Quick Answer
Chase’s public guidance says an ITIN may be used as a substitute for an SSN when one is required on a bank application. Exact account eligibility, application channels, and document requirements can vary, so confirm them with Chase before applying. Ask whether the IRS ITIN assignment notice is needed for your application.
Does Chase Accept ITIN?
Chase’s public guidance says an ITIN may be used instead of an SSN when one is required on a bank application. It does not promise eligibility for every account. Confirm your account’s requirements and whether you can apply online or must visit a branch; ask Chase which documents to bring.
Chase's policy is described on its page for non-residents. 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, I brought my ITIN assignment letter from the IRS, Mexican passport, and California driver's license. This is one person’s experience, not a universal document list. Ask Chase which documents and application channels apply to your account and situation.
Chase operates more than 5,000 branches and offers checking accounts with different fees and features. Account and application requirements vary. Review the current account disclosures and confirm whether you can apply using an ITIN before submitting an application.
Which Accounts Can ITIN Holders Open?
Chase offers personal checking and savings products, but eligibility for applicants using an ITIN should be confirmed for each account. The table summarizes published monthly fees and selected fee-waiver conditions; verify current terms directly with Chase.
| Account | Monthly Fee | How to Waive | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Secure Banking℠ | $4.95 | $0 with $250+ qualifying electronic deposits, a qualifying linked account, 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 | Link to a Chase checking account, or maintain $300 minimum daily balance | 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 may be waived with $250+ qualifying electronic deposits, a qualifying linked account, 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?
Chase may request taxpayer information, identity documents, and address information. These 3 document categories can vary by account and applicant; ask Chase for the current checklist before visiting so you know which items apply to your application.
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 may substitute for an SSN when one is required on a bank application. Confirm current eligibility and documentation requirements directly with Chase. Don't have one yet? Apply with IRS Form W-7.
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A valid government-issued photo ID. Ask Chase which current government-issued identity documents it accepts for your application and whether additional documents are needed.
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A second form of ID or proof of U.S. address. Chase may ask for documents to verify identity and address; confirm which documents it accepts for your account and situation.
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Opening deposit (optional for Secure Banking). Chase Secure Banking has no minimum opening deposit. For Chase Total Checking, confirm any opening-funding requirements and accepted methods with Chase.
Important
Chase’s public guidance says an ITIN may substitute for an SSN when one is required on a bank application, but account and applicant requirements still apply. If a banker is unsure which process applies, ask for the current written requirements or contact Chase through its official support channel. Confirm the required documents before making another visit.
How Do I Open a Chase Account Step by Step?
Collect your documents
First confirm with Chase whether your account and applicant profile require a branch visit. If so, ask what identification and address documents to bring, then schedule an appointment if available. Processing time and additional document requests vary by applicant and branch.
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. Follow Chase’s instructions for the application and ask how to provide your ITIN; the process can vary by account and applicant.
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’s published guidance mentions ITIN use for certain bank applications. Account eligibility and channels vary, and monthly fees range from $4.95 to $15 before applicable waivers. Compare account terms and confirm current requirements directly with Chase.
Pros
- Chase says an ITIN may substitute for an SSN when one is required on a bank application
- 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
- Application channel varies; confirm with Chase
- Secure Banking’s $4.95 fee can be waived when the account meets Chase’s qualifying conditions
- Requirements and available application channels may vary by account and applicant
- Savings account interest rates are low
- Out-of-network ATM fees ($3.00 per transaction)
Can ITIN Holders Get a Chase Credit Card?
Chase does not publish ITIN-specific credit-card approval thresholds or a required banking-history period. The issuer’s decision depends on its application and underwriting process, and a checking account does not guarantee credit-card approval. Confirm current application options directly with Chase.
- Chase Freedom Rise: Entry-level 1.5% cash back card — most accessible for new credit builders already banking with Chase.
- Chase Freedom Unlimited: 1.5–5% cash back, no annual fee — Chase does not publish an ITIN-specific minimum score or banking-history period; approval depends on its underwriting.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: Premium travel rewards — approval depends on Chase’s underwriting; the issuer does not publish a universal minimum score or history period.
- Key tip: Confirm with Chase whether your application supports an ITIN online or requires a branch visit.
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; confirm current application options with Chase.
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?
Confirm directly with Chase whether it can open the joint account you need and what identification, tax-number, and attendance requirements apply to each applicant.
Can I get a Chase credit card with an ITIN?
Member experience (not a general approval rule): A member’s experience is not evidence of typical eligibility or approval. Chase does not publish ITIN-specific credit-card approval thresholds; confirm current application options with Chase. See our credit cards for ITIN holders guide for general comparison guidance.
What if the branch says I need an SSN?
If a representative says an SSN is required, ask Chase to clarify the current requirements for your specific account and whether another application channel is available. Do not assume every account or applicant is eligible.
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.