Quick Answer
Yes — Chase accepts ITIN for checking and savings accounts, but only at a branch — online and mobile applications require an SSN. Bring your ITIN, a foreign passport or Consular ID, and proof of address. Some branches also ask for the physical CP565 letter, so bring it as a backup.
Does Chase Accept ITIN?
Yes. Chase (JPMorgan Chase) accepts an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) in place of a Social Security Number when you open a personal checking or savings account. You must apply in person at a branch — Chase's online and mobile applications require an SSN — and the in-branch process takes about 30 minutes with your documents in hand. Branch experience with ITIN openings varies, so call ahead to confirm a banker who handles them is available.
An ITINWorks Member's Experience
I opened my Chase checking and savings at the Santa Ana branch in person. In my case it was approved the same day, but every branch and banker is different — your timing and questions can vary. I brought three documents: my physical ITIN assignment letter from the IRS, my Mexican passport, and my California driver's license. The teller I worked with was familiar with the ITIN process. If you can, call the branch before you go and ask whether a banker familiar with ITIN account openings is available — it makes a real difference. Chase is the bank I recommend first to other ITIN holders, mainly because of what comes next: the credit card path. I'll explain that further down.
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 Can ITIN Holders Open?
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 Do I Need to Bring to the Branch?
Gather everything below before your visit. Missing any item can delay or cancel the process.
An ITINWorks Member's Experience
The three documents that worked for me at the Santa Ana branch: my physical ITIN letter from the IRS (the original assignment notice, not a copy), my Mexican passport, and my California driver's license. Your branch may ask for additional or different documents depending on the banker and how recent your address proof is — I'd recommend calling ahead to confirm what they need before you go. Bring more than you think you need; it's easier than making a second trip.
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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. Don't have one yet? Apply with IRS Form W-7.
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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.
How Do I Open a Chase Account Step by Step?
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.
What Are the 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)
Frequently Asked Questions
Does opening a Chase account affect my immigration status?
No. Banks are prohibited by federal law from sharing your information with immigration authorities except under a specific court order or subpoena. Opening a Chase bank account has no impact on your immigration status. Chase is bound by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and other federal privacy regulations that protect customer financial data.
Can I open a joint Chase account with an ITIN?
Yes. Chase allows joint accounts where one account holder uses an ITIN and the other has an SSN. Both account holders must be present at the branch with their own identification documents and tax identification numbers.
Can I get a Chase credit card with an ITIN?
One ITINWorks member's experience: The same day I opened my Chase checking, I asked the banker about a Chase Freedom Unlimited. I had no U.S. credit history at all. The banker recommended the Freedom Flex instead because it's easier to approve with thin credit, but I insisted on the Freedom Unlimited. He suggested I deposit money into the new account to strengthen the application. I deposited $3,000 and was approved that day with a starting limit just under $1,000. The card arrived in two days via expedited delivery. Six months later, I applied for the Chase Sapphire Preferred online and was approved. After those two Chase cards, I added a Capital One Savor, an Amex Blue Cash Everyday, an Amex Gold, and an Amex Blue Business Plus — all applied for online with my ITIN, no branch needed. Results vary. Approval depends on income, credit history, the specific banker, and Chase's underwriting at the time. For more on these cards, see our credit cards for ITIN holders guide.
What if the branch says I need an SSN?
This happens occasionally due to employee unfamiliarity. If a banker says an SSN is required, politely request to speak with the branch manager and explain that Chase's policy permits ITIN account opening. If that branch still refuses, try a different location. Larger urban branches and branches in communities with large immigrant populations handle ITIN accounts most regularly and are the most reliable choice.
How long does it take to open a Chase account in person?
The in-branch application process typically takes 20–40 minutes with all documents ready. Your account is active the same day. Your permanent Chase debit card arrives by mail in 5–7 business days, though some branches may issue a temporary card on the spot.
Does Chase Secure Banking help me build credit?
A checking account does not build credit by itself, regardless of which bank you use. To build credit with an ITIN, you need a credit product — such as a secured credit card or a credit-builder loan. See our guide to building credit with an ITIN for the exact steps to follow once your Chase account is open.