Chase Bank, one of the largest banks in the United States, offers a wide range of banking services to its customers. However, some of these services come with a monthly service fee, including the Chase Total Checking account. In this informatical article, we will explore the $6 monthly service fee associated with the Chase Total Checking account, understand the reasons behind this fee, and provide tips on how to avoid it.
The Chase Total Checking account is a basic checking account that offers a variety of features, including online banking, bill pay, and check writing. However, this account comes with a $6 monthly service fee, which can be a significant expense for some customers. The fee is charged on the last business day of each month, and it is important to maintain a minimum balance in the account to avoid paying the fee.
To avoid the $6 monthly service fee, customers can either maintain a minimum daily balance of $1,500 in their Chase Total Checking account or set up a direct deposit of at least $500 each month. Additionally, customers can also use their Chase debit card at least 10 times per month to avoid the fee.
chase monthly service fee $6
Understand charges and avoid fees with Chase Total Checking.
- Monthly fee: $6
- Minimum balance: $1,500
- Direct deposit: $500
- Debit card usage: 10 times
- Avoid fee with qualifying activities
- Check account features
- Online banking, bill pay
- Check writing
Manage your Chase Total Checking account effectively to avoid the monthly service fee and enjoy the account's features.
Monthly fee: $6
The Chase Total Checking account comes with a $6 monthly service fee. This fee is charged on the last business day of each month, and it can be a significant expense for some customers. To avoid paying the fee, customers have several options:
Maintain a minimum daily balance of $1,500: Customers who maintain a minimum daily balance of $1,500 in their Chase Total Checking account will automatically avoid the $6 monthly service fee. This is a good option for customers who have a consistent flow of funds in their checking account.
Set up a direct deposit of at least $500 each month: Customers who set up a direct deposit of at least $500 each month into their Chase Total Checking account will also avoid the $6 monthly service fee. This is a good option for customers who receive regular paychecks or other direct deposits.
Use your Chase debit card at least 10 times per month: Customers who use their Chase debit card at least 10 times per month will also avoid the $6 monthly service fee. This is a good option for customers who use their debit card frequently for purchases.
Customers who do not meet any of these requirements will be charged the $6 monthly service fee. However, there are a few things customers can do to reduce the impact of the fee:
- Keep track of your account balance: Customers should keep track of their account balance to ensure that they maintain the minimum balance requirement or meet the direct deposit or debit card usage requirements.
- Consider a different Chase checking account: Chase offers other checking accounts that do not have a monthly service fee. Customers who do not qualify for the fee waivers on the Chase Total Checking account may want to consider switching to one of these accounts.
Minimum balance: $1,500
One way to avoid the $6 monthly service fee on the Chase Total Checking account is to maintain a minimum daily balance of $1,500 in the account.
- What is a minimum daily balance?
A minimum daily balance is the lowest balance that your checking account balance reaches each day. This is different from your ending daily balance, which is the balance in your account at the end of each day.
- How to maintain a $1,500 minimum daily balance:
To maintain a $1,500 minimum daily balance, you need to make sure that your account balance never falls below $1,500 during any day of the month. You can do this by:
- Depositing money into your account regularly
- Using your debit card instead of your credit card for purchases
- Transferring money from another account to your Chase Total Checking account
- Benefits of maintaining a $1,500 minimum daily balance:
In addition to avoiding the $6 monthly service fee, maintaining a $1,500 minimum daily balance in your Chase Total Checking account can also give you access to other benefits, such as:
- Higher interest rates on savings accounts
- Lower fees on other banking products and services
- Priority customer service
- What happens if I don't maintain a $1,500 minimum daily balance?
If you do not maintain a $1,500 minimum daily balance in your Chase Total Checking account, you will be charged the $6 monthly service fee. You will also lose out on the other benefits that are available to customers who maintain a minimum balance.
Maintaining a $1,500 minimum daily balance in your Chase Total Checking account is a good way to avoid the monthly service fee and access other benefits. However, it is important to make sure that you can consistently maintain this balance before signing up for the account.
Direct deposit: $500
Another way to avoid the $6 monthly service fee on the Chase Total Checking account is to set up a direct deposit of at least $500 each month into the account. A direct deposit is an electronic transfer of funds from your employer or another payer directly into your bank account. This is a good option for customers who receive regular paychecks or other direct deposits.
To set up a direct deposit, you will need to provide your employer or payer with your bank account information, including your routing number and account number. You can also set up direct deposit through your online banking portal.
Once you have set up direct deposit, the funds will be automatically transferred into your Chase Total Checking account on the payday or payment date. As long as you maintain a direct deposit of at least $500 each month, you will avoid the $6 monthly service fee.
In addition to avoiding the monthly service fee, setting up direct deposit can also have other benefits, such as:
- Convenience: Direct deposit is a convenient way to receive your paycheck or other payments. You don't have to worry about going to the bank or writing a check.
- Security: Direct deposit is a secure way to receive your money. Your funds are electronically transferred into your account, so there is no risk of them being lost or stolen.
- Timeliness: Direct deposit ensures that you receive your money on time, even if you are out of town or unable to get to the bank.
If you receive regular paychecks or other direct deposits, setting up a direct deposit of at least $500 each month into your Chase Total Checking account is a good way to avoid the monthly service fee and enjoy the other benefits of direct deposit.
Debit card usage: 10 times
The third way to avoid the $6 monthly service fee on the Chase Total Checking account is to use your Chase debit card at least 10 times per month. This is a good option for customers who use their debit card frequently for purchases.
To track your debit card usage, you can use the Chase Mobile app or online banking. You can also set up alerts to notify you when you are close to meeting the 10-swipe requirement.
Using your Chase debit card 10 times per month can also have other benefits, such as:
- Convenience: Using your debit card is a convenient way to pay for purchases. You don't have to carry cash or write a check.
- Security: Using your debit card is a secure way to pay for purchases. Your card is protected by a PIN number, and you can also set up fraud alerts and purchase limits.
- Rewards: Some Chase debit cards offer rewards, such as cash back or points, for every purchase you make.
If you use your debit card frequently for purchases, using your Chase debit card at least 10 times per month is a good way to avoid the monthly service fee and enjoy the other benefits of using your debit card.
Avoid fee with qualifying activities
There are three main ways to avoid the $6 monthly service fee on the Chase Total Checking account:
- Maintain a minimum daily balance of $1,500
- Set up a direct deposit of at least $500 each month
- Use your Chase debit card at least 10 times per month
Customers who meet any of these requirements will avoid the monthly service fee. However, there are a few other things that customers can do to reduce the impact of the fee:
- Keep track of your account balance: Customers should keep track of their account balance to ensure that they maintain the minimum balance requirement or meet the direct deposit or debit card usage requirements.
- Consider a different Chase checking account: Chase offers other checking accounts that do not have a monthly service fee. Customers who do not qualify for the fee waivers on the Chase Total Checking account may want to consider switching to one of these accounts.
- Use a fee-free ATM: Chase customers can use any Chase ATM without being charged a fee. However, if you use an out-of-network ATM, you may be charged a fee by the ATM owner.
- Be aware of other fees: Chase Total Checking account customers may be charged other fees, such as overdraft fees, returned check fees, and wire transfer fees. Customers should be aware of these fees and take steps to avoid them.
By following these tips, customers can avoid or reduce the impact of the $6 monthly service fee on the Chase Total Checking account.
Check account features
The Chase Total Checking account offers a variety of features and benefits to its customers, including:
- Online and mobile banking: Customers can access their accounts online or through the Chase Mobile app. This allows them to check their balance, transfer funds, pay bills, and more.
- Bill pay: Customers can set up automatic bill payments through their Chase Total Checking account. This is a convenient way to ensure that your bills are paid on time.
- Check writing: Customers can write checks to pay bills or make purchases. Chase also offers a check reorder service.
- Direct deposit: Customers can set up direct deposit of their paycheck or other income into their Chase Total Checking account. This is a convenient and secure way to receive your money.
In addition to these basic features, the Chase Total Checking account also offers a number of other benefits, such as:
- No minimum balance requirement: There is no minimum balance required to open or maintain a Chase Total Checking account.
- No monthly maintenance fee: Customers can avoid the $6 monthly service fee by maintaining a minimum daily balance of $1,500, setting up a direct deposit of at least $500 each month, or using their Chase debit card at least 10 times per month.
- Free ATM withdrawals: Chase customers can use any Chase ATM without being charged a fee. However, if you use an out-of-network ATM, you may be charged a fee by the ATM owner.
- Access to a large network of branches and ATMs: Chase has a large network of branches and ATMs across the United States. This makes it easy for customers to access their money and conduct their banking business.
The Chase Total Checking account is a good option for customers who are looking for a basic checking account with no monthly maintenance fee. The account offers a variety of features and benefits, and it is easy to avoid the monthly service fee by meeting one of the qualifying requirements.
Online banking, bill pay
The Chase Total Checking account comes with a variety of online and mobile banking features that make it easy for customers to manage their finances.
- Online banking: Customers can access their accounts online through the Chase website. They can check their balance, view transactions, transfer funds, and pay bills.
- Mobile banking: Customers can also use the Chase Mobile app to access their accounts on their smartphones or tablets. The app allows customers to do everything that they can do on the website, plus deposit checks remotely.
- Bill pay: Customers can set up automatic bill payments through their Chase Total Checking account. This is a convenient way to ensure that your bills are paid on time. You can schedule one-time payments or recurring payments. You can also view and manage your bills online or through the mobile app.
- eStatements: Customers can sign up for electronic statements to receive their bank statements online instead of in the mail. This is a more secure and environmentally friendly option.
These online and mobile banking features make it easy for Chase Total Checking account customers to manage their finances on the go. They can check their balance, pay bills, and transfer funds without having to go to a branch.
Check writing
The Chase Total Checking account allows customers to write checks to pay bills or make purchases.
- Free checks: Chase Total Checking account customers receive a free box of checks when they open their account. They can also order additional checks online or through the mobile app.
- Check reorder service: If you run out of checks, you can order a new box of checks through Chase's check reorder service. This service is available online, through the mobile app, or by phone.
- Mobile check deposit: Chase Total Checking account customers can use the Chase Mobile app to deposit checks remotely. This is a convenient way to deposit checks without having to go to a branch.
- Check images: When you deposit a check using the Chase Mobile app, the app will take a picture of the check. This image is stored electronically and can be viewed online or through the mobile app. This is a secure way to keep track of your check deposits.
Check writing is a convenient way to pay bills and make purchases. The Chase Total Checking account makes it easy for customers to write checks, order new checks, and deposit checks remotely.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Chase Total Checking account's monthly service fee of $6:
Question 1: What is the monthly service fee for the Chase Total Checking account?
Answer: The monthly service fee for the Chase Total Checking account is $6. This fee is charged on the last business day of each month.
Question 2: How can I avoid the monthly service fee?
Answer: There are three ways to avoid the monthly service fee:
- Maintain a minimum daily balance of $1,500 in your account.
- Set up a direct deposit of at least $500 each month into your account.
- Use your Chase debit card at least 10 times per month.
Question 3: What is a minimum daily balance?
Answer: A minimum daily balance is the lowest balance that your checking account balance reaches each day. This is different from your ending daily balance, which is the balance in your account at the end of each day.
Question 4: How do I set up direct deposit?
Answer: To set up direct deposit, you need to provide your employer or payer with your bank account information, including your routing number and account number. You can also set up direct deposit through your online banking portal.
Question 5: What are the benefits of using a Chase debit card?
Answer: Using a Chase debit card has several benefits, including convenience, security, and rewards. Debit cards are a convenient way to pay for purchases without having to carry cash or write a check. They are also a secure way to pay, as they are protected by a PIN number and you can set up fraud alerts and purchase limits. Some Chase debit cards also offer rewards, such as cash back or points, for every purchase you make.
Question 6: What other fees are associated with the Chase Total Checking account?
Answer: There are a few other fees that may be associated with the Chase Total Checking account, such as overdraft fees, returned check fees, and wire transfer fees. It is important to be aware of these fees and take steps to avoid them.
Question 7: Can I switch to a different Chase checking account to avoid the monthly service fee?
Answer: Yes, Chase offers other checking accounts that do not have a monthly service fee. You may want to consider switching to one of these accounts if you do not qualify for the fee waivers on the Chase Total Checking account.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ:
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about the Chase Total Checking account's monthly service fee. If you have any other questions, you can contact Chase customer service for more information.
In addition to the information provided in the FAQ section, here are a few additional tips for avoiding or reducing the impact of the $6 monthly service fee on the Chase Total Checking account:
Tips
Here are a few tips for avoiding or reducing the impact of the $6 monthly service fee on the Chase Total Checking account:
Tip 1: Keep track of your account balance: One of the easiest ways to avoid the monthly service fee is to keep track of your account balance and ensure that you maintain the minimum balance requirement or meet the direct deposit or debit card usage requirements.
Tip 2: Consider a different Chase checking account: If you do not qualify for the fee waivers on the Chase Total Checking account, you may want to consider switching to one of Chase's other checking accounts that do not have a monthly service fee. For example, the Chase Secure Checking account has no monthly service fee and offers similar features to the Chase Total Checking account.
Tip 3: Use a fee-free ATM: Chase customers can use any Chase ATM without being charged a fee. However, if you use an out-of-network ATM, you may be charged a fee by the ATM owner. To avoid these fees, use a Chase ATM whenever possible.
Tip 4: Be aware of other fees: Chase Total Checking account customers may be charged other fees, such as overdraft fees, returned check fees, and wire transfer fees. It is important to be aware of these fees and take steps to avoid them. For example, you can avoid overdraft fees by setting up overdraft protection or by carefully monitoring your account balance.
Closing Paragraph for Tips:
By following these tips, you can avoid or reduce the impact of the $6 monthly service fee on the Chase Total Checking account. Remember to keep track of your account balance, consider switching to a different Chase checking account if you do not qualify for the fee waivers, use a fee-free ATM, and be aware of other fees that may be charged.
By following the tips and advice provided in this article, you can avoid or reduce the impact of the $6 monthly service fee on the Chase Total Checking account and enjoy the account's features and benefits.
Conclusion
The Chase Total Checking account is a basic checking account that offers a variety of features and benefits to its customers. However, the account comes with a $6 monthly service fee. This fee can be avoided by maintaining a minimum daily balance of $1,500, setting up a direct deposit of at least $500 each month, or using a Chase debit card at least 10 times per month.
If you do not meet any of these requirements, you can still reduce the impact of the monthly service fee by keeping track of your account balance, considering a different Chase checking account, using a fee-free ATM, and being aware of other fees that may be charged.
Closing Message:
The Chase Total Checking account is a good option for customers who are looking for a basic checking account with no minimum balance requirement. The account offers a variety of features and benefits, and it is easy to avoid the monthly service fee by meeting one of the qualifying requirements. By following the tips and advice provided in this article, you can avoid or reduce the impact of the $6 monthly service fee and enjoy the account's features and benefits.