How to open a Chase account as a non-resident
Opening a non-resident account in the US can seem a tricky business. While major US banks may offer non-resident account opening options, you will often find you need a range of documents to prove your identity, non-resident status and US address – plus you can’t normally set up your account digitally.
This guide walks through the Chase non-resident account options, the documents you need and how to get started.
We’ll also cover alternatives like Wise and Revolut which offer international accounts and card services that can be used to hold USD and many other currencies, with options to open your account from many different countries and regions globally.
Quick summary: Chase non-resident account
- Chase allows people who are not permanent residents of the US to open an account, subject to meeting eligibility requirements and completing verification
- You must have a US address, and proof of this address, to be able to bank with Chase as a non-resident
- If you meet the eligibility criteria you can open your Chase account by visiting a Chase location with your documents
- If you’d prefer to get USD account services online or through an app, without needing to visit a physical location, check out a provider like Wise or Revolut
- Hold and receive USD as well as managing dozens of other currencies, often with low fees for transacting at home and abroad
| FAQs | Answers |
|---|---|
| Can I open a Chase account without address proof in the USA? | No. Even as a non-resident, Chase requires you to provide 2 forms of ID, including one which shows your US address. If you don’t have a local US address, services like Wise or Revolut might suit you better. |
| Can I open a Chase account without SSN? | You may be able to open a Chase account using your ITIN instead of a US SSN. Call the bank ahead of time to ensure this is possible for the account you’ve selected. |
| Can I open a Chase account online as a non-resident? | No. You will have to visit a Chase branch with your paperwork to submit your account application. For a fully digital application, onboarding and verification, try services like Wise or Revolut instead. |
Can I open a Chase account as a non-resident?
Yes. You can open a Chase account if you are not a permanent resident of the US.
However, there’s a pretty big catch – you will still need a US address, and proof of that address, to apply as a non-permanent resident. This may be possible – for example if you split your time between the US and another country, and keep a property in the US for your visits. But for many non-residents showing a US proof of address simply isn’t an option.
If you have all the documents needed to open a Chase account as a non-permanent resident, you can open an account by visiting a Chase location with all your paperwork. Once again, this may not be super convenient if you’re only in the US from time to time.
If you’d prefer to open your account online or in an app you might find that services like Wise or Revolut suit you better. With providers like these you can open a digital account using your normal proof of ID and address, with access to USD account information even if you’re not a US resident. More on that later.
| Advantages – Chase non-resident account | Disadvantages – Chase non-resident account |
|---|---|
| ✅Chase offers a selection of checking accounts to non-residents ✅ Checking accounts have a debit card for easy spending in the US ✅ You could get all the US financial services you need under one brand ✅ Chase is a large, established and reliable bank with a big branch and ATM network | ❌ You can not open a Chase account online if you are not a US resident ❌ Chase checking accounts may have monthly fees ❌ Chase usually charges a 3% fee for overseas card use ❌ Chase accounts hold USD only – if you split your time between the US and another country, you’ll need other accounts |
How to open a Chase account as a non-resident
Let’s walk through the normal steps to open a Chase account as a non-resident. We’ve taken standard checking account options as our example here, so if you’re opening a more specialist account type, it may be worth checking with Chase to see if there are any other requirements you need to be aware of.
1. Check the Chase non-resident account opening eligibility so you know you can apply:
Chase does allow people who are not permanent residents of the US to apply for checking accounts, but you need 2 forms of ID, including one which shows a US address. Other account types may have different document requirements, so check before you apply.
2. Gather the documents needed to support your application:
You’ll need 2 forms of ID from the Chase list of acceptable documents, and one of these documents must include your US address.
3. Schedule an appointment in a Chase branch location:
Arrange and manage your Chase appointment online, to avoid needing to wait around unnecessarily in the branch waiting for service.
4. Visit a Chase branch with your application and paperwork to open your account:
Attend your appointment with all your documents for checking. Submit and sign your application and you should be ready to start transacting once everything has been verified.
Chase non resident account requirements
The key Chase requirements to open an account as a non-permanent resident include providing
- 1 form of primary ID, and
- 1 form of secondary ID.
- One of these documents must show your US address.
Chase also highlights that additional documents may be needed if you’re from one of a list of OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control) sanctioned countries. The list of countries under sanction does change, so you’ll need to check online if you’re in any doubt about whether this applies to you.
It may be tricky – or at least inconvenient to open a Chase account as a non-resident. You’ll need to find appropriate paperwork, and you must have a US address – and even then you can’t apply online. If you want a more streamlined, digital application experience, a provider like Wise or Revolut might be a better alternative. We’ll cover more on those later.
What documents do you need to open a Chase non-resident account?
Before you attend your appointment to open an account you’ll need to sort out your paperwork. If you’re unsure what you need, do get in touch with the bank directly to avoid wasting time. For Chase checking accounts you usually need:
| Required documents for Chase non-resident account |
|---|
1 primary ID document:
You can then either provide a second form of primary ID, or: 1 secondary ID document:
One of these documents must include your US address |
What is proof of residency for Chase?
You don’t need to provide a specific proof of residency to open a Chase checking account.
The ID documents you provide, which must include photo ID and a proof of US address, suffice.
Proof of address for Chase non-resident account
Even as a non-resident, you must show a US address to open your Chase account. The ID documents you provide – either primary or secondary – are likely to include your US address, although this does depend on the specific document you choose.
Common options include a US bank statement or utility bill, or a letter from your US employer, for example.
Can I open a Chase account without SSN?
You may be able to open a Chase checking account without an SSN if you meet all the other requirements.
In this case you’ll likely be asked to provide an ITIN instead, which you can get from the IRS.
Chase account alternatives for non-residents
If you need a way to manage your money in USD – including sending, holding, receiving and spending dollars – Chase is one option, but not the only option. Other US banks may also offer suitable accounts for non-permanent residents, although you’ll still normally need to prove your US address to apply.
Or, check out specialist providers instead. Specialist online services usually offer ways to hold a USD balance, receive USD payments, and debit cards for spending, as well as ways to send USD to pay your bills.
Options like Wise and Revolut can hold many other currencies as well as USD, and are available to people with home addresses in many different countries around the world. Here’s a quick head to head comparison on some key features, with more detail right after:
| Chase | Wise | Revolut | Wells Fargo | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-resident eligibility | Provide several ID documents and a US proof of address | Provide local ID and proof of address from another supported country | Provide local ID and proof of address from another supported country | Provide several ID documents and a US proof of address |
| Open online | Not available | Available | Available | Not available |
| Maintenance fee | Varied account options available with their own fees | None | Fees vary based on your country of residence: in the US you pay 0 USD – 16.99 USD/month | Varied account options available with their own fees |
| Supported currencies | USD | USD and 40+ others | USD and 25+ others | USD |
| Overseas card spending costs | 3% | Free to spend a currency you hold Currency conversion from 0.33% where needed | No fee to spend a currency you hold Some no fee weekday currency conversion available – fair usage and out of hours fees may apply | 3% |
| International transfer fee | 5 USD Fee waived for cross currency transfers over 5,000 USD – exchange rate costs apply | From 0.33% | 5% fee for payments over 200 USD Lower value payments have a fee of up to 10 USD | Fee may be waived for cross currency transfers – exchange rate costs apply |
*Details correct at time of writing – 13th November 2024
Different non-resident account options have their own features and fees, so which works best for you will require some research. We’ll look a little more closely at our selected Chase alternatives below, so you can get a feel for which may suit your own specific needs.
Wise account
| 💡Great for: Holding and exchanging 40+ currencies including USD, with ways to get paid in dollars, and low cost currency conversion |
Open a Wise account online or in app, to hold, send, spend and exchange USD alongside 40+ other currencies. Wise account offers USD account details to get paid with ACH and wire, and you can also get a Wise card to tap and pay in stores or make cash withdrawals.
Currency conversion uses the mid-market rate with low fees from 0.33% and accounts have no ongoing fees, and no minimum balance requirements.
| Wise account pros | Wise account cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Apply using your local ID and address more or less anywhere in the world ✅ Hold and exchange USD and 40+ other currencies ✅ Mid-market exchange rates ✅ Some free ATM withdrawals every month | ❌ No check book provided ❌ Some transaction and withdrawal fees apply |
Eligibility: Apply with your local proof of address and ID in the US or any of Wise’s other supported countries
How to open a Wise account as a non-resident
Step by step how to open a Wise account:
- Download the Wise app or open the local desktop site wherever you live
- Tap to sign up and enter your personal and contact information
- Follow prompts to add the required details and upload your local ID and address documents for verification
- Once your account is verified you can open a USD balance, top up your account in US dollars, order a card and start to spend
Revolut account
| 💡Great for: Choose between different account plans to manage USD with 25+ other currencies and spend on your linked card |
In most countries it operates in, Revolut offers several different accounts for personal customers which all have linked debit cards. The exact plan options will depend on where you’re a resident, but generally accounts offer some weekday currency conversion with the Revolut rate and no extra fee to your plan limit, and some no fee ATM use every month. Out of hours fees apply on weekends and holidays. Depending on the account you pick you may pay a monthly maintenance charge – higher tier accounts have higher costs but also more features.
| Revolut account pros | Revolut account cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Available to non-resident customers in the US and many other countries ✅ Choose from different account plans depending on your needs ✅ Hold and exchange 25+ currencies and spend with your Revolut card ✅ Some weekday currency conversion with no additional fees for all customers | ❌ Some account tiers have ongoing fees ❌ Fair usage and out of hours fees may apply |
Eligibility: Apply with your local proof of address and ID in the US or any of Revolut’s other supported countries
How to open a Revolut account as a non-resident
- Check Revolut is available in your country of residence and download the app
- Tap to sign up and enter your personal and contact information
- Follow prompts to add the required details and upload your local ID and address documents for verification
- Once your account is verified you can top up and start to spend – your card will be delivered to your registered address
Wells Fargo account
| 💡Great for: Selection of non-resident account services including saving, checking and card options, from a popular US bank |
Wells Fargo offers non-resident account account opening services for customers who meet their eligibility requirements. Usually this means you must have a physical US address, and be able to attend a branch with 2 forms of ID and a proof of your US address and nationality. Different accounts are available including checking and saving options – you must pay an opening deposit of at least 25 USD. Double check the account options and services which are available based on your specific circumstances, before you attend an appointment.
| Wells Fargo account pros | Wells Fargo account cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Open a USD account from a fully licensed US bank ✅ Choose from different account products ✅ Get checking services and a debit card if you want one ✅ Savings accounts and CDs also available | ❌ No online account opening options ❌ Minimum opening deposit amount applies
|
Eligibility: Apply in a Wells Fargo branch, with your US address, 2 forms of ID and your overseas tax ID
How to open a Wells Fargo account as a non-resident
Here is how to open a Wells Fargo account as a non-resident:
- Check you’re eligible to open an account with Wells Fargo as a non-resident
- Gather the documents needed to support your application
- Schedule a branch appointment
- Visit a location with your application and paperwork to open your account
| Learn more about non-resident accounts in the US from these guides: |
Can I open a foreign currency account with Chase?
Chase currently doesn’t offer multi currency bank accounts. Chase accounts in the US can only usually hold US dollars. That may not be convenient if you’re managing your money across currencies, sending payments overseas, or traveling between the US and your home country often.
In this case, you may be better off with a foreign currency or multi-currency account from an alternative service. Here are a couple which might be worth looking at:
Wise multi currency account: Hold, send, spend and exchange USD alongside 40+ other currencies, with the mid-market rate with low fees from 0.33%. Get paid in USD by ACH and wire or in 8+ foreign currencies, and get a Wise card for local and overseas use. Learn more on Wise Account Review.
Revolut multi currency account: Manage USD along with 25+ other currencies, with some no fee weekday currency conversion and a linked card for spending and withdrawals. Choose between different account plans depending on your needs, including some with no ongoing charges. Learn more on Revolut Review.
Apply from any supported country, with your home proof of address and ID – no need to have a US address.
Chase account for foreigners in the US
Chase does allow people who are not permanent US residents to open a checking account – but you’ll need to have a US address. This could suit some people who split their time between the US and another country, with a local US address on hand for when they stay. However, you’ll need to be able to prove your US address with something like a bank statement or utility bill – so this isn’t an option if you stay in temporary accommodation during your time in the US.
If you’re not eligible for a Chase account, there are alternatives. Online account options like Wise and Revolut can offer ways to manage USD and many other currencies, with low fees and good exchange rates.
- To open a Chase checking account you need proof of a US address, as well as 2 forms of acceptable ID
- Chase checking accounts offer linked debit cards and checking services, but may come with monthly fees
- There’s usually a 3% charge for using a Chase card overseas, and exchange rates may include a markup when you send money internationally
- A multi-currency account with USD services from a provider like Wise or Revolut can have low fees for transacting at home and abroad
Chase non resident account FAQs
Can I open a Chase account online as a foreigner?
To open a Chase account online you need a US driving license and an SSN. Your nationality isn’t important here – but to have these documents the chances are that you’ll need to be a US resident, even if you’re not a US citizen.
Can a tourist open a Chase account?
Tourists can not open a Chase account. You need to prove a US address to open an account, which includes showing something like a recent bank statement or utility bill in your name, which has a US address on it. That’s not usually something a tourist in the US will be able to find, which means that a provider like Wise or Revolut might be a better bet.
Can a non-US citizen open a Chase account?
Yes. You can open a Chase account as a non-US citizen as long as you fulfill the eligibility criteria and can provide the required documents. What’s needed depends on your immigration status, with options for Green Card holders and non-permanent residents of the US available.
Can I open a Chase account with a passport?
No. You will always need 2 forms of ID at least. One may be your passport, but you’ll normally also have to show a proof of address like a recent bank statement or utility bill in your name.
