Branch Transformation

JPMorgan Chase speaks on branch expansion, Chicago headquarters

JPMorgan Chase has the most branches out of any bank in the U.S., and it's keeping the momentum going with major expansions across the country.

Photo: Scott Habermann - stock.adobe.com

September 9, 2026 by Bradley Cooper — Editor, Connect Media

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The death of the bank branch was greatly overstated, as evidenced by the branch expansion strategy of JPMorgan Chase. Over the past five years, the bank has invested in a major upgrade of its branch network across the U.S., and most recently opened its headquarters in Chicago's Magnificent Mile

In May 2026, Chase opened 18 branches across 11 states, including Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, New Jersey, South Carolina and others. Later on in July, it opened 11 branches additional branches, for a total of 77 since January 2026. It also renovated 218 branches since January 2026. This is part of its overall plan to open more than 160 branches and renovate 600 in 2026 alone.

Overall, JPMorgan Chase has the largest number of branches open in the U.S., with more than 5,000 compared to Wells Fargo Bank, which has close to 4,200.

The bank recently made a big move by opening a two-story, 11,765-square-foot location in Chicago. This headquarters features a Financial Center for private banking for affluent clients and a branch on the ground floor. The bank chose Chicago as it has 265 branches in the region serving more than 4.3 million customers.

To learn more about this headquarters and Chase's branch strategy, including self-service technology, ATM Marketplace reached out to a JPMorgan Chase spokesperson via an email interview.

Q: Why did JPMorgan Chase choose this building and area of Chicago?

Chase:Chicago is a vital market for JPMorgan Chase, with more than 160 years of history in the city. Chase is Chicago's No. 1 bank, serving 4.3 million consumer and 400,000 small business customers, with more than 14,000 employees locally.

The Magnificent Mile is one of Chicago's most iconic hubs for commerce and community, making 830 N. Michigan Avenue an ideal place for this new flagship. Customers can handle everyday banking while also accessing lending, wealth management, and more personalized financial advice through a coordinated, team-based experience.

Q: What kind of self-service banking tools are available in Chicago?

Chase:Chase customers can use ATMs, the Chase Mobile app, and Chase.com for many everyday banking needs. Chase branches complement those tools with in-person support and guidance — particularly for more complex financial decisions.

Q: What is driving JPMorgan Chase's strategy of branch expansion (vs. consolidation)?

Chase: Customers want flexibility: digital and self-service tools for convenience, and branches for personal assistance and advice when it matters most. That's why JPMorgan Chase continues to invest in both. Across the country, Chase branches remain central to how customers save, spend, and grow their money — with nearly a million visits a day.

This approach is also evident in our continued investment in Chicago. Chase currently operates 265 branches across Chicagoland, and newest branch expands how customers can be served by bringing more capabilities together in one flagship destination.

Q: What branch strategies does JPMorgan Chase follow to ensure a strong customer experience?

Chase: Chase branches are designed around customer needs — modern, welcoming spaces that serve as centers for advice and guidance, including private meeting areas for important conversations.

Chase has a variety of branch formats tailored to community needs, from co-located Chase branches and J.P. Morgan Financial Centers that bring banking, lending, and investing together, to Community Center branches focused on financial education, access, and community support.

About Bradley Cooper

Bradley Cooper is an experienced editor for Connect Media. He has written across a wide range of beats, ranging from food to digital signage to banking, and is the current editor of ATM Marketplace and Food Truck Operator. His background is in information technology, advertising, and writing. When he’s not crafting a story, you can find him going for a run or spending time with his wife and three sons.

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