Yes, but Chase requires a U.S. address and an ITIN or passport
Chase will open a checking or savings account for a non-U.S. citizen, but you must have a physical U.S. address — not a mail drop or virtual address. You also need either a U.S. Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) issued by the IRS, or a valid passport from your home country plus a secondary ID. Chase does not accept accounts opened by people living outside the United States.
The process is straightforward if you have these documents, but the rules vary slightly by state and by whether you are a visa holder, permanent resident, or undocumented immigrant. Chase's policy is to serve all three groups, but the documentation you bring will differ.
Key Takeaways
- You need a U.S. street address — a P.O. box or virtual mailbox will not work, and Chase will verify it.
- An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is the easiest path; you can get one from the IRS even without a Social Security number.
- If you do not have an ITIN, bring a valid passport plus a secondary ID such as a driver's license or national ID card from your home country.
- Chase will ask for proof of address, usually a utility bill, lease, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
- You can open an account in person at a branch or online, though online approval may take longer for non-citizens.
What documents you need to bring
Chase requires one primary form of ID and one proof of address. The primary ID is either your passport or, if you have one, your ITIN letter from the IRS. If you bring a passport, Chase will also ask for a secondary ID — a national ID card, driver's license, or state ID from your home country.
For proof of address, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and U.S. street address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or government mail such as a tax notice or voter registration card all work. If you are staying with someone else, a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the utility bill, plus a copy of that bill, may be accepted — but call your local branch first to confirm.
If you do not yet have an ITIN, you can still open an account with your passport and secondary ID. However, you will eventually need an ITIN for tax purposes if you earn income in the United States, so consider applying for one before you visit Chase.
Getting an ITIN if you do not have one
An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to people who are not may be able to access for a Social Security number but need to file taxes or open a bank account. You do not need to be a permanent resident or visa holder to get one. You can apply by mail using Form W-7 and submitting it to the IRS with proof of identity and proof of U.S. residency.
The process takes four to six weeks by mail. You will need to send an original or certified copy of your passport, plus a notarized copy of your proof of address. The IRS will mail your ITIN letter to the address you provide. Once you have the letter, you can take it to Chase along with your passport and open an account.
Some tax preparation services and community organizations help non-citizens apply for an ITIN at no cost. Search for "free ITIN help" plus your city name, or contact your local community action agency.
Opening an account in person versus online
Opening an account at a Chase branch in person is usually faster and simpler for non-citizens. The banker can verify your documents on the spot, answer questions about your specific situation, and often open the account the same day. Bring all your documents and be prepared to answer questions about the source of funds you plan to deposit.
Online account opening is available but may take longer for non-citizens. Chase's system may flag your application for manual review, which can add three to five business days. If you choose to open online, have your documents scanned and ready, and be prepared to upload them or visit a branch to complete verification.
Either way, Chase will ask for your address, phone number, and email. They will also ask whether you have a Social Security number — answer honestly. If you do not, tell them you have an ITIN or are applying for one.
What happens if you do not have a U.S. address yet
Chase will not open an account without a U.S. street address. If you are moving to the United States but have not yet arrived, you have a few options: use the address of a friend or family member who lives in the U.S. (with their permission), use a temporary address such as a hotel or Airbnb where you will be staying, or wait until you have signed a lease or rental agreement.
If you use someone else's address, Chase may contact that person to verify. Be honest about why you are using that address — Chase staff understand that people relocating often do not have permanent housing yet.
Do not use a mail forwarding service address or a UPS mailbox address. Chase's system is designed to reject these, and if you provide one, your application will be denied.
Account types available to non-citizens
Chase offers the same checking and savings accounts to non-citizens as to U.S. citizens. The most common choice is the Chase Total Checking account, which has no monthly fee if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Chase Savings is a basic savings account with a variable interest rate.
You can also open a Chase Money Market Account if you plan to deposit a larger amount and want a higher interest rate. All three account types require the same documentation and verification process.
Chase will not open a credit card account for you without a Social Security number or ITIN, and even with an ITIN, approval is not may provide. Focus on opening a checking or savings account first; you can apply for a card later once you have a longer history with Chase.
What to expect after you open the account
Once your account is open, Chase will issue you a debit card, which usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary card number via the Chase mobile app if you need to make purchases before the physical card arrives.
Your account will be linked to your U.S. address and your ID. If you move, update your address in the Chase app or by visiting a branch. Chase may ask you to re-verify your identity if your address changes significantly or if there is a long gap in account activity.
You can deposit money into your account by direct deposit, wire transfer, mobile check deposit, or in-person at a Chase ATM or branch. Wire transfers from outside the United States may take one to three business days and may incur a fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Social Security number to open a Chase account?
No. You can open an account with an ITIN or with a passport and secondary ID. However, if you plan to work in the United States or earn income, you will eventually need either a Social Security number or an ITIN for tax purposes.
Can I open a Chase account if I am on a visa?
Yes. Chase accepts customers on any type of visa — student, work, tourist, or temporary. Bring your passport, visa, and proof of U.S. address. Your visa does not need to be valid for the entire time you plan to keep the account open.
What if my passport is expiring soon?
Chase will still accept an expiring passport as long as it is not already expired. However, if your passport expires within a few months, consider renewing it before you open the account, because Chase may ask you to re-verify your identity if your ID expires while the account is active.
Can I open an account if I am undocumented?
Yes. Chase's policy allows undocumented immigrants to open accounts using an ITIN and proof of address. You do not need to disclose your immigration status. Bring your ITIN letter and a document showing your U.S. address, and proceed as you would with any other account opening.
How long does it take to open an account?
In person at a branch, usually the same day. Online, typically three to five business days for non-citizens, because the application may require manual review. Have all your documents ready before you start the process.