Chase is one of the largest and most
accessible banks in the United States
for immigrants. Unlike many traditional
banks Chase accepts alternative forms
of identification that do not require
a Social Security Number. This guide
explains exactly how to open a Chase
bank account without an SSN in 2026.

Does Chase Accept Immigrants
Without SSN?

Yes. Chase bank accepts several forms
of alternative identification for
immigrants who do not have a Social
Security Number. Chase has been one
of the most immigrant-friendly major
banks in the United States for many
years and actively serves Latino and
immigrant communities across the country.

What Documents Does Chase Accept
Instead of SSN?

Chase accepts the following forms of
identification in place of an SSN:

Foreign passport — A valid passport
from any country is the most widely
accepted form of ID at Chase branches.
This is the easiest option for most
immigrants.

Matricula Consular — The Matricula
Consular is an ID card issued by Mexican
consulates to Mexican nationals living
abroad. Chase accepts this as a primary
form of identification at most branches.

ITIN — An Individual Taxpayer
Identification Number issued by the
IRS is accepted at Chase for account
opening. If you have an ITIN bring
it along with your passport.

U.S. Employment Authorization Document
(EAD) — If you have work authorization
your EAD card is accepted as a primary
form of ID.

Foreign Driver’s License — A valid
driver’s license from your home country
may be accepted as a secondary form
of identification alongside your passport.

What Type of Chase Account Can
Immigrants Open?

Chase Total Checking
The most popular Chase checking account.
Monthly fee of $12 waived with direct
deposit of $500 or more, a daily balance
of $1,500 or more, or an average daily
balance of $5,000 across qualifying
accounts. Includes access to 16,000
Chase ATMs and 4,700 branches nationwide.

Chase Secure Banking
The best option for immigrants who
are new to banking. No overdraft fees.
Monthly fee of $4.95 that cannot be
waived. No minimum balance requirement.
No checks. This account is specifically
designed for people who want simple
banking without the risk of overdraft
fees.

Chase Savings Account
Open a Chase savings account alongside
your checking account. Monthly fee of
$5 waived with a $300 minimum daily
balance or automatic monthly transfer
from a Chase checking account.

Step by Step: How to Open a Chase
Account Without SSN

Step 1: Call your local Chase branch
ahead of time. Document acceptance
policies can vary by branch and
individual banker. Calling ahead
confirms they accept your specific
documents before you make the trip.

Step 2: Gather your documents. Bring
your passport plus one of the following:
Matricula Consular, ITIN letter, EAD
card, or foreign driver’s license.
Also bring proof of U.S. address such
as a utility bill, lease agreement,
or bank statement.

Step 3: Visit the branch in person.
Chase does not currently allow accounts
to be opened online without an SSN.
You must visit a branch in person.

Step 4: Ask for the banker and explain
you want to open an account using
alternative identification. Be clear
about which documents you have.

Step 5: Complete the account application.
The banker will verify your documents
and process your application. This
typically takes 30 to 60 minutes.

Step 6: Make your initial deposit.
Chase Total Checking requires no minimum
opening deposit. Chase Secure Banking
also has no minimum opening deposit.

Step 7: Set up online banking and
download the Chase mobile app. The
Chase app is consistently rated among
the best banking apps in the United States.

What If Chase Rejects Your Application?

If one Chase branch rejects your
application do not give up. Document
acceptance policies can vary between
branches and even between individual
bankers. Try a different branch in
your area. Many immigrants have been
rejected at one Chase branch and
successfully opened an account at
another nearby location.

If Chase continues to reject your
application consider these alternatives:
Bank of America which has similar
immigrant-friendly policies, Capital
One which accepts ITIN online, or
fintech options like Majority or
Firstcard which were built specifically
for immigrants.

How Opening a Chase Account Helps
Your Financial Life

Having a Chase account gives you access
to one of the largest banking networks
in the United States with 4,700 branches
and 16,000 ATMs. It also makes it
easier to apply for Chase credit cards
in the future as existing customers
have better approval odds. Chase also
offers Zelle integration for free
instant transfers to other U.S. bank
account holders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase account online
without an SSN?
No. Chase currently requires an in-person
branch visit for account opening without
an SSN. You cannot open an account
online using only a passport or
Matricula Consular.

Does Chase report my information
to immigration authorities?
No. Banks are not required to report
customer information to immigration
authorities and Chase does not do so.
Banking is confidential and opening
an account does not affect your
immigration status.

Can undocumented immigrants open
a Chase account?
Yes. Chase accepts foreign passports
and Matricula Consular cards which
are available to undocumented immigrants.
Chase does not ask about immigration
status.

How long does it take to open a
Chase account?
An in-person Chase account opening
typically takes 30 to 60 minutes.
Your debit card arrives by mail in
7 to 10 business days.

Can I get a Chase credit card after
opening a checking account?
Yes. Existing Chase customers have
better approval odds for Chase credit
cards. After 6 to 12 months of
maintaining your checking account
in good standing you can apply for
Chase credit cards. Some Chase cards
accept ITIN in place of SSN.

Conclusion

Chase is one of the most accessible
major banks for immigrants in the
United States. With a foreign passport
or Matricula Consular you can open
a Chase account at most branches
without an SSN. Call ahead to confirm
document acceptance at your local
branch and visit in person with your
complete documentation. Once your
account is open focus on building
your U.S. credit history with a
secured credit card to accelerate
your financial progress in America.