Chase is the largest bank in the United States by assets, and many people assume they can walk into a branch and get a medallion signature guarantee. In practice, it is more complicated than that.
Chase does participate in the STAMP medallion program, but their willingness to stamp documents depends on your account history, the nature of the transaction, and which branch you visit. Many customers contact us after being turned away by Chase, sometimes after multiple attempts.
Does Chase Offer Medallion Signature Guarantees?
Yes, Chase offers medallion signature guarantees at some branches. The service is not universally available, and the bank applies its own internal criteria to determine whether it will stamp your documents.
Requirements
Chase’s requirements for a medallion signature guarantee generally include:
Active Chase account. You must be an existing customer. Chase does not provide medallion stamps to non-customers.
Account tenure. Your account typically needs to have been open for at least six months. Newer accounts are often declined.
Branch visit required. The service is in-person only. Not all branches have staff who are trained and authorized to provide medallion stamps.
Appointment scheduling. Walk-ins are generally not accepted for medallion services. You will need to call ahead and schedule, and availability varies.
Transaction review. Chase reviews each request individually. The type of transaction, the dollar amount, and the documentation provided all factor into their decision.
Documentation. You will need to bring the original documents requiring the stamp, valid government-issued ID, and any supporting documentation for your specific transaction type (letters testamentary, trust certificates, corporate resolutions, etc.).
Common Reasons Chase Declines Requests
The most frequent reasons we hear from people who were turned away by Chase:
- The branch did not have a qualified medallion officer
- The account was too new
- The transaction involved an estate or trust, which the branch considered too complex
- The dollar value exceeded the branch’s approved limit
- The customer was trying to transfer securities held at another institution
- Required documentation was not available or did not meet the branch’s standards
Chase bankers are often apologetic about these limitations. The decision is typically driven by bank policy, not by the individual branch employee.
Processing Time
When Chase does approve a medallion request:
- Scheduling an appointment: 2-7 business days
- Branch visit: 30-60 minutes
- Additional review (if needed): 1-5 business days
- Total: 1-2 weeks under favorable conditions
If additional documentation is requested or the branch needs to escalate the review, this timeline can extend significantly.
Chase vs. eSignature Guarantee
| Chase | eSignature Guarantee | |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Existing customers, 6+ months | Anyone in the US |
| Process | In-person, by appointment | Entirely online |
| Transaction types | Varies; complex cases often declined | All types including estates, trusts, corporate |
| Transaction limits | Branch-dependent | Up to $500,000 standard |
| Processing time | 1-2 weeks typical | 5 business days |
| Cost | Free for qualifying customers | From $300 |
| Availability | Select branches | Nationwide |
The Bottom Line
If you are a long-standing Chase customer with a simple transfer and a branch that offers the service, it is reasonable to try Chase first. But if your situation involves an estate, trust, corporate entity, or any complexity beyond a basic individual transfer, you are likely to encounter resistance.
We hear from Chase customers regularly. The most common story: multiple calls, multiple branches, weeks of delays, and ultimately a referral to us.
eSignature Guarantee handles the transactions that banks prefer not to. We are a STAMP-participating institution, our stamps are accepted by all major transfer agents, and the entire process happens online. From $300, with processing typically within 5 business days.