JPMorgan to Open Over 160 Chase Branches Across US in 2026

Bank bucks global trend of branch closures, citing American preference for in-person banking

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

JPMorgan Chase announced plans to open over 160 new Chase bank branches across more than 30 states in the US this year, accelerating its multibillion-dollar push into physical banking. The expansion is part of a pledge to add over 500 branches to its network over three years, aiming to capture 15% of the country's retail deposits. The move stands in contrast to the trend of branch closures seen in other countries like the UK, where banks have shuttered over a third of locations in recent years.

Why it matters

JPMorgan's branch expansion strategy underscores the continued American preference for in-person banking services, even as digital banking grows. The move positions Chase to better compete for deposits in the highly competitive US banking market, which has over 4,000 banks vying for consumer funds, unlike more consolidated markets like the UK.

The details

JPMorgan plans to open new Chase branches in North and South Carolina, Florida, Pennsylvania, Kansas, Massachusetts, and Tennessee this year. The bank also intends to renovate nearly 600 existing locations. This expansion is part of a 2024 pledge by JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon to add over 500 branches nationwide over three years. The bank says the new branches will serve as 'vital engines driving economic activity' by supporting local businesses, organizations, and communities.

  • JPMorgan announced the branch expansion plans on February 18, 2026.
  • The bank aims to open over 160 new branches across the US this year.
  • JPMorgan pledged in 2024 to add a total of 500 new branches over three years.

The players

JPMorgan Chase

The largest bank in the United States by assets, operating under the Chase consumer and commercial banking brand.

Jamie Dimon

The CEO of JPMorgan Chase, who led the bank's pledge to add over 500 new branches nationwide.

Tom Horne

The head of consumer branch banking at JPMorgan Chase, who stated the bank's branches are 'vital engines driving economic activity.'

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Chase branches are more than just a place to transact; they are vital engines driving economic activity and supporting people, businesses, schools, hospitals and nonprofits.”

— Tom Horne, Head of Consumer Branch Banking, JPMorgan Chase (JPMorgan Chase)

What’s next

JPMorgan Chase plans to hire 1,100 new employees as part of the branch expansion, moving closer to its goal of adding more than 10,500 consumer bank staff by the end of 2026.

The takeaway

While banks in other countries have been closing branches, JPMorgan's major investment in physical locations underscores the continued American preference for in-person banking services. The expansion positions Chase to better compete for deposits in the highly competitive US banking market, where over 4,000 institutions vie for consumer funds.