Quick Answer
Yes — Chase doesn't require a Social Security number to open a checking account. Without an SSN, Chase says to open the account at a branch with a current passport, proof of U.S. address and a second ID, and its guide for non-residents says an ITIN can be used in place of an SSN on a bank account application.
Federal rules, October 2026: Banks can still open accounts with an ITIN. A May 2026 executive order lets banks ask more questions of ITIN customers, and regulators are reviewing consular IDs like the matrícula by mid-November — see what's changing.
Does Chase Accept ITIN?
Yes. Chase’s own guide for non-residents says an ITIN can be used in place of an SSN on a bank account application. Without an SSN, bring your ITIN, a current passport, proof of U.S. address and a second ID to one of Chase’s 5,000+ branches, and open the account in person with a banker.
Chase explains this on its page for non-residents, which lists a passport, matrícula consular card, or driver’s license with photo as acceptable ID, and a pay stub, a letter with your name and address, or a utility bill dated within 60 days as proof of address. For applicants without an SSN, Chase’s account opening page asks for a current passport, proof of U.S. address and a secondary ID such as a driver’s license, state ID or Form I-20, at a branch.
An ITINWorks Member's Experience
I opened my Chase checking and savings at the Santa Ana branch in person. In my case, I brought my ITIN assignment letter from the IRS, Mexican passport, and California driver's license. This is one person’s experience; Chase’s own document list is below.
Chase operates more than 5,000 branches, and ITIN holders open accounts at one of them in person. Fees and features differ by account, so compare the options below before you go.
Which Accounts Can ITIN Holders Open?
ITIN holders can open Chase personal checking and savings accounts at a branch. Secure Banking costs $4.95 a month and has no overdraft fees; Total Checking costs $15 a month unless you meet a waiver. The table compares each account’s monthly fee and the ways Chase lets you waive it.
| Account | Monthly Fee | How to Waive | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Secure Banking℠ | $4.95 | $0 with $250+ qualifying electronic deposits or an owner age 17–24 | Starting out, no credit history, no overdraft risk |
| Chase Total Checking® | $15.00 | $0 with $500+ qualifying electronic deposits, $1,500+ beginning-of-day balance, $5,000+ combined qualifying deposits/investments, or a qualifying linked checking account | Regular direct deposits, full-featured banking |
| Chase Savings℠ | $5.00 | $0 with a $300+ beginning-of-day balance, $25+ in repeating automatic transfers from Chase checking, a qualifying linked checking account, or an owner under 25 | Saving alongside a checking account |
Which Account Should You Open?
Chase Secure Banking may suit people who want a checking account without overdraft fees. Compare its monthly fee and waiver conditions with other accounts before choosing:
- 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
- $4.95 monthly fee; it is waived with $250+ qualifying electronic deposits or if an owner is age 17–24
Chase Total Checking currently has a $15 monthly fee. It can be waived by meeting one of several monthly conditions, including $500+ in qualifying electronic deposits, a $1,500+ beginning-of-day balance, $5,000+ in combined qualifying balances, or linking a qualifying checking account. Chase Secure Banking’s $4.95 fee can also be waived when you meet its conditions. See Chase’s current fee schedule and confirm terms before opening an account.
Tip
Promotions and eligibility can change. Check Chase’s current offer terms directly, including whether your account and applicant profile qualify.
What Do I Need to Bring to the Branch?
Without an SSN, Chase asks for a current passport, a second ID such as a driver’s license or state ID, and proof of U.S. address such as a pay stub or a utility bill dated within 60 days. Bring your ITIN to use in place of an SSN. If you fund the account at opening, Chase takes a debit card, ACH transfer, or cash.
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 says an ITIN can be used in place of an SSN on its bank account application. Don't have one yet? Apply with IRS Form W-7.
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A valid government-issued photo ID. Chase lists a passport, matrícula consular card, driver’s license, student ID, or U.S. Employment Authorization Card with photo. Applicants without an SSN are asked for a current passport plus a second ID.
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Proof of U.S. address. Chase lists a pay stub or paycheck, a letter showing your name and address, or a utility bill dated within the last 60 days.
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Opening deposit (optional for Secure Banking). Chase Secure Banking has no minimum opening deposit. If you fund an account at opening, Chase accepts a debit card, ACH transfer, or cash.
Important
Chase’s own guide for non-residents says an ITIN can be used in place of an SSN on a bank account application. If a banker tells you an SSN is required, show them that page, ask for the branch manager, or try another Chase branch.
How Do I Open a Chase Account Step by Step?
Collect your documents
Gather your ITIN letter or number, your current passport, and proof of U.S. address dated within 60 days. Bring a second ID too, such as a driver’s license or state ID — Chase asks applicants without an SSN for one.
Find a branch and schedule an appointment
Use the Chase branch locator at chase.com to find your nearest location. If you plan to visit a branch, ask whether an appointment is required and which documents to bring.
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. Chase uses the ITIN in place of an SSN on the application.
Complete the application and sign
The banker will enter your information, verify your documents, and have you sign the account agreement. Application timing and activation can vary. Ask Chase what to expect for your account and branch.
Set up online access and receive your card
If the account is approved, ask Chase how to set up online access and when to expect your debit card; availability and timing can vary.
What Are the Pros and Cons?
Chase accepts an ITIN in place of an SSN on bank account applications and has more than 5,000 branches. The trade-offs: monthly fees run $4.95 to $15 before waivers, you open the account in person at a branch, and savings interest rates are low.
Pros
- Chase accepts an ITIN in place of an SSN on bank account applications
- More than 5,000 branches
- Secure Banking account has zero overdraft fees
- Total Checking fee waived by meeting any qualifying condition, including $500+ electronic deposits
- Top-rated Chase mobile app with full features
- Zelle, mobile deposit, and online bill pay included
- Largest ATM network of any U.S. bank (14,000+ ATMs)
- Path to Chase credit cards after establishing banking history
Cons
- ITIN applicants open accounts in person at a branch
- Secure Banking’s $4.95 fee can be waived when the account meets Chase’s qualifying conditions
- Non-residents may be asked for a second photo ID
- Savings account interest rates are low
- Out-of-network ATM fees ($3.00 per transaction)
Can You Get a Chase Credit Card With an ITIN?
Yes. Every Chase card application, including Freedom Unlimited and Sapphire Preferred, has a Tax ID type menu with “Individual Tax ID number (ITIN)”. Freedom Rise earns 1.5% cash back with no annual fee and needs no credit history. Chase doesn’t publish ITIN-specific approval thresholds, so approval depends on its underwriting.
- Chase Freedom Rise: 1.5% cash back on every purchase, no annual fee — Chase’s application page lists an SSN and/or ITIN.
- Chase Freedom Unlimited: 5% on Chase Travel, 3% on dining and drugstores, 1.5% on everything else, no annual fee — the online application’s Tax ID type menu includes “Individual Tax ID number (ITIN)”; approval depends on Chase’s underwriting.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: Premium travel rewards — the application’s Tax ID type menu includes ITIN; approval depends on Chase’s underwriting, and Chase does not publish a universal minimum score or history period.
- Key tip: On Chase’s online card application, set Tax ID type to “Individual Tax ID number (ITIN)” and enter your ITIN. Freedom Rise needs no credit history, so start there if you’re new to U.S. credit.
See the Freedom Rise application details for what Chase asks for. If Chase turns you down, other issuers approve ITIN applicants too. Compare the best cash back, travel, and no-annual-fee credit cards for ITIN holders, or read our dedicated guides to Capital One and American Express with an ITIN.
Build the Relationship First
Chase does not publish a required banking-history period or score for ITIN applicants. A deposit account does not guarantee approval for a credit card. Issuer decisions depend on the application and underwriting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does opening a Chase account affect my immigration status?
Opening a bank account does not change your immigration status, and an ITIN itself does not change immigration status or authorize work. Financial privacy laws protect certain customer information but have exceptions, including disclosures required by law or legal process. Do not treat a bank account as a guarantee that information will never be shared with government authorities. See the IRS explanation of ITIN limits and the FTC overview of financial privacy rules.
Can I open a joint Chase account with an ITIN?
Yes. Chase doesn’t publish a separate ITIN rule for joint accounts, and its ITIN guidance applies to each applicant: every owner gives a taxpayer number (an ITIN works in place of an SSN) and a photo ID. Plan for both owners to visit the branch together.
Can I get a Chase credit card with an ITIN?
Yes. Every Chase card application, including Freedom Unlimited and Sapphire Preferred, has a Tax ID type menu with “Individual Tax ID number (ITIN)”. Chase does not publish ITIN-specific approval thresholds, so approval depends on its underwriting. See our credit cards for ITIN holders guide for general comparison guidance.
What if the branch says I need an SSN?
Show the banker Chase’s own guide for non-residents, which says an ITIN can be used in place of an SSN on a bank account application. If that branch still won’t open the account, ask for the branch manager or visit another Chase branch.
How long does it take to open a Chase account in person?
Application timing and card delivery can vary. Ask Chase what to expect for your account and branch.
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.