You cannot open a standard Chase account remotely from Spain, but you have two real paths forward
Chase does not allow non-residents to open checking or savings accounts online from outside the United States. If you are physically in Spain, you cannot complete the account opening process through Chase's website or app — the system will stop you when it detects a non-US address or IP location.
However, you can open an account if you travel to the US and do it in person at a Chase branch, or if you already have a US address on file (such as a parent's home address or a US mailing service). Some people also maintain existing Chase accounts opened before moving abroad, which remain active as long as you keep them in good standing.
The real constraint is not your location but your ability to verify a US residential address during the account opening process. Chase requires a physical US address — not a PO box — and will ask for a government-issued ID that matches it.
Key Takeaways
- Chase's online account opening system blocks applications from non-US IP addresses and non-US residential addresses, so you cannot complete the process from Spain.
- You can open an account in person at any US Chase branch if you travel back to the United States with a valid passport or US ID.
- If you have a US address you can use (family home, trusted friend's address, or a US mail forwarding service), you may be able to open an account online, though Chase may verify the address by mail.
- If you already held a Chase account before moving to Spain, you can keep it open indefinitely as long as you make deposits or transfers regularly to show activity.
- Chase does not offer international account opening for US citizens abroad, so you will need to work within one of these three paths.
Opening an account in person during a US visit
This is the most straightforward route if you can travel to the United States. You walk into any Chase branch with a valid passport or US driver's license and ask to open a checking or savings account. The process takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will need to provide your current address (your Spain address is fine for this), a phone number, and an initial deposit — usually $25 for a basic checking account, though this varies by account type.
The branch will run a ChexSystems check, which is a banking history report. If you have never had a US bank account, this will come back clear. If you have had accounts before, Chase will see any history of overdrafts or closed accounts. This rarely blocks approval, but it can slow the process.
Once the account is open, you can use it from Spain. You can deposit checks by photograph through the mobile app, transfer money in and out, and pay bills online. The account will remain active as long as you use it at least once every 12 months — a small transfer or deposit counts.
Using a US address to open online
If you have access to a legitimate US residential address — a parent's home, a friend's apartment, or a mail forwarding service that provides a real street address — you may be able to open an account online from Spain. The key word is "may": Chase's system is inconsistent about what it accepts.
Enter the US address during the online process. Chase will likely send a verification letter to that address within 5 to 10 business days. Someone at that address will need to receive it, open it, and provide you with a code or confirmation number. You then enter that code into your Chase account to complete the verification.
This works, but it requires coordination with whoever lives at or monitors that address. If the letter arrives and sits unopened, your account opening will stall. Some people use services like Earth Class Mail or Virtual Mailbox, which provide a real US street address and scan incoming mail so you can see it when ready. These services cost $10 to $30 per month.
Be aware that Chase may also call the phone number you provide to verify your identity. Have a US phone number ready if possible — a Google Voice number with a US area code works for this purpose.
Keeping an existing Chase account active from abroad
If you opened a Chase account before moving to Spain, you can keep it open indefinitely. Chase does not close accounts straightforward because the account holder moves overseas. The account remains active as long as you maintain it — meaning you make at least one deposit or transfer every 12 months.
You can manage the account entirely from Spain through the mobile app or website. You can deposit checks by photograph, transfer money to other banks, pay bills, and receive direct deposits. The only limitation is that you cannot visit a branch to deposit cash or handle in-person transactions.
If your account has been inactive for more than 12 months, Chase may freeze it or charge dormancy fees depending on the account type. Contact Chase before moving to let them know you are relocating, and set up a small recurring transfer or deposit to keep the account active.
What you cannot do from Spain
Chase will not allow you to open a new account online if you are explore from a non-US address. The system detects your IP location and your residential address and blocks the process. You cannot work around this by using a VPN — Chase's fraud detection catches this, and attempting it may flag your account or process.
You also cannot open an account by mail or phone. Chase requires in-person verification for new accounts, either at a branch or through the address verification process described above.
If you need a US bank account urgently and cannot travel to the US, your alternatives are limited. Some online banks like Wise or Revolut offer multi-currency accounts that work well for people living abroad, though they are not traditional US bank accounts and do not come with a US routing number for direct deposits.
The address verification process step by step
If you choose to open an account using a US address, here is what happens:
- You complete the online process with the US address and submit it.
- Chase sends a letter to that address within 5 to 10 business days. The letter contains a verification code or instructions.
- The person at that address receives the letter and either reads you the code or scans it and sends it to you.
- You log into your Chase account and enter the code in the verification section.
- Chase confirms your address and activates your account. This usually happens within 24 hours of code entry.
- You can then use the account when ready.
The entire process takes 2 to 3 weeks from process to set up. If the verification letter gets lost in the mail, you can request a replacement, which adds another 5 to 10 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my work address or a hotel address to open a Chase account?
No. Chase requires a residential address — a place where you actually live or receive mail. A work address, hotel, or temporary accommodation will not work. The address must be a street address, not a PO box.
What if I have a US phone number but no US address?
A US phone number alone is not enough. Chase requires both a US residential address and a valid ID that matches it. You need the address to complete the process.
Will Chase close my account if I tell them I am moving to Spain?
No. Notifying Chase that you are moving abroad does not trigger account closure. In fact, telling them is helpful — they can note your file so they do not flag international transactions as fraud. Your account remains open as long as you use it at least once per year.
Can I open a Chase account in Spain through a US embassy or consulate?
No. Chase does not have partnerships with US embassies or consulates for account opening. You must either open in person at a US branch or use the address verification method described above.
What happens if I open an account with a borrowed address and then move?
Update your address in your Chase account as soon as you move. Chase allows you to change your address online at any time. Keeping an outdated address on file can cause problems with mail delivery and fraud verification, but it will not close your account.