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If you’re looking for a basic, but solid checking account, consider Chase Total Checking℠. While you won’t earn a high APY or get tons of perks with this account, it delivers on several fronts, offering features like Chase QuickDeposit, online bill pay, and QuickPay with Zelle. And because of Chase’s wide footprint, it’s a good option for people in different parts of the country.
Read on to learn more about Chase Total Checking℠ — what it offers, some of its pros and cons, plus how it stacks up against the competition.
What Is Chase Total Checking℠?
Chase Total Checking℠ is billed as an account that’s easy to use—and it delivers. With this checking account, you’ll have access to more than 15,000 ATMs and 4,700 brick-and-mortar branches, plus benefits like top-notch customer service, easy access to your funds, plus overdraft protection.
This everyday checking account makes depositing funds a breeze, whether via the Chase app, in-branch deposits, or via the bank’s deposit-friendly ATMs. You’ll also enjoy a pretty hefty opening bonus, another plus.
Chase Total Checking℠ Features
Chase QuickDeposit – It’s easy to deposit a check using the Chase mobile app. Simply snap a photo of the front and back of your check, input the amount, and deposit your funds in a matter of seconds directly to your Chase Total Checking℠ account.
Online bill pay – With your Chase account, you can set up automatic payments for bills through their website. Either receive reminders with eBills when a bill is due or set up automatic payments with Chase Online℠.
Chase QuickPay with Zelle – Using QuickPay, you can send and receive money via Zelle, a payment app integrated right into your Chase app. Zelle is free to use and works even if the payee doesn’t bank with Chase.
Paperless statements – If you’re the type that likes to keep detailed records of all things finances, you might shy away from paperless statements. But with Chase, you have access to up to 7 years of online statements, so you’ll never have to worry about finding that missing transaction at tax time again. Plus, it cuts way back on your mail. Win-win.
Account alerts – Chase lets you set up fairly detailed account alerts so you always know what’s going on with your account. This protects you against misuse and fraud. You can also lock your card directly from the app in case it’s lost or stolen.
Chase Total Checking Pricing & Fees
One of the biggest cons of the Chase Total Checking account is the steep $12/monthly service fee, though it’s worth noting that new customers enjoy two months free before their account gets hit with the service fee.
This fee can be waived if you meet one or more of the below:
- A direct deposit of at least $500/month via a payroll provider or government benefit providers
- Have a balance of $1,500 or more in your checking account at the beginning of each day.
- Have an average beginning daily balance of $5,000 or more in qualifying linked Chase accounts.
Other fees to remember are the $3 fee per withdrawal at a non-Chase ATM in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Surcharge Fees from the ATM owner/network still apply. There is also a $5 fee per withdrawal at a non-Chase ATM outside of the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Surcharge Fees from the ATM owner/network still apply.
For comparison, there are a lot of fee-free checking accounts that are online only.
Signing Up
Opening a Chase Total Checking℠ account is relatively simple and can be done online in a few minutes. You’ll need your Social Security number and driver’s license or state ID to apply. Input your information, set your account preference, and you’re ready to use your new account, approval pending.
There’s no minimum opening deposit and no balance requirements, though you would be responsible for the $12 service fee if you have a low balance.
New customers qualify for a $300 bonus when they open a new Chase Total Checking℠ account and set up a direct deposit of $500 or more within 90 days. Easily one of the best bank account bonuses available today.
Security
Your Chase Chase Total Checking℠ account comes with Zero Liability Protection, which means you’ll be reimbursed for unauthorized charges on your account, as long as you report promptly. Chase is also FDIC-insured for up to $250,000 per depositor. Other security features include:
Real-Time Fraud Monitoring
With Total Checking, you gain access to Chase’s Real-Time Fraud Monitoring, which provides around-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases. If you suspect fraud or lose your card? You’re able to temporarily lock your card, as well.
Account Alerts
Staying up-to-date on all of your purchases and monitoring the usage of your debit card for withdrawals is one of the best ways to ensure that you are fully protected. With Chase’s Total Checking, you will be able to sign up for account alerts to safeguard your account.
Mobile Support
What Chase Total Checking℠ lacks in bells and whistles, it makes up for with its app. It has an easy-to-use, clean interface, and in it, you can complete a variety of banking tasks. Manage your account, remotely deposit checks, transfer money, pay friends, and more — all with just a few taps on your smartphone.
And that’s in addition to everyday banking tasks, such as checking your balance, reviewing your transaction history, and paying bills.
Customer Service
If you’re someone who places a high priority on customer service, then you’re in the right place. All Chase customers have access to its industry-leading customer service. Get help via phone 24/7, or walk into one of the bank’s 4,700 branches for help in real time.
Chase Total Checking Pros and Cons
Pros
- Accessibility—As a Chase account holder, you’ll have access to more than 15,000 ATMs and can visit any one of its more than 4,700 branches. You also have several options for accessing your money, as withdrawal methods include electronic transfer, check withdrawal, wire transfer, visiting a Chase branch, using a Chase ATM, and more.
- Customer service—With its 24/7 customer service line and 4,700 branches, you can get the help you need, anytime.
- Strong app—Chase’s mobile app is industry-leading. It’s easy to use, boasts a clean interface, and is packed with features like account management, remote deposit, funds transfer, and more
- Overdraft protection—Chase Total Checking® offers an Overdraft Assist program that won’t charge account holders an overdraft fee if their negative balance is less than $50 or if they bring the account balance to less than $50 overdrawn by the end of the next business day. This gives you a bit of a cushion when sorting out any potential overdrafts in your account.
- Account opening bonus—Earn a hefty $300 bonus when you open a new Chase Total Checking® account, another nice perk.
Cons
- Maintenance fee—While you can avoid the $12 maintenance fee each month, you have to keep an eye on your balances to ensure you meet the requirements. With so many financial institutions offering no-fee banking, this can be hard to swallow.
- Overdraft fee—Even if you’re enrolled in the Overdraft Assist program, you’re not immune to overdraft fees. Chase charges a $34 overdraft fee per transaction, with a maximum of three fees per business day
- Foreign transaction fee—Chase charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, which can be a massive inconvenience (and get pricey!) for those who travel internationally. You’ll also pay a $5 ATM fee when out of the country.
- No Interest—You won’t earn interest on your cash with the Chase Total Checking® account. So if you’re looking for that extra bump of a high APY on your checking account, skip it.
Alternatives To Chase Total Checking℠
Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking Account
The Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking Account is easily one of the best alternatives to the Total Checking account. With Schwab, you’re getting a lot of benefits that Chase fails to deliver.
It’s preferable for travelers because it comes with a debit card you can use worldwide with unlimited ATM fee rebates. Regardless of where you go and how high the ATM fees are, Schwab will cover them in full.
There are also no account minimums, so no more obsessively keeping tabs on your checking account to ensure you’re maintaining a certain threshold to avoid monthly service charges.
Schwab also has great customer service, and with your High Yield Investor Checking Account, you’ll get a linked investment account as well.
Wells Fargo Everyday Checking Account
The Wells Fargo Everyday Checking Account is another great option for those looking for alternatives to the Chase Total Checking℠ account.
With Wells Fargo, you have a lower monthly maintenance fee of $10. And it’s much easier to get the fee waived. You just need to use your debit card on a minimum of 10 purchases throughout each statement period.
Wells Fargo has over 8,000 branches nationwide, which makes it one of the larger banks. So, if you’re someone who values face-to-face interaction for banking, Wells Fargo is a solid option. Though few of us use paper checks these days, they’re nice to have for certain things. With Wells Fargo, you’ll have to order and pay for checks which is a bummer.
For a limited time, new Wells Fargo Everyday Checking Account customers can earn a $300 account bonus.
Who Is Chase Total Checking℠ For?
Chase Total Checking℠ is a solid option for an everyday checking account, despite some of the downsides (like the monthly maintenance fee).
It’s ideal for those who prefer to bank in person since Chase is a major bank with a significant footprint. Not only do you get access to more than 4,700 branches, but you can take advantage of more than 15,000 ATMs across the country.
However, that’s not to discount those who prefer to bank online. Chase has invested a lot of resources into creating a feature-rich mobile app, making it easy to bank directly from your phone. It also comes standard with all the security features you’d expect in a checking account today.
It’s also best for those who want options when it comes to accessing their funds. Account holders can withdraw via electronic transfer, check withdrawal, wire transfer visiting a Chase branch, using a Chase ATM, and more.
Though it’s a good option for those who travel domestically, since you’ll have access to a significant number of Chase branches and ATMs, it’s not ideal for those who travel internationally. That’s because it charges both foreign transaction fees and a $5 ATM fee internationally, which can add up quickly.
Bottom Line
Overall, Chase Total Checking℠ is a strong contender if you want a checking account with a major bank that offers above-standard account features and security.
While the monthly service fee isn’t ideal, it can be avoided in multiple ways, and Chase’s large domestic footprint just might offset it. When you combine the benefits of banking with Chase’s generous sign-up bonus, it makes for one of the most attractive checking accounts to open right now.
Chase Total Checking℠
Summary
Chase Total Checking℠ opens up with a $300 account bonus and offers an excellent mobile app with in-person service at branches across the county.