Chase operates in multiple countries, but not everywhere, and the services available depend on where you are
Chase (officially JPMorgan Chase & Co.) is a U.S. bank headquartered in New York. It has branches and operations in several countries outside the United States, including Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, India, and others. However, Chase does not have a presence in every country, and the accounts and services it offers vary significantly by location.
If you are outside the U.S. and want to know whether Chase serves your country, the answer depends on where you live and what you need the bank to do. A Chase account opened in the U.S. works differently from one opened abroad, and moving money between countries through Chase involves specific rules and fees that differ from domestic transfers.
Key Takeaways
- Chase operates in select countries including Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Japan, and India, but not in most nations worldwide.
- A Chase account opened in the U.S. can receive international wire transfers, but using it from outside the U.S. may trigger account restrictions or closure.
- Chase charges international wire transfer fees (typically $15 to $25 outbound) and applies exchange rates that are not always the most competitive.
- If Chase does not operate in your country, you can still receive money into a U.S. Chase account through wire transfer, but you cannot open a new account remotely from most non-U.S. locations.
- For regular international transfers, alternative services like Wise, OFX, or your local bank's international desk may offer better rates and lower fees than Chase.
Which countries have Chase branches or operations
Chase has a significant presence in Canada, where it operates as Chase Bank Canada and offers personal and business banking. In Europe, Chase maintains operations in the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, primarily serving corporate and institutional clients rather than individual consumers. The bank also has offices in Japan, India, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Australia, though the scope of retail banking varies by country.
In most other countries—including Mexico, Brazil, most of Africa, Southeast Asia outside Singapore, and Central America—Chase does not operate branches or offer direct banking services to residents. If you live in a country where Chase has no presence, you cannot walk into a branch or open a new account in person with Chase.
How to receive money into a U.S. Chase account from abroad
If you have an existing Chase account in the United States, you can receive international wire transfers into that account from almost anywhere in the world. To do this, you will need to provide the sender with your Chase account number, routing number (which is 021000021 for most Chase accounts), and the full address of the Chase branch where your account is held. The sender's bank will initiate a wire transfer using the SWIFT code for Chase, which varies by location but is typically CHASUS33.
International wire transfers into a Chase account typically arrive within one to three business days, though this depends on the sending bank and whether any intermediate banks are involved. Chase does not charge you a fee to receive an incoming wire transfer, but the sending bank in the other country will charge the sender a fee (usually $15 to $50 depending on the bank and country).
Important: If you receive frequent international wire transfers into a U.S. Chase account while living outside the United States, Chase may flag your account for review or restrict it. Banks are required to monitor accounts for unusual activity, and regular deposits from abroad can trigger compliance checks. If Chase suspects the account is being used primarily by a non-resident, they may ask you to close it or may close it without notice.
Sending money out of Chase to another country
If you have a Chase account in the U.S. and want to send money to someone abroad, Chase offers international wire transfers. The fee is typically $15 for a wire sent to most countries, though some destinations charge $25. The exchange rate Chase applies is not always competitive—Chase adds a markup to the mid-market rate, meaning you receive less foreign currency per dollar than you would through a specialist transfer service.
To send a wire through Chase, you will need the recipient's full name, bank account number, bank name, and the bank's SWIFT code. You can initiate the transfer online, by phone, or in person at a branch. Processing typically takes one to two business days, though the receiving bank may take additional time to post the funds.
For regular or large international transfers, many people find that specialist services like Wise (formerly TransferWise), OFX, or Remitly offer better exchange rates and lower fees than Chase, especially for transfers to countries outside Western Europe and North America.
Opening a Chase account if you live outside the U.S.
You cannot open a new Chase account online if you are a non-resident living outside the United States. Chase requires a U.S. address and a U.S. Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to open an account. If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident living abroad, you may be able to open an account by visiting a Chase branch in person in a country where Chase operates, or by contacting Chase directly to discuss your options.
Some U.S. banks offer accounts for expats and non-residents, but Chase's policies are restrictive. If you need a U.S. bank account and do not have a U.S. address, you may need to use a service like Wise, which offers a U.S. bank account number to non-residents, or explore banks that specifically serve expats.
What happens if Chase closes your account for non-residency
Chase has the right to close any account at any time for any reason, including if the bank determines that the account holder is not a U.S. resident or is using the account in violation of Chase's terms. If this happens, Chase will typically give you notice and a window of time (often 30 days) to withdraw your funds or transfer them elsewhere. After that period, Chase will close the account and may mail a check to the address on file.
If you receive this notice, do not ignore it. Contact Chase immediately to understand why the account is being closed and what your options are. If funds are still in the account when it closes, retrieving them can become complicated, especially if you are living outside the U.S.
Alternatives to Chase for international banking and transfers
If Chase does not operate in your country or if you need more flexible international banking, several alternatives exist. Wise offers a multi-currency account and a U.S. account number to non-residents, with competitive exchange rates and low transfer fees. Remitly specializes in transfers to specific regions and often has lower fees for those corridors. OFX and Xe are platforms for larger transfers and business payments.
Your local bank may also offer international wire transfer services, sometimes at rates comparable to or better than Chase. Some countries have banks that specialize in serving expats or diaspora communities and may offer better terms for transfers to specific regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my U.S. Chase debit card if I move abroad?
Yes, you can use a Chase debit card abroad at ATMs and merchants that accept Visa or Mastercard. However, Chase charges a $3 foreign transaction fee on most purchases and ATM withdrawals. If you use the card frequently abroad, a bank or service that does not charge foreign transaction fees may be cheaper.
What is the SWIFT code for Chase?
Chase's primary SWIFT code is CHASUS33, but the code can vary depending on which Chase branch or service center handles your account. When receiving a wire transfer, ask your bank to use CHASUS33 or contact Chase directly to confirm the correct code for your specific account.
How long does it take to receive a wire transfer into Chase from another country?
Most international wire transfers arrive within one to three business days. However, if the sending bank uses an intermediate bank or if there are compliance delays, it can take longer. Chase will notify you when the funds arrive.
Will Chase close my account if I move abroad?
Chase may close your account if you become a non-resident and the bank determines you are no longer may be able to access to hold an account. This is not automatic, but it is a risk. If you plan to move abroad, contact Chase before you leave to discuss your options and whether your account can remain open.
Is it cheaper to send money through Chase or through Wise?
For most international transfers, Wise is cheaper than Chase because Wise charges lower fees and applies a mid-market exchange rate without a markup. Chase charges $15 to $25 per wire and adds a markup to the exchange rate. For a $1,000 transfer, the difference can be $20 to $50 or more in your favor with Wise.