Chase will open a checking or savings account for you without an SSN, but you will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.

Chase accepts ITINs as a form of identification for account opening. An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to people who need to file taxes but do not have a Social Security Number — this includes many non-citizens, visa holders, and people in the process of getting permanent residency. If you have an ITIN, you can walk into a Chase branch with it and open an account the same way a US citizen with an SSN would.

If you do not yet have an ITIN, you will need to get one before Chase will open an account for you. The process takes time, so plan ahead if you need banking soon. Chase will not open an account with a passport alone or with a foreign ID number — they need either an SSN or an ITIN in their system.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase accepts an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) in place of an SSN to open a checking or savings account.
  • You must have the ITIN before you visit the branch — Chase cannot issue one or help you get one.
  • Getting an ITIN requires filing Form W-7 with the IRS, which takes four to six weeks by mail or can be done in person at certain IRS offices.
  • You will need a valid passport or other government-issued ID from your home country, plus proof of your US address, when you open the account.
  • Some Chase branches are more experienced with ITIN accounts than others — calling ahead to confirm they can open one saves a wasted trip.

How to get an ITIN if you don't have one

The IRS issues ITINs through Form W-7, process for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. You can file this form by mail or in person at an IRS office. By mail, the process takes about four to six weeks. In person at an IRS office, you can sometimes get an ITIN the same day or within a few days, though availability varies by location.

To file Form W-7, you will need to prove your identity and your US address. Acceptable identity documents include a valid passport, national ID card, or driver's license from your home country. For your US address, a lease, utility bill, or bank statement with your name and address will work. You do not need to have a job or a reason to file taxes — the IRS issues ITINs to anyone who needs one, regardless of immigration status.

You can find the nearest IRS office that accepts in-person W-7 applications on the IRS website by searching "ITIN acceptance agent" or "IRS office near me." Not every IRS office does this, so check before you go. If you file by mail, send Form W-7 and your documents to the IRS address listed on the form — do not send originals, send certified copies.

What to bring when you open your Chase account

Bring your ITIN, a valid government-issued ID from your home country (usually a passport), and proof of your US address. Proof of address can be a lease, utility bill, bank statement, or government mail with your name and current address. Chase will also ask for your phone number and email address.

Some Chase branches ask for additional documents depending on your situation. If you are on a visa, bring a copy of your visa or I-94 arrival/departure record. If you are in the process of getting permanent residency, bring any documentation you have from USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services). These are not always required, but having them ready prevents delays.

Call the Chase branch before you go. Tell them you want to open an account with an ITIN and ask if they need anything else. Some branches handle ITIN accounts regularly and know exactly what to expect. Others may need to check with a manager or may not be set up to do it that day. A five-minute phone call can save you a trip.

What account types Chase offers without an SSN

Chase offers standard checking and savings accounts to people with an ITIN. You can open a Chase Total Checking account, Chase Savings, or Chase Premier Plus Checking — the same products available to anyone else. The interest rates, fees, and features are identical whether you have an SSN or an ITIN.

Some Chase products do require an SSN or credit history that Chase cannot verify without one. Credit cards, for example, are harder to get without a US credit history, though it is possible. Home loans and investment accounts have their own requirements. Start with a checking account to build a relationship with Chase, then ask about other products once you have been a customer for a few months.

Fees and minimum balances

Chase checking accounts have no minimum balance requirement to open, but some accounts charge a monthly fee if you do not meet certain conditions. Chase Total Checking has a $12 monthly service fee that is waived if you set up direct deposit, maintain a $500 balance, or keep an average daily balance of $1,500. Chase Savings has no monthly fee but pays a very small amount of interest.

Ask the banker which account makes sense for how you plan to use it. If you receive a paycheck by direct deposit, the checking account fee will be waived automatically. If you do not, you may want to keep a small balance to avoid the fee, or choose the savings account instead.

Building credit history after you open your account

Opening a Chase bank account does not build credit history — bank accounts are not reported to credit bureaus. However, having a bank account is the first step toward getting credit. After you have had the account for a few months, you can ask Chase about a secured credit card, which requires a cash deposit and helps you build a credit score.

A secured card works like this: you deposit money with Chase (usually $500 to $2,500), and Chase gives you a credit card with a limit equal to your deposit. You use the card for small purchases and pay the bill in full each month. After 6 to 18 months of on-time payments, Chase may convert it to a regular unsecured card and return your deposit. This is the most common way people new to the US financial system build credit.

If Chase turns you down

Chase may decline to open an account if they cannot verify your identity or if their system flags your information as high-risk. This is rare with an ITIN, but it happens. If it does, ask the banker why. Sometimes it is a straightforward fix — a mismatch between your name spelling or address — and they can resubmit the process.

If Chase declines, try a different Chase branch or a different bank. Many community banks and credit unions are more flexible with ITIN accounts and have fewer automated checks. Your local bank may be easier to work with, especially if you can go in person and speak to a manager. Some banks also offer accounts specifically designed for people new to the US financial system.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get an ITIN?

By mail, four to six weeks. In person at an IRS office that accepts W-7 applications, sometimes the same day or within a few days, depending on the office's workload. Check the IRS website for offices near you that do in-person ITIN applications.

Can I open a Chase account while my ITIN process is pending?

No. Chase needs the ITIN to be issued and in the IRS system before they will open the account. You cannot use an process receipt or pending status. Wait until you have the actual nine-digit ITIN number.

Do I need a US address to get an ITIN?

Yes. You need to prove a current US address with a lease, utility bill, bank statement, or government mail. If you do not have a US address yet, you can use a friend's or family member's address temporarily, as long as you can show proof that you live there or have permission to use it.

Will opening a Chase account with an ITIN affect my immigration status?

No. Opening a bank account is not reported to immigration authorities and does not affect your visa status or immigration case. Banks are required to verify identity and report suspicious activity, but routine banking does not trigger immigration review.

Can I use a Chase account opened with an ITIN to send money to my home country?

Yes. Once your account is open, you can use Chase's wire transfer service or international money transfer services to send money abroad. Fees vary depending on the country and amount. Ask Chase about their rates when you open the account.