Yes, but Chase requires a US address and an ITIN or passport

Chase will open a checking or savings account for a non-US citizen, but you need two things upfront: a physical US address (not a PO box) and either an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a valid passport. The address requirement is strict — Chase uses it to verify your identity and meet federal anti-money-laundering rules. If you do not have a US address yet, you cannot open an account online or in a branch.

The type of account you can open depends on your visa status and how long you plan to stay. Chase treats temporary residents (student visa, work visa, tourist visa) differently from permanent residents or green card holders. A temporary resident can usually open a basic checking account, but some branches may ask additional questions about your employment or the source of your funds.

The process itself is faster than you might expect — you can complete it in a branch in about 30 minutes, or online in about 15 minutes if you have all documents ready. Chase does not require a Social Security number, which is the main relief for non-citizens. The ITIN serves the same purpose for tax reporting.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase requires a US street address and either an ITIN or valid passport; a PO box does not count as an address.
  • You do not need a Social Security number — an ITIN works for tax purposes, and some visa holders can use a passport number instead.
  • Temporary visa holders (F-1 students, H-1B workers) can open accounts, but Chase may ask about your employment status or visa expiration date.
  • Opening online takes about 15 minutes; opening in a branch takes 30 minutes and may involve more questions about your residency status.
  • Some Chase branches are stricter than others about non-citizen accounts, so calling ahead to confirm they will open one for you saves a trip.

What documents you need to bring or upload

Chase requires one form of government-issued photo ID. A valid passport works. A driver's license from your home country works if it has your photo and expiration date. A US state driver's license or ID card also works, though most non-citizens do not have one yet.

You will also need proof of your US address. A lease, utility bill, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works. If you just arrived and do not have a utility bill yet, a signed lease is usually enough. Some branches will accept a letter from your employer or school on letterhead confirming your US address.

If you are using an ITIN instead of a Social Security number, have your ITIN letter from the IRS ready. If you do not have an ITIN yet, you can still open the account with your passport number, but you will need to provide an ITIN within a certain timeframe — ask the banker for the exact important date when you open the account.

The difference between opening online and in a branch

Opening online is faster but has limits. Chase's online account opening system will accept a passport and ITIN, and you can upload photos of both documents. The process takes about 15 minutes. However, the system sometimes flags non-citizen applications for manual review, which adds one to three business days. You will not know if your process was flagged until after you submit it.

Opening in a branch is slower but more predictable. A banker can answer questions about your visa status on the spot and tell you when ready whether there are any issues. You bring your documents, the banker verifies them, and you walk out with a debit card the same day. The banker may ask why you are opening the account, how long you plan to stay in the US, and whether you have employment here. These are routine questions — they are not rejections, just verification steps.

If you are a student or temporary worker, opening in a branch is often better because the banker can note your visa status in the account, which prevents confusion later if Chase's system flags unusual activity.

ITIN vs. passport: which one to use

An ITIN is an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number issued by the IRS. You get one by filing Form W-7 with the IRS, usually through a tax preparer or accountant. It takes four to six weeks to arrive by mail. An ITIN is a nine-digit number that looks like a Social Security number but starts with 9. Chase treats it the same way it treats a Social Security number for account opening purposes.

If you do not have an ITIN yet, you can use your passport number instead. Chase will accept your passport as both your ID and your tax identifier. However, you will eventually need an ITIN if you earn income in the US or file taxes, so you might as well get one before you open the account. If you open with a passport number, Chase will ask you to provide an ITIN later — the timeline varies by branch, but it is usually within 30 to 90 days.

The practical choice: if you are staying in the US for more than a few months, get an ITIN first. If you are here for a short trip or are still deciding whether to stay, use your passport number and get an ITIN later if you need it.

Student visas, work visas, and other temporary status

Chase will open an account for someone on an F-1 student visa, H-1B work visa, L-1 visa, or other temporary status. The process is the same as for anyone else — you need a US address, a passport, and an ITIN or passport number. The address can be your school housing, your apartment, or your employer's office address if you live on-site.

Some branches ask for a copy of your visa stamp or I-94 arrival record to confirm your status. This is not a requirement, but it speeds things up. You can find your I-94 record online at the US Customs and Border Protection website — print it and bring it with you. If a banker asks for it and you do not have it, you can usually open the account anyway and provide it later.

One important note: if your visa expires while you have the account open, you do not have to close it. Chase does not require you to leave the country when your visa expires, and the account remains valid. However, if you do leave the US, you should tell Chase so they can flag the account as inactive. This prevents them from closing it due to inactivity while you are abroad.

What happens if a branch says no

Some Chase branches are more cautious about non-citizen accounts than others. If a branch refuses to open an account for you, it is usually because the banker is unsure about your visa status or the address you provided. This is not a permanent rejection — it means that particular branch has a policy or the banker is uncomfortable with the decision.

Your options: call another Chase branch in a different area and ask if they will open an account for a non-citizen. Larger branches in cities with universities or tech companies are usually more experienced with non-citizen accounts. You can also ask to speak with the branch manager and explain your situation — sometimes the manager will override the initial decision.

If Chase repeatedly refuses, consider a different bank. Many regional banks and credit unions are more flexible about non-citizen accounts. Some require only a passport and address, no ITIN. However, Chase is usually the easiest option because it has branches everywhere and its online system is designed to handle non-citizens.

After you open the account: what to expect

Your debit card arrives in five to seven business days if you opened in a branch, or seven to ten business days if you opened online. You can use your account when ready — Chase gives you a temporary card number you can use online or add to your phone's digital wallet while you wait for the physical card.

Chase may place a hold on your account for the first 30 days, which means you cannot withdraw large amounts or transfer money out without calling the bank first. This is standard for new accounts and is not specific to non-citizens. The hold is usually lifted after 30 days of normal activity.

If you plan to send money to your home country, Chase offers wire transfers and international transfers through its partnership with MoneyGram. The fees are higher than some alternatives, but the process is straightforward. You will need the recipient's bank details and may need to provide proof of the source of your funds for transfers over $10,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security number to open a Chase account?

No. Chase accepts an ITIN or passport number instead. If you do not have an ITIN yet, you can open the account with your passport number and provide an ITIN later, usually within 30 to 90 days.

Can I open an account if I am here on a tourist visa?

Yes, as long as you have a US address. A tourist visa is temporary status, but Chase does not restrict accounts based on visa type. You will need your passport and either an ITIN or a passport number. Some branches may ask how long you plan to stay, but this is routine verification, not a reason to deny the account.

What if I do not have a US address yet?

You cannot open a Chase account without one. A PO box does not count. If you just arrived, use a friend's address, your employer's address, or your school's address temporarily. Once you have your own lease or utility bill, you can update your address with Chase online or by visiting a branch.

How long does it take to get an ITIN?

Four to six weeks by mail if you file Form W-7 with the IRS. You can file through a tax preparer, accountant, or the IRS directly. If you need an account before your ITIN arrives, open it with your passport number and add the ITIN later.

Will Chase close my account if I leave the US?

Chase will not automatically close it, but the account may be flagged as inactive if you do not use it for an extended period. Call Chase before you leave and let them know you are moving abroad. They can note this in your account so they do not close it due to inactivity. You can keep the account open and use it for transfers or to maintain a US banking relationship.