Chime and ITIN

Chime is an app-only financial technology company that is widely advertised to immigrant communities. Despite that, Chime requires a valid US Social Security number to open an account, and its own help page limits eligibility to US citizens and legal residents. If you only have an ITIN, you generally cannot open a Chime account.

This page explains what Chime actually requires and points you to options that work with an ITIN.

Key facts

ItemInformation
Accepts an ITINNo — a US SSN is required
SSN requiredYes
Status requiredUS citizen or legal resident
Accepted IDsUS driver’s license, US state ID, US passport or passport card, permanent resident card, Employment Authorization card, Tribal Government ID
Foreign passport / matricula consularNot accepted
Provider typeApp-only fintech (no branches); banking via The Bancorp Bank / Stride Bank
Monthly feeMarketed as $0 (confirm current terms with Chime)

Verified against Chime’s own help page on 2026-06-30.

What this means if you only have an ITIN

Chime’s account-opening help page states that a valid Social Security number is required and that you must be a citizen or legal resident of the United States. The IDs Chime accepts are all US-status documents — a US driver’s license, US state ID, US passport or passport card, permanent resident card, Employment Authorization card, or Tribal Government ID. A foreign passport, a matricula consular, or an ITIN is not on that list.

In practice, that means:

  • An ITIN cannot be used in place of an SSN to open a Chime account.
  • An applicant who is undocumented or who holds only an ITIN generally does not meet Chime’s stated eligibility.
  • Earlier guidance that suggested selecting “ITIN” as your tax ID inside the Chime application does not reflect Chime’s current requirements.

This is not a reason to give up on a US bank account — it just means Chime is not the right starting point if your only tax ID is an ITIN.

Where to look if you only have an ITIN

Many banks and credit unions do open accounts for people whose only tax ID is an ITIN. Common starting points include:

  • App-based providers such as Varo and SoFi (confirm each provider’s current ID and tax-ID requirements).
  • Credit unions, which often have lower minimum balances and fewer fees and frequently accept an ITIN.
  • In-branch accounts at large banks — Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and Chase commonly open accounts in person with an ITIN and an acceptable photo ID.

Requirements change, so confirm directly with each institution before you apply. The banks that accept ITIN comparison keeps a current list.

How to open an account

  1. Confirm you have a valid US Social Security number — Chime requires one. If you only have an ITIN, Chime is not an option; use the ITIN list above instead.
  2. Confirm you are a US citizen or legal resident, which Chime states is required.
  3. Have a US-status photo ID ready (US driver’s license, US state ID, US passport or passport card, permanent resident card, Employment Authorization card, or Tribal Government ID).
  4. Download the Chime app and start the account-opening flow there — Chime is app-only with no branches.
  5. If you do not meet these requirements, compare banks that accept ITIN instead.

Last verified: 2026-06-30.

General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.