Chase operates in the US and a few other countries, but it is not a global bank

Chase is a large American bank owned by JPMorgan Chase & Co. It has branches and services in the United States, and also operates in some other countries — but not worldwide. If you are outside the US or a US citizen living abroad, Chase's international reach is limited compared to truly global banks.

Chase's main international presence is in Canada, where it operates under the Chase brand. The bank also has some operations in the United Kingdom, Europe, and Asia, but these are mostly for business and investment services, not for regular banking customers. For personal banking — checking accounts, savings accounts, debit cards — Chase is primarily a US bank.

This matters because it affects what services you can use, where you can withdraw cash, and whether Chase can help you if you move abroad or need to send money internationally.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase has full retail banking services in the United States and Canada, but limited personal banking options elsewhere.
  • If you live outside the US and Canada, you will likely need a local bank in your country rather than Chase.
  • Chase does offer some international services to US customers, such as wire transfers and travel notifications, but these are add-ons to a US account.
  • US citizens living abroad can keep a Chase account open, but you may face restrictions on opening new accounts depending on your location.

Where Chase actually operates

Chase has the most complete banking services in the United States. You can open a checking account, savings account, or credit card, visit a physical branch, and use Chase ATMs nationwide.

In Canada, Chase operates as Chase Bank Canada and offers similar retail banking products — checking and savings accounts, mortgages, and credit cards. If you live in Canada, you can open a Chase account there.

In other countries, Chase's presence is much smaller. The bank has offices in London, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore, and other major financial centers, but these serve businesses, investors, and wealthy clients — not everyday banking customers. If you need a personal bank account in the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, or anywhere else outside the US and Canada, you will need to use a local bank instead.

International services Chase does offer to US customers

Even though Chase is not a global bank, it does provide some tools for US customers who travel or do business internationally. These are services added to your US Chase account, not separate international accounts.

Wire transfers let you send money to bank accounts in other countries. Chase charges a fee for this service, and the receiving bank may charge a fee as well. The money typically arrives in two to five business days.

Travel notifications let you tell Chase you are traveling, so the bank does not block your debit or credit card when you use it abroad. You can set this up online or by phone before you leave.

Foreign exchange services are available if you need to exchange US dollars for another currency, though Chase's exchange rates are not always the best available. You can compare rates at your local Chase branch or online.

Chase also has partnerships with some banks in other countries that let you withdraw cash from their ATMs without paying a Chase fee, though you may still pay a fee from the other bank. Ask Chase which banks are in their network for your destination.

What happens if you move abroad

If you are a US citizen moving to another country, you can usually keep your Chase account open. You will still be able to use online banking, receive direct deposits, and pay bills. However, you may not be able to visit a physical branch or use Chase ATMs, since there are none in most countries.

If you want to open a new Chase account while living abroad, the rules depend on your location and citizenship. Some countries have restrictions due to US tax law and banking regulations. The safest approach is to contact Chase directly before you move and ask whether you can open or maintain an account from your new country.

Most people who move abroad eventually open a bank account with a local bank in their new country. This makes it easier to pay bills, receive paychecks, and handle everyday banking in the local currency. You can keep your Chase account for US-based transactions if you want.

Alternatives if you need banking outside the US

If you live outside the US and Canada, or if you need a bank with stronger international reach, consider these options:

  • Local banks in your country are the most practical choice. They understand local regulations, accept local documents, and let you bank in your country's currency.
  • International banks with global reach — such as HSBC, Citibank, Barclays, or Standard Chartered — operate in many countries and may let you open accounts in multiple locations. However, they are also more expensive and have stricter requirements than local banks.
  • Online banks and fintech services — such as Wise (formerly TransferWise), Revolut, or N26 — offer accounts and money transfer services in multiple countries. These are often cheaper for international transfers than traditional banks, though they may have limits on what you can do.
  • Keeping a US account while opening a local account is common. You can use your Chase account for US transactions and a local bank for everyday spending in your new country.

How to contact Chase about international banking

If you have questions about using Chase internationally, opening an account abroad, or setting up international services, contact Chase directly. You can call their customer service line, visit a branch if you are in the US or Canada, or use their online chat.

Be specific about your situation — where you live, whether you are a US citizen, and what services you need. Chase's answer will depend on your location and the type of account you have. Getting a clear answer before you move or make plans is worth the phone call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase account if I live outside the US?

It depends on your location and citizenship. US citizens living abroad can usually keep an existing Chase account open. Opening a new account from outside the US is harder and depends on the country. Contact Chase directly with your location and citizenship to find out whether you can open an account.

Can I use my Chase debit card in other countries?

Yes. Your Chase debit card works at ATMs and stores in most countries. You will pay a foreign transaction fee (usually 1% to 3% of the amount) and may pay an ATM fee from the other bank. Tell Chase you are traveling so they do not block your card.

Does Chase have ATMs outside the US?

Chase has very few ATMs outside the US and Canada. In most other countries, you will need to use ATMs from local banks and pay their fees. Ask Chase which banks in your destination country are in their fee-free network.

What is the cheapest way to send money internationally with Chase?

Chase wire transfers work but charge a fee. For smaller amounts, online services like Wise often have better exchange rates and lower fees than Chase. Compare costs before you send money, as the best option depends on the amount and destination country.

If I close my Chase account, can I reopen it later from abroad?

Reopening a closed account from outside the US is difficult. If you think you might move abroad, keep your account open even if you do not use it regularly. If you have already closed it, contact Chase to ask about reopening — the answer depends on your location and how long ago you closed it.