Yes, you can open a Chase account with a passport, but Chase will ask for a second form of ID

Chase accepts a valid passport as one form of identification when you open a checking or savings account. However, Chase's standard policy requires two forms of ID — they will not open an account with a passport alone. The second ID can be a driver's license, state ID card, military ID, or other government-issued document. If you do not have a second ID, you have options, but they involve extra steps or visiting a branch in person.

The reason Chase requires two forms of ID is to verify your identity and comply with federal anti-money-laundering rules. A single document, even a passport, is not enough under their internal policy. This applies whether you open an account online, by phone, or in a branch.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase requires two forms of government-issued ID to open an account; a passport alone will not work.
  • Your second ID can be a driver's license, state ID, military ID, passport card, or tribal ID — it must be government-issued and current.
  • If you have only a passport, you can visit a Chase branch in person and speak to a banker about alternative verification methods.
  • Online and phone applications will reject you at the ID verification step if you enter only a passport, so do not attempt this route without a second ID ready.
  • A passport card (the wallet-sized version) counts as a separate document from a passport book, so having both gives you two forms of ID.

What counts as a second form of ID at Chase

Chase will accept any of these as your second form of identification: a U.S. driver's license, a state ID card, a U.S. military ID, a passport card, a tribal ID, or a permanent resident card (green card). All must be current and government-issued. Chase does not accept expired IDs, even if they are recent.

If you have a passport book and a passport card, Chase counts these as two separate documents, so you can use both. Many people do not realize the card exists — it is a smaller, wallet-sized version issued by the State Department and serves the same travel purpose as the book.

Chase does not accept student IDs, work IDs, library cards, or other non-government documents as a second form of ID, even if they have your photo and signature.

Opening an account online or by phone with a passport

If you try to open a Chase account online or by phone with only a passport, the system will ask you to enter information from a second ID. The application will not proceed past this step. You cannot skip this requirement or note that you do not have a second ID — the online and phone systems are automated and do not have an override.

This means if you have only a passport, do not start an online or phone application. You will waste time entering information and then hit a dead end. Instead, go directly to a Chase branch.

Opening an account in person at a Chase branch

If you have only a passport, visit a Chase branch with it and ask to speak to a banker about opening an account. Bring your passport and any other documents you have — a Social Security card, birth certificate, or recent utility bill. A banker can see your situation and may be able to verify your identity through other means, such as checking your Social Security number against records or asking additional security questions.

Chase branches have more flexibility than the online system. A banker can document why you have only one form of ID and may proceed with the account opening. However, this is not may provide — it depends on the branch and the banker's judgment. Call your local Chase branch before you go to ask whether they can help you with this situation.

Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) with you. Chase will need this to set up the account and comply with tax reporting rules.

If you do not have a passport yet

If you are planning to get a passport to open a Chase account, know that you will still need a second form of ID. A passport alone will not be enough. If you already have a driver's license or state ID, use that with your passport once it arrives. If you do not have either, consider getting a state ID card first — most states issue these to people who do not drive, and the process is faster and cheaper than getting a passport.

A state ID card is issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency. You will need to provide proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The card usually arrives within two to four weeks.

What to bring to a Chase branch

Bring your passport and at least one additional document with your name and address or signature on it. This could be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Bring your Social Security number or ITIN. If you have a second form of government-issued ID, bring that too — it will make the process faster.

Bring a phone number where Chase can reach you and an email address for account notifications. Have a starting deposit ready — Chase checking accounts typically require a minimum opening deposit, though this varies by account type. Ask the banker what the current minimum is before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an expired passport to open a Chase account?

No. Chase requires a current, valid passport. An expired passport will not work as either your first or second form of ID. If your passport has expired, you will need to renew it through the State Department before you can use it for a Chase account.

Does a passport card count as a separate ID from a passport book?

Yes. Chase treats a passport book and a passport card as two different documents. If you have both, you can use them together to meet Chase's two-ID requirement. The card is smaller and wallet-sized but is issued by the State Department and is equally valid for identification purposes.

What if I am not a U.S. citizen but have a valid passport?

Chase will open an account for you if you have a valid passport from any country plus a second form of government-issued ID. If you are a permanent resident, your green card counts as the second ID. If you are on a visa, you may need to bring additional documents such as your visa or I-94 arrival/departure record. Call your local Chase branch to confirm what they need before you visit.

Can I open a Chase account with only a passport if I visit in person?

Maybe. A banker at a Chase branch has more flexibility than the online system and may be able to verify your identity through other means. However, this is not may provide. Call the branch first and explain your situation — they can tell you whether they can help before you make the trip.

How long does it take to open a Chase account with a passport?

If you have two forms of ID, opening an account online takes about 10 minutes and the account is usually active the same day. In a branch, it takes 15 to 30 minutes. If you have only a passport and visit a branch, the process may take longer because the banker will need to verify your identity through additional steps.