What Chase requires from non-U.S. citizens

Chase will open a checking or savings account for a non-U.S. citizen, but the documents you need depend on your immigration status. If you have a Social Security Number (SSN), the process is the same as for U.S. citizens: bring a government-issued ID, proof of address, and your SSN. If you don't have an SSN, Chase will accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, which the IRS issues to people who file taxes but don't have an SSN.

Chase does not require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency to open an account. You do need to prove your identity and provide a valid address. The bank will also run a ChexSystems check, which is a banking history report that all major banks use — this is standard for everyone, not specific to non-citizens.

If you have neither an SSN nor an ITIN, some Chase branches will open an account using a passport and consular ID from your country of origin, though this varies by location. Call your local Chase branch before you go in, because policies differ between branches and some require an ITIN or SSN without exception.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase accepts an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) in place of a Social Security Number, so you do not need an SSN to open an account.
  • You will need a government-issued ID (passport, visa, or consular card), proof of your current address, and either an SSN or ITIN.
  • Chase does not require U.S. citizenship or a green card, but the bank will check your banking history through ChexSystems.
  • Policies vary between branches, so contact your local Chase location before visiting to confirm what documents they will accept.

Getting an ITIN if you don't have a Social Security Number

An ITIN is a nine-digit number that starts with 9 and is issued by the IRS. You don't need to be a U.S. citizen or have any immigration status to get one — you only need to file a tax return or have a reason the IRS recognizes for needing one. Many banks, including Chase, treat an ITIN the same way they treat an SSN for account opening purposes.

To get an ITIN, you file Form W-7 with the IRS. You can mail it in with a copy of your passport or visa, or you can apply in person at an IRS office or through an authorized acceptance agent (usually a tax preparation service or nonprofit). The IRS typically processes W-7 applications within two to four weeks if you mail it, though it can take longer during tax season. Once you have your ITIN, you can use it immediately to open a bank account.

If you file taxes in the U.S., getting an ITIN also means you can claim refunds and tax credits you might otherwise miss. Many tax preparation services will help you apply for an ITIN at the same time you file your return.

What documents to bring to Chase

Bring your government-issued ID (passport, visa, or national ID card), your ITIN or SSN, and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government document dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved and don't have a recent document in your name, some Chase branches will accept a letter from your landlord or a utility company confirming your address.

Chase will also ask for your phone number and email address. If you're opening an account online instead of in person, you'll need to upload a photo of your ID and may need to verify your identity through a video call. Online account opening is faster and available 24/7, but some non-citizens report that the system flags their application for manual review, which can add a few days.

Bring two forms of ID if you have them — a passport plus a visa, or a passport plus a consular card. This speeds up the verification process and reduces the chance your application gets delayed.

Differences between in-person and online account opening

Opening an account in person at a Chase branch is usually faster and simpler for non-citizens because a banker can see your documents directly and answer questions about your immigration status on the spot. The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes, and you can start using your account the same day. You'll get a debit card immediately or within a few business days.

Opening online is convenient if you don't have a Chase branch nearby or prefer not to visit in person. You upload photos of your ID and proof of address, and Chase verifies them automatically. However, if the system can't read your documents clearly or flags your application as higher-risk, a Chase employee will contact you to verify your identity by phone or video. This can add two to five business days to the process.

If you're opening an account online and your application is delayed, you can speed it up by visiting a branch in person with your original documents. A banker can complete the verification immediately.

Account types and features available to non-citizens

Chase offers the same checking and savings accounts to non-citizens as to U.S. citizens. The most common options are Chase Total Checking (which has no monthly fee if you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit) and Chase Savings (which earns interest). You can also open a money market account or a CD (certificate of deposit) if you want to save money at a higher interest rate.

All Chase accounts come with online banking, mobile app access, and a debit card. You can set up direct deposit, automatic bill pay, and transfers to other banks. If you're sending money to family outside the U.S., Chase offers wire transfers and international transfers through its partner banks, though fees vary depending on the destination country.

Some Chase accounts require a minimum opening deposit, usually $25 to $100. Check the current requirements on Chase's website or ask at your local branch, because these change periodically.

What happens if Chase denies your account

Chase may deny your account if you have a negative ChexSystems report (a history of unpaid overdrafts, fraud, or closed accounts due to misconduct at another bank), if your documents don't verify, or if the bank suspects fraud. If your application is denied, Chase will send you a letter explaining the reason. You have the right to request a copy of your ChexSystems report and dispute any errors on it.

If you were denied because of a ChexSystems issue, you can try opening an account at a bank that doesn't use ChexSystems or that has a second-chance banking program. Some regional banks and credit unions are more flexible with applicants who have banking history problems. You can also wait six months to a year and reapply to Chase once negative items age off your report.

If your documents didn't verify, ask Chase what specific issue they found. Sometimes a photo was too blurry, an address didn't match, or the system couldn't read your ITIN. You can reapply with clearer photos or corrected information, or visit a branch in person where a banker can verify your documents manually.

Using your Chase account as a non-citizen

Once your account is open, you can use it exactly like any other customer. You can deposit checks, receive direct deposit, pay bills online, transfer money to other accounts, and withdraw cash from Chase ATMs and partner ATMs nationwide. You can also use your debit card to make purchases and withdraw cash from any ATM, though out-of-network ATM fees apply if you use a non-Chase machine.

If you're sending money internationally, Chase offers wire transfers to most countries, though fees are typically $15 to $45 depending on the destination. For smaller amounts or frequent transfers, you might find lower fees through a money transfer service like Wise or OFX, which you can fund from your Chase account.

Your account is protected by FDIC insurance up to $250,000, the same as any other depositor. This means if Chase fails, your money is protected by the federal government.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a green card to open a Chase account?

No. Chase does not require a green card or any specific immigration status. You only need a valid government-issued ID, proof of address, and either a Social Security Number or ITIN. Visitors, students, temporary workers, and undocumented immigrants can all open accounts if they have the required documents.

Can I open a Chase account with just a passport?

Yes, if you also have an ITIN or SSN and proof of address. A passport alone is not enough because Chase needs to verify your tax identification number. If you don't have an ITIN yet, you can apply for one through the IRS before opening your account, or ask your local Chase branch whether they accept accounts without an ITIN.

How long does it take to open a Chase account as a non-citizen?

In person, it usually takes 15 to 30 minutes and your account is active the same day. Online, it can take one to five business days if your application needs manual review. If you're opening an account online and it's delayed, visiting a branch in person can speed up the verification process.

Will Chase report my account to immigration authorities?

No. Banks are required to verify customer identity and report suspicious activity to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), but routine banking activity is not reported to immigration authorities. Opening a bank account does not affect your immigration status.

What if I don't have a U.S. address yet?

You'll need a current U.S. address to open an account. If you're moving to the U.S. and don't have a permanent address yet, you can use a temporary address like a hotel, a friend's address, or a mail forwarding service. Once you move, you can update your address online or at a branch.