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.

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
  
  • 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 ($12 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.

Tip: don't want to bother with monthly fees?
Check out these free checking accounts:

How to Avoid Chase Monthly Service Fees

© 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®
$12 or $0 with one of the following, each monthly statement period:

• 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, (iii) third party services that facilitate payments to your debit card using the Visa® or Mastercard® network,
• OR a balance at the beginning of each day of $1,500 or more in this account,
• OR an average beginning day balance of $5,000 or more in any combination of this account and linked qualifying Chase checking, savings, and other balances.

Member FDIC

Chase Total Checking® - $300 Bonus

Click Here to Open an Account

Expires 1/22/2025

• New Chase checking customers enjoy a $300 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking^® account with qualifying activities
• With over 4,700 branches, Chase has the largest branch network in the U.S. plus access to more than 15,000 ATMs.
• 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
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 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
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 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.

But Chase offers several ways to avoid the overdraft fee.

• Chase Overdraft Assist^SM - $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 Checking^SM, Chase High School Checking^SM or Chase Secure Checking^SM.

• 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 Sapphire^SM Checking and Chase Private Client^SM 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. and the U.S. territories. $5 fee per withdrawal at a non-Chase ATM outside of the U.S. and the U.S. territories. Surcharge Fees from the ATM owner/network still apply. U.S. territories include American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
  
• 3% of the amount for international ATM withdrawals

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 and Chase Private Client^SM 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.

Member FDIC

Chase Total Checking® - $300 Bonus

Open an Account

Expires 1/22/2025

• New Chase checking customers enjoy a $300 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking^® account with qualifying activities
• With over 4,700 branches, Chase has the largest branch network in the U.S. plus access to more than 15,000 ATMs.
• 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 1/22/2025

• 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.
• 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.

Member FDIC

Chase College Checking℠ - $100 Bonus

Get $100 Coupon

Expires 1/22/2025

• 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.
• $0 Monthly Service Fee while in school up to the graduation date provided at account opening (five years maximum) for students 17-24 years old.
• Wire funds internationally using the Chase Mobile^® app or chase.com. Send money to recipients around the world with multiple currency options. Fees apply.
• Keep track of your money with confidence and control in the Chase Mobile^® app. The Chase Mobile app helps you bank securely and conveniently from anywhere.
• 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.
• With over 4,700 branches, Chase has the largest branch network in the U.S. plus access to more than 15,000 ATMs.
• With Fraud Monitoring, Chase may notify you of unusual debit card purchases and with Zero Liability Protection you won't be held responsible for unauthorized debit card purchases when reported promptly.
• JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC

Chase Private Client Checking℠ - Up to $3,000 Bonus

Get Upgrade Code

Expires 1/22/2025

• 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 to get started.
• Priority service for everyday banking. Receive personalized attention from a dedicated Chase Private Client Banker and 24/7 access to a U.S. based banking service line.
• 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 fees at Chase and non-Chase ATMs 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.
• Preferred rates and perks which may make you eligible for a 0.25% auto rate discount and invitation-only events.
• Enhance your Chase relationship with access to a dedicated J.P. Morgan Private Client Advisor who can help create a personalized investment strategy.
• Deposit products provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Deposit products are FDIC insured up to the maximum amount allowed by law.

J.P. Morgan Wealth Management is a business of JPMorgan Chase & Co., which offers investment products and services through J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (JPMS), a registered broker-dealer and investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC. Insurance products are made available through Chase Insurance Agency, Inc. (CIA), a licensed insurance agency, doing business as Chase Insurance Agency Services, Inc. in Florida. Certain custody and other services are provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (JPMCB). JPMS, CIA and JPMCB are affiliated companies under the common control of JPMorgan Chase & Co. Products not available in all states.

INVESTMENT AND INSURANCE PRODUCTS: • NOT A DEPOSIT • NOT FDIC INSURED • NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY • NO BANK GUARANTEE • MAY LOSE VALUE

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.

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 NCUA

First Tech Rewards Checking® - Up to $300 Bonus

• New Direct Deposit Offer
  • New and existing account holders can set up qualifying direct deposits to earn a one-time bonus: $50 for $1,000–$5,000 per month or $300 for over $5,000 per month.
  • Direct deposits must meet the required amount for the bonus tier and occur at least once a month for three months.
• Earn up to 3.50% Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
• No minimum balance requirements and no monthly account maintenance fees
• Surcharge-free access at nearly 30,000 CO-OP network ATMs nationwide
• NCUA Insured

Get Deal

Expires 1/31/2025

Member FDIC

Rewards Checking - Up to 3.30% APY

• Build your own APY with up to 3.30% APY*
• Zero monthly maintenance fees
• Zero overdraft or NSF fees
• Zero minimum monthly balance reqs
• No initial deposit requirement
• Unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements
• Online debit card management
• Simple, 3-step process for direct deposit

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

Member NCUA

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

Member FDIC

Key Smart Checking® - $300 Bonus

Earn $300 after qualified activities until 05.16.25 with the no-monthly-maintenance-fee Key Smart Checking®.

• Open a Key Smart Checking® account online by May 16, 2025.
• Make the minimum opening deposit of $10, plus one single eligible direct deposit of at least $1,000 within the first 60 days of account opening.
• Your $300 cash bonus will be deposited into your account within 60 days of meeting requirements. Account must not be closed at the time of gift payment.

Learn More

Read Review

Expires 5/16/2025

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

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Member FDIC

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

Learn More

Read Review

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.