Chase will open accounts for non-US residents and people without an SSN, but the process and account type depend on your immigration status and what documents you have

Chase does not require a Social Security Number to open a checking or savings account. What they require instead is a valid government-issued ID and proof of address. For people without an SSN—including visa holders, permanent residents without yet having an SSN, and undocumented immigrants—Chase uses an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or, in some cases, a passport number paired with other documentation.

The account you can open depends on your status. If you have a visa or are a permanent resident, you can open a standard checking or savings account. If you do not have legal immigration status, Chase will still open an account, but it will be a basic savings account without debit card access—you can deposit and withdraw in branch, but cannot use online banking or a card for purchases.

The actual process takes about 15 to 20 minutes in a branch. You bring your ID, proof of address, and either your ITIN or passport. A Chase banker will verify your identity against their system and open the account on the spot. You can fund it when ready with a deposit or a transfer from another bank.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase accepts an ITIN, passport number, or other government ID in place of an SSN when opening an account.
  • Visa holders and permanent residents can open full checking and savings accounts with debit cards and online access.
  • People without legal immigration status can open a basic savings account but cannot get a debit card or use online banking.
  • You must bring a valid government-issued ID and proof of address (utility bill, lease, or government mail) to open an account in person.
  • Opening an account in a Chase branch takes 15 to 20 minutes and you can fund it the same day.

What documents Chase will accept instead of an SSN

Chase's primary alternative to an SSN is an ITIN. An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but do not have an SSN. You can get an ITIN by filing Form W-7 with the IRS; the process takes four to six weeks. If you already have an ITIN from filing taxes in previous years, bring that number to your appointment.

If you do not have an ITIN yet, Chase will accept a valid passport—US or foreign—paired with proof of address. Some branches will also accept a state ID, driver's license, or visa document. The key is that the ID must be current and match the name and address you provide on the account process.

Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail (tax notice, voter registration card, or benefits letter) dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement from another institution also works. The address on the document must match the address you give Chase for the account.

The difference between account types for people without an SSN

Chase offers two paths depending on your immigration status. If you have a visa (student, work, tourist, or other temporary status) or are a permanent resident, you can open a standard Chase checking or savings account. This account comes with a debit card, online banking access, mobile app, and the ability to set up direct deposit. You can use the card at any Chase ATM or merchant worldwide. Monthly fees explore unless you meet a minimum balance or set up direct deposit.

If you do not have legal immigration status, Chase will open what they call a basic savings account. This account has no debit card, no online banking, and no mobile app access. You can deposit cash or checks in a Chase branch and withdraw cash in a branch. You cannot transfer money online, set up automatic payments, or use the account for direct deposit. There is no monthly fee for this account type.

The reason for the restriction is regulatory: Chase's online banking system requires additional identity verification that federal law does not allow them to complete for people without legal status. The basic savings account is the workaround that lets them serve this population while staying within compliance.

How to open an account in a Chase branch

Find a Chase branch near you using their branch locator on chase.com. You do not need an appointment, but calling ahead can reduce wait time. Bring your government-issued ID (passport, visa, or state ID), proof of address dated within 60 days, and your ITIN if you have one. If you do not have an ITIN, bring your passport and the address document.

Tell the banker you want to open a checking or savings account and that you do not have an SSN. They will ask for your documents, verify your identity in their system, and ask you to sign the account agreement. The whole process takes 15 to 20 minutes. You will choose a PIN for in-branch withdrawals and set up online banking if you are opening a standard account.

You can fund the account when ready. You can deposit cash, a check, or arrange a transfer from another bank. If you transfer from another bank, that transfer usually arrives within one to two business days. If you deposit cash or a check in branch, it is available when ready for cash withdrawals and within one business day for other uses.

Opening an account online or by mail if you cannot visit a branch

Chase does not allow you to open an account online without an SSN. Their online process requires an SSN field and will not accept an ITIN or passport number. This is a system limitation, not a policy choice, and it applies to all non-SSN applicants.

You can open an account by mail if you live far from a Chase branch. Call Chase at 1-800-935-9935 and ask for the non-SSN account opening process. They will mail you an process form and instructions for submitting your documents. You will need to provide copies of your ID and proof of address, notarized or certified. The process takes two to three weeks from the time you mail the documents back.

Some people find it faster to visit a Chase branch in person, even if it requires travel, because you can fund the account and get a debit card the same day. If you choose the mail route, budget an extra week for document processing and account setup.

Getting an ITIN if you do not have one yet

An ITIN is issued by the IRS to people who file taxes but do not have an SSN. You explore by filing Form W-7 (process for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) with the IRS. You can file by mail or in person at an IRS office or an authorized acceptance agent (usually a tax preparation service or nonprofit organization).

If you file by mail, send Form W-7 along with a copy of your passport or visa and proof of address to the IRS address listed on the form. The IRS will mail your ITIN back to you in four to six weeks. If you file in person at an IRS office or acceptance agent, you can sometimes get your ITIN faster—sometimes the same day, depending on the office.

You do not need an ITIN to open a Chase account. You can open an account with just a passport and proof of address. But if you plan to file taxes or open other financial accounts, getting an ITIN first makes the process simpler because you will have a number to provide instead of explaining your situation each time.

What happens after you open the account

Once your account is open, you can use it like any other bank account. If you opened a standard checking or savings account, you can set up direct deposit, transfer money online, pay bills, and use your debit card. If you opened a basic savings account, you can only deposit and withdraw cash in person at a Chase branch.

Chase may ask you to provide additional documentation later—this is called Customer Identification Program (CIP) verification. This is a federal requirement for all banks. If Chase asks, bring the same documents you brought when you opened the account (ID and proof of address). This usually happens within 30 days of opening the account, but sometimes it takes longer. If you do not respond, Chase may freeze the account, so respond promptly if they contact you.

You can add money to your account by depositing cash or checks in a Chase branch, transferring from another bank, or setting up direct deposit (if you have a standard account). You can withdraw by using a debit card at any Chase ATM or merchant, or by visiting a branch to withdraw cash.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a US citizen to open a Chase account?

No. Chase will open an account for anyone with a valid government-issued ID and proof of address, regardless of citizenship status. You do not need to be a citizen, a permanent resident, or have any particular visa status. The only restriction is that people without legal immigration status cannot open a full checking account with a debit card—they can only open a basic savings account.

Can I open a Chase account with just a passport and no other documents?

You need both a passport and proof of address. The passport serves as your ID, and the proof of address (utility bill, lease, or government mail) confirms where you live. Both documents must be current and match the name and address you provide on the process.

What if I have a visa but no ITIN?

You do not need an ITIN to open a Chase account. Bring your passport, visa, or state ID along with proof of address. Chase will open the account using your passport number or visa number instead of an SSN. You can get an ITIN later if you need one for taxes or other purposes.

How long does it take to get a debit card if I open an account without an SSN?

If you open a standard checking account in a Chase branch, you can request a debit card on the spot and it will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you open an account by mail, the debit card will arrive with your account confirmation, usually within two to three weeks. If you open a basic savings account, you will not receive a debit card.

Can I use my Chase account to receive money from outside the US?

Yes, you can receive international wire transfers to your Chase account. You will need to provide the sender with your account number, routing number, and bank address. Wire transfers usually arrive within one to three business days. Chase charges a fee for incoming international wires—currently $15 for most transfers, though this varies by account type.