Does Chase Accept ITIN?
Yes. Chase (JPMorgan Chase) accepts an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) as a valid tax identification number when opening a personal checking or savings account. You do not need a Social Security Number.
Bottom Line
Chase will open a checking or savings account for you with an ITIN. You must go in person to a branch — the online and mobile app application requires an SSN and does not accept ITIN. The in-branch process takes about 30 minutes with all documents in hand.
Chase is one of the strongest options for ITIN holders because it has over 4,700 branches in 48 states, competitive fee structures, and Chase Secure Banking — an account specifically designed for people with no prior U.S. credit or banking history. Chase also has one of the most widely used mobile banking apps in the country.
Which Accounts Are Available
Chase offers two primary personal checking accounts available to ITIN holders, plus a savings option.
| Account | Monthly Fee | How to Waive | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Secure Banking℠ | $4.95 | Cannot be waived (flat fee) | Starting out, no credit history, no overdraft risk |
| Chase Total Checking® | $12.00 | Direct deposit of $500+/month, or $1,500 daily balance, or $5,000+ in combined Chase accounts | Regular direct deposits, full-featured banking |
| Chase Savings℠ | $5.00 | Link to a Chase checking account, or maintain $300 minimum daily balance | Saving alongside a checking account |
Which Account Should You Open?
For most ITIN holders opening their first U.S. bank account, Chase Secure Banking is the right starting point. Here is why:
- No overdraft fees — transactions are declined rather than triggering a fee when your balance runs low
- No minimum daily balance requirement
- No minimum opening deposit
- Full debit card, Zelle, online banking, and Chase mobile app access
- Flat $4.95 monthly fee — no surprises from accidentally missing a waiver requirement
Once you have consistent direct deposits of $500 or more per month — from an employer, freelance work, or any other regular source — switch to Chase Total Checking so the monthly fee is fully waived. The Total Checking account also allows you to build a banking relationship with Chase, which can help when applying for a Chase credit card later.
Tip
Chase sometimes offers a $300–$500 cash bonus for new Total Checking accounts with qualifying direct deposits. Ask at the branch about current promotions — ITIN holders can qualify for these offers.
What to Bring to the Branch
Gather everything below before your visit. Missing any item can delay or cancel the process.
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Your ITIN number. Chase accepts your ITIN in place of an SSN. You do not need to bring the original IRS letter, but having it available avoids any question about the number. The banker will enter your ITIN where the SSN field normally appears in the system.
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A valid government-issued photo ID. Accepted forms: foreign passport (most common and most reliable), Matrícula Consular (Mexican consular ID), or other foreign national ID card. A U.S. driver's license or state ID is also accepted if you have one, but is not required.
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A second form of ID or proof of U.S. address. Chase typically requires two forms of identification. A utility bill, lease or rental agreement, bank statement, or cell phone bill dated within the last 60 days all qualify as proof of address.
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Opening deposit (optional for Secure Banking). Chase Secure Banking has no minimum opening deposit. For Chase Total Checking, there is no official minimum, but bringing $25–$50 in cash to fund the account on the spot avoids any potential friction.
Important
Not every Chase branch processes ITIN accounts with equal confidence. Occasionally a banker may say an SSN is required — this is incorrect. If this happens, politely ask to speak with the branch manager and explain that Chase's policy allows ITIN account opening. Branches in high-traffic areas and cities with large immigrant communities handle ITIN accounts most frequently and are the safest choice for a smoother experience.
Step-by-Step: How to Open the Account
Collect your documents
Gather your ITIN, your photo ID (passport or Matrícula Consular), and proof of your U.S. address dated within 60 days. Having the IRS ITIN assignment letter is helpful but not required.
Find a branch and schedule an appointment
Use the Chase branch locator at chase.com to find your nearest location. Scheduling an appointment in advance is strongly recommended — it avoids waiting and ensures a banker is available who is familiar with the ITIN process.
Go to the branch in person
Arrive at your appointment with all documents. Tell the banker you want to open a Chase Secure Banking account and that your tax identification number is an ITIN. The banker will pull up the account application and enter your ITIN in the tax ID field.
Complete the application and sign
The banker will enter your information, verify your documents, and have you sign the account agreement. The full process takes 20–40 minutes. Funding the account at this step activates it immediately.
Set up online access and receive your card
Enroll in Chase Online and download the Chase app the same day. A temporary card may be issued at the branch. Your permanent debit card arrives by mail within 5–7 business days.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- ITIN explicitly accepted — no SSN needed
- Over 4,700 branches nationwide across 48 states
- Secure Banking account has zero overdraft fees
- Total Checking fee fully waived with $500/mo direct deposit
- Top-rated Chase mobile app with full features
- Zelle, mobile deposit, and online bill pay included
- Largest ATM network of any U.S. bank (16,000+ ATMs)
- Path to Chase credit cards after establishing banking history
Cons
- Cannot apply online — must go in person
- Secure Banking $4.95 fee cannot be waived
- Some branch employees are unfamiliar with the ITIN process
- Savings account interest rates are low
- Out-of-network ATM fees ($3.00 per transaction)