How to Avoid Chase Monthly Service Fee
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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.
Luckily, 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
- 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 CheckingSM ($25 per month)
- Chase College CheckingSM ($12 per month)
- Chase SapphireSM Checking ($25 per month)
- Chase Private Client CheckingSM ($35 per month)
Chase Savings Account Fees
Chase Bank also charges a monthly fee for its savings accounts:
- Chase SavingsSM: $5 per month
- Chase Premier SavingsSM: $25 per month
The main difference between the two accounts is that Chase Premier SavingsSM Account users can earn higher interest rates.
How to Avoid Chase Monthly Service Fees
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| © CreditDonkey |
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.
Chase Total Checking® - $300 Bonus
- New Chase checking customers enjoy a $300 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking® account with qualifying activities
- 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 CheckingSM
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 CheckingSM
There is no monthly service fee while in school up to the graduation date provided at account opening (five years maximum) for students 17-24 years old. After the expected graduation date, you can waive the $12 monthly service fee if you meet one of the following conditions each statement period:
- Have electronic deposits made into this account totaling $500 or more, such as payments from payroll providers or government benefit providers, by using (i) the ACH network, (ii) the Real Time Payment or FedNow network, or (iii) third party services that facilitate payment to your debit card using the Visa® or Mastercard® network
- Keep an average ending day balance of $1,500 or more in your checking account.
Chase SapphireSM 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 CheckingSM
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 CheckingSM account.
Chase Secure BankingSM
You can avoid the $4.95 monthly service fee when you have electronic deposits made into the account totaling $250 or more during each monthly statement period. This account 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 SavingsSM
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 CheckingSM account for Overdraft Protection
- Link a savings account to a Chase SapphireSM Checking account, Chase Premier Plus CheckingSM account, or Chase Private Client CheckingSM account.
- Younger than 18 (Chase will automatically begin charging its monthly service fee when the account holder turns 18).
Chase Premier SavingsSM
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 SapphireSM Checking account or Chase Premier Plus CheckingSM 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.
- Western Alliance Bank:
High-Yield Savings Premier - 5.36% APY - CIT Bank Platinum Savings:
5.05% APY - UFB Secure Savings:
Earn up to 5.25% APY - Discover Bank:
Online Savings Account - Earn 4.25% APY - CloudBank 24/7:
High Yield Savings Account - 5.24% APY - Customers Bank:
High-Yield Savings Account - 5.11% APY - Nelnet Bank:
High-Yield Savings Account - 5.22% APY - RBMAX:
High-Yield Savings Account - 5.15% APY - Mission Valley Bank:
High Yield Savings Account - 5.12% APY - Quontic:
High Yield Savings - 4.50% APY
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.
But Chase offers several ways to avoid the overdraft fee.
- Insufficient Funds Fee ($34): When Chase Bank pays for an item if your account does not have enough money to cover the cost.
- Returned Item Fee ($34): When Chase Bank returns an item presented for payment, but your account doesn't have enough funds to cover it.
- Chase Overdraft AssistSM - $0 overdraft fees if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day.
If you're overdrawn by more than $50, there's no fee if you bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day.This automatically comes with all checking accounts except for Chase First CheckingSM, Chase High School CheckingSM or Chase Secure CheckingSM.
- Enroll in Overdraft Protection - Link your checking account to a Chase savings account for backup, and Chase will automatically transfer funds from your savings to cover any transaction where additional money is needed.
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.
And, if you don't have enough funds in your savings account to cover the cost, you'll be charged the overdraft fee.
- Turn off Debit Card Coverage - Chase will simply decline transactions where you don't have enough money in the account.
- Chase SapphireSM Checking and Chase Private ClientSM customers get fees waived for the first four overdrafts per year.
Of course, the easiest way to avoid an overdraft fee is to make sure your account has enough funds to cover any purchases you make.
How to Avoid Chase ATM Fees
Chase has over 15,000 Chase ATMs nationwide. As long as you stick with a Chase ATM, you won't be charged a withdrawal fee.
Otherwise, Chase's fees for non-Chase ATMs are:
- $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.
- $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.
- 3% of the amount for international ATM withdrawals
If you have a Chase Premier Plus CheckingSM account, you get up to four non-Chase ATM fees waived per month. And Chase SapphireSM Checking and Chase Private ClientSM account holders enjoy no ATM fees worldwide.
Is Chase a Good Bank?
Chase Bank is a good bank if you're looking for accessibility, full range of services, and solid reputation. Banking with a well-established institution offers security and convenience, which many people like.
The monthly fee for its everyday Chase Total Checking account is easy to waive with a modest $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 also using an online savings account with higher APYs.
As the cherry on top, Chase even offers a cash bonus promotion for new customers. Just click on the links below to claim your bonus.
Chase Total Checking® - $300 Bonus
- New Chase checking customers enjoy a $300 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking® account with qualifying activities
- 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 Secure Banking℠ - $100 Bonus
- 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.
- Track your credit score, get a personalized action plan provided by Experian™ to help improve your score and receive identity monitoring for free through Chase Credit Journey®.
- 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.
Chase College Checking℠ - $100 Bonus
- 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 while in school up to the graduation date provided at account opening (five years maximum) for students 17-24 years old.
- 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*
Chase Private Client - Up to $3,000 Bonus
- 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.
- Enjoy higher limits on Chase Private Client debit card purchases and ATM withdrawals, as well as higher Zelle® and Chase QuickDeposit℠ limits.
- 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
Rather not worry about maintaining a certain balance or meeting other requirements? Here are banks that don't charge monthly service fees at all.
BMO Smart Advantage Checking - $250 Cash Bonus
Open a new BMO Smart Advantage Checking account and get a $250 cash bonus when you have a cumulative total of $4,000 in qualifying direct deposits within 90 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.
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.
Rewards Checking - Up to 3.30% APY
- Use promo code AXOS300 and apply by June 30th, 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
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.
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
Key Smart Checking® - $200 Bonus
- Open a Key Smart Checking® account online by July 19, 2024.
- Make the minimum opening deposit of $10, plus one direct deposit of at least $500 within the first 60 days of account opening.
- Your $200 cash bonus will be deposited into your account within 90 days of meeting requirements. Account must not be closed or restricted during the time of promotional period.
High Yield Checking - Up to 7% APY
- Earn 7% APY on average daily balances up to $10,000 and .50% on balances above $10,000.
- No minimum balance required but does require a minimum funded amount of $25.
- No monthly account fee
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.
Fifth Third Momentum® Checking - $200 Bonus
Open an eligible Fifth Third checking account. Make direct deposits totaling $500 or more within 90 days of account opening to qualify for bonus. The cash bonus will be deposited into your new checking account within 10 business days of completing qualifying activity requirements.
eChecking
- Open your eChecking account with as little as $100
- No monthly fees. No overdraft fees.
- Up to $30 in bank ATM fees reimbursed per month
- Transfer, pay and purchase via mobile with Zelle®, Bill Pay, Samsung Pay and Apple Pay
- Deposit checks and make unlimited withdrawal and disbursements with the CIT Bank mobile app
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
Monthly fees might be limiting, but with the right bank, they don't need to be a deal breaker. Like most traditional banks, Chase has monthly service fees (ranging from $5 to $25), but there are flexible options to sidestep them.
By maintaining a minimum balance, scheduling direct deposits, or meeting other criteria, you can waive Chase's monthly fees and get the most out of your account.
Chase Total Checking® - $300 Bonus
- New Chase checking customers enjoy a $300 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking® account with qualifying activities
- 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*
Bank of America Advantage Banking - $200 Bonus Offer
- The $200 bonus offer is an online only offer and must be opened through the Bank of America promotional page.
- The offer is for new checking customers only.
- Offer expires 5/31/2024.
- To qualify, open a Bank of America Advantage Banking account through the promotional page and set up and receive qualifying direct deposits totaling $2,000 or more into that new account within 90 days of opening.
- Bank of America will attempt to pay bonus within 60 days.
- Additional terms and conditions apply. See offer page for more details.
- Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC.
U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking and Standard Savings - Up to $700 Bonus
Earn up to $500 with a new Bank Smartly Checking account. Complete the following within 90 days of account opening:
- Enroll in online banking or the U.S. Bank Mobile App
- Make two or more direct deposit(s) totaling $3,000 to $4,999.99 to earn $100, $5,000 to $9,999.99 to earn $300 or $10,000 or more to earn $500
Earn up to $200 with a new Standard Savings account.
- Make new money deposit(s) totaling $15,000 or more by July 17, 2024
- Maintain that balance until October 31, 2024
Offer may not be available if you live outside of the U.S. Bank footprint or are not an existing client of U.S. Bank or State Farm.
Personal Checking Account - $200 Bonus
Open an eligible Fifth Third checking account. Make direct deposits totaling $500 or more within 90 days of account opening to qualify for bonus. The cash bonus will be deposited into your new checking account within 10 business days of completing qualifying activity requirements.
Online Savings Account - Earn 4.25% APY
- No fees
- No minimum opening deposit
- No minimum balance required
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