Why Open an Account and Invest with Chase?
As a newcomer to the U.S., I chose Chase (JPMorgan Chase & Co.) as my bank, not only because it has a huge number of branches nationwide, but also because its investment platform J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing (https://www.chase.com/personal/investments/self-directed) lets me invest in U.S. stocks seamlessly, right in the Chase App.
In this article I'll walk through my whole process, from opening the account to investing. It's meant for people who have just arrived in the U.S.
How Do You Open a Chase Account?
1. Choose the right bank account
Chase offers several types of bank accounts. I chose Chase Total Checking (a checking account), because:
- New account bonus: there is often a $200 – $300 cash bonus (see current offers at: https://www.chase.com/checking).
- Convenient online banking and mobile app: you can link your investment account directly.
- Full international transfer and payment features.
Documents you need to open an account:
- Passport or U.S. driver's license
- Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)
- Proof of U.S. address (such as a utility bill or lease)
2. Open a J.P. Morgan investment account
Chase's J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing lets you invest in U.S. stocks with no extra fees. I applied directly through the Chase App. Here are the steps:
- Log in to the Chase App → select "Investments."
- Tap "Open an Account" and choose Self-Directed Investing.
- Fill in your personal information, such as your Social Security number and employment details.
- Link your Chase bank account so you can move money in easily.
- Submit the application. Approval usually takes 1-2 days.
Once the account is open, I can manage my investments right in the Chase App, with no need to download another app.
How Do You Invest in U.S. Stocks with the Chase App?
1. Deposit money
After opening the account, the first step is funding it. I chose to transfer directly from Chase Checking to the investment account. The money arrives immediately, with no extra fees.
2. Pick what to invest in
The Chase App gives you full stock market information, including:
- Individual stocks: for example Apple (AAPL), Amazon (AMZN), Tesla (TSLA)
- ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds): such as SPY (S&P 500 ETF) and QQQ (Nasdaq-100 ETF)
- Bonds & Mutual Funds
3. Place a trade
- Search for the ticker symbol (for example, type “AAPL” to look up Apple stock).
- Choose the order type: Market Order or Limit Order.
- Enter the number of shares and confirm the trade.
- After the purchase goes through, you can track your holdings (Portfolio) in the app.
Pros and Cons of Investing with Chase
✅ Pros:
- Commission-free trades: no extra trading fees for buying U.S. stocks.
- Seamless link with your bank account: moving money is quick and easy.
- Supports Auto-Investing: good for long-term investors.
- Plenty of market data, which helps beginners make decisions.
❌ Cons:
- No options trading.
- Fewer research reports and technical analysis tools, so it suits basic investors.
Bottom Line: An Easy Way for Beginners to Invest
If you're new to the U.S. or just starting to invest, using the Chase App to manage your bank and investment accounts in one place is genuinely convenient. In my experience, with J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing I got started in U.S. stocks without trouble, and the app is simple and easy to understand.
If you already bank with Chase, this is an investment option worth considering!
