How to Transition Your Chase College or High School Account to a Regular Account
Chase Bank provides various account options tailored to different stages of life. For students, Chase offers both High School Checking and College Checking accounts, each designed with specific features and benefits. However, these student accounts are not meant to be permanent. This article explains how to transition from a Chase High School Checking or College Checking account to a regular Chase checking account, outlining the processes, timelines, and options available.
Chase High School Checking Account Transition
Eligibility and Requirements
The Chase High School Checking account is designed for students aged 13 to 17, with a parent or guardian as a co-owner. To open this account, the parent or guardian must have an existing qualifying Chase checking account linked to the High School Checking account. The account must be opened in a Chase branch with both the parent/guardian and the student present.
Automatic Conversion
When a student turns 19, the Chase High School Checking account automatically converts to a Chase Total Checking account. Upon conversion, the student will receive a new Chase debit card. The parent or guardian remains a co-owner of the Chase Total Checking account unless they choose to be removed.
Transition to Chase College Checking for Eligible Students
Eligible students who are 17 years or older have the option to transition their High School Checking account to a Chase College Checking account. To do so, they need to visit a Chase branch and speak with a banker. It's essential to bring proof of student status, such as a transcript or acceptance letter, along with the expected graduation date.
Chase College Checking Account Transition
Time-Limited Benefits
The Chase College Checking account offers several benefits, including waiving the monthly fee for college students aged 17 to 24 at account opening. This waiver is applicable while the student is enrolled in college, a vocational, technical, or trade school, up to a maximum of five years from the account opening date or the provided graduation date.
Read also: GPA Conversion Guide
Options After Graduation or End of Eligibility
Once a student graduates or their eligibility period ends, the Chase College Checking account transitions into a regular Chase checking account. To continue waiving the monthly fee, account holders must meet one of the following requirements:
- Make one direct deposit each month.
- Maintain an average daily balance of at least $5,000.
If neither of these requirements is met, the account will be subject to the standard monthly fee, which is $12 ($15 effective 08/24/2025).
Understanding Chase's Regular Checking Account Options
When your Chase High School or College Checking account transitions, it's essential to understand the available regular checking account options to choose the one that best fits your needs. Chase offers several types of checking accounts, each with its own features, fees, and requirements.
Key Chase Checking Accounts
Chase Total Checking®
Best For: Individuals who want a standard checking account with an overdraft program and can meet requirements to avoid the monthly fee.
Read also: Navigating College Offers
Monthly Fee: \$12 (\$15 effective 08/24/2025).
How to Waive the Fee:
- Maintain a minimum balance of $1,500 at the beginning of each day.
- Receive at least $500 in monthly direct deposits.
- Keep an average beginning day balance of at least $5,000 across Chase accounts.
Minimum Opening Deposit: $0.
Interest on Balances: No.
Overdraft Fees: \$34 per overdraft, charged up to 3 times per day. No charge when the account is overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the day.
Read also: In-depth look at CTCL
Sign-up Bonus: \$300 (expires 10/15/2025).
Chase Secure Banking℠
- Best For: Individuals who want to avoid overdraft fees.
- Monthly Fee: \$4.95.
- How to Waive the Fee: Make electronic deposits into the account totaling $250 or more each month.
- Minimum Opening Deposit: $0.
- Interest on Balances: No.
- Overdraft Fees: None.
Chase Premier Plus Checking℠
- Best For: Customers who want higher ATM withdrawal limits and are either an Armed Forces member or veteran.
- Monthly Fee: \$25; can be waived.
- Minimum Opening Deposit: $0.
- Interest on Balances: 0.01% APY (effective 02/20/2025; rates are variable and subject to change).
- ATM Fees: Four free ATM withdrawals per statement period at non-Chase ATMs (ATM owner fees may still apply). The $3 fee applies to any additional withdrawals.
- Overdraft Fees: \$34 per overdraft, charged up to 3 times per day. No charge when the account is overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the day.
- Sign-up Bonus: None.
Chase Sapphire℠ Checking
- Best For: Those who can meet steep minimum balance requirements and want overdraft grace and free use of any ATM worldwide.
- Monthly Fee: \$25.
- How to Waive the Fee: Meet a minimum average balance requirement of $75,000 or more across linked Chase accounts at the beginning of each day.
- Minimum Opening Deposit: $0.
- Interest on Balances: 0.01% APY (effective 02/20/2025; rates are variable and subject to change).
- ATM Fees: No ATM fees worldwide; fees from ATM owner are refunded.
- Overdraft Fees: No charge on overdrafts on the first four business days during current and previous 12 statement periods; after that, $34 per overdraft, charged up to 3 times per day. No charge when account is overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the day.
- Premium Features: Dedicated 24/7 customer support; waived fees for wire transfers and stop payments.
Chase Private Client Checking℠
- Best For: Those who can meet steep minimum balance requirements and want overdraft grace, free use of any ATM worldwide, and more extensive premium benefits.
- Monthly Fee: \$35.
- How to Waive the Fee: Meet a minimum average balance requirement of $150,000 or more across linked Chase accounts at the beginning of each day, or link a Chase Platinum Business Checking℠ account.
- Minimum Opening Deposit: $0.
- Interest on Balances: 0.01% APY (effective 11/29/2024; rates are variable and subject to change).
- ATM Fees: No ATM fees worldwide; fees from ATM owner are refunded.
- Overdraft Fees: No charge on overdrafts on the first four business days during current and previous 12 statement periods; after that, $34 per overdraft, charged up to 3 times per day. No charge when account is overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the day.
- Sign-up Bonus: Up to $3,000 (expires 10/15/2025).
- Premium Features: Waived fees for wire transfers; access to financial specialists; higher limits on ATM withdrawals, Zelle transfers, Chase QuickDeposits, and debit card purchases.
Other Fees to Consider
- Monthly Service Fees: Vary by account type.
- Overdraft Fees: Generally \$34 per instance, charged up to 3 times per day (some accounts may not charge this fee).
- ATM Fees: Vary depending on the account and whether you use a Chase ATM or an out-of-network ATM.
Steps to Take During and After the Transition
- Monitor the Transition Date: Keep track of when your student account will transition to a regular account. For High School Checking, this is typically when the student turns 19. For College Checking, it's after five years or upon graduation.
- Evaluate Your Needs: Determine which regular Chase checking account best suits your financial needs and habits. Consider factors like minimum balance requirements, direct deposit requirements, and overdraft fee policies.
- Meet Requirements to Waive Fees: If you choose an account with a monthly fee, ensure you meet the requirements to have it waived, such as maintaining a minimum balance or setting up direct deposits.
- Update Your Information: Ensure your contact information is up-to-date with Chase to receive important notifications about your account.
- Explore Other Banking Options: If Chase's regular checking account options don't meet your needs, consider exploring other banks or credit unions that may offer better terms or features. NerdWallet's best credit unions and top online banks can provide alternatives.
- Understand Overdraft Protection: Familiarize yourself with Chase's overdraft protection options, such as Chase Overdraft Assist℠, which may help you avoid overdraft fees.
- Utilize Digital Banking Tools: Take advantage of Chase's mobile app and online banking features, such as mobile check deposit and Zelle, to manage your account conveniently.
Benefits of Chase Checking Accounts
Chase checking accounts offer several benefits, including:
- Access to a Wide Network: More than 4,700 branches and 15,000 ATMs.
- Mobile Banking: Top-rated mobile app with features like mobile check deposit and Zelle integration.
- Debit Card with Liability Protection: Reimbursement for fraudulent charges if reported promptly.
- Cardless ATM Access: Withdraw cash using your smartphone at Chase ATMs.
- Sign-Up Bonuses: Opportunities to earn bonuses by meeting certain requirements.
Downsides of Chase Checking Accounts
- Monthly Fees: Many Chase checking accounts have monthly fees that can be avoided only by meeting specific requirements.
- Minimum Balance Requirements: Some accounts require high minimum balances to waive monthly fees.
- Overdraft Fees: Overdraft fees can be costly if not managed carefully.
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