What Chase Account Fees Can Be Waived
Chase may waive monthly maintenance fees on many checking and savings products when you meet qualifying criteria. Common fee types that are often eligible for a waiver include monthly service fees for Chase Total Checking®, Chase Sapphire Banking®, and Chase Secure Banking℠. Eligibility typically depends on account activity, direct deposit, combined balances with other Chase products, or maintaining a minimum daily balance. Note that specific products and local branch policies can vary, and not every account is guaranteed a one-time or recurring waiver. Below are the most common paths you can use to request a fee waiver.
| Fee Type | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Maintenance Fee (Checking) | Can often be waived with direct deposit, minimum balance, or relationship; varies by product | Chase.com terms and disclosures |
| Minimum Balance Requirements | Must be met or waived to avoid fees on many products | Chase account agreements |
| Direct Deposit Requirement | Recurring qualifying deposits may satisfy fee waiver conditions | Chase eligibility guidelines |
| Combined Relationship Balances | Balances across Chase products may count toward fee thresholds | Chase.com disclosures |
How Fees Are Typically Waived
Chase usually applies a waiver at the system or account level, which can reduce or eliminate the monthly charge going forward. Eligibility conditions such as direct deposit, minimum balance, or product bundling must generally be maintained for as long as the waiver is in effect. In some cases, a relationship-based waiver is offered for a set period rather than permanently. If you close or significantly change the account, a previously approved waiver may no longer apply. Always confirm current terms with Chase using official sources.
Eligibility and Common Qualification Paths
Eligibility for a Chase account fee waiver depends on your product choice and how you use the account. Below are the most frequent ways customers qualify, along with practical guidance on how to verify or meet each path. Because policies can update and differ by region, confirm specifics with Chase before making financial decisions.
Maintain a Minimum Daily Balance
Many Chase checking accounts waive the monthly fee if your end-of-day balance stays at or above a stated threshold. Requirements can differ by product and region, so confirm the exact minimum with Chase. If your balance dips below the threshold during the statement period, you might not qualify for the waiver that month.
Set Up a Direct Deposit
Regular qualifying direct deposits, such as payroll or government benefits, can make you eligible for a fee waiver on select Chase checking products. The deposit usually needs to be posted within the statement cycle, and some products require the direct deposit to occur more than once per cycle. Confirm the accepted sources and timing with Chase to ensure they count toward eligibility.
Use Combined Relationship Balances
Chase often allows you to combine balances from multiple Chase accounts, such as checking, savings, CDs, or brokerage, to satisfy minimum balance requirements for a fee waiver. Only balances you own at Chase typically count, and the combined total must meet the product’s threshold. Keep in mind that shared or joint balances may be included, depending on the relationship and product rules.
Step-by-Step Request Process and Best Practices
To request a Chase account fee waiver, start by reviewing your account’s current fee schedule and eligibility rules on Chase’s official website or mobile app. Then verify whether your account already qualifies automatically based on balances, direct deposit, or product features. If you need to request a one-time waiver, contacting a Chase banker during business hours at your local branch or via phone support can help, especially if you have a strong history or special circumstances. Be clear about the product, the fee in question, and the outcome you want, and keep notes of any confirmation numbers or written responses.
- Check your latest statement to see the exact fee amount and due date.
- Confirm whether your account already qualifies automatically.
- Call Chase support or visit a branch to ask for a one-time waiver if needed.
- Ask about maintaining balances or direct deposit options to stay eligible going forward.
How to Ask for a Chase Fee Waiver
When asking for a Chase fee waiver, be concise and factual. State your account number, the specific fee you want waived, and the reason you are requesting relief, such as a one-time hardship or a consistent pattern of qualifying activity. If you have direct deposit or a combined balance that meets the criteria, mention it and offer to provide supporting details. Request confirmation of the waiver in writing if possible, and note the effective dates so you can verify future statements.
Documentation and What to Expect After Approval
Chase may require supporting documentation depending on the request, such as proof of income for direct deposit, a copy of a pay stub, or details of other Chase accounts used for combined balances. After approval, you should see the fee adjustment on your next statement, and any recurring waivers should continue as long as eligibility conditions are met. If your situation changes, such as losing direct deposit or falling below the required balance, Chase may reassess the waiver. Save any written confirmations and compare them with your statements to ensure accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I get my Chase account fee waived if I don’t meet the usual requirements?You may still request a one-time waiver by contacting Chase support, but approval is not guaranteed and typically depends on account history and circumstances.
- How long does a Chase fee waiver last?This depends on the product and reason; some waivers are one-time only, while others can last months or recur annually if eligibility conditions are maintained.
- Will applying for a fee waiver hurt my credit score?Asking for a fee waiver is an informational request and does not typically trigger a hard inquiry or affect your credit score.
- Can I combine balances from multiple Chase accounts to waive fees?Yes, Chase often allows combined balances across eligible personal accounts to meet minimum balance requirements for certain fee waivers.
Compare Options If You Are Considering a New Account
If you are deciding whether to switch to or keep a Chase product, compare the total cost after potential waivers with other institutions. Look at the base fee, how easily you can meet waiver conditions such as direct deposit or minimum balance, and the value of additional features. Review your typical usage patterns, such as how often you access cash, whether you receive regular payroll deposits, and whether you want multiple products under one relationship, then choose the option that best fits your long-term needs.