Chase will open an account for you as a foreigner, but the process depends on your visa status and whether you have a U.S. address
Chase accepts foreign nationals as account holders. The bank does not require U.S. citizenship. However, Chase needs to verify your identity and comply with federal anti-money-laundering rules, which means you will need either a valid visa, a passport, and proof of a U.S. address, or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you do not have a visa.
The easiest path is to walk into a Chase branch in person with your documents. Online account opening for foreigners is limited and often fails at the identity verification step. If you are in the U.S. on a student visa, work visa, or tourist visa, you have a reasonable chance of opening an account same-day or within a few days. If you are outside the U.S., Chase will not open an account for you remotely.
Key Takeaways
- Chase requires a valid passport, proof of U.S. address, and either a visa or an ITIN to open an account as a foreigner.
- Opening an account in person at a Chase branch is faster and more reliable than attempting to open one online.
- If you do not have a U.S. address yet, some Chase branches will accept a temporary address such as a hotel or the address of a friend or family member.
- You will need a Social Security Number or ITIN; Chase will not open an account using only a passport number.
- Bring original documents, not copies; Chase will not accept photocopies for identity verification.
Documents you will need to bring to a Chase branch
Bring your original passport and one additional form of government-issued ID if you have it. Chase will not accept copies. If your passport is your only ID, that is usually sufficient, but having a second document speeds up the process.
You will also need proof of your U.S. address. This can be a lease, a utility bill, a bank statement, or a letter from your employer or school on letterhead. The document must show your name and the address. If you have just arrived and do not have a lease or utility bill yet, some branches will accept a temporary address such as a hotel confirmation, an Airbnb receipt, or a letter from a friend or family member stating you are staying at their address. Call the branch ahead of time to ask what they will accept.
Finally, bring either your Social Security Number or your ITIN. If you do not have either, you can request an ITIN from the IRS before opening the account, or you can ask the Chase branch whether they can refer you to the IRS office nearest to you. The process of obtaining an ITIN takes several weeks.
Visa status and what Chase will ask
Chase will ask what visa you hold or whether you are in the U.S. without a visa. If you are on an F-1 student visa, H-1B work visa, L-1 visa, or tourist visa (B-1/B-2), Chase will open an account for you. If you are undocumented, Chase will not open an account.
The bank will also ask how long you plan to stay in the U.S. and whether you have a job or are enrolled in school. These questions are part of their standard process; they are not testing your honesty. Answer them straightforwardly. Chase is not required to report your visa status to immigration authorities.
If you are on a visa that does not allow you to work, Chase will still open an account for you. The bank does not verify your work authorization; that is the employer's responsibility.
Opening an account online as a foreigner
Chase's online account-opening tool often rejects foreign nationals at the identity verification step. The system may ask for a U.S. phone number, a Social Security Number, or other information that does not match your situation. If you try online and the system stops you, do not try again repeatedly; each attempt may be flagged in Chase's system.
Instead, go to a Chase branch in person. This is faster and avoids the frustration of repeated rejections. If you are in a city without a Chase branch, you can call Chase customer service at 1-800-935-9935 and ask whether they can open an account for you over the phone, though this is rare and usually only works if you already have a relationship with the bank.
Account types available to foreigners
Chase offers checking and savings accounts to foreign nationals. You can open a basic checking account (such as Chase Total Checking) or a savings account (such as Chase Savings). You cannot open a credit card account as a foreigner unless you have a Social Security Number and a U.S. credit history, which takes time to build.
Some Chase branches also offer accounts designed for international customers, such as the Chase International Checking account, which waives certain fees for customers who maintain a higher balance. Ask the branch representative what accounts are available to you based on your visa status and address.
Timeline and what happens after you open the account
If you open an account in person at a Chase branch, you will usually receive a debit card on the spot or within 3 to 5 business days. Your account will be active immediately, and you can use it to receive direct deposits or wire transfers right away. You may have a temporary daily withdrawal limit of $500 until the bank completes its internal verification, which usually takes 1 to 3 business days.
Chase will mail your debit card and PIN to the address you provided. If you are staying at a temporary address, ask the branch whether they can hold the card for pickup instead of mailing it. Some branches will do this; others will not.
You will also receive login credentials for Chase's online banking portal. You can set up online banking and mobile banking immediately after opening the account.
What to do if Chase denies your account
Chase may deny your account if you cannot provide a valid passport, a U.S. address, or an ITIN or Social Security Number. If this happens, ask the branch manager why the account was denied. Sometimes the reason is a misunderstanding about what documents you need, and the manager can clarify or accept an alternative document.
If Chase denies you, other banks that are more willing to work with foreign nationals include Wise (formerly TransferWise), which offers U.S. bank accounts to non-residents, and some regional banks and credit unions. Wise requires a valid passport and proof of identity but does not require a U.S. address, and you can open an account online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Social Security Number to open a Chase account as a foreigner?
No. You can use an ITIN instead. If you do not have either, you can request an ITIN from the IRS before opening the account. The process takes several weeks. Some Chase branches may refer you to the nearest IRS office to speed this up.
Can I open a Chase account if I am outside the U.S. right now?
No. Chase does not open accounts remotely for foreign nationals. You must be in the U.S. and visit a branch in person. Once your account is open, you can manage it online from anywhere.
Will Chase report my information to immigration?
No. Chase is a bank, not an immigration authority. The bank will not report your visa status or personal information to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Chase is required to verify your identity and comply with anti-money-laundering rules, but this is standard for all customers.
What if I do not have a permanent U.S. address yet?
Many Chase branches will accept a temporary address such as a hotel, an Airbnb, or the address of a friend or family member. Call the branch ahead of time to confirm what they will accept. Bring a document that shows the temporary address and your name.
Can I open a credit card account as a foreigner?
Not immediately. You need a Social Security Number and a U.S. credit history, which takes time to build. After you open a checking or savings account and use it for several months, you may be able to request a credit card, though approval is not may provide.