Yes, but Chase requires a U.S. address and an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number

Chase will open a checking or savings account for a non-U.S. citizen, but not for someone with no U.S. presence. You need a physical address in the United States — a home, an apartment, a workplace, or even a mail forwarding service counts — and a tax identification number that the IRS recognizes.

If you are a foreign national living in the U.S., you can open an account with a passport and proof of address. If you are outside the U.S. and want to bank with Chase remotely, that path is closed; Chase does not open accounts for people with no U.S. address, regardless of citizenship. The bank treats this as a compliance requirement, not a policy choice.

The specific documents and process depend on your immigration status and whether you have a Social Security Number. That distinction matters because it changes what you bring to the branch and how long verification takes.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase requires a U.S. street address and either a Social Security Number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open an account.
  • A passport alone is not enough; you must also show proof of your U.S. address, such as a utility bill, lease, or government mail.
  • If you have a Social Security Number, the process is the same as for U.S. citizens and takes one business day.
  • If you need an ITIN because you do not have a Social Security Number, you must obtain one from the IRS before opening the account.
  • Chase does not open accounts remotely for people outside the U.S., even if they plan to move here later.

What documents you need to bring to a Chase branch

Bring a valid passport or national ID card and a document showing your U.S. address. Chase accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, government mail, or bank statements dated within the last 60 days. A mail forwarding receipt from USPS also works if you do not have other proof yet.

You will also need either a Social Security Number or an ITIN. If you have neither, you cannot complete the account opening that day; you must first obtain an ITIN from the IRS. The process for getting an ITIN takes several weeks and requires filing Form W-7 with the IRS, either by mail or through an IRS-authorized agent.

Bring your passport or ID and address proof to any Chase branch. A teller will verify your identity, run a background check through ChexSystems (the banking history database Chase uses), and open the account if everything clears. The account is usually active by the next business day.

The difference between a Social Security Number and an ITIN

A Social Security Number is issued by the Social Security Administration to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain visa holders who are authorized to work. If you have one, Chase treats you like any other account holder and the process takes one visit to the branch.

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is issued by the IRS to people who need to file taxes but do not have a Social Security Number. This includes foreign nationals, visa holders, and undocumented immigrants. Chase accepts an ITIN in place of a Social Security Number for account opening.

To get an ITIN, file Form W-7 with the IRS. You can mail it with your passport and a completed Form W-7, or you can visit an IRS-authorized agent in person. Processing takes four to six weeks by mail. Once you have the ITIN, you can take it to Chase and open an account when ready.

What happens if you do not have a U.S. address yet

Chase will not open an account without a U.S. street address on file. If you are moving to the U.S. but have not arrived yet, you have two options: wait until you have an address, or use a mail forwarding service to establish one before you arrive.

Services like UPS Store, FedEx Office, or USPS mail forwarding can provide you with a U.S. address before you land. Some of these services issue a receipt that Chase accepts as proof of address. Once you have that receipt and your ITIN or Social Security Number, you can open an account by visiting a branch in person after you arrive.

The alternative is to straightforward wait. If you are moving to a specific city, you can open the account within a few days of arrival once you have a lease or utility bill in your name.

Chase account types available to non-citizens

Chase offers the same checking and savings accounts to foreign nationals as it does to U.S. citizens. The most common choice is Chase Total Checking, 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 want higher interest rates in exchange for a larger opening deposit. All of these accounts come with a debit card, online banking access, and the ability to link to other banks for transfers.

The only restriction is that some Chase investment products and credit products (like credit cards) may have additional requirements or may not be available to non-citizens. A branch representative can tell you which products you are may be able to access for once your account is open.

What Chase checks before opening your account

Chase runs your name and Social Security Number or ITIN through ChexSystems, a database that tracks banking history and fraud. If you have unpaid overdrafts, a history of fraud, or other serious issues at other banks, Chase may decline to open an account.

Chase also verifies your identity by checking your passport or ID against government databases. This is standard anti-money-laundering compliance; the bank is required by federal law to confirm you are who you say you are.

If you have a common name or if there is a name match with someone on a government watchlist, verification may take longer. Chase will contact you if they need additional information. In most cases, the account opens within one business day.

Opening an account online versus in person

Chase does not allow account opening online for non-citizens without a U.S. address already on file. You must visit a branch in person and show your passport and address proof to a teller.

Once your account is open, you can manage it entirely online or through the Chase mobile app. You can transfer money, pay bills, deposit checks by photo, and set up alerts. But the initial account opening requires a branch visit.

If you are in the U.S. temporarily on a visa and want to open an account before you leave, you can do so in person at any Chase branch. The account will remain open as long as you maintain the minimum balance or direct deposit requirement, even if you leave the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase account with just a passport and no address?

No. Chase requires both a valid passport or ID and proof of a U.S. street address. If you do not have an address yet, you can use a mail forwarding service receipt or wait until you arrive and have a lease or utility bill.

Do I need a Social Security Number to open a Chase account?

No. An ITIN works instead. If you do not have either, you must obtain an ITIN from the IRS first by filing Form W-7, which takes four to six weeks. After that, you can open an account at any Chase branch.

Can I open a Chase account if I am outside the United States?

No. Chase requires a U.S. address and an in-person visit to a branch. If you are moving to the U.S., you can open an account once you arrive and have an address. Remote account opening is not available for non-citizens.

What if Chase denies my account process?

Chase usually denies accounts because of ChexSystems issues (unpaid overdrafts or fraud at another bank) or identity verification problems. You can request a copy of your ChexSystems report to see why you were denied, and you can dispute inaccurate information on that report.

Can I keep my Chase account open if I move back to my home country?

Yes. Once the account is open, you can keep it active and manage it online from anywhere. However, Chase may eventually close it if there is no activity for an extended period, or if you move and do not update your address. Check Chase's policy on dormant accounts for your specific account type.