service numbers to know are:

• Personal banking: 1-800-935-9935
  
• Business banking: 1-800-242-7338
  
• Personal credit cards: 1-800-432-3117
  
• Business credit cards: 1-888-269-8690

The only downside is that Chase does not offer a live chat through the website. To get your question answered immediately, you'd have to call. You can also use Chase's secure messaging within your account, but you may have to wait a bit for a response.

CHASE BANK DOWNSIDES

Chase is not perfect and it won't be right for everyone. It's important to know the downsides too. Here are some of Chase's shortcomings.

Low interest rates on savings
Like most traditional brick-and-mortar banks, Chase's interest rates are nothing to speak of. If you have a lot to save, you're much better off going with an online savings account. These accounts offer higher interest to grow your money more.

Not located in all states
Though it's one of the biggest banks, Chase isn't located everywhere. If you live somewhere without a Chase branch or ATM, you may find that to be an inconvenience.

No free checking
Chase does not offer a free checking option (except to students). However, it's easy to waive the monthly service fee for the Chase Total Checking account with at least $500 in monthly direct deposits.

Many banking fees
Unfortunately, Chase does have many fees, such as out-of-network ATM fees, wire transfer fees, overdraft fees, stop payment fees, and checks. Many online banks waive these kinds of fees.

If you have a big enough balance for one of the premium checking accounts, some of these fees can be waived.

Lacks some products
Chase does not offer retirement savings accounts or personal loans. However, it does offer IRAs through You Invest or JP Morgan Advisor. The lack of personal loans is a downside, and a good banking relationship can often help you get better rates on loans if you're ever in a financial bind. But you won't have that option with Chase.

BOTTOM LINE

Chase is worth considering if you like the option of having all your financial products under one roof. Chase has a strong nationwide presence, a full range of services, good mobile banking, and 24/7 customer service. It also offers some of the best credit cards on the market.

But if you're looking for checking and savings with fewer, lower fees and higher interest, then you'll want to check out some other options instead.