Chase Bank is the nation’s largest bank, according to the Federal Reserve. With thousands of branches and a highly rated digital banking platform, it’s an accessible choice for personal banking services. In addition to numerous deposit accounts, Chase offers several loan, credit and investment products, making it a single stop for many personal finance needs.
In this review, we at the MarketWatch Guides team explore Chase’s account options, as well as its overall banking experience and access. We also look at the bank’s reputation as well as the pros and cons of being a Chase customer.
Chase Ratings
We give Chase 4 out of 5 stars overall after evaluating factors including its branch availability, account fees, interest rates and customer support. Here’s how the company scores in each of our review categories:
*Ratings are determined by our editorial review team. Learn more about our scoring methodology. Our review team reached out to Chase for a comment on its savings account and certificate of deposit score but did not receive a response.
Chase vs. Other Top Banks
When compared to three other top banks, Chase doesn’t score the highest in all of our review categories. However, its numerous branch locations provide an advantage over competitors for customers who want in-person banking. These four top banks are otherwise similar for the types of deposit accounts and the no-fee checking account options they offer.
Rating
Number of Branch Locations
3,900
Number of ATM Locations
15,000
Available deposit products
Checking, savings, CDs
|
Rating
Number of Branch Locations
4,600
Number of ATM Locations
11,000
Available deposit products
Checking, savings, CDs
|
Rating
Number of Branch Locations
650
Number of ATM Locations
Access to over 65,000
Available deposit products
Checking, savings, CDs
|
Rating
Number of Branch Locations
4,700
Number of ATM Locations
16,000
Available deposit products
Checking, savings, CDs
|
*The bank offers a low fee that is waivable if at least one requirement is met, such as a recurring direct deposit, a minimum monthly balance or a linked savings account. Requirements vary by bank.
>> Related: Read our Bank of America review
Overview of Chase Bank: Pros and Cons
Chase Bank started in New York City in 1877 as Chase National Bank. It has since grown to become the banking provider to millions of people. There are more than 4,700 Chase branches in the U.S., including locations in all of the Lower 48 states. The bank also has a large ATM network with over 16,000 locations for convenient deposits and withdrawals.
Here are the pros and cons of being a Chase customer:
More than 4,700 branches and 16,000 ATMs
Many options for deposit accounts, credit cards, loans and investment accounts
Options for getting monthly fees waived on most checking and savings accounts
No minimum opening deposit (except for CDs)
Annual percentage yields (APYs) on checking and savings accounts that are far below the national average
Additional account or high balance requirements to have monthly fees waived on the most expensive checking and savings accounts
Limited free overdraft protection or free use of non-Chase ATMs only available with a few checking accounts
>> Related: Find out where a Chase Bank near you is located
Chase Bank Accounts
Chase’s personal banking services include savings, checking and CD accounts suited for customers with different financial goals. It offers many credit cards, including options with cash back and no annual fee. You can also get mortgages, auto loans and investment accounts through Chase.
Chase Account | Standard APY* | Relationship APY* | Minimum Opening Deposit |
---|---|---|---|
Chase Sapphire Checking | 0.01% | N/A | $0 |
Chase Private Client Checking | 0.01% | N/A | $0 |
Chase Premier Plus Checking | 0.01% | N/A | $0 |
Chase Total Checking | N/A | N/A | $0 |
Chase Secure Banking | N/A | N/A | $0 |
Chase First Banking | N/A | N/A | $0 |
Chase High School Checking | N/A | N/A | $0 |
Chase College Checking | N/A | N/A | $0 |
Chase Savings | 0.01% | N/A | $0 |
Chase Premier Savings | 0.01% | 0.02% | $0 |
Chase Private Client Savings | 0.01% | 0.02% | $0 |
Featured-term CD | 0.01% | 3.25% to 4.75% | $1,000 |
Ladder-term CD | 0.01% | 0.02% | $1,000 |
>> Related: Learn more about Chase CD rates
Chase Bank Customer Reviews
In our December 2023 MarketWatch Guides consumer banking survey, 64% of respondents who use Chase as their primary bank reported being extremely satisfied with their overall banking experience. And 32% said they were moderately satisfied. Other large banks such as Bank of America, Citi and Wells Fargo received similar survey results.
Chase has gained a positive reputation for its financial services. Bauer Financial gives the bank a “Superior” 5.0-star rating, indicating a strong recommendation. Chase has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. In the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Retail Banking Satisfaction Study, Chase ranked among the top three banks in nine out of 15 regions.
Chase’s mobile app has average customer ratings of 4.8 out of 5.0 stars on Apple’s App Store and 4.4 out of 5.0 stars on Google Play. Customers often mention the app is secure and easy to use and has helpful features for completing everyday transactions. Complaints often focus on sign-in issues, occasional service outages and slowdowns moving between screens.
Our review team reached out to Chase for a comment on these complaints but has not yet received a response.
The bank has taken several steps to improve the customer experience over the last several years. These include enhancing digital banking features, opening additional branches and supporting early direct deposit. It has also expanded its customer support to social media platforms.
>> Related: Learn more in our banking customer survey
The Bottom Line: Is Chase Right for You?
Chase can fit your banking needs if you want flexibility for in-person and online banking and prefer a large, highly reputable financial institution with many product offerings. While some monthly account fees are high, it may be worth getting an account if you qualify for a waiver.
Chase can be a good option for checking accounts with perks, as it made it onto our list of the top checking accounts. But if you’re looking for competitive savings and CD rates, Chase often falls short compared to popular online banks. You should also consider potential overdraft fees and out-of-network ATM fees since they can add up.
FAQ: Chase Reviews
Chase is a good bank to use for its accessibility to branches, ATMs and mobile banking, as well as its wide range of personal banking products and services. However, other financial institutions offer higher interest rates on deposit accounts.
Cons of Chase include its mostly low interest rates, expensive monthly fees for certain accounts and limited access to free overdraft protection and free use of non-Chase ATMs.
Chase has more branch and ATM locations than Bank of America, but determining which bank is better depends on the financial products you need. Bank of America has fewer checking and savings products but more CD types than Chase. Check out our Bank of America review to compare for yourself.
Methodology
Our team researched more than 100 of the country’s largest and most prominent financial institutions, collecting information on each provider’s account options, fees, rates, terms and customer experience. We then scored each firm based on the data points and metrics that matter most to potential customers. Read our full methodology.
- Savings and money market accounts (35% of total score): The best scores go to banks, loans and fintech companies with high interest rates and low or no fees or minimum opening deposits.
- Checking accounts (30% of total score): High marks are given to those with multiple accounts and minimal fees, plus benefits such as reward programs and mobile check deposit.
- Certificates of deposit (20% of total score): Top-rated financial institutions have low or no minimum opening deposits, as well as a variety of term options and specialty CDs for flexibility.
- Banking experience and access (15% of total score): Providers that excel in this category have large branch and ATM networks and multiple checking and savings accounts, and they earn more points for offering CDs and money market accounts.
**Data accurate at time of publication
Editor’s Note: Before making significant financial decisions, consider reviewing your options with someone you trust, such as a financial adviser, credit counselor or financial professional, since every person’s situation and needs are different.
If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at editors@marketwatchguides.