Chase will open an account for you if you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a valid passport and visa, but the process is slower and requires more documents than it is for U.S. citizens.
Chase does not require U.S. citizenship to open a checking or savings account. What it requires instead is proof of identity, proof of address, and a U.S. tax identification number. For non-citizens, that usually means an ITIN (which the IRS issues to people who file taxes but do not have a Social Security number) or, in some cases, a valid foreign passport paired with a U.S. visa.
The catch is that Chase's verification system is built around Social Security numbers and U.S. addresses. When you do not have either, the bank has to do extra work to confirm who you are and whether you are a real person. This means longer wait times, more back-and-forth, and a real possibility that your process will be denied if your documents do not fit the expected pattern.
Key Takeaways
- Chase will open an account for non-citizens who have an ITIN, a valid foreign passport with a U.S. visa, or a state ID issued to non-citizens in some states.
- You will need to bring original documents to a Chase branch in person — online applications often reject non-citizens at the verification stage.
- An ITIN takes four to six weeks to receive from the IRS, so plan ahead if you do not have one yet.
- Chase may ask for additional documents such as a lease, utility bill, or consular ID to verify your address and identity.
- Some Chase branches are more experienced with non-citizen accounts than others; calling ahead to confirm the branch can handle your situation saves a trip.
What documents you need to bring to Chase
Chase requires two pieces of identification and proof of your current address. For non-citizens, the first piece of ID is usually a valid passport from your home country. The second can be a visa, a state ID, a consular ID issued by your country's embassy or consulate, or a work permit.
For proof of address, Chase will accept a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. The address on your ID does not have to match your current address, but you will need to show that you actually live where you say you do.
If you have an ITIN, bring the letter from the IRS that assigned it to you. If you do not have an ITIN yet, you can still open an account in some cases — Chase will ask you to fill out Form W-7 (the ITIN process) at the branch, and the bank will hold your account while the IRS processes it. This takes four to six weeks, and during that time you may not be able to use all account features.
Why the online process usually does not work for non-citizens
Chase's online account-opening system is designed to verify people using their Social Security number and address history in U.S. databases. When you do not have a Social Security number, the system cannot find you, and the process fails at the verification step. You will see an error message, but the real problem is that the automated system has no way to confirm you are who you say you are.
Going to a Chase branch in person solves this problem because a banker can look at your documents directly, ask questions, and make a judgment call. They have the authority to override the automated system. Online, you have no such option.
How long the process takes and what happens next
Opening an account in person at a Chase branch usually takes 20 to 30 minutes if you have all your documents. The banker will enter your information into the system, verify your identity and address, and either approve you on the spot or tell you they need additional documents.
If Chase asks for more documents, you will have a window of time (usually 10 to 14 days) to bring them back to the branch or submit them by mail. If you miss that window, your process will be closed and you will have to start over.
Once your account is open, you can use it when ready for deposits and transfers. If you are filing Form W-7 at the branch, your account will be flagged as pending ITIN verification, and some features (like wire transfers or opening a credit card) may be restricted until the IRS processes your ITIN and Chase updates your file. This usually takes four to six weeks.
Getting an ITIN if you do not have one
An ITIN is a nine-digit number that the IRS issues to people who need to file taxes but do not have a Social Security number. You do not need to be a permanent resident or have any particular visa status to get one — you just need to file a tax return or have income that requires reporting.
To get an ITIN, you file Form W-7 with the IRS along with proof of identity and proof of foreign status. You can file by mail (which takes four to six weeks) or in person at an IRS office or an IRS-authorized Acceptance Agent. Some Chase branches are authorized Acceptance Agents, which means you can file your W-7 there while opening your account.
If you file by mail, send your documents to the IRS address listed on the Form W-7 instructions for your state. Do not send originals — send certified copies. The IRS will mail your ITIN letter to the address you provide on the form.
Which Chase branches are most likely to say yes
Chase branches in areas with large immigrant populations or near universities tend to have more experience with non-citizen accounts. Branches in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami handle these accounts regularly and are less likely to ask for extra documents or deny you.
Branches in smaller towns or rural areas may not have seen a non-citizen account process in months. They may be cautious, ask more questions, or tell you they cannot help — even though Chase's policy says they can.
Before you go to a branch, call ahead and ask whether they have opened accounts for non-citizens recently. If the person on the phone seems uncertain or hesitant, try a different branch. This is not a reflection on you — it is just that some branches have more practice with the process.
What happens if Chase denies your process
Chase can deny your account process if it cannot verify your identity, if it suspects fraud, or if you do not meet its anti-money-laundering requirements. The bank is not required to tell you the specific reason, though it will send you a letter saying the process was denied.
If you are denied, you can try again at a different branch or wait a few months and reapply. You cannot appeal the decision to Chase directly, but you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) if you believe you were treated unfairly because of your immigration status.
If you are denied, do not explore again when ready at the same branch or the same day at multiple branches. Multiple applications in a short time can trigger fraud alerts and make it harder to open an account later. Wait at least 30 days before trying again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Social Security number to open a Chase account?
No. Chase will open an account for you with an ITIN, a valid passport and visa, or a state ID. You do not need a Social Security number, but you do need some form of U.S. tax identification or proof that you are legally in the country.
Can I open a Chase account online if I do not have a Social Security number?
The online system usually rejects non-citizens because it cannot verify them through U.S. databases. Go to a Chase branch in person instead. Bring your passport, visa or state ID, proof of address, and any tax ID you have.
How long does it take to get an ITIN?
By mail, four to six weeks. In person at an IRS Acceptance Agent (including some Chase branches), you can get a temporary number the same day, though the official ITIN letter arrives by mail in four to six weeks. Some branches can file your W-7 while you open your account.
What if my passport is expired?
Chase may still accept an expired passport as proof of identity if it is not too old (usually within five to ten years). Bring it anyway and let the banker decide. If it is rejected, a valid visa, consular ID, or state ID will work instead.
Can I open a joint account with someone who is a U.S. citizen?
Yes. The U.S. citizen co-owner can provide their Social Security number, which helps the verification process. You will still need to bring your documents and proof of address, but having a verified co-owner on the account makes approval more likely.