What Chase Requires and What You Can Do Instead

Chase will not open a standard checking or savings account without a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have either, Chase offers one alternative: the Chase International Account, which is designed for non-US residents and does not require an SSN or ITIN to open.

The International Account comes with a debit card, online banking, and the ability to hold US dollars. However, it has limits that a regular account does not: you cannot write checks, you cannot set up direct deposit for payroll, and you cannot link it to certain services like bill pay or Zelle. The account also requires you to maintain a higher minimum balance than most Chase checking accounts—typically $25,000 USD or the equivalent in another currency.

If you do not want to meet that minimum or need check-writing ability, you will need to look outside Chase. Other banks and credit unions have different rules, and some will open accounts for non-citizens using a passport or other government ID instead of an SSN.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase's International Account does not require an SSN or ITIN, but it requires a $25,000 minimum balance and does not support checks or direct deposit.
  • To open a Chase International Account, you will need a valid passport or government-issued ID, proof of address, and documentation of your non-US residency status.
  • If you need a lower minimum balance or check-writing ability, credit unions and online banks often have fewer SSN requirements than Chase.
  • Some banks will accept an ITIN instead of an SSN, which you can obtain from the IRS even without work authorization.

How to Open a Chase International Account

You cannot open a Chase International Account online. You must visit a Chase branch in person with the required documents. Bring a valid passport or government-issued ID, a recent utility bill or lease showing your current address, and proof that you are a non-US resident—this can be a visa, work permit, or a letter from your employer or school stating your status.

The branch will verify your identity, confirm your address, and check your background. Chase will not run a credit check for this account type, but they will review your banking history if you have one in the US. The account opens the same day if all documents are in order, though it may take a few business days for your debit card to arrive by mail.

You will need to fund the account with at least $25,000 at opening. You can do this by wire transfer from another bank account, a cashier's check, or cash if you bring it to the branch. After opening, you must maintain the $25,000 minimum at all times, or Chase will charge a monthly fee of $25 or close the account.

What an ITIN Is and How to Get One

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to people who do not have an SSN but need to file taxes or open a bank account in the US. You do not need work authorization or immigration status to get an ITIN—you can be in the country on a visa, be undocumented, or be a non-resident.

To get an ITIN, you file Form W-7 with the IRS along with proof of identity and proof of residency. You can submit the form by mail or in person at an IRS office or an authorized acceptance agent (usually a tax preparation service). The IRS typically issues an ITIN within two to four weeks if you submit by mail, or sometimes the same day if you apply in person at an IRS office.

Once you have an ITIN, many banks will treat it the same way they treat an SSN for account-opening purposes. This opens up regular checking and savings accounts at Chase and other banks, often with much lower minimum balances than the International Account. Some banks that accept ITINs include Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and many credit unions and online banks.

Banks and Credit Unions That Do Not Require an SSN

If you do not want to meet Chase's $25,000 minimum or do not have time to get an ITIN, other financial institutions have more flexible rules. Many credit unions will open accounts using a passport, driver's license, or consular ID card instead of an SSN. Some require an ITIN, but others do not ask for either—they simply verify your identity and address.

Online banks often have lower barriers than brick-and-mortar banks. Wise (formerly TransferWise), for example, allows non-US residents to open accounts using a passport and proof of address, with no SSN or ITIN required. Revolut and N26 also serve non-US residents in many countries. These accounts are designed for international transfers and multi-currency holding rather than everyday US banking, so they may not be the right fit if you need a traditional checking account.

Your best option depends on what you need the account for. If you need to receive paychecks or pay bills in the US, a credit union or a bank that accepts an ITIN will serve you better than an online transfer service. If you only need to hold and move money between countries, an online bank or money transfer service may be simpler and cheaper.

Documents You Will Need at Any Bank

Regardless of which bank you choose, you will need to prove two things: who you are and where you live. For identity, bring a valid passport, national ID card, or driver's license issued by your home country. A US state driver's license will not work if you do not have an SSN, because you cannot get one without an SSN.

For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement in your name showing your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 to 90 days—banks are strict about this. If you do not have a utility bill or lease, some banks will accept a letter from your employer or school on official letterhead confirming your address.

If you are applying for an ITIN, the IRS has a separate list of acceptable documents. You will need a valid passport plus one additional document proving residency, such as a lease, utility bill, or tax return. The IRS publishes the full list on its website under Form W-7 instructions.

Why Chase and Other Banks Require an SSN or ITIN

Banks are required by federal law to verify the identity of everyone who opens an account. This is called Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance. The SSN or ITIN is the standard way to verify identity in the US banking system because it connects to credit bureaus, tax records, and law enforcement databases.

Without an SSN or ITIN, a bank has to do more work to verify who you are. They have to check your passport against government records, confirm your address through other means, and sometimes run additional background checks. This is why some banks simply refuse to open accounts without an SSN or ITIN—it is cheaper and faster for them to turn you away than to do the extra work.

Chase's International Account exists because Chase has the resources to do that extra work for wealthy customers. The $25,000 minimum ensures that the account is profitable enough to justify the cost of verification. Smaller banks and credit unions sometimes have lower minimums because they are willing to accept lower profit margins or because they serve immigrant communities and have built systems to verify identity without an SSN.

What Happens After You Open an Account

Once your account is open, you can use it like any other bank account. You can deposit checks (if your account type allows it), receive wire transfers, set up automatic payments, and use your debit card at ATMs and stores. If you have an ITIN, you can also set up direct deposit and use services like Zelle for peer-to-peer transfers.

If you opened a Chase International Account, remember that you cannot write checks and you cannot use bill pay or Zelle. You can only move money by wire transfer, ATM withdrawal, or debit card. If you need those services later, you will have to close the International Account and open a regular account—which you can do once you get an ITIN or SSN.

Keep your account active and maintain the minimum balance. If your account sits dormant for a long time or falls below the minimum, the bank may freeze it or charge fees. If you move back to your home country or no longer need the account, you can close it online or by visiting a branch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an SSN without work authorization?

No. The SSN is issued by the Social Security Administration only to people who are authorized to work in the US. If you are on a student visa, tourist visa, or do not have immigration status, you cannot get an SSN. An ITIN is your alternative—it is issued by the IRS and does not require work authorization.

How long does it take to get an ITIN?

If you mail Form W-7 to the IRS, it typically takes two to four weeks. If you apply in person at an IRS office or an authorized acceptance agent, you may get your ITIN the same day or within a few days. Check the IRS website for acceptance agents near you.

Can I use a Chase International Account for direct deposit?

No. Chase International Accounts do not support direct deposit or payroll transfers. If you need to receive paychecks, you will need a regular checking account, which requires an SSN or ITIN. Once you have an ITIN, you can open a standard Chase account with direct deposit.

What if I do not have a US address yet?

Most banks require proof of a current address before opening an account. If you have just arrived and do not have a lease or utility bill, ask your employer or school for a letter on official letterhead confirming your address. Some banks will accept this instead of a utility bill. If you are staying with a friend or family member, ask them if you can use their address temporarily and provide a letter from them confirming you live there.

Can I open a Chase account online if I have an ITIN?

Yes. Once you have an ITIN, you can open a standard Chase checking or savings account online or at a branch. You will enter your ITIN in place of an SSN during the application. The online process is the same as for anyone else, and your account will open within one to two business days.