August 21, 2024

Chase Private Client vs Wells Fargo Premier

Read more about Bank Reviews & Deals
Ad Disclosure: This article contains references to products from our partners. We may receive compensation if you apply or shop through links in our content. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site. You help support CreditDonkey by using our links. (read more)

Need a premium checking account to match your lifestyle? Chase Private Client Checking℠ and Wells Fargo Premier might be up your alley. See which one suits you.

When you're handling large amounts of money, it pays to get a premium checking account to manage your finances. Top it off with access to elite banking services, and you can be set for the long term.

Chase Bank and Wells Fargo both offer premium checking accounts for high-net-worth individuals. If you meet the requirements to open one, you get a ton of exclusive perks and benefits with their premium services.

Read on to learn more about their premium checking accounts to know which one you can get.

Chase Private Client vs Wells Fargo Premier

Chase Private Client Checking℠ and Wells Fargo Premier Checking are premium checking accounts offered for high-net-worth customers of the two banks. Here's an overview of them:

  • Chase Private Client Checking℠: Has a waivable $35 monthly service fee if you meet a $150,000 average balance or link a Chase Platinum Business Checking℠ account.

    Chase Private Client charges you little to no fees and offers preferred rates and other exclusive perks. This includes personalized support from Chase specialists, access to J.P. Morgan Wealth Management, and Chase Business benefits. Find out more.

  • Wells Fargo Premier Checking: Has a waivable $35 monthly service fee if you have at least a $250,000 balance on each statement ending. Needs a $25 minimum to open.

    Premier Checking gets you various relationship benefits like rate discounts and relationship rates, fee waivers, and no fees for most transactions. You also receive investment perks with Wells Fargo Advisors. Find out more.

What is a premium checking account?
A premium checking account is typically an account offered to high-net-worth individuals who can easily meet high balance requirements. In exchange, customers get exclusive perks and benefits like earning higher rates, little to no fees, and specialized services.

What feature is most important to you when choosing a premium checking account?

What They Have in Common

Below are key similarities between Chase Private Client Checking℠ and Wells Fargo Premier Checking:

  • Both offer low interest rates
  • Both offer priority services and a dedicated 24/7 phone support line
  • Both come with fewer fees like no ATM fees worldwide and no wire transfer fees
  • Both offer relationship rates on linked deposit accounts and discounted rates on some loans
  • Both provide a dedicated banker, investment services, and advisor benefits for your personal financial needs

How They Are Different

Though Chase Private Client Checking℠ and Wells Fargo Premier Checking share some similarities, they also have notable differences:

  • Chase has a lower daily average balance requirement
  • Chase Private Client services not available in all branches
  • Higher deposit, withdrawal, and purchase limits with Chase
  • Reduced minimum balances and fee waivers with linked Chase business checking
  • Advisory fee discounts and annual fee waivers with Wells Fargo Advisors
  • Select credit card offers and bonuses with Wells Fargo Premier

Which One is Better For You?

Both Chase Private Client Checking℠ and Wells Fargo Premier Checking offer exclusive perks. Consider these points to decide which one to choose:

  • Choose Chase Private Client Checking℠: if you are looking for a premium checking account with a relatively low balance requirement. Chase asks for a daily average balance of at least $150,000 across your qualifying accounts.

    Other premium checking accounts need far more than $150,000 for you to enjoy all its exclusive perks. If you can't tie up a lot of money with one bank, Chase Private Client Checking℠ is a good choice.

  • Choose Wells Fargo Premier Checking: if you have $250,000 or more in liquid assets. It is also ideal for those looking to enhance their relationship with Wells Fargo.

    Opting for a premium checking account may improve your banking experience. For example, if you have a managed portfolio with Wells Fargo Advisors, you get annual fee waivers.[1]

If you're still unsure, let's take a more detailed look at how the two compare in the following sections.

Fees

Both Chase Private Client Checking℠ and Wells Fargo Premier have a $35 monthly service fee. But, these can be waived as long as you meet the required balance.

To waive the monthly fee for Chase Private Client Checking℠, you need to have a daily average of at least $150,000 across qualifying deposits and investments or have a linked Chase Platinum Business Checking℠ account.[2]

For Wells Fargo Premier, you need to have at least $250,000 in total across your qualifying balances in your linked accounts by the end of the statement period.[3]

Despite both being premium checking accounts, there are still fees you need to look out for. Below is a table summarizing those charges:[4][5]

ServiceChase Private Client Checking℠Wells Fargo Premier
Monthly Service Fee$35 (can be waived)$35 (can be waived)
Wire Transfer FeeNo incoming or outgoing wire feesNo incoming or outgoing wire fees
Overdraft FeeNo fees on the first 4 business days during the current and prior 12 statement periods.$35 per item
ATM FeeNo fees worldwide with refunded surcharges for using non-Chase ATMsNo fees worldwide with refunded surcharges for using non-Wells Fargo ATMs
Foreign Exchange FeeNo foreign exchange fee for debit card purchasesNo foreign exchange fee for debit card purchases
Linked Account Service FeeNo fees for up to 9 linked Chase Private Client Checking℠ accounts; No fees for linked Chase savings accounts excluding Chase Premier SavingsNo fees on linked accounts
Other FeesNo fees for cashier's checks, counter checks, and money orders; No stop payment fee; Annual rent for Safe Deposit Boxes larger than 3" x 5"No fees for cashier's checks and money orders; Non-Wells Fargo bank cash disbursement fees $3 per US transaction or 3% of international transaction amount

Banking Services

Like most premium checking accounts, Chase Private Client Checking℠ and Wells Fargo Premier promise dedicated and priority services to their account holders.

With Chase Private Client, you can expect the following:

  • Collaboration with a dedicated Private Client Banker for your daily banking needs
  • Home Lending Advisor for your loan and mortgage needs
  • Dedicated Business Banking Advisor
  • Dedicated 24/7 US banking service line (1-888-994-5626)

Meanwhile, with Wells Fargo Premier, below are the premier services you can receive:

  • Access to a Premier banker for your various personal financial needs and goals
  • 24/7 Premier service team (1-800-742-4932)

How do I qualify for a premium checking account?
Banks would have their own criteria for an individual to get a premium checking account. But, the requirements would usually involve:

  • Existing relationship with the bank
  • High combined balance with the bank
  • High annual income
  • Valid invitation to open an account

What type of customer service experience do you prefer for your banking needs?

Rates and Discounts

Both Chase Private Client and Wells Fargo Premier offer special rates and discounts that can help improve your financial management journey.

Relationship Rates
Chase Private Client and Wells Fargo Premier give you access to better rates on linked accounts, which are usually higher than the standard bank rates.

For Chase Private Client, linking your Chase Private Client Savings℠ or your Chase Certificate of Deposit gets you special rates. Plus, you can access rates tailored for CD Ladders - four CDs opened together with equal amounts but varying terms. [6]

For Wells Fargo Premier, you can link most of their personal savings and CDs to get the relationship rates. These include Platinum Savings, Special Fixed Rate CDs, and Standard Fixed Rate CDs.[7]

Discounted Loan Rates
As a Chase Private Client, you receive a 0.25% rate discount when you purchase a new car. And you get a mortgage rate discount based on your existing balance and new money you put in.[2][8]

Meanwhile, Wells Fargo Premier offers you interest rate discounts on specific new loans, like personal loans and auto loans. You can talk to your Premier Banker to see which rates are available to you.[3]

Investment Benefits

Chase Private Client offers access to J.P. Morgan's Private Client Advisor and Wealth Plan℠. This means you can work with a financial expert to create a personalized investment strategy.

When you open a full-service Investment Advisory account, you'll pay an annual advisory fee based on the investment advisory program. Alternatively, you can opt for J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing to avoid the charges.[9]

Meanwhile, Wells Fargo Premier connects you with a dedicated team of financial advisors. You'll also receive a WellsTrade online brokerage account and access to an expertly crafted Intuitive Investor portfolio.

Opting for their automated investing service gives you a 0.10% discount on the 0.35% advisory fee. Choosing their managed portfolio service allows you to waive the annual account fee.

To avoid these advisory fees altogether, you can go for self-directed investing through WellsTrade.[1][10]

How important is the integration of investment services with your checking account?

Other Perks and Benefits

Chase Private Client and Wells Fargo Premier have a lot of similar benefits. But they do have some special perks that make them unique.

Joint account privileges
Opening a joint premium checking account grants both owners access to the same perks and benefits.

With Chase Private Client, you can get authorized debit cards (called Privileges cards) for family members or caregivers, with customizable spending limits

Business benefits
Chase Private Client provides a business advisor for guidance or collaboration with your finance team. And, linking a Chase Private Client Checking℠ account can waive the monthly fee for your Chase Business Complete Checking℠ account.

Additionally, the minimum balance requirement is reduced to $50,000 for Chase Platinum Business Checking℠, and no Chase fees for incoming or outgoing wire transfers.

Higher daily limits
Using your Chase Private Client debit card frequently or for big purchases can grant you higher daily limits. Here's what you'll get:[4][2]

  • Chase QuickDeposit℠ Limit: $100,000 per day and $250,000 every 30 days ($25,000 per day and $100,000 every 30 days for the first 90 days)
  • Zelle Limit: $5,000
  • Purchase Limit: $7,500
  • Chase In-Branch ATM Limit: $3,000
  • Other Chase ATM Limit: $3,000
  • Non-Chase ATM Limit: $2,000

Credit card bonuses
Wells Fargo Premier users can receive bonuses and offers on select credit cards. Meanwhile, with Chase Private Client, there are no credit card benefits.

Should I Get a Premium Checking Account?

If you have no trouble maintaining very high minimum balances, getting a premium checking account should be straightforward, especially if it's already been offered to you.

Just remember, you'll need a substantial amount of money to keep the account and enjoy its exclusive benefits.

Interest rates on checking accounts aren't usually great. If you have a lot of money to deposit, you might earn more interest with other bank products like online savings accounts or CDs.

Decide whether the perks you get on the premium account are worth tying up a lot of money. If not, then maybe this type of account is not for you.

Do I need to keep the balance in the premium checking account only?
Most of the time, no. Most banks and other institutions would look at your combined balance across different qualifying accounts you have with them. If you meet the combined balance during a specified period, then you get to keep your premium status. Always check with your dedicated banker to be sure.

Bottom Line

Both Chase Private Client Checking℠ and Wells Fargo Premier are good premium checking account options, each with unique features and requirements that could sway your decision.

Premier checking accounts promise you exclusive benefits and dedicated services. So, if you're seeking top-tier treatment, try to reach out to your banker and see if you can upgrade your account.

References

  1. ^ Wells Fargo. Investment benefits from Wells Fargo Advisors, Retrieved 04/20/2024
  2. ^ Chase. Chase Private Client Checking℠, Retrieved 04/20/2024
  3. ^ Wells Fargo. Premier Checking fees and details, Retrieved 04/20/2024
  4. ^ Chase. Additional Banking Services and Fees for Personal Accounts, Retrieved 04/20/2024
  5. ^ Wells Fargo. Consumer Account Fee and Information Schedule (PDF), Retrieved 04/20/2024
  6. ^ Chase. Deposit Disclosures and Interest Rates - Rate Sheets, Retrieved 04/20/2024
  7. ^ Wells Fargo. Savings Accounts and CD (Time Account) Rates, Retrieved 04/20/2024
  8. ^ Chase. New deposits and investments discount, Retrieved 04/20/2024
  9. ^ Chase. J.P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing, Retrieved 04/20/2024
  10. ^ Wells Fargo Advisors. Form CRS: Relationship Summary, Retrieved 04/20/2024

Write to Rue Atanacio at feedback@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.

Note: This website is made possible through financial relationships with some of the products and services mentioned on this site. We may receive compensation if you shop through links in our content. You do not have to use our links, but you help support CreditDonkey if you do.

Subscribe to CreditDonkey: Get updates on the latest deals and keep up with the best money moves.
Your privacy is important to us. Unsubscribe anytime

Chase
Member FDIC

Chase Total Checking® - $300 Bonus

Expires 1/22/2025
  • New Chase checking customers enjoy a $300 bonus when you open a Chase Total Checking® account with qualifying activities
  • With over 4,700 branches, Chase has the largest branch network in the U.S. plus access to more than 15,000 ATMs.
  • Chase Mobile® app - Manage your accounts, deposit checks, transfer money and more -- all from your device.
  • JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC
  • Open your account online now
  • Available online nationwide except in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. For branch locations, visit locator.chase.com.
  • Chase Overdraft Assist℠ - no overdraft fees if you're overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the business day or if you're overdrawn by more than $50 and bring your account balance to overdrawn by $50 or less at the end of the next business day*
Save money and build wealth. Sign up to get our FREE email newsletter.
Best Reward Checking Accounts

Best Reward Checking Accounts

Maximize your money with the top 10 reward checking accounts. Dodge buyer's remorse today.

About CreditDonkey
CreditDonkey is a bank comparison website. We publish data-driven analysis to help you save money & make savvy decisions.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed on this page are those of the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.

†Advertiser Disclosure: Many of the offers that appear on this site are from companies from which CreditDonkey receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). CreditDonkey does not include all companies or all offers that may be available in the marketplace.

*See the card issuer's online application for details about terms and conditions. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accurate information. However, all information is presented without warranty. When you click on the "Apply Now" button you can review the terms and conditions on the card issuer's website.

CreditDonkey does not know your individual circumstances and provides information for general educational purposes only. CreditDonkey is not a substitute for, and should not be used as, professional legal, credit or financial advice. You should consult your own professional advisors for such advice.

About Us | Reviews | Deals | Tips | Privacy | Do Not Sell My Info | Terms | Contact Us
(888) 483-4925 | 680 East Colorado Blvd, 2nd Floor | Pasadena, CA 91101
© 2024 CreditDonkey Inc. All Rights Reserved.