Chase will open a checking account for you without an SSN, but you'll need an ITIN or passport instead

Chase Bank does accept Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs) and foreign passports in place of a Social Security Number when you open a checking account. You cannot open an account with neither — Chase is required by federal law to verify your identity — but an SSN is not your only path. The specific documents you bring and how long the process takes depend on which type of ID you have and whether you're opening in person or online.

The most straightforward route is walking into a Chase branch with your ITIN and a second form of ID, or with a valid passport. Online applications are also possible but require more back-and-forth because Chase cannot verify a foreign passport through their digital system the same way they can in a branch. If you have an ITIN, that's usually faster online because the system recognizes it.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase accepts ITINs and foreign passports as identity verification instead of an SSN, but you must have one of these documents.
  • Opening in person at a branch is faster than online if you have a foreign passport, because the teller can verify it directly.
  • You will need a second form of ID alongside your ITIN or passport — a driver's license, national ID, or state ID card works.
  • Chase will ask for proof of address, which can be a utility bill, lease, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
  • The account opens the same day in branch, or within one to three business days if you apply online.

What documents you need to bring

If you have an ITIN, bring your ITIN letter (the IRS document that shows your number) and one additional form of ID. That second ID can be a foreign passport, national ID card, driver's license, or state ID. Chase will also ask for proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease agreement, or government mail postmarked within the last 60 days. If you don't have a US address yet, some branches will accept a foreign address, but call ahead to confirm.

If you have a foreign passport instead of an ITIN, bring the passport and one more form of ID if possible (a national ID card or driver's license from your home country). You'll still need proof of address. Some Chase branches are more flexible with foreign addresses than others, so if you're living abroad or haven't established a US address, contact the branch directly before you go.

Do not bring only your passport or only your ITIN. Chase requires two forms of identification, and one of them must be government-issued photo ID. An ITIN letter counts as government-issued ID, but a passport alone does not satisfy the two-ID requirement in most cases.

Opening an account in person versus online

Opening in a Chase branch is the fastest and most reliable method if you have a foreign passport. The teller can verify your passport on the spot, confirm your address, and open the account immediately. You walk out with a debit card (or it arrives in the mail within five to seven business days if the branch doesn't issue it same-day). This process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Opening online works if you have an ITIN, because Chase's system recognizes ITIN numbers during the digital verification step. If you have only a foreign passport, the online application will likely stall during identity verification, and you'll be asked to visit a branch or upload additional documents. Some applicants have reported being asked to send a photo of their passport and proof of address by email, which adds two to five business days to the timeline.

If you choose online and have an ITIN, the account typically opens within one to three business days. You'll receive login credentials by email, and your debit card arrives by mail in five to seven business days. You can begin using the account for transfers and bill pay before the physical card arrives.

Why Chase needs your identity verified

Federal law requires all US banks to verify the identity of anyone opening an account, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. This is called Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance. Chase cannot open an account for you without confirming who you are, which is why an SSN, ITIN, or passport is mandatory.

An ITIN is issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but don't have an SSN — typically visa holders, undocumented immigrants, and some temporary residents. It serves the same identity-verification purpose as an SSN for banking. A foreign passport works because it's a government-issued document with your photo and signature, which satisfies the identity requirement even though it's not a US document.

What happens after your account opens

Once your checking account is open, you can use it like any other Chase customer. You'll have online and mobile banking access, can set up direct deposit, transfer money, and pay bills. There are no restrictions based on how you verified your identity — an account opened with an ITIN functions identically to one opened with an SSN.

Chase does not report your account status to immigration authorities. Banking and immigration are separate systems. Your bank account will not affect your visa status, work authorization, or any immigration proceedings.

If you later obtain an SSN, you can add it to your account by visiting a branch or calling Chase customer service. You don't need to close the account and open a new one.

Common issues and how to avoid them

The most frequent problem is arriving at a Chase branch without the right documents. Some branches are stricter about the two-ID requirement than others, and some tellers may not be familiar with ITIN verification. If a teller says they can't open an account without an SSN, ask to speak to a manager or call the Chase customer service line at 1-800-935-9935 to confirm the policy. Chase's official policy allows ITINs and passports; individual branches sometimes apply it inconsistently.

Another common delay happens when you apply online with a foreign passport. The system cannot verify it automatically, so you'll receive an email asking you to upload a photo of your passport and proof of address. Send clear, well-lit photos of both sides of your passport and a recent utility bill or lease. This step usually takes two to five business days for Chase to review.

If your proof of address is in a foreign country, some branches will accept it, but others will ask you to provide a US address. If you don't have one yet, ask whether the branch can use a temporary address (like a hotel or a friend's address where you're staying) or whether they'll accept your foreign address. Policies vary by branch.

Alternatives if Chase won't open an account

If you encounter a branch that refuses to open an account despite having an ITIN or passport, other banks are often more straightforward. Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all accept ITINs and foreign passports. Community banks and credit unions in your area may also be more flexible, especially if you have a local address or an employment letter.

Online-only banks like Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Revolut are designed for international customers and accept foreign passports without requiring an SSN or ITIN. These accounts are useful for receiving international transfers and holding multiple currencies, though they may have lower limits on deposits and withdrawals than a traditional checking account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a US address to open a Chase checking account?

Chase prefers a US address for proof of residency, but some branches will accept a foreign address. Call the branch you plan to visit and ask whether they'll accept your current address. If you're moving to the US soon, you can sometimes use a temporary address like a hotel or a friend's place, though policies vary by location.

Can I open a Chase account if I'm on a visa?

Yes. Visa holders can open accounts using an ITIN (if they file taxes) or a foreign passport. Your visa status does not prevent you from banking. Chase does not share account information with immigration authorities.

How long does it take to get a debit card after opening an account?

If you open in person at a branch, some locations issue a debit card immediately; others mail it within five to seven business days. If you open online, the card arrives by mail in five to seven business days. You can use your account for transfers and bill pay before the physical card arrives.

What if I don't have an ITIN yet?

You'll need either an ITIN or a foreign passport to open a Chase account. If you don't have an ITIN, bring your passport and a second form of ID. If you're planning to file taxes, you can request an ITIN from the IRS, which typically takes four to six weeks.

Will opening a bank account affect my immigration status?

No. Banking and immigration are separate systems. Opening a checking account will not change your visa status, work authorization, or any pending immigration cases. Banks do not report account holders to immigration authorities.