How To Order Checks From Chase (Online, Phone, Prices) [2022]

Are you trying to order new checks or checkbooks from Chase?

Well, the process is very simple and it can be done online, over the phone, or even in-branch.

This article will show you exactly how to order new Chase checks step-by-step, and will also show you how to get custom designs and checkbook accessories 

Interested in finding out the top travel credit cards for this month? Click here to check them out! 

How To Order Checks From Chase

You can order your checks and checkbooks online by logging into your Chase account or you can order (personal and business checks) on the Deluxe website or by calling 1-888-560-3939. 

You can also order both personal and business checks by visiting a Chase branch.

Tip: Use WalletFlo for all your credit card needs. It’s free and will help you optimize your rewards and savings!

Ordering personal checks from Chase

Log-in to your Chase account and then in the Bank accounts section click on “More,” for the account you wish to order the checks.

Then click on “Order checks & deposit slips.”

Make sure that your pop-up blocker or ad-blocker is disabled because a pop-up window needs to come up.

From this window you’ll be able to select the new checks that you’d like to order and personalize those checks if you wish.

Checkbook prices

Here are examples of check prices as of September 2022. Note that depending on the design that you go with, the prices could fluctuate.

Also, there are some types of Chase accounts that could offer free checks or discounted checks. For example, Chase Private Client offers free personal checks (and no fees for counter checks, money orders or cashier’s checks).

  • Single/Wallet
    • 1 box: $20.00
    • 2 boxes: $40.00
    • 4 boxes: $80.00
  • Duplicate
    • 1 box: $24.00
    • 2 boxes: $48.00
      4 boxes: $96.00

Single/wallet checks are top-bound, single part checks in a standard single/wallet format.

Duplicate checks are top-bound checks with carbonless duplicates for instant copies and fast, easy record keeping.

How many checks are in a box?

Most personal check designs have 100 checks per box.

(Mini-Paks have 1 pad of 25 checks per box.)

Design

There are a lot of design options that you can choose from, including:

  • High security
  • Animals
  • Charitable
  • Classic characters
  • Classical
  • Contemporary
  • Disney
  • Exclusives
  • Floral & Nature
  • Guideline
  • Inspirational
  • Mini-Paks
  • Scenic
  • Special Account
  • Sports & Leisure
  • Top Stub/End Stub
  • Warner Brothers

Check Imprint

You can choose the font for your check imprint (where your personal information shows up in the top left corner).

You can choose to put the following info on your checks:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Home phone
  • Work phone
  • Business Name
  • Miscellaneous Line

By the way, if you need a detailed breakdown on all of the different parts of a check, click here. 

Check enhancements

Check Details

You can also choose which check number you’d like to start from but by default the system calculates the next logical starting number based on your previous order.

Symbol / Monogram

A symbol or monogram (also known as a woodcut), may be added to accent the look of your checks. These symbols appear in the upper-left hand corner.

Message

The message (or byline) adds extra character to your checks and is printed above the signature line. You can also choose to add an additional signature line.

Background Images

A background symbol may be chosen to enhance the look of your checks. These background symbols will appear as a shadow in the background.

Security features

You might be wondering what kind of security features your checks comes with.

Micro Printing

A line of type normally too small to photocopy clearly.

Tip: Read how to send checks securely through the mail.

Security Square

Cannot be reproduced by copiers or scanners.

Security Screen

The words “Original Document” printed lightly so checks are more difficult to duplicate.

Heat Reactive Ink

Ink color fades when warmed by touch or breath. If copied, the color will not fade.

Padlock Icon

This symbol indicates that security features present in the check are described in the Warning Box on the back.

Personalized Microprint

The date line is your name and the check number, in tiny print that appears as a solid line until magnified. Microprint cannot be reproduced by a copier.

Chemically Sensitive Paper

Stains or spots may appear if a fraud perpetrator uses chemicals to alter handwritten information on your checks.

Fraud Warning

Indicates that high security features are present to deter fraudsters.

Chemical Wash Detection Area

Chemical alteration attempts result in stains or discoloration in this area.

Original Document Back Pattern

Deters cut-and-paste alteration attempts.

Additional products

You’ll also be able to order additional products like leather checkbook covers, labels, debit card covers, debit card registers, name and address stamps, and checkbook registers.

Payment

When you place an order for checks, a third-party entity authorized to act as an ACH Originator makes a deduction from your account for the total amount, including any additional fees for expedited delivery, processing, and services.

This will appear on your bank account as an “ACH” fee.

Delivery time

Allow 10-14 days for production and standard delivery.

If you want your checks sooner, there are express delivery options available for most products. Orders with expedited delivery methods placed later in the day may be produced and shipped the next day.

Ordering business checks from Chase

You can order checks on the Deluxe website or by calling 1-888-560-3939.

Make sure you know your routing/transit and account numbers as you’ll need to supply those.

The ordering process on the Deluxe website is very similar to what is above — you can choose the same type of customized options.

In-branch

You can also order both personal and business checks by visiting a Chase branch.

Chase Counter checks

If you need Chase counter checks (temporary checks) it will only cost you $3 per page if you have a Chase Total Checking Account (or equivalent).

Each blank page consists of three personal checks that Chase prints out on the spot.

Just to be on the safe side, you might want to call up the branch before you to visit them just to make sure that they have counter checks available. If they do, don’t forget to bring your ID and possibly a debit card with you to the branch so they can look up your account easier. 

Also remember that some merchants don’t like to accept counter checks due to fraud concerns. You can always inquire with the merchant about that beforehand. 

Note: counter checks are different from Cashier’s Checks which are $10.

  • If you want to find out more about bank fees for Chase Total Checking Accounts click here.

Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!

Changing your address

You can change the address on your checks as part of the ordering process, but this doesn’t change your address in the Chase system.

So you’ll need to make sure to change your address directly with Chase which you can do at 1-800-935-9935 or by visiting a Chase branch so they can update your address.

Chase credit cards

If you’re interested in pursuing Chase credit cards you should read my guide here.

Ordering Checks From Chase FAQ

How much do checks cost from Chase?

The price of your checks can change based on the type of designs you choose but you can expect pay around $20 to $25 per box.

How many checks come in one box?

Most personal check boxes come with 100 checks.

Do Chase checks come with security features?

Chase checks can come with lots of security features which include things like micro printing, heat reactive ink, chemically sensitive paper, fraud warnings, and other features.

How can I pay for my checks?

You can pay for your checks by authorizing an ACH transfer directly from your bank account.

How long does it take to receive your checks?

You should allow about 10 to 14 days for your checks to be delivered with a standard delivery.

If you need checks sooner than that you can order express delivery which may be produced and shipped the next day.

Can I get counter checks?

Yes, you can get counter checks from Chase. These are issued three checks per page which will cost you $3.

Final word

Ordering Chase checks and check books isn’t difficult at all and it can be done online, over the phone, or in-branch. If you’re not ordering directly through Chase, be sure to take down your routing number and account number so that you can fill out the forms properly.

Parts of A Check Labeled & Explained (with Diagrams) [2022]

Not as many people today use checks as they did in the past. In fact, in 2013 a survey showed that roughly 50% of millennial’s do not use checks. In 2019, that number is probably much higher. Since so many people resort to ACH and wiring and are unfamiliar with checks, they may not know how to use checks and how to understand the different parts of the check.

In this article I will tell you everything you need to know about checks including some important info about filling them out that you may have not known. I’ll also show you helpful diagrams with labels so that you can properly identify and understand each part. 

Parts of the check explained

Below, I will go over all of the different parts of the personal check with a complete diagram. Note that a business check could look a little different from a personal check. 

Parts of a check diagram.

1. Contact information

In the upper left hand of a check, you should find the personal contact information. Typically, this will include the first and last name in addition to the home address and sometimes you might even find some type of a logo or design next to the name. If there are two payors, you might see two names (such as a husband and a wife). 

Some checks (like starter checks) may not have contact information in this section but they can still be valid. With no contact information, some merchants might give you a hard time about it but if you write your contact details on the check (and have a matching ID), that might not be a major issue. 

Also, in some cases the personal contact information might be scratched out with additional contact information written out. This would happen if you had a change of address and you needed to write the updated address on the check. But note that if your old address was out-of-state, that could pose some problems due to fraud concerns. 

Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!

2. Date

When you write a check to someone you will need to include the current date. This is very important because if you are not paying attention when you write the date, it is possible that you could write the wrong date or year and your check could be voided (some banks will still accept outdated checks but banks don’t have to accept checks that are more than six months old). 

You can write the date in whichever format you prefer but if you would like to be on the safe side, I would write out the month in the following format: “September 22, 2020.” By writing out the month you can decrease the risk of your date being read wrong by you or anybody else (especially if you are accustomed to date formats in other parts of the world). 

It is possible for you to put a future date in this field. This would be known as “post-dating” the check. You might want to do this if you don’t want the other person to cash the check until a certain date because you might be waiting on funds to arrive, for example.

Keep in mind that in many instances the individual can still cash the check even if you have it postdated (debt collectors are usually an exception to this). Also, some establishments might be weary of accepting a post-dated check because it can make them nervous or suspicious. So post-dating a check is typically for when you are dealing with an individual that you trust.

3. Pay to the order of

The “pay to the order of” blank is designated for the individual or the organization that you are making your check out to. In other words, you are telling your bank to deliver funds to this person or entity. This person or entity is known as the “payee.”

The payee is the only person who can cash or deposit this check although it is possible for them to sign the check over to somebody else. (More on that below.)

If you are not sure who to put in this line, you should call up the individual or entity that you are dealing with. Many times, on bills or invoices, you can see an address and contact information for where a check should be sent and addressed.

There is also something called “Pay to the Order of: Cash.” This means that your check can be cashed or deposited by anybody. As you probably can understand, this is a pretty risky option to go with. (Some people do this simply to draw cash out of their own account.) 

And finally, there is sometimes the ability to assign your check to someone else by writing “Pay to the Order of: [name of recipient]” on the back of the check. In order to do this, you need to make sure the issuing bank of the check and the recipient bank of the check are okay with it first but this is yet another use of “Pay to the Order of.” 

Tip: Read how to send checks securely through the mail

4. Transaction amount

Underneath the Pay to the Order of line is where you will actually write out the dollar amount of the transaction.

For example, if you were writing a check for $124.73 you would write out, “One Hundred Twenty Four Dollars and 73/100.”

Many people blow off this section and simply scribble out something but that is a huge mistake as I explain below. I would always recommend to try to write out the total amount in clear, plain handwriting.

5. “Money box”

The little box area on the right side of the check is where you will enter the numerical amount for the transaction. So instead of writing out the words for your transaction totaled you will simply write the numerical version. Sticking with the example above you would simply write: “$124.73.” 

Something to keep in mind that a lot of people don’t realize is that this little box is not the official way to determine how much I check is written for. Instead, the official amount for the check is determined by what is written out by words.

If there was ever a circumstance where there was a difference between what was written in the money box and what was written out in words, whatever is written out in words will take precedence. So this is why you really want to make sure that you clearly write out the dollar amount. 

6. Memo

The memo blank of a check is probably the least important field you can find on a check. The memo is an opportunity for you to make special notes about the transaction that might be helpful to yourself or to the party receiving the check.

You can literally write whatever you want to write in this section and your check will still be valid. Just try to avoid certain words or phrases (e.g., “crack rock”).  Also, if you would like to leave the memo section blank that is fine.

7. Signature line

In order for your check to be valid it must be signed by yourself. If there ever is any fraud (or suspected fraud) on your account the signature will be key and an agent may review it to make sure that it matches your signature card. Therefore, I would suggest to not simply scribble your name or signature but to put some effort into it to make sure that you are providing a valid signature in this blank.

Your signature should always be the very last item that you put on a check because you could potentially be authorizing someone to take out large amounts of money your account. 

If you see “MP” on the signature line like on the image below, that means that there is “microprint” on the check. When MP is there, the signature “line” isn’t actually a line and is instead made up of very fine print that says something like “Authorized Signature Only” or something along those lines. It’s like a secret message and actually pretty cool.  

You might also see a signature line on the back of the check but that is where the recipient of the check would sign for things like deposits. 

8. Routing number

Each bank has a specific ABA routing transit number (known simply as the “routing number”) and this nine-digit code could change depending on the state or location of the bank. You can always find routing numbers pretty easily online. These numbers are out in the public so there’s no need to attempt to conceal them from others. 

9. Account number

The account number is the number tied to your specific bank account. This is a number that you do not want to share with other people and want to keep it as private as possible since sharing it with others could lead to others accessing your account. 

I should note that usually you’ll find the numbers in the following order: Routing Number, Account Number, and then Check Number. But that’s not always the case.

For that reason, if you’re looking for the Routing Number and Account Number, sometimes you’ll want to verify these online. Since routing numbers can be viewed by all the public, you can usually use process of elimination to find the account number. 

10. Check number

This is usually a small number that simply helps you keep track of the number of checks you have written. You typically will find this number in the upper right-hand corner of the check and on the right side of the bottom as well.

Parts of a check FAQ

Do checks expire?

Some banks will not accept a check that is dated more than six months ago.

Can you put a future date on a check?

Yes, you can put a date in the future on a check. This is known as “post-dating” and is usually done when someone does not want the check cashed until a specified date in the future.

Just note that post-dated checks can still be cashed prior to the date on the check sometimes.

What should go under the “pay to the order” of field?

The person or entity that you would like to cash your check is who you should list under the pay to the order of field.

What does “Pay to the Order of: Cash” mean?

This means that your check can be cashed or deposited by anybody. You should use extreme caution when using this method since anybody can cash or deposit your check.

Do I need to write out the dollar amount?

Yes, you need to write out the dollar amount on your check.

The written dollar amount takes precedence over the dollar amount listed in the money box. Therefore, you should pay extra close attention when writing out the dollar amount.

What is the memo section for?

The memo section is an optional field on checks that you can use to make special notes about the transaction. It is okay to leave this section blank.

What does “MP” mean on a check?

MP stands for micro print and it is a security measure that is found in the signature section of a check.

Where is the routing number on a check?

The routing number will be the number on the bottom left corner of the check in most cases.

Where is the account number on a check?

The account number is typically located to the right of the routing number on the bottom of the check.

Where is the check number located?

The check number is often located in two places.

You can find it in the upper right corner of the check and also on the bottom to the right of the account number.

Final word

As you can tell, there are many different parts of a check. Understanding what each of these are and their importance is crucial for avoiding silly mistakes that could cause your check to be voided or leave you vulnerable to fraud. 

Chase ATM Daily Withdrawal Limit Guide: (Resets and Increases) [2022]

ATMs are extremely convenient and allow you to withdraw cash as well as make deposits with both cash and checks. But banks set certain limits for your withdrawals and Chase is no different. In this article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about Chase daily ATM withdrawal limits, including when they reset, how to get increases, and how to avoid certain fees. I’ll also cover making ATM deposits as well.

What is the Chase daily ATM withdrawal limit?

For many Chase checking accounts your withdrawal limit will be $500 to $1,000 per day and your purchase limit will be $3,000 to $7,500 per day. However, you can take advantage of higher withdrawal limits by going in-branch during business hours. 

If you actually go to a Chase branch while it’s open during business hours you can usually withdraw much higher limits from the ATMs. In my case, my usual $500 daily limit goes all the way up to $3,000 so the limit can be substantially higher. 

You can find a Chase branch here.

Tip: Check out the free app WalletFlo so that you can optimize your credit card spend by seeing the best card to use! You can also track credits, annual fees, and get notifications when you’re eligible for the best cards!

The in-branch limit is separate from the non-branch ATMs. So you should be able to withdraw $3,000 from inside a branch and then head over to a Chase ATM machine (not located at a branch) and withdraw another $500 since the limits are separate.

However, the in-branch limit applies across all of your Chase debit cards so it wouldn’t be possible for you to withdraw $3,000 with one Chase debit card in-branch and then to go back to Chase and attempt to withdraw $3,000 in-branch with debit card #2 on the same day.

Also, keep in mind that the Chase ATM withdrawal limit varies based on the type of Chase checking account that you have and possibly on the state that you opened up your account in. For the most accurate information, simply call the number on the back of your Chase debit card for more information. But if you’d like to see what the limits are for some Chase checking accounts keep reading.

JP Morgan Chase Bank

When does the Chase ATM withdrawal limit reset?

The Chase ATM withdrawal limit will be reset every 24 hours so you’ll be able to withdraw $500 or $1,000 on consecutive days if you’d like. The exact time that the reset takes place is at midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) so plan your withdraws accordingly.

I have heard of people successfully double dipping on an ATM withdrawal by waiting for the clock to turn midnight and then making a withdrawal shortly after.

What is the international withdrawal limit?

The the international withdrawal limit should be the same as the limit you have at home. But keep in mind that you’ll be charged fees for the foreign transaction unless you have a certain type of account like Chase Private Client or Sapphire banking.

If you are traveling out of state like from California to New York, you should also have the same withdrawal limits for ATMs. In some cases, you might be limited to lower limits at non-Chase ATMs. For example, you could be limited to $500 for non-Chase ATMs if your limits would otherwise be at $1,000. So once again, it’s a good idea to call the customer service number on the back of your debit card for more details. 

Chase withdrawal limit increase

It is possible for you to get a withdrawal limit increase with Chase. These can happen in two different types of ways.

The first is that you are given a temporary increase. These are handy when you only need to pull out more for a big event or some other type of spending need. Getting a temporary increase usually isn’t that difficult, especially if you can provide Chase with a specific reason for why you need it.

The second type of increase is a permanent increase. In order to get a permanent increase you’ll likely need to keep a certain amount of funds in your bank account (such as $1,000 every day). Thus, these type of increases will be a little tougher to get.

The amount that you can get increased to varies by customer. In some cases you might be able to increase your daily limit from $500 to $1,000 but in other cases it might be a smaller or larger amount.

If you’re able to sign-up for a Chase Sapphire banking account or Chase Private Client account you can also get higher limits for your withdrawals. For example, with Chase Private Client you might be able to pull out up to $2,000 or even $3,000 depending on the location. Also, your daily purchase limit will likely be higher at around $7,500.

Other options with higher limits include the Premium Platinum Debit Card with limits of $3,000 at Chase ATMs.

If you’d like to request a higher limit simply call the Chase customer service phone number at: 1-800-935-9935.

Similar to getting a credit limit increase, it will help if you can explain to the agent why you need an increased limit.

Student card ATM withdrawal limits

If you have one of the student cards issued by Chase like a High School debit card your limits may be much lower. For example, your withdrawal limit might be capped at $500 and your purchase limit might be even lower. Some cards for students are strictly ATM cards and can’t be used on purchases at all so keep that in mind.

Non-ATM (teller) withdrawals

Remember that you can always go in-branch to a teller for withdrawing money out of your bank account. If you bypass the ATMs and deal directly with a teller, you should not have any limits on the amount that you can withdraw.

And if you can’t make it to a bank, consider going into a place like a grocery store to pull out cash back after your purchase. Many people but something like a drink or pack of gum and then request cash back. Just be aware that you’ll be limited by how much cash back you can get.

Chase bank withdrawal ATM fees

If you have a standard Chase Total Checking account you’ll have to pay fees for non-Chase ATMs. These are ATMs that do not have Chase branded on them and belong to other banks. However, you can avoid some of these fees with other account types and you can read more about those below.

Keep in mind that just because you are not charged a fee from Chase, that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. The ATM owner may still impose a fee on you (although again you can get this refunded with certain types of accounts like Sapphire and Private Client).

Chase Total Checking

  • $2.50 ($3 effective 6/12/2022) for any inquiries, transfers or withdrawals while using a non-Chase ATM in the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Fees from the ATM owner still apply.
  • $5 per withdrawal and $2.50 ($3 effective 6/12/2022) for any transfers or inquiries at ATMs outside the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Chase Premier Checking

  • $0 for the first four inquiries, transfers or withdrawals each statement period at a non-Chase ATM. Fees from the ATM owner still apply. A Foreign Exchange Rate Adjustment Fee from Chase will apply for ATM withdrawals in a currency other than U.S. dollars.
  • $2.50 ($3 effective 6/12/2022) for any additional inquiries, transfers or withdrawals over four while using a non-Chase ATM in the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Fees from the ATM owner still apply.
  • $5 per withdrawal and $2.50 ($3 effective 6/12/2022) for any transfers or inquiries at ATMs outside the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (the $5 withdrawal or $2.50 Transfer or Inquiry Fee can be waived as part of the first four inquiries, transfers or withdrawals). Fees from the ATM owner still apply.

Chase Sapphire and Private Client

  • No withdrawal fees worldwide

Find a Chase ATM

If you’re looking for a Chase ATM you can find one near you here. Some ATMs might be cardless which means that you can use a mobile wallet like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, or Google Pay to make transactions at Chase ATMs. Look for the cardless logo to see where these are located.

In addition to withdrawing funds, you can also deposit checks and cash at Chase ATMs. Many of the ATMs are open 24 hours a day so this is a great way to deposit your funds at all hours (though remember that you can use the Chase mobile App to make deposits as well).

You can also make transfers, view your balances, see your recent transactions and in the future you will be able to make payments to your credit card.

Chase ATM deposit limits

The limits for depositing at ATMs are as follows: you can deposit up to 30 checks and 50 bills at a time at select ATMs. If you need to order Chase checks or find out more about ordering those checks you can click here. Also, if you need to find out more about how to make transfers with Chase Quick Pay read on here. 

Keep in mind that if you make a deposit with a check, you may only have limited access to your funds the next day. For example, you might only have access to $200 the next day until your check clears.

Chase ATM Withdrawal Limit FAQ

What is the most I can withdraw from a Chase ATM?

The standard withdrawal limit for Chase ATMs is $500 to $1,000 per day.

However, if you have a premium bank account you might be able to withdraw higher amounts ranging from $2,000 to $3,000.

How can I increase my withdrawal limit?

By going inside a Chase branch during business hours you can typically withdraw much more than your daily limit from an ATM.

You can also call Chase and request a temporary increase in your ATM withdrawal limit.

How can I find out my withdrawal limit?

Because different accounts have different limits, the best way to find out your withdrawal limit is to call the number on the back of your debit card.

When will my withdrawal limit reset?

The withdrawal limit will reset at midnight Eastern standard time.

What is the limit for international ATM withdrawals?

The limit for international ATM withdrawals will likely be the same as the limit in the US.

How much can I withdraw from the bank?

If you are withdrawing funds from a bank teller at a Chase branch then you should not have any limit on the amount you can withdraw.

How much are the non-Chase withdrawal ATM fees?

The fees will depend on the type of bank account you have opened.

Certain types of accounts such as Chase Sapphire and Private Client will not charge you ATM fees for using non-Chase ATMs.

But for a standard account, you will be charged $2.50.

Where can I find a Chase ATM?

You can find one near you here. 

Final word

Chase has some pretty standard limits for ATM withdrawals. But if you’d like to up your limits you can also make a special request to a customer service agent and possibly get your limits increased from $500 to $1,000. Also, some Chase accounts allow you to have higher withdraw limits and also come with lower fees, so check those out.

How to Get Chase Debit & Credit Card Designs (Disney Discounts) [2022]

Sometimes it’s nice to add a little bit of a personalized touch to your debit and credit cards to keep things interesting. And it’s even nicer when this comes with the added plus of additional discounts and perks that can save you money on things you love like travel. 

In this article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about custom Chase debit card designs, including all your different options and how they can offer you special savings. I’ll also show you which Chase credit cards come with custom deigns as well. 

What type of Chase debit card designs can I get? 

Chase offers several different types of debit card designs that you can choose from.

The catch is that all of them are Disney inspired so hopefully you are a fan of the Mouse.

If you’re looking for sports teams you can’t get that with Chase, and other issuers have dropped sports-related card options like Bank of America with MLB and Barclays with the NFL. You might still be interested in the Marvel credit card, though.

Below are the different types of custom debit card designs that you can choose from with Chase. Note: Disney Visa Debit Cards are not available for Chase High School Checking and Chase Access Checking accounts.

Tip: Use WalletFlo for all your credit card needs. It’s free and will help you optimize your rewards and savings!

Mickey Mouse debit card

Disney Cinderella’s Castle debit card

Frozen debit card

Star Wars — Darth Vader debit card

Star wars — BB-8 debit card

Mickey Mouse Gang debit card

Disney Debit card discount perks 

With the Disney debit cards, it’s not just about getting a custom design to showcase your Disney loyalty, either.

You can actually enjoy some additional discounts and save some cash money.

These discounts come with a lot of exclusions and terms and conditions so be sure to read up on the terms so that you know for sure if you’ll be eligible for the discount. 

With the Disney debit cards, you’ll be able to get the following benefits: 

Disney store discount

At the shopDisney, you can find all sorts of different products like apparel, toys, accessories, and even products for your home.

Also, if you’re looking for things like Disney costumes for your kids this could be a great place to find them. Sometimes you can even find free shipping which makes this discount even more valuable.

Photo perks at Disney

  • Cardmember-exclusive Character Experience photo opportunities with Disney or Star Wars Characters, held in private locations at Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort.
  • Entry is good for up to 6 people per cardmember account and each cardmember account may be used for entry only one time per day.
  • Offer includes complimentary downloads of your Disney PhotoPass photos taken at the Disney Visa Character Experience location that are associated to your Disney account.

Picture downloads may cost $14.95 so this could be an easy way to save a pretty substantial amount of money, especially if you will be downloading pictures for up to six people. (Keep in mind that Disney does offer special passes like MaxPass that allow you to download unlimited photos.)

Discounts on merchandise

  • 10% off select merchandise purchases of $50 or more at select locations at Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort

Discounts on dining

  • 10% off select dining locations most days at Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort.
  • Offer excludes alcoholic beverages, select new food and beverage offerings, merchandise, tobacco, room service, holiday buffets, tax and gratuity.

You can get discounts at some of the most popular dining destinations in the parks like:

Kona Cafe (Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort), Tiffins (Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park), Biergarten Restaurant (Epcot), The Wave…of American Flavors (Disney’s Contemporary Resort), and many others.

Just be aware that the discounts likely won’t be valid on certain dates: 4/17/22, 5/8/22, 5/30/22, 6/19/22, 7/4/22, and 9/5/22.

Discounts on tours and “recreation experiences”

  • 15% off the non-discounted price of select guided tours at Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort.
  • 10% off the non-discounted price of select recreation experiences at Walt Disney World Resort. 

Guided tours

The following is a list of guided tours that are included at the Disneyland Resort:

  • Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps (Guided Tour)
  • Disney’s Happiest Haunts Tour (offered seasonally)
  • “Holiday Time at Disneyland” Tour (offered seasonally)

The following is a list of guided tours that are included at Walt Disney World Resort:

Magic Kingdom Park

  • Disney’s Family Magic Tour
  • Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour
  • Disney’s The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour
  • Taste of Magic Kingdom® Park VIP Tour
  • Ultimate Disney Classics VIP Tour
  • Walt Disney: Marceline to Magic Kingdom Tour

Some of these tours like the Disney’s Family Magic Tour are only $39 so the savings are pretty modest. But other tours, such as the tour described below in the Animal Kingdom are much more expensive so the savings or more impressive.

Epcot

  • Gardens of the World (offered seasonally)
  • The UnDISCOVERed Future World Tour
  • Epcot Seas Adventures — Dolphins in Depth
  • Epcot Seas Adventures — Aqua Tours
  • Epcot Seas Adventures — DiveQuest
  • Behind the Seeds
  • World Showcase: DestiNations Discovered

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

  • Wild Africa Trek
  • Savor the Savanna: Evening Safari Experience
  • Ultimate Night of Adventure VIP Tour

Just to give you an example of the savings here, the Wild Africa Trek tour is about $200 to $265 per person. With a 15% discount, that’s a savings of $40 per person.

So with the family of five, you’d be saving $200 total on a tour costing $265 per person. Not bad for simply having a debit card.

Multiple Theme Parks, Backstage Areas and Resort Hotels

  • Ultimate Day of Thrills VIP Tour
  • Ultimate Day for Young Families VIP Tour
  • Ultimate Day at Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
  • Ultimate Disney Classics VIP Tour
  • Ultimate Night of Adventure VIP Tour
  • Backstage Magic
  • Disney’s Holiday D-Lights Tour (offered seasonally)
  • Disney’s Yuletide Fantasy (offered seasonally)
  • Wilderness Back Trail Adventure

Recreation experiences

The following is a list of recreation experiences that are included at Walt Disney World Resort:

  • Carriage Rides at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
  • Horseback Trail Rides at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

Tips for using these perks

Here are three things to always keep in mind when going for these discounts.

Always have your Chase debit card

  • Make sure that you always have your Chase debit card on hand because you may need to show it in order to take advantage of perks like the special photo opportunities. 

Be sure to mention the discount

  • When using your Chase Disney debit card for the retail discounts be sure to mention that you are entitled to the discount due to your debit card.

Always check for exclusions

  • There are lots of exclusions for the merchandise discount such as ticket media, Disney Gift Cards, Park Admission, Arcades, tobacco, alcohol, Outdoor Vending (e.g., in-Park balloon vendors, glow vendors) and many others you can read about it the terms here. 
  • Dining discount excludes alcoholic beverages, select new food and beverage offerings, merchandise, tobacco, room service, holiday buffets, tax and gratuity

Tip: Use WalletFlo for all your credit card needs. It’s free and will help you optimize your rewards and savings!

Is it free to get a custom Chase debit card?

Yes, Chase will issue you a custom debit card design for free. 

How do I order a custom Chase debit card?

Simply call the phone number on the back of your debit card or call 1-800-935-9935. You can also go here to order your card online if you are a Chase customer. 

The card should arrive within five to seven business days in an unmarked envelope. If you want to expedite your debit card and receive it within two business days you can do that but you’ll have to pay $5 for the expedited delivery fee. 

Can I get custom Chase business debit card designs?

Chase does not currently offer custom business debit card designs so that it currently not an option.

Can I get Chase custom credit cards?

Chase also offers custom credit cards but not for most of their credit cards.

If you are going for some of their best rewards cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve, you’re not going to be able to customize those credit cards.

You also won’t be able to customize most of the co-branded credit cards like the Chase Southwest, Marriott, IHG, United, and other similar cards. 

But, like you might expect, you can get custom Disney credit cards. Just like the debit cards, there are a lot of different options to choose from (10 unique designs).

You can get these custom cards with the Disney Premier Visa Card and the Disney Visa Card. The Disney cards aren’t the best travel rewards credit cards because they don’t come with the highest welcome bonuses or with the best bonus earning potential, so I’d consider other Chase cards (like the Sapphire Preferred or Sapphire Reserve) if you are truly interested in maximizing your travel rewards. 

Final word

I would recommend anybody remotely interested in Disney to get a custom Chase debit card design. It’s free to do so and it can save you money on a lot of different types of Disney purchases and get you access to special photo opportunities. The cards also look pretty cool as well and can help your card stick out so that it’s easier to locate. 

Chase Safety Deposit Box Guide: (Locations, Fees, & Rules) [2022]

Safety deposit boxes can be smart ways to store some of your valuable belongings. However, they are not perfect by any means and are not designed to store all of your precious valuables. And when it comes to safety deposit boxes with Chase Bank there are some restrictions that you need to know.

In this article, I will tell you everything you need to know about Chase safety deposit boxes. I’ll cover things like the fees/prices, rules, locations, and also give you some tips on things to store and not store in your safety deposit box.

What exactly is a safety deposit box?

Just in case you need some clarification, a safety deposit box is a secure holding place where you can store certain belongings with a bank. These are typically stored in a secure area like a safe and are great for people looking for added security beyond storing something in a safe at home or resorting to things like midnight gardening. 

Common items that are stored in a safety deposit box include:

  • Important paper contracts
  • Marriage certificates
  • Birth certificates
  • Special photographs
  • Valuable jewelry (you don’t wear often)
  • Valuable collection items
  • Deeds and titles 
  • Stock and bond certificates 

Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!

2022 Update [IMPORTANT]

Many customers have received a message like the following:

“We’re no longer renting new Safe Deposit Boxes. We want to let you know that we’re no longer renting new Safe Deposit Boxes. This doesn’t affect any boxes you may already rent with us today. If you have questions, please call the number at the top of this statement. We accept operator relay calls.”

Others have also received messages that all Chase safety deposit boxes will be canceled permanently. This will reportedly be a nationwide policy, although I don’t have verification yet. So if you have a Chase safety deposit box it will be a good idea to start looking at alternatives.

Does Chase offer safety deposit boxes?

Yes, you can lease a Chase safety deposit boxes for an annual fee. You will need to have a Chase bank account (like a checking) or be partnered with someone who does and the fee for the safety deposit box will likely be taken out of that account. If you need to search for Chase bank locations near you can do that here.

Update: Please note that this article is a review of the Chase safety deposit box policies. I am not directly affiliated with Chase and cannot respond to appointment inquiries. Do NOT post any personal information in the comments below.

If you would like to set up an appointment email: [no longer available]

Include: your full name, home zip code, branch name/address and your safe deposit box number. You will receive a confirmation email of a scheduled access appointment the following business day.

Appointments may be scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30-1:30PM only, on a first come first serve basis. Chase cannot accomodate same day or next day appointments.

What are the fees for Chase safety deposit boxes?

The fees for a safety deposit box with Chase are going to vary based on the location and size of your box. 

Here are some sample prices:

  • 3X5: $80
  • 3X10: $140
  • 5X10: $220
  • 10X10: $350

Prices can differ

You should note that the prices can change and once again they will differ based on your location (they could be cheaper or more expensive). It is also possible that you could get a free safety deposit box if you open up the right type of bank account. For example, Chase Private Client members get a free safety deposit box. Chase Premier Plus Checking members also get free boxes. 

You might be waitlisted

Some Chase bank locations may not have any safety deposit boxes available for you to rent. It is not uncommon for some banks to be completely booked up and so you might have to get on a waiting list. If that happens, you might want to shop around and check out a few different locations/branches to see which have available safety deposit boxes. You might also inquire with the banker to see if they can check availability for other branches if possible.

The lease time

Typically, you will probably be looking at a one-year lease time. You can terminate your lease agreement at any time but you likely will not be refunded. 

Entering into a lease agreement for a safety deposit box creates a landlord tenant relationship. This can be significant for legal purposes so I would suggest to review your contract to see what the implications of this relationship are when it comes to things like access. 

However, the lease does not create a bailor and bailee relationship between you and the Bank. This basically means that they are not responsible for anything that happens your belongings while in the possession. 

Terms may state:

You assume all risks of injury, loss or damage of any kind (including but not limited to loss or damage due to fire, water, other mishap, robbery or burglary) arising out of the deposit of anything in the box, provided we have exercised ordinary care. 

Chase safety deposit box rules

You will not be able to place any items that you wish and your safety deposit box. That is because the lease agreement will have specific exclusions for certain items. Below, I have pulled out some language from a lease agreement to give you some insight into what might be excluded. Please note that your individual lease agreement may have different language. 

Money

With Chase you are not to use the box to store money, coin or currency unless it is of a collectable nature, and you assume all risks and hold the Bank harmless of any loss or alleged loss of said money, coin or currency.

So if you collect bullion for example, those collectible coins can be allowed in the safety deposit box. But if you are just trying to find a place to store something like Silver Eagles (recognized more as a type of currency) then a safety deposit box like this is probably not a good choice. This also means that you are not to store cash in your safety deposit box. 

Dangerous items

You agree NOT to store any item that is inherently dangerous, including but not limited to:

  • Firearms, guns or ammunition
  • Other weapons even if such weapons are lawfully owned by you
  • Anything illegal to possess, or of a character or nature which we believe may injure the premises of the Bank, its employees or customers
  • Liquid, corrosive, pressurized, hazardous, or explosive materials such as dynamite, fireworks, flares, tear gas and self-defense sprays

Unlawful purpose

You will have to agree to not use your safety deposit box to store anything for an unlawful purpose. Chase can turn over any of your belongings to the government or to law-enforcement if they believe that you have violated their lease terms. 

When can I access my safety deposit box?

You will be able to access your safety deposit box during normal business hours. In some cases this may mean a typical schedule of 9 AM a.m. to 5 PM p.m. Monday through Friday. Some locations might have weekend hours but it just will depend. 

This is a big reason why they suggest not to include items that you might need in an emergency. For example, putting a passport, a power of attorney, medical directive, or something along those lines in a safety deposit box is normally not a good idea.

You should be aware that the lease agreement probably will have language that states that your access can be restricted. For example it states:

We can restrict access to your box for any reason, including but not limited to past due rent and fees, information we receive in court documents, our inability to obtain information that satisfies our “Know Your Customer” requirements, and any unexpected circumstances (natural or manmade)

You also can rent these boxes jointly so that you and someone else has equal access.

You should be able to appoint an agent (“deputy”) or Attorney in Fact (“AIF”) to have access to or surrender the box. I highly suggest that you look at the terms and conditions closely if you’re considering giving authority to someone on this basis. And it goes without saying but you obviously want to have a high level of trust with that individual.  

In order to access the safety deposit box you will need to show your ID and access it in the presence of a bank agent.

Are my contents insured?

A big question that people have with safety deposit boxes is: Are my contents insured? When it comes to chase, at your contents inside the safety deposit box or not insured by the FDIC or Chase bank. 

They state:

The contents of your safe deposit box are not protected against loss or damage under the insurance coverage maintained by the bank or Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. For your protection, you may wish to secure your own insurance through an insurance company of your choice.

So it would be a good idea to seek out insurance options for your belongings. Remember, a natural disaster can strike anywhere and while your belongings are pretty secure in a vault, they will not be invincible. For that reason, some people like to put their belongings in a waterproof sealed case, bag, or container and then insert that into the safety deposit box.

It is also a very good idea to thoroughly document every single item in your safety deposit box. A great way to do this is to take high-quality photos of every item.

Final word

Chase safety deposit boxes are great ways to store your valuable belongings if you are okay with some of the disadvantages. This can be a great way to go especially if you have free access to them with the right type of Chase account. 

Update: Please note that this article is a review of the chase safety deposit box policies. I am not directly affiliated with Chase and cannot respond to appointment inquiries.

Can You Write A Check to Yourself? [2021]

There are a few reasons why you would want to write a check to yourself. Typically, you are probably wanting to transfer some money from one account to another or trying to withdraw cash from your account. You might also be up to no good or you actually might be up to a lot of good (I’ll explain later). In this article, I will tell you everything you need to know about writing a check to yourself.

Tip: Check out the free app WalletFlo so that you can optimize your credit card spend by seeing the best card to use! You can also track credits, annual fees, and get notifications when you’re eligible for the best cards!

How to write a check to yourself

If you are not familiar with the different parts of a check I recommended that you read up on those so that you know how to write a check. I know that this might seem like common sense to some people but there are a lot of individuals who never deal with checks and perhaps have never even written one in their life. Heck, I think I have only written a couple of dozen objects in my entire life. 

Filling out checks is pretty straightforward but there are some things you need to know (like the difference between writing the dollar amount in words vs putting the amount in the money box). So I recommend checking out that article if you need to.

If you are writing a check to yourself you will actually write out the check to pay to the order of: “Your name.” So if your name is “Random Person” then the check will be made out to pay to the order of “Random Person.”

If you have identifying information on your check (usually in the upper left corner) then this means that your name will appear two times on the check (three if you count the signature) and that is perfectly fine. Some people wonder whether or not it is illegal to write a check to yourself but I can assure you that it is perfectly legal.

Well, that is assuming that you have the funds to cover the check. For example, it would be very illegal for you to write a check to yourself and then try to cash that check if you knew you had no money in your bank account — even if you believed you would have them by the time the check was cleared (this practice is known as “check kiting“). 

That is a form of fraud and you could get yourself in criminal trouble so don’t do it!

By making the check out in your name, you will be the only person that is able to deposit or cash this check (there may be exceptions if you are able to assign the check to someone else but that’s another story).

You should be able to cash or deposit this check at your bank or possibly at another bank/institution. Just remember that when cashing a check, you may not have access to all of the available funds right at that moment (it could take a few days for you to get access to all of the funds). 

If you need to withdraw cash I would highly recommend that you go much more efficient routes such as using an ATM, visiting a bank, or perhaps even withdrawing cash from a store by making a small purchase (just know that this store will likely impose limitations on your cash withdrawal).

Pay to the order of: Cash

Something else that you can consider is to pay to the order of “Cash.”

This means that instead of making your check out to the named individual you simply put “Cash.” The drawback to this method is that it can be risky because this means that anybody can cash or deposit the check. If you were to lose that check and some random stranger found it on the street they could theoretically cash that check.

Therefore, I don’t recommend that you do this since it could potentially backfire and also because there are just so many easier methods for withdrawing cash. 

Related: How to Mail a Check Safely

Alternative transfer methods

There are other ways that you can transfer funds between accounts and I’ll go over some of these below. 

Intrabank transfers

If you are trying to transfer funds between separate accounts at the same bank you should just do that electronically. Simply sign into your online banking account and then make a transfer and it will be processed immediately in many cases. This is by far the easiest method to accomplish this task. 

ACH transfers

One of the most common methods is to simply electronically transfer funds between financial institutions. This is often done via an ACH (Automated Clearing House) transfer. Many banks will allow you to add an external account and link that account to your bank account so that you can transfer funds between accounts. You can often do this for free, with both small and large financial institutions so always inquire about this possibility. 

The big thing you need to know about this method is that sometimes it can take several days up to a week to get the accounts linked. Sometimes you can simply log into the external account and quickly link the accounts but other times they are subject to verification or perhaps even a test deposit that you will use to verify the account.

P2P transfers

Some banks offer ways to expedite the transfer process with P2P transfers.

I am a huge fan of Chase Quick Pay with Zelle. Using this method, if you can instantly transfer funds to a lot of different banking institutions for no fee at all.

There are some limitations to these transfers but they are pretty generous and they even allow you to transfer between business accounts. The recipient will need to sign up with Zelle but that only takes a couple of minutes to do so this is a very easy process.

Alternatively, one of the easiest ways to get funds between accounts is to use a service like PayPal or VenMo. It’s not that difficult to set up an account with these services — you just need to link your routing and account number and have an email address. After linking your bank account you will be able to send and receive funds between banks.

Wire transfers

You can also choose to make your transfer to another account with a wire transfer. Wire transfers will typically incur fees, though. Sometimes these fees can be quite high and you could easily be paying over $20 dollars just to make a simple wire transfer. Some types of bank accounts allow you to make wire transfers for free and those would be premium accounts like Chase Private Client. 

Joint bank accounts

If you have a joint bank account it is also possible for you to write a check to yourself or to the other named individual on the bank account. So for example if you were a married couple, let’s say Rick and Bob, Rick could write a check to Bob and Bob could deposit it into another bank account. 

Business accounts

If you are a small business owner like myself you can write a check to yourself from your business account. The biggest requirement here is that you need to have the authority to sign off on a check from your business account.

When you set up your bank account you should have also set up who has this authority and if you are doing a business by yourself chances are that you have already automatically done this.

Do keep in mind that it is not a good idea to have a co-mingling of funds so if you are doing this, be sure to document everything very clearly just in case something happens in the future. 

Law of attraction

There may be one final reason why you would write a check to yourself…

Many people believe in the law of attraction and do certain things to bring them into existence. In this case, you could write yourself a check for $1 million with the mindset that one day you will be able to cash that. This is famously what Jim Carrey did.

Some people may choose to put a specific date on the check and possibly even something in the memo blank for what they plan on buying. It all just depends on your dreams and aspirations.

I personally am a huge proponent of the law of attraction and think that mindset is everything when it comes to reverse engineering success. Therefore, if this is your type of thing then I say to go for it. 

FAQs

Can you write a check to yourself?

Yes, you can legally write a check to yourself but there are some considerations involved in doing so.

Can I cash a check written to myself?

Yes, you can cash a check written to yourself but be extra sure you have the sufficient funds to cash it. If you don’t, you could be charged with a crime.

Final word

Overall, it is completely possible to write a check to yourself when filling out a check if you would like. However, as shown above there are a lot of more efficient methods for transferring funds between accounts that could save you a lot of time. Therefore, I would stick to looking into the electronic methods of transfer just to make things easier. 

How to Mail a Check Safely (And Other Alternatives)

If you are like millions of people then at some point you will probably need to send off a check in the mail (even in 2021).

Unlike cash, sending off a check in the mail is much safer and acceptable. But that doesn’t mean that you should not take certain precautions to ensure that your check arrives safely.

Below are some different tips to help you mail your check safely. I’ll also offer some alternatives that you can take instead of sending a check.

Get the check fundamentals down

Understand the parts of a check

Because checks are sent so often, it’s easy to forget the importance that your check contains a lot of your sensitive personal information such as your bank account number and address.

One worry is that someone could steal your mail and have access to that information but sometimes you may not even want to share that information with the individual you are sending the check to (I will discuss some ways to get around that below).

So make sure you are versed in what information is displayed on a check before you send one out. If you need a refresher on the different parts of a check, click here.

Tip: Use WalletFlo for all your credit card needs. It’s free and will help you optimize your rewards and savings!

Fill out the check properly

You need to make sure that you properly fill out your check before sending it off.

I know this sounds obvious but if you do not properly fill out certain fields on the check, sending out a check could be as risky as sending cash in the mail!

For example, if you wrote out “Pay to the Order of: Cash,” your check could be cashed or deposited by anybody. 

It would be just like sending over a wad of cash in the mail.

You also want to take a step to avoid your check getting “washed” which is when someone alters/removes the ink and changes elements on the check such as the name and amount.

One easy way to do this is to use an indelible pen which is essentially a writing pen that has ink that cannot be removed.

You can also increase the security of your check by writing “for deposit only to account of payee” on the back of the check (in the endorsement section).

This will prevent the check from being signed over to another individual which means that it will just be one step harder for someone to cash it if they are not the named recipient on the check.

That’s probably one of the most vital tips for sending a check securely through the mail.

Use the right envelope(s)

The best practice for sending off a check in the mail is to use an inconspicuous envelope that does not allow other people to see inside.

It’s not the best idea to send a check in an envelope that could easily be identified as some sort of special occasion envelope.

For example, let’s say you were sending off a birthday check to a family member and you are sending it in a bright orange envelope.

That is going to call extra attention to your mail and so you would typically want to avoid that.

You also want to avoid thin envelopes where a light could be shined through, exposing the contents. A cheap, basic white envelope is typically not a good choice for mailing a check.

I would recommend using some sort of business envelope that gives the contents of your mail a bit of privacy. You can find a large pack of these on Amazon for around $20. You’ll probably want the standard size number 10.

These envelopes come in different types but generally they have some type of security tint on the interior of the envelope that makes it much more difficult to detect what type of documents are inside.

If you want to take the security step even further you could also purchase a thick envelope like some sort of bubble mailer. These can help make it more difficult to discover what is on the inside and they can also weatherproof your check.

Wrap up the check

Regardless of the type of envelope that you sent off your check with, you probably want to consider placing the check inside a folded letter of some sort.

This could be a blank piece of printer paper or it could be something like a cover letter but it is good practice to not send a check as the only item in an envelope because it could make it easier to detect.

Drop your check off

Anytime you are sending something valuable through the mail, especially something like a check, it’s a good idea to drop the check off at the post office or in a post office collection box.

You could also use USPS collection boxes that you find in various parts of your local town but those may not always be as reliable as the ones located in or at a post office.

If you do use one of those collection boxes then try to put your letter in them just before pick up and avoid dropping your letter off in the evenings or on weekends when the collection boxes may not be served.

It really is a good idea to go to the post office if you live in an area where anybody could access your mailbox.

If you are worried about someone stealing your mail and for some reason you were not able to make it to the post office, consider waiting for the mailman to arrive and walking your mail to him/her personally.

Be careful when relying on collection boxes located outside of post offices.

Send via certified mail

If you need verification that the recipient received your check then you might want to consider sending off your check via certified mail.

Certified mail provides the sender with a mailing receipt and electronic verification that an article was delivered or that a delivery attempt was made.

This is a very smart option whenever you are dealing with something like a deadline because you can verify when the check was delivered/received.

Tip: If you combine sending off a letter certified with bubble mailer and a security envelope along with the measures above such as indelible ink and additional endorsement information, you will be sending a check off about as securely as you can.

You may not need to do that for every check you send off but if the check is particularly important or you are extra nervous those can be good steps to take.

An example of a certified mail receipt.

If the check never arrives

If for some reason your check never arrives then you will need to contact your bank and make a stop payment on the check.

Simply explain to the bank that you sent a check in the mail and that it never was received by the recipient and the bank should be able to handle the rest.

Sometimes these type of situations can drag out so be prepared to devote some time to resolving it if you run into trouble.

You need to keep in mind that your check has your bank account number on it so if a check ever goes missing, then somebody out there may have your bank account details.

This means that you will want to proactively monitor your bank account and any other associated accounts to ensure that nothing is happening.

If you are truly worried about someone hacking into your account then you might be able to talk to your bank about getting a new account number based on the fact that your bank number was potentially exposed.

Alternatives

While sending a check in the mail is not that risky especially if you take the steps above, you still might want to consider other payment methods that offer better privacy and security.

Money orders

Money orders are often a solid alternative to sending a check.

Typically, you have to pay a small fee to get them issued but that is generally around $1.50 so it’s not a huge inconvenience.

You can purchase money orders from the post office but you can also purchase them from other places such as grocery stores or even Walmart.

Money orders require identification to be cashed but money orders have an advantage over checks in that they will not have all of your personal information.

So even if someone did steal your mail containing a money order, they would not have access to your bank account number. In addition, it’s possible to track the money order to ensure that it has been cashed.

Cashier’s Checks

Cashiers checks are very similar to money orders but there are some key differences.

Money orders usually are for smaller amounts while cashier’s checks can be for much bigger amounts. (Someone once purchased a vehicle from me with a cashiers check for $20,000.) Some people might even close on a home with a cashiers’ check.

Cashier’s checks are also issued by a bank. So if you were to send one, your bank will either hold or remove the funds from your account and back the check.

And because they are issued by a bank that means you will need to have a bank account.

Cashier’s checks will also cost more money although you can still get them for only a few dollars.

Ultimately, cashier’s checks will often be needed when the recipient of the funds desires an extra level of guarantee or security. But they can be a great way to transact with large amounts of money without having to walk around with a lot of cash.

Consider electronic payments

Nowadays, it is easier than ever to send money electronically. There are so many different apps you can choose to use like PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, etc.

If you want to send money to a friend or family member I would highly suggest you look into one of the electronic options.

Also, if you want to send a payment through the mail in the form of a check but would like to use a credit card to authorize that payment in order to earn valuable credit card points, consider using a service like Plastiq.

Finally, if you are sending a large sum of money then you might want to consider doing a wire transfer. There will usually be a fee to make a wire transfer but sometimes the fee is waived if you are sending over a certain threshold such as $5,000.

FAQ

Can you send a check in the mail?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to send a check in the mail but you should attempt to do so securely.

How can I send a check in the mail securely?

– Use an indelible pen 
– Write “for deposit only to account of payee” on the back of the check
– Use an envelope with security tint on the interior and/or bubble mailers
– Drop the check off at the post office and send it via certified mail

Should I send a check UPS or FedEx?

You can send your check via UPS or FedEx but it will be a little bit more costly than it would if you sent a check with USPS.

Chase Bank Wire Transfers: (How to Send, Fees, Routing Numbers) [2021]

If you’re traveling or living aboard you might need to initiate a Chase wire transfer at some point.

But how much will the fees be and how do the wire transfers work?

This article will show you how these wire transfers work (step-by-step) and what kind of transfer fees you can expect to pay for both domestic and international wire transfers. 

I’ll also show you how to locate all of the important account numbers like routing numbers, SWIFT numbers, ABA numbers, etc.

Interested in finding out the top travel credit cards for this month? Click here to check them out!

Chase Bank wire transfer fees

The wire transfer fees charged depend on whether you are sending or receiving wires and whether your wire transfer is domestic or international.

Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!

Chase domestic wire transfer fees

  • Incoming (receiving) wires: $15
  • Outgoing wires (online): $25
  • Outgoing wires (in-branch): $35

Chase international wire transfer fees

  • Incoming (receiving) wires: $15
  • Outgoing wires (online): $40
  • Outgoing wires (in-branch): $45/$50

Note that wire fees do change from time to time so always check for the most updated fees before processing your wire transfer.

If you are sending an online wire transfer to a bank outside the U.S. in foreign currency (FX), there will be no Chase wire fee for amounts equal to $5,000 USD or more or only a $5 Chase wire fee when less than $5,000 USD.

You should also note that some premium Chase accounts allow for free wire transfers.

For example, with Chase Private Client, you’ll have no Chase fee for all domestic and foreign wire transfers, incoming or outgoing, completed at any Chase branch, chase.com, via telephone or email.

Read more about Chase Private Client here.

Chase wire transfer limit

The total daily limit on wire transactions with Chase is $100,000 or your available balance.

Business customers can request a higher limit.

Chase wire transfer processing time

The amount of time it takes for a Chase wire transfer to go through and process depends on if you are sending them domestically or internationally.

Domestic wire transfers

For domestic wire transfers you can expect them to take about 1-2 business days for the funds to be received.

International wire transfers

For international wire transfers you can expect them to take 3-5 business days to be received.

Notice that there is a cut-off time at 4pm EST for sending Chase wire transfers.

How to do a Chase bank wire transfer (instructions)

First, make sure that you are enrolled in Chase wire transfers. 

Before you can begin making Wire Transfers, you must first add a wire recipient – the person or entity to which you will transfer funds.

How to add a recipient

Log-in to your Chase account and from the “Send Payments” tab, select the Wire Transfer option.

Click “Add a Wire Recipient.”

Enter information about your recipient, including:

  • The recipient’s name
  • A nickname for your recipient
  • Your recipient’s mailing address, including country
  • A message to your recipient

Next, you’ll need to enter the bank routing number (ABA or SWIFT code) for your recipient’s bank.

What is a SWIFT Code?

A SWIFT code is an international bank code that identifies particular banks worldwide and is also known as a Bank Identifier Code (BIC). A SWIFT code will have 8 to 11 characters.

Other terms used by international banks include:

  • CHIPS (Clearing House Inter-Bank Payment System) – US and Canada only
  • NCC (National Clearing Code)
  • BSC (Bank Sort Code)
  • IFSC (Indian Financial System Code).

What is an ABA number?

An ABA (American Bank Association) routing number is a 9-digit numeric code used to identify financial institutions in the United States.

If you do not know the recipient’s SWIFT code or ABA bank routing number, use the following links to search for them:

(Click here for a guide to using these links.)

Once you input that account number information, the routing number you enter will be displayed on the next page, along with the name of the recipient’s bank.

You’ll then be able to enter additional information about your recipient’s bank, including:

  • The bank’s mailing address
  • Your recipient’s bank account number
  • A message to your recipient’s bank — (This is usually additional transaction-related information that the originator would like to provide the recipient’s bank. For example, this could be used to tell that bank additional information about the recipient, such as the official name of the recipient. These instructions will not affect how we process your request.)
  • You can also choose to add an intermediary bank at this time — (This is the bank that funds go through to get to the intended recipient. Most often used when the originating bank does not have a direct relationship with receiving bank.)

IBANs (International Bank Account Numbers)

Note that the SWIFT code is used to identify a specific bank for your international transaction, but you’ll still need to identify an individual bank account for your international transaction

That’s when you use IBAN numbers.

IBANs (International Bank Account Numbers) are a series of up to 34 alphanumeric characters that uniquely identifies a customer’s account held anywhere in the world.

The IBAN consists of a two-character country code, followed by two check digits, and up to 31 alphanumeric characters for the bank account number.

The account number must be in IBAN format for the following countries:

  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Bulgaria
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Netherlands
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • Slovak Republic
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Turkey
  • United Kingdom
  • Iceland
  • Liechtenstein
  • Norway

After you’ve input all of that information, be sure to review it.

If you need to make changes, click “Change.”

Once all information is correct, click “Add Recipient” and you should receive a message confirming that your recipient has been added.

How to send a Chase wire

To make a one-time wire transfer in U.S. Dollars, click on the “Send Payments” tab, select “Wire Transfer” and click “Schedule Wire.”

Select the account from which the funds will be transfered. Then select your wire recipient by clicking the radio button next to the recipient’s name.

Click “Next” to continue.

Enter information about your Wire Transfer, including:

  • The amount of the Wire Transfer
  • The date on which the Wire Transfer will be sent (the wire transfer can be scheduled for up to one year in the future)
  • A message to the Wire Transfer Recipient (this is usually additional transaction-related information that the originator would like to provide the receiver. For example, this field is often used to communicate invoice information or for further credit to information.)
  • Instructions for the recipient’s bank
  • Memo information — (this is a field that allows you to provide information about the wire transfer for your own personal records.)

Then click “Next” to continue.

Once all information is correct, click “Wire Money in U.S. Dollars” and you should receive a message confirming that your Wire Transfer has been scheduled.

You can do wire transfer in foreign currencies but keep in mind that wire transfers sent to international recipients cannot be future dated or repeating.

Note: All foreign exchange prices are provided by The J.P. Morgan Investment Bank Foreign Exchange Group.

For more detailed instructions from Chase, click here.

Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!

What countries can I wire funds to?

You will be able to send money via wire in more than 35 currencies worldwide.

However, you will not be able to transfer money to the following countries due to US sanctions:

  • Afghanistan
  • Belarus
  • Iran
  • Iraq
  • Lebanon
  • Liberia
  • Libya
  • Myanmar
  • Sierra Leone
  • Syria

Chase wire transfer help

Sometimes you just need to speak to someone to help sort things out, especially when there’s a lot of funds passing through.

If you have any questions or need help when scheduling a Wire Transfer, you can call Chase at: (877)242-7372

You can also call the Chase Commercial Online Service Center phone number at: (877) 226-0071

Government, Not-for-Profit, and Healthcare Banking Clients can call the help phone number at: (855) 893-2223).

What is the Chase Bank wire transfer routing number?

If you have a Chase check you can find your routing number on your checks as shown by the below image.

If you don’t have your checks and you need to find your Chase routing number, know that the routing numbers are different for each state.

Here’s a list of them by state/region:

Arizona122100024
California322271627
Colorado102001017
Connecticut021100361
Florida267084131
Georgia061092387
Idaho123271978
Illinois071000013
Indiana074000010
Kentucky083000137
Louisiana065400137
Michigan072000326
Nevada322271627
New Jersey021202337
New York – Downstate021000021
New York – Upstate022300173
Ohio044000037
Oklahoma103000648
Oregon325070760
Texas111000614
Utah124001545
Washington325070760
West Virginia051900366
Wisconsin075000019

Chase international wire SWIFT Code

The SWIFT (or BIC Code) for Chase Bank is CHASUS33

Thank bank’s address is: Chase Bank, 270 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017, USA

Chase travel notifications

Are you going to be spending time abroad soon?

Before you embark on your international travels, you’ll want to be sure to put travel notifications on your credit cards and Chase bank accounts.

It’s a pretty simple process and you can do it online or even via the Chase app.

Doing so can save you a lot of headache, and I’d highly consider putting in your travel notices.

Chase foreign transaction fees

If you’re going to be traveling abroad and doing some spending, you might want to consider going with a Chase card that offers no foreign transaction fees.

I’d recommend looking into cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve. The Sapphire Reserve earns 3X on dining and travel purchases, so you’ll be earning a lot of points in the process your travels. It also has a $300 travel credit and Priority Pass membership that will get you into airport lounges all around the world.

To read more about the Sapphire Reserve benefits, click here.

Chase wire transfer FAQs

What is the Chase wire transfer limit?

The total daily limit on wire transactions with Chase is $100,000 or your available balance. Some business customers may request higher limits.

How long does it take to process a Chase wire transfer?

A domestic wire transfer will usually take 1 to 2 business days but an international wire transfer may take up to 3 to 5 business days.

There is a cut-off time at 4pm EST for sending Chase wire transfers.

What is the Chase international wire SWIFT Code?

The SWIFT (or BIC Code) for Chase Bank is CHASUS33
Thank bank’s address is: Chase Bank, 270 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017, USA

What are IBANs?

IBANs stand for “International Bank Account Numbers” and are a series of up to 34 alphanumeric characters that uniquely identifies a customer’s account held anywhere in the world.

The IBAN consists of a two-character country code, followed by two check digits, and up to 31 alphanumeric characters.

What is the Chase Bank wire transfer routing number?

You can find Chase routing numbers here.

Can you get the wire fee waived?

You may be able to avoid the wire fee if you are wiring an amount of $5,000 or more to a bank outside the U.S. in foreign currency.

Final word

Setting up a wire transfer with Chase is pretty easy to do. Whether you’re doing it online, over the phone, or in-branch, it shouldn’t be a major problem and this article should show you what kind of fees and waiting times to expect.

Chase Business Checking Accounts: (Requirements & Documents Needed) [2020]

Are you thinking about opening up a Chase business checking account but you’re unsure which type of checking account is right for you? Do you also have questions about all of the documents you will need to open up these accounts?

I’ve opened up several business checking accounts over the years for various types of entities like LLCs and corporations so I can help you out with everything you need to know.

In this article, I will walk you through how to open Chase business checking accounts. I’ll show you all of the differences between the accounts and show you everything that you need to know about the requirements before stepping into a Chase Bank to open your account.

Chase business checking accounts

There are three main types of Chase business checking accounts that you can choose from.

  • Chase Total Business Checking
  • Chase Performance Business Checking
  • Chase Platinum Business Checking

I will discuss the details of each of these checking accounts below. But first, I will explain to you how to open up a business account and some important factors you will want to consider.

Tip: If you are thinking about opening up a business account, make sure that you go for one of the top business credit cards like the Chase Ink Business Preferred. With that card you can earn 3X per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases in categories like advertising, shipping, and travel.

How to open a Chase business account

It is pretty straightforward to open a Chase business account, but you will need to pay attention to these special requirements when it comes to the documentation needed for your business.

Schedule an appointment

The first thing that you will likely need to do is to schedule an appointment since most cannot set these accounts up online and must visit a branch. To locate a Chase Bank branch office click here. The search results will also pull up a phone number you can use to schedule your appointment and ask any questions.

It is possible that you could try to be a walk in in-branch but you will likely need to schedule an appointment ahead of time to make sure that there is a business banking agent available, since all branches do not always have banking agents on-site.

When you call, you can ask for a Chase Business Relationship Manager (BRM). These are special business representatives that often work with businesses that are established but they also work with newly established entities as well.

Gather your documents

Once you have your appointment scheduled, you will need to make sure that you have the required documentation to open up your account. The documents that will be required will depend on the type of business entity that you have set up and I go into detail about all of these below.

Tip: Be sure to call the bank ahead of time and verify the requirements for your bank account. Often times a business bank agent will reach out to you to verify your appointment and clarify any questions you have about the documents.

Create a cheat sheet

Regardless of what type of entity that you have set up, I highly recommend that you create a cheat sheet with facts about your business.

This might include the following information:

  • Full legal name of your business
  • Business address
  • Phone number
  • Number of business locations
  • What/where products and services are sold
  • The nature of your business
  • Annual sales, revenue, and profit
  • Number of employees
  • The types of transactions in the volume of transactions that you expect to be running through your business account

You may not need to provide all of this information for every type of business account that is open, but it will be very helpful to have this information easily retrievable. This is especially true if you apply for the Chase Ink Business Preferred and have to sit through a reconsideration phone call.

Narrow down your focus

Before you waltz into a Chase branch, you should have a good idea of which Chase bank account is best for you.

If you are just starting off for you or have a really small business, then it is usually pretty clear that a Chase Total Business Checking account will likely be the best route for you.

However, if you have over 100 transactions per month going on in your account or you’re cash depositing over $5,000 dollars per month, then you might want to look into other options.

If you have a growing business or a midsize business then it could be a little bit more difficult to determine which one is best for you.

The Performance and Platinum accounts are pretty similar but there are some key differences.

  • The Performance Account allows for 250 transactions with no fees while the Platinum account allows for 500 transactions with no fees.
  • The Performance Account allows for $20,000 in cash deposits with no fees while the Platinum account allows for $25,000 in cash deposits with no fees.
  • The Performance Account allows for two free outgoing domestic wires while the Platinum account allows for your four most expensive for wires to be free.

So it will be really beneficial if you can get a grasp on your transactions, cash deposits, and wiring needs before you ever step foot into a Chase Bank.

Check for bonuses and coupons

Chase will often be offering special bonuses for opening up Chase business checking accounts. These bonuses might be $200, $300 for $500 — it all just depends on the offer and coupon available. Typically, the $500+ offers are going to only be for the Performance Account or above and they may not always be available.

The requirements for meeting these bonuses can be very easy to obtain. For example, you may only have to maintain a $1,000 daily balance and process a few transactions per month.

Opening up these accounts is typically only a soft pull on your credit report, so opening up these accounts is often worthwhile. You will usually need to keep your account open for at least six months to qualify for these bonuses so keep that in mind.

Get versed in Chase business cards

While you are setting up your business account, you might get asked if you are interested in a Chase business credit card. There are three main Chase branded business cards that I would look at. The Chase Ink Business Preferred is my number one business card.

The Chase Ink Business Preferred earns 3X per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on all of the following categories:

  • Travel, including airfare, hotels, rental cars, train tickets and taxis
  • Shipping purchases
  • Advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines
  • Internet, cable and phone services

If you are looking for a no annual fee business card then you might look at the Chase Ink Unlimited or the Chase Ink Cash. Both of those are solid options.

Below, I will go into detail about each of the different type of Chase business accounts. I’ll then go into detail about the necessary documentation that you will need to bring in for setting up discounts.

Tip: Use WalletFlo for all your credit card needs. It’s free and will help you optimize your rewards and savings!

Chase Total Business Checking

Chase total business checking account are ideal for small businesses and for those that are growing.

Requirements

  • $25 minimum deposit to open
  • $15 monthly service fee

The monthly service fee is waived when you maintain a minimum daily balance of $1,500 or more if you maintain a linked Chase Private Client or Chase Sapphire Checking personal account. Otherwise it is only $12 when you enroll in paperless statements.

Features

  • 100 transactions per month at no charge
  • Unlimited electronic deposits
  • $5,000 in cash deposits per statement cycle without an additional fee
  • Domestic and international wiring
  • Send and receive funds with wire transfers, Chase QuickDeposit, Chase Online Bill Pay and more
  • Access to Chase Online Banking and Chase Mobile Banking
  • Chase Business Debit, Deposit and ATM cards offer owners control and provide options for signers and employees to access ATMs and make purchases
  • Access to 16,000 ATMs and 5,100 branches

Chase Performance Business Checking

The Chase Performance Business Checking account is good for those businesses that are starting to take off a bit with their growth.

Requirements

  • $25 minimum deposit to open
  • $30 OR $0 monthly service fee
    Monthly service fee can be waived when you maintain a combined average daily balance of $35,000 or more in qualifying business deposit accounts. You can also get the monthly fee waived with a linked savings account.

Features

  • 250 transactions per month at no charge, plus unlimited electronic deposits and incoming wires
  • $20,000 monthly cash deposit without an additional fee
  • All incoming wires and two outgoing domestic wires at no charge per statement cycle
  • Access to Chase OnlineSM Banking and Chase Mobile® Banking
  • Chase Business Debit, Deposit and ATM cards offer owners control and provide options for signers and employees to access ATMs and make purchases
  • No additional charge for Positive Pay and Reverse Positive Pay Protection services at chase.com
  • Interest option available
  • Personal account benefits available
  • Monthly service fee waived on a linked Chase Business Premier Savings account
  • Access to 16,000 ATMs and 5,100 branches

Chase Platinum Business Checking

The Chase Platinum Business Checking account is most suited for established businesses who have large amounts of transactions and wiring fees.

Requirements

  • $25 minimum deposit to open
  • $95 OR $0 monthly service fee
    Monthly service fee can be waived when you maintain a combined average daily balance of $100,000 or more in qualifying business deposit and business investment balances. You can also get the monthly fee waived with a linked savings account.

Features

  • 500 transactions without a fee, plus unlimited electronic deposits and incoming wires
  • $25,000 monthly cash deposits per statement cycle without an additional fee
  • All incoming wires and your four most expensive outgoing wires at no charge per statement cycle
  • Access to Chase OnlineSM Banking and Chase Mobile® Banking
  • Chase Business Debit, Deposit and ATM cards offer owners control and provide options for signers and employees to access ATMs and make purchases
  • No additional charge for Positive Pay and Reverse Positive Pay Protection services at chase.com
  • Personal account benefits available
  • Reduced balance requirement for Chase Private Clients
  • Monthly service fee waived on a linked Chase Business Premier Savings account
  • Access to 16,000 ATMs and 5,100 branches
  • 24/7 customer service

Tip: If you are thinking about opening up a business account, make sure that you go for one of the top business credit cards like the Chase Ink Business Preferred. With that card you can earn 3X per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases in categories like advertising, shipping, and travel.

Switching

You should note that if you would ever like to switch the type of business accounts that you have opened with Chase, that is possible. So don’t worry to much about making the right decision for the long term because you don’t always know what might end up being the best route for you to go in the future.

You can click here to learn more about switching your account types.

Documents required for a Chase business account

Here are the different entities that you might set up in the required documents for each.

Sole Proprietorship required docs

Who needs to be present

If you are the sole member of your proprietorship then only you have to be present.

However if multiple people are involved in the ownership, the following applies:

  • Spousal Sole Proprietorships — both owners
  • Sole Proprietorship Living Trust – the trustee(s)
  • Sole Proprietorship with a Power of Attorney – the agent
  • If you need to add authorized signers to the account, they must also be present

Two forms of personal ID

One ID must be a Government Issued ID, such as a State Issued Driver’s License, State Issued ID card, Passport, etc. The secondary form of ID can be something like a credit card/debit card with embossed name, employer ID, utility bill, etc.

Tax Identification Number

You will need to supply them with a tax identification number. This can be your social security number (SSN) or ITIN (for non-US citizens), or an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Business documentation

The business documentation that you will be required to bring in will depend on the state that you reside in.

An assumed name certificate may be required if your business is operating with a DBA (doing business as). For example: Jim Jones DBA Jones Professional Painting.

However, this will not be required in AK, AL, HI, KS, MD, MS, NM, SC, TN, WI, and WY and not required for Sole Proprietors operating a business using the owner’s last name in CA, IN, KY, and TX.

It is usually pretty easy to get an assumed name certificate by going online or by visiting the local country courthouse. Each state will have different requirements for getting these but in many states you simply pay a small fee and fill out a form and you can get these issued instantly.

Trust documentation will be required if you have set up a trust.

Supplemental documentation

It is possible that you may be required to submit additional documentation which could include:

  • Assumed Name Application or Filing Receipt
  • Application to publish the assumed name in a newspaper
  • Published newspaper entry
  • Business License

Click here to read more about required sole proprietorship documents.

Partnerships required docs

Who needs to be present

  • All general partners must be present
  • If one of the general partners is a business then an authorized representative of that business must be present

Two forms of personal ID

One ID must be a Government Issued ID, such as a State Issued Driver’s License, State Issued ID card, Passport, etc. The secondary form of ID can be something like a credit card/debit card with embossed name, employer ID, utility bill, etc.

Tax identification number

You will be required to submit a tax identification number and this will require you to submit an EIN. Since this is a general partnership, you will not be able to simply submit your Social Security number.

Business documentation

The business documentation required will depend on the type of partnership that you have.

For general partnerships you will need the following:

  • Written partnership agreement
  • Joint venture agreement
  • Personal identification (in some states)
  • Website validation

If your business is organized in another state but operates in the state that you are opening up an account you might need documentation for both states. This could include a foreign partnership registration. You may also need to provide an assumed name certificate, depending on the state that you are in.

If you are dealing with a limited partnership, limited liability partnership, or limited liability limited partnership, Then you will be required to bring in a certified partnership agreement and will also be subject to the website verification.

There are also additional documents that might be required if you have a 10% or more ownership.

Supplemental documentation

You might be required to bring in the following supplemental documents:

  • Amendments to your partnership agreement or joint venture agreement
  • Letter on company letterhead listing the current general partners
  • Meeting minutes listing the current general partners
  • Annual report or statement of information

Click here to read more about required partnership documents.

Limited Liability Company LLC required docs

Who needs to be present

The individuals who need to be present depends on the type of LLC.

  • For a member managed LLC, all of the members must be present.
  • For a manager managed LLC, all of the managers must be present.

If one of the managers or members is a business then an authorized representative of that business must be present. If you would like to add an additional authorized signer then that person must also be there.

Two forms of personal ID

One ID must be a government issued ID, such as a State Issued Driver’s License, State Issued ID card, Passport, etc. The secondary form of ID can be something like a credit card/debit card with embossed name, employer ID, utility bill, etc.

Tax identification number

You will be required to submit a tax identification number and this will require you to submit an EIN. Single member LLC may use their social security number for their ITIN.

Business documentation

The required business documents are going to depend on the state organization. However, you can expect to be required to bring in the following:

  • Certified articles of organization (certificate of formation) filed with the state agency
  • Website validation
  • Assumed name certificate

Supplemental documentation

You might be required to bring in the following supplemental documents:

  • Certified amendment to the articles of organization or certificate of formation
  • Operating agreement
  • Letter on company letterhead
  • Meeting minutes
  • Annual report or statement of information
  • Members with 10% or more ownership may be required to submit additional documents

Click here to read more about required LLC documents.

Corporation required docs

Who needs to be present

  • And authorizing representative must be present.
  • This could include:
    • President
    • Secretary
    • Assistant secretary
    • Acting secretary
  • If you would like to add additional signers they must also be present

Two forms of personal ID

One ID must be a Government Issued ID, such as a State Issued Driver’s License, State Issued ID card, Passport, etc.

The secondary form of ID can be something like a credit card/debit card with embossed name, employer ID, utility bill, etc.

Tax identification number

You will be required to submit a tax identification number and this will require you to submit an EIN. Since this is a corporation, you will not be able to simply submit your Social Security number.

Business documentation

You may be required to bring the following documents:

  • Certified articles of incorporation or articles of formation
  • Website validation
  • Active status verification
  • Corporations that came into existence over one year ago will need to have verification that they are currently in good standing, or a status report, or a long form standing or short form standing.

Click here to read more about required corporation documents.

Chase Business checking accounts FAQ

Do I need an EIN for a Chase business checking account?

You will need an EIN for your some Chase business checking accounts.

It is very easy to obtain an EIN and it often only takes minutes to complete the application and receive your number. The entire process can be done online for many people.

Do I need an EIN for an LLC Chase business checking account?

If you are a single member LLC you can use your Social Security number and you will not need an EIN.

What is the best Chase business credit card?

There are some great business credit cards offered by Chase but my top choice would be the Chase Ink Business Preferred.

What is the “website validation” for a Chase business checking account?

Chase may validate your entity via a state website prior to you opening up an account.

In some cases, this means you don’t even have to supply the documents to verify your entity because it will be done by Chase.

What is the monthly fee for a Chase business checking account?

The monthly service fee depends on the type of account that you opened but it can range from $15 to $90.

However, you can get the fee waived by maintaining a certain average balance or by having certain types of linked accounts.

What documents do I need to open up a Chase business checking account?

The type of documents needed to open up your account depends on the type of entity that you have.

What is considered a secondary ID for a Chase business checking account?

A secondary ID would be something like a credit card or debit card with your name embossed on it. It could also be something like an employer ID, utility bill, bank statement.

If you are in doubt simply call up your local Chase branch and ask if your secondary ID is good enough.

When do I get my business debit card?

Some banks may issue your debit card right on the spot but other times you may have to wait around a week for it to arrive in the mail.

What type of certificate of active status verification do I need for a corporation?

Your active status verification can be a certificate of good standing, status report, and a longform standing or short form standing.

Just make sure that your documents are certified to open up your account.

Can I open up an account for an out-of-state entity?

Yes, you can open up a Chase business bank account for an entity that is formed out of state.

If you are doing business in the state that you are opening up a bank account in, you may need to register your out-of-state entity in that state.

This is usually called a foreign entity registration and it might be necessary before you can open up your bank account.

How long does it take to open up a Chase business bank account?

The appointment to open up your Chase business bank account can be finished in under 30 minutes.

Do I need to set up an appointment to open up a Chase business bank account?

It is recommended to set up an appointment because a lot of bank branches do not have business account managers.

How much do I need to deposit to open up a Chase business bank account?

The minimum deposit amount is $25. You can make this deposit with cash or send money from your bank account via QuickPay with Zelle.

Final word

Setting up a Chase business checking account is relatively straightforward.

However, to make the process much more efficient and to make sure that you were selecting the right type of account, I highly suggest that you have a detailed overview of your business and that you don’t forget to check on the ongoing bonuses.

If you have all of your business figures rounded up, and you have organized all of your necessary documents, the process should go very smoothly and you should have your account up and running very quickly.

Are Credit Cards Safer Than Debit Cards?

Many people still wonder whether or not credit cards are actually safer than debit cards. Lots of individuals don’t know about the differences in liability protection that exist between credit and debit cards and don’t factor in a lot of the lesser known protections offered by many credit cards. 

In this article, I’ll break down which is safer to use and give you some insight into why you should choose one over the other. 

Are credit cards safer than debit cards?

Generally, credit cards are safer than debit cards because there is no risk of depleting your bank account and they offer less restrictive liability limitations along with more protections for purchases and travel.

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Better financial security

For the most part, using a credit card will provide you with better financial security. This is primarily because you will have better liability protection and also because you won’t have to risk going without access to your funds in your bank account for quite some time. I’ll explain more about these below.

Liability protection

Contrary to what many people believe, both credit and debit cards have limited liability protections. In fact, if your credit, ATM, or debit card is lost or stolen, federal law limits your liability for unauthorized charges.

The limit on your liability works different for credit cards and debit cards, though. That’s because there are two separate laws that govern debit cards and credit cards when it comes to unauthorized use.

Liability limitations for credit cards

Liability limitations for credit cards, under the The Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA), limit your liability for unauthorized use of your credit card to $50 (many banks won’t even charge you this $50 amount).

But if you made a report of your lost credit card before it is used, the FCBA says you are not responsible for any charges you didn’t authorize. Now, if your credit card number is stolen (but not the card) then you will not be liable for any of the unauthorized use.

You just need to make sure to contact the creditor within 60 days after the first bill with the error was mailed to you. The creditor must acknowledge your complaint within 30 days after receiving it and they must resolve the dispute within two billing cycles (but not more than 90 days) after getting your letter.

Liability limitations for debit cards

The limitations for liability are a little different for debit cards.

If you report an ATM or debit card missing before someone uses it, the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) says you are not responsible for any unauthorized transactions. If someone uses your ATM or debit card before you report it lost or stolen, your liability depends on how quickly you report it.

The chart below provided by the FTC breaks down your maximum potential loss:

If you report:Your maximum loss:
Before any unauthorized charges are made.$0
Within 2 business days after you learn about the loss or theft.$50
More than 2 business days after you learn about the loss or theft, but less than 60 calendar days after your statement is sent to you,$500
More than 60 calendar days after your statement is sent to you.All the money taken from
your ATM/debit card acount, and possibly more; for example, money in accounts linked to your debit account.

If someone makes unauthorized transactions with your debit card number, but your card is not lost, you are not liable for those transactions if you report them within 60 days of your statement being sent to you.

So when it comes to limiting your liability for debit cards, you need to be more on top of the activity on your account in order to limit your liability.

For a debit card, if you don’t act within two business days of learning about the loss, you could be liable for $500 or more but for a credit card as long as you report the loss within 60 days of receiving your statement, your maximum liability is $50.

Another big takeaway here are that if your card number is stolen but your card is not lost, you get the most flexibility with limiting your liability.

If you are ever in doubt about your coverage, just check the terms and conditions for your bank. In some cases, the banks may provide better liability protection than required by law. 

For example, Wells Fargo states: 

Zero Liability protection: Your Wells Fargo Debit Card comes with Zero Liability protection at no extra cost. You will be reimbursed for promptly reported unauthorized card transactions.

If you dive into the terms and conditions, Wells Fargo states:

Your Card comes with Wells Fargo’s Zero Liability protection, which provides you with more coverage than what Regulation E requires for consumer cards (see “Liability for unauthorized transactions according to Regulation E” above).

With Zero Liability protection, you will have no liability for any Card transactions that you did not make or authorize, so long as those transactions occurred before the end of the 60-day period described below.

So both credit cards and debit cards have limited liability protection but debit cards have more restrictions for limiting your liability.

But that’s not even the biggest negative when it comes to using a debit card.

The biggest problem with debit cards is that its protection kicks in after the fraudulent activity has occurred which means that your funds will not be in your bank account.

No depleted bank account

One of the biggest reasons for using a credit card over a debit card is that you do not run the risk of your bank account getting depleted.

Let’s say somebody steals your debit card and was able to also obtain your pin. And now they make a $5,000 purchase from your account leaving you with virtually no funds left in your bank.

Now you go to file a dispute.

Well, the financial institution has 10 business days to conduct an investigation of the claim. 

If the bank takes longer than 10 days to conduct the investigation, they have to give you the disputed money until the process is over which could last up to 45 days.

But still, that’s potentially 14 total days (weekends included) where you could go without your funds in your bank and there would be nothing you can do about it based on what the law states. 

And just think about all the bills and expenses you might have to pay in a two week span. Not having the funds to cover those bills could be a complete disaster!

Now consider if that original fraudulent activity was done on a credit card and the crooks purchased $5,000 worth of goods. You would not be without cash. Instead, you would now only have a $5,000 bill that you would be able to get sorted out by claiming fraud with your credit card company.

And according to the FTC, “[y]ou may withhold payment on the disputed amount (and related charges) during the investigation.”

It’s worth noting that the the disputed amount can be applied against your credit limit, so the fraudulent activity can still affect your finances.

But I think most people would agree that having funds removed from your bank account up to ten days is much more detrimental than having some of your credit limit diminished temporarily with no obligation to pay. 

I should point out that certain payment networks offer better guarantees when it comes to replacing your funds. For example, Visa’s Zero Liability Policy requires banks to replace funds taken fraudulently from your account within five business days of notification but this doesn’t apply to certain commercial card and prepaid card transactions.

Having your bank account emptied for up to 10 days can be extremely stressful.

More reasons to use a credit card over a debit card

Purchase protections

One area where debit cards typically cannot compete with credit cards is when it comes to things like purchase protections. Credit cards often provide you with valuable protections after you buy something that can end up saving you a lot of money.

Purchase protection

If your purchase is lost or damaged within a couple of months of the purchase date, you can often get reimbursed for that amount. For example, the Sapphire Reserve purchase protection offers up to $10,000 in coverage for up to 120 days after your purchase.

Return protection

Return protection allows you to get reimbursed for an eligible item that a store will no longer allow you to return. In many cases, this acts as an extension of the return policy’s deadline. 

Price protection

Price protection will reimburse you for the increase in the price that occurs after you purchase it and within a certain window of time. So if you purchased a TV for $2,000 and it dropped down to $1,700, you could be entitled to recover the $300 difference. (Many price protections on credit cards have been eliminated or reduced in coverage.)

Extended warranty protection

Extended warranty protection will add a year or two onto the manufacturer’s warranty.

Cell phone protection

More credit cards are now offering special cell phone protection that reimburses you for damage to your phone. Usually, all you have to do is pay a deductible and use your credit card to pay your phone bill and you trigger the coverage.

As you can probably guess, all of these protections can offer you thousands of dollars of potential savings and value.

And that is not even factoring in all of the travel protections that many cards have as well. With benefits like rental car insurance and trip cancellation and delay protections, credit cards can save you tons of worry and stress in addition to just extra money.

So from a protection standpoint, credit cards often blow away debit cards.

Rewards

Most credit cards come with much better rewards than debit cards.

With credit cards, it’s easy to get 1.5% or 2% cashback with many cards that don’t even have an annual fee. And then there are the travel cards that earn high multipliers like 4X on dining and allow you to rack up some serious value with your spending.

Many debit cards don’t even come with any rewards.

But you can find some that offer some pretty cool perks. For example, the Disney debit card from Chase can offer some cool discounts and special perks that you can take advantage of when visiting Disneyland or Disney World. 

Better spend the flexibility

Have you ever checked into a fancy hotel and have them tell you that they are putting a huge hold on your card during your stay? Or perhaps, you have an expense come up that requires you to dip further into your wallet than you initially anticipated.

When you have access to a fair amount of credit via your credit cards, these instances do not affect your financial life as much. You can have greater flexibility with your spending, especially with charge cards that have no preset spend limit. 

Building up your credit

A lot of people out there don’t realize that opening up a few credit cards can provide a huge boost to their credit score.

Simply by getting approved for a couple of cards and making on-time payments while keeping utilization at a minimum over a period of a few years, can greatly increase your credit score and allow you to get approved for a better mortgage rates, car loans, etc. 

If you simply rely on debit cards instead of venturing into credit cards, you might never build up your credit score in a way that could benefit your life much better.

When a debit card is better than a credit card

There are a couple of instances where I could see a debit card being better for someone than using a credit card and here they are. 

Risk of overspending

If you are somebody who struggles with overspending then a credit card can be less safe in the sense that it could lead you to make horrible financial decisions that could ruin your credit.

With a debit card, if you don’t have money in your bank account, in many cases your purchase will not go through. This typically limits you to purchasing items that you actually can afford.

But of course if you have access to credit then you can purchase items that you don’t have enough money to immediately pay off. This could lead to huge interest payments over time and cause you to remain in debt. 

For some people, this temptation is too real and it’s why, financially speaking, a debit card could be safer than a credit card.

Getting cash

Debit cards can also be considered safer in the sense that you can pull cash out by using them. Many times, especially when traveling, instances come up where you really need to have some cash on hand.

Credit cards can provide you with cash by utilizing the cash advance feature but you will have to pay high fees and interest on those transactions so it is generally not recommended.

On the other hand, many credit cards come with no foreign transaction fees and so by putting a simple travel notice on your credit card, they can be great to use when going abroad.

Final word

Credit cards offer superior advantages over debit cards because they have better liability protection that is less restrictive, they don’t pose a risk of going without funds in your bank account for up to 10 business days, and because they offer much better protections and benefits.

The only advantage that debit cards have over credit cards is that they typically can keep you from overspending which is a real concern for many people. But outside of that, credit cards will be superior in nearly every way.

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