Chase Bank Continues to Grow Footprint

For years, it has seemed like many banks have been racing to eliminate physical branches. They encourage customers to use mobile apps, ATMs, and online customer service while quietly closing neighborhood locations. Although digital banking is convenient for everyday transactions, it doesn't replace the value of having a real branch staffed by real people. That's why we appreciate what Chase is doing. Instead of retreating from local communities, Chase continues to open new branches in cities and towns across the United States. As travelers who spend thousands of miles on America's highways every year, we've noticed this expansion firsthand. Having convenient access to a nearby Chase branch makes banking much easier when you're away from home.

California Chase Bank Location - Photo: © 2026 RoadTour.Net

According to a Chase press release issued on February 18, 2026:

"JPMorganChase today announced plans to open more than 160 new branches in over 30 states and renovate nearly 600 locations this year as part of a multibillion-dollar investment to expand access to affordable and convenient financial services nationwide."

That announcement reinforces what we've been seeing during our travels. Rather than reducing its physical presence, Chase appears to be investing in making banking more accessible to customers across the country. Despite the growth of mobile banking, there are still plenty of situations where visiting a branch is simply the better option. Whether you need a cashier's check, assistance with a complicated transaction, help resolving an account issue, or simply want to speak with someone face-to-face, there are moments when technology cannot replace personal service. Unfortunately, not every bank appears to share that philosophy. Many financial institutions have significantly reduced their branch networks over the past several years. In our travels, we've found that locating some banks — such as PNC — can be surprisingly difficult in certain areas because so many locations have closed. Instead of banking being convenient, customers sometimes have to drive well out of their way just to find an open branch. We don't like this trend. It's unacceptable actually.

Banking should be about serving customers—not making them work harder to access basic services. While digital tools are valuable, they should complement in-person banking, not replace it entirely. Eliminating branches may reduce operating costs, but they can also reduce customer convenience and weaken the relationship between banks and the communities they serve. From our perspective, Chase deserves recognition for continuing to invest in physical locations. New branches mean better accessibility, more convenience for travelers, and the reassurance that when you need help from a real person, there's a good chance one is nearby. We hope more banks take notice. Not every customer wants to handle every financial matter through a smartphone or chatbot. There is still tremendous value in walking into a clean, professionally staffed bank branch and receiving personal service.

As long as Chase continues expanding its branch network while many competitors continue shrinking theirs, we'll view that as a positive step for customers — and especially for those of us who spend a lot of time on the road. We think it's time to open a Chase account.