Chase will open a checking account for international students, but you need a valid passport, an ITIN or SSN, and proof of U.S. address
Chase does not require U.S. citizenship to open a checking account. International students on an F-1 visa can open an account at Chase branches nationwide. The process is straightforward if you have the right documents, but the specific requirements depend on whether you have a Social Security Number (SSN), an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), or neither.
The most direct path is to walk into a Chase branch with your passport, proof of address (such as a lease or utility bill with your name and U.S. address), and either an SSN, ITIN, or a Chase International Banking form. If you have none of these, Chase can still open the account, but the process takes longer and may require additional steps.
Chase also offers online account opening for some international customers, though availability varies by state. The online route is faster if your state supports it, but you will need to verify your identity through their system, which typically involves uploading documents or completing a video call.
Key Takeaways
- International students can open a Chase checking account with a valid passport, proof of U.S. address, and either an SSN, ITIN, or Chase International Banking form.
- In-branch opening is available at any Chase location and usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have all required documents.
- Online account opening is faster but only available in certain states; check Chase's website to see if your state is supported.
- Chase does not charge monthly fees on most student checking accounts, but you must maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit to avoid fees on other account types.
- If you do not yet have an SSN or ITIN, you can still open an account using Chase's International Banking form, though the process may take a few extra days.
What documents you need to bring to a Chase branch
Bring your valid passport as your primary form of identification. Chase will not accept a student ID, driver's license from your home country, or an expired passport. The passport must be current and show your name, photo, and expiration date.
Bring proof of your U.S. address. This can be a lease agreement, a utility bill, a bank statement, or a letter from your school's housing office. The document must show your name and a U.S. street address. A P.O. box does not count. If you live in on-campus housing and the lease is in your school's name, bring a letter from the housing office confirming your residence and the address.
Bring either your SSN, ITIN, or a completed Chase International Banking form. If you have a Social Security Number (which you may have obtained through your school's employment or other means), bring the card or a document showing the number. If you have an ITIN from filing taxes, bring that documentation. If you have neither, Chase will provide the International Banking form at the branch; you fill it out and submit it as part of your process.
Opening an account in person versus online
In-person opening at a Chase branch is the most reliable route for international students. You walk in with your documents, speak to a banker, and the account is usually open within 15 to 30 minutes. The banker can answer questions about your specific situation on the spot and can process your process when ready if documents are in order. Chase branches are open Monday through Friday, and many are open on Saturday mornings.
Online account opening through Chase's website is faster if your state supports it—the account can be open within minutes. However, Chase does not offer online opening in all states. Before you attempt online opening, check Chase's website or call 1-800-935-9935 to confirm whether your state is supported. If it is, you will upload images of your passport and proof of address, and Chase will verify your identity through their system. This may involve a video call or automated verification.
If you start an online process and your state is not supported, you will be directed to complete the account in a branch. This does not delay you further—you straightforward finish the process in person with the documents you have already prepared.
If you do not have an SSN or ITIN yet
Chase can open an account for you without an SSN or ITIN by using their International Banking form. This form is available at any Chase branch and takes a few minutes to complete. You provide your passport number, date of birth, and other identifying information. Chase will assign you a temporary identifier for the account while your SSN or ITIN is pending.
Once you obtain an SSN or ITIN later, you will need to update your account information with Chase. You can do this by visiting a branch, calling Chase customer service, or updating it online through your Chase account. This update is important because your bank will eventually need the number for tax reporting and compliance purposes.
The timeline for getting an SSN depends on your visa status and your school's sponsorship. F-1 students can request an SSN through their school's international student office, usually after you have been in the country for a certain period or if you are working on campus. An ITIN is obtained by filing a tax return with the IRS, which takes several weeks to process. Neither is required to open the account when ready, so you can open your Chase account now and update it later.
Monthly fees and account requirements
Chase offers a student checking account with no monthly maintenance fee, provided you are under 25 years old and a full-time student. You do not need to maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. This account includes a debit card, online banking, and mobile app access.
If you do not may have access to for the student account (for example, if you are a graduate student or over 25), Chase will open a standard checking account. Standard accounts typically charge a monthly fee of $12, but you can waive the fee by maintaining a minimum balance (usually $1,500) or setting up direct deposit of at least $500 per month. Ask the banker which option works best for your situation.
International students often find it easiest to maintain the minimum balance rather than arranging direct deposit, since direct deposit typically requires a U.S. employer or payroll system. If you are working on campus, your school's payroll may support direct deposit, so ask your employer.
Using your Chase account as an international student
Once your account is open, you can use your debit card to withdraw cash from any Chase ATM in the U.S. at no charge. You can also withdraw cash from ATMs outside the Chase network, but you will pay a fee (usually $2.50 to $3.00 per transaction). Chase has over 16,000 ATMs nationwide, so finding one nearby is usually straightforward.
You can transfer money from your account to family abroad using Chase's international wire transfer service. Wire transfers typically take one to three business days and cost between $15 and $25 depending on the destination country. You can initiate a wire transfer online, through the mobile app, or at a branch.
If you need to receive money from family abroad, you can provide them with your Chase account number and routing number (which you will find in your account details or on your debit card). They can send you money via international wire transfer, ACH transfer (if they have a U.S. bank account), or services like Wise or PayPal, depending on what they have access to.
What happens after you graduate or leave the U.S.
Your Chase account remains open after you graduate or leave the U.S., provided you keep it active. You do not have to close it. You can continue to use your debit card to access your money, transfer funds internationally, and manage your account online from anywhere in the world.
If you do not use your account for an extended period (typically 12 months or longer), Chase may close it due to inactivity. To keep it active, make at least one transaction every 12 months—this can be a small transfer, a debit card purchase, or a deposit. If your account is closed due to inactivity, you can reopen it by visiting a branch or calling Chase customer service.
If you want to close your account before you leave, visit a Chase branch or call 1-800-935-9935. You will need to withdraw your remaining balance or arrange for it to be transferred to another account. Chase will close the account within a few business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a U.S. Social Security Number to open a Chase account?
No. Chase will open an account using your passport and an ITIN, or using their International Banking form if you have neither. You can update your account with an SSN or ITIN later once you obtain one.
Can I open a Chase account online if I am an international student?
It depends on your state. Chase supports online account opening in most states, but not all. Check Chase's website or call 1-800-935-9935 to confirm whether your state is supported. If it is not, you will need to open your account in a branch.
What if my proof of address is in my roommate's name or my school's name?
If you live in on-campus housing, bring a letter from your school's housing office confirming your residence and the address. If you live off-campus with a roommate, bring a lease or utility bill that shows your name, or bring a letter from your roommate authorizing you to use the address as your residence. Chase may ask for additional documentation in this case.
Will Chase charge me a monthly fee as an international student?
Chase offers a student checking account with no monthly fee if you are under 25 and a full-time student. If you do not may have access to for the student account, you will pay a monthly fee unless you maintain a minimum balance or set up direct deposit. Ask the banker which account type you may have access to for.
Can I send money to my family abroad from my Chase account?
Yes. You can send an international wire transfer through Chase's website, mobile app, or at a branch. Wire transfers typically cost $15 to $25 and take one to three business days, depending on the destination country.