Chase does offer safety deposit boxes, but not at every branch

Chase provides safety deposit boxes at many of its locations, but availability depends on which branch you use. Not every Chase bank has them on-site. You'll need to contact your specific branch or check Chase's website to find out whether boxes are available where you bank. If your branch doesn't have them, Chase can sometimes direct you to a nearby location that does.

Safety deposit boxes are metal containers kept in a bank's vault. You rent the box, keep the key, and store documents or valuables inside. The bank holds the physical box but cannot open it without you present — only you and anyone you authorize can access what's inside. Chase charges an annual rental fee for this service, and the cost varies based on the box size you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase safety deposit boxes are available at many branches, but you must check with your specific location because not all branches offer them.
  • You pay an annual rental fee to Chase, with the cost depending on the size of the box you select.
  • Only you and people you authorize can open the box — the bank cannot access it without you present.
  • Common items stored in safety deposit boxes include important documents, jewelry, and irreplaceable family records.

What Chase charges for safety deposit boxes

Chase's annual rental fees for safety deposit boxes vary by box size and by region. Smaller boxes cost less than larger ones. The exact price depends on where your branch is located, so you'll see different rates in different states or cities. Call your local Chase branch directly to learn the current pricing for the sizes available there.

Some Chase customers who maintain certain account types or balance levels may receive discounts on safety deposit box fees. Ask your branch whether any of your accounts may have access to for a reduction. The fee is typically charged once per year, usually in the month you opened the box or at a set time each year.

How to rent a safety deposit box from Chase

To rent a safety deposit box at Chase, visit a branch that offers them and speak with a banker or customer service representative. You'll need to provide identification and sign a rental agreement. The agreement explains your rights and responsibilities — for example, what happens if you stop paying the rental fee, and what Chase does with the box if you close your account.

You'll receive two keys: one to keep and one as a backup. Some boxes use a key-and-combination system instead of two keys. The bank keeps a record of who has access to your box. If you want to give someone else permission to open it, you'll need to add them to the agreement in writing at the branch.

What you can and cannot store in a safety deposit box

Safety deposit boxes work well for documents you don't need often but want to protect: birth certificates, marriage licenses, property deeds, stock certificates, and insurance policies. They're also used for jewelry, coins, and other small valuables. The box protects these items from fire, theft, and water damage because they're stored in the bank's vault.

You cannot store anything illegal, perishable, or hazardous in a safety deposit box. Don't put cash in large amounts — if something happens to you, your heirs may have trouble accessing the box quickly to retrieve it. Avoid storing original wills in a safety deposit box in some states, because the box may be sealed after your death until a court order allows it to be opened. Check with an attorney about where to keep your will.

How to access your safety deposit box

You can visit your branch during business hours to open your box. You'll use your key, and a bank employee will escort you to the vault and a private room where you can add or remove items. The process usually takes a few minutes. Some branches allow you to schedule an appointment if you want to be sure someone is available to help you.

If you lose your key, Chase can open the box for you, but there may be a fee for this service. If you need access outside normal business hours, ask your branch whether they offer after-hours appointments or whether another nearby Chase location can help you.

What happens to your box if you close your Chase account

Your safety deposit box rental is separate from your bank account. You can close your checking or savings account and keep renting the box, or you can close the box and keep your accounts open. However, if you stop paying the annual rental fee, Chase will eventually drill open the box and remove your items. The bank will try to contact you before this happens.

If you move your banking to another bank, you can keep your Chase safety deposit box as long as you pay the fee each year. You don't need an active Chase account to rent one, though some branches may require you to have one. Ask your branch about their specific policy.

Alternatives to Chase safety deposit boxes

If your Chase branch doesn't have safety deposit boxes, or if the fees don't fit your budget, you have other options. Many other banks and credit unions offer safety deposit boxes, often at different price points. You can also use a private vault company, which operates independently of banks and sometimes offers climate-controlled storage for sensitive items.

For documents you need to access more often, a home safe or fireproof filing cabinet may work better than a safety deposit box. For items you want to protect but may need quickly after your death, storing them with a trusted family member or attorney is sometimes more practical than a bank box.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I access my Chase safety deposit box anytime?

You can access it during your branch's business hours. Most Chase branches are open Monday through Friday during standard banking hours, with limited Saturday hours at some locations. You cannot access the box outside these times unless your branch offers after-hours appointments.

What if I die — can my family get into my safety deposit box?

Your family will need a court order or your will to access the box after your death. This process can take weeks or months. Some states allow immediate family to retrieve a will from the box without a court order, but rules vary. Talk to an attorney about the best way to make sure your heirs can reach important documents quickly.

Is my safety deposit box insured?

Chase does not insure the contents of your safety deposit box. The bank is not responsible if items are lost, stolen, or damaged while in the box. You may be able to add coverage through your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy. Check with your insurance company about whether they cover items stored in a safety deposit box.

Can I rent a safety deposit box without a Chase bank account?

Policies vary by branch. Some Chase locations require you to have an account; others do not. Contact your local branch directly to ask whether you can rent a box without maintaining a checking or savings account with them.

What size safety deposit boxes does Chase offer?

Chase offers boxes in several sizes, typically ranging from small (about 2 by 5 inches) to large (about 10 by 10 inches). The exact sizes available depend on your branch. Larger boxes cost more to rent. Visit or call your branch to see which sizes they have in stock.