Chase does not offer accounts to most people living in Europe, but the answer depends on your citizenship and whether you maintain a U.S. address

Chase's retail banking services are available only to people with a U.S. address on file. If you live in Europe full-time, you cannot open a standard Chase checking or savings account online or in a branch. However, if you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident living abroad temporarily, or if you own property in the U.S. and have a valid U.S. address to use, you may be able to open an account by mail or through a Chase branch during a visit home.

Chase does offer Chase International Banking services for customers who already have an established relationship with the bank and are relocating abroad. This is different from opening a new account as a non-resident. You must be an existing Chase customer, and the service is limited — it does not include the full range of checking and savings products available to U.S.-based customers.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase requires a U.S. address to open a new account, which disqualifies most people living permanently in Europe.
  • U.S. citizens abroad may open accounts by mail if they have a valid U.S. address (such as a family member's home or a mailbox service) and provide proof of citizenship.
  • Chase International Banking is available only to existing customers who are relocating, not to new account holders abroad.
  • European banks and U.S. banks with European branches (such as Bank of America or Citibank) are more practical options for people living in Europe long-term.

What address Chase requires and why it matters

Chase's account opening system is built around the U.S. address requirement because of banking regulations and tax reporting. The bank must verify your identity using U.S. documentation, and it reports account activity to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) based on the address on file. If you do not have a U.S. address, the system will reject your application at the address verification step.

A U.S. address does not have to be your home. It can be a family member's address, a mailbox service (such as UPS Store or a private mailbox company), or a property you own. The address must be real and verifiable — Chase will send mail there and may call to confirm it. If you use someone else's address, that person should know and agree to receive your statements and account notices.

How U.S. citizens living abroad can open an account

If you are a U.S. citizen or green card holder with a valid U.S. address, you have two paths: open the account in person during a visit to the U.S., or contact Chase by phone to ask about mail-based account opening. The phone route is slower and requires more documentation, but it avoids the need to travel.

For the mail route, call Chase at the number on their website and ask to speak with someone in the International Banking department. Have ready your U.S. address, a government-issued ID (passport or driver's license), proof of the address (a utility bill or lease in your name), and your Social Security number. Chase will mail you forms to sign and return. The process typically takes four to eight weeks.

If you are in the U.S., visit a Chase branch in person. Bring your passport, proof of address, and Social Security card. You can open a checking or savings account on the spot. This is the fastest method and avoids the back-and-forth of mail-based opening.

Chase International Banking for existing customers

If you already have a Chase account and are moving to Europe, you can contact Chase International Banking to keep your account active. This service lets you continue using your debit card and online banking while abroad, though some features may be limited. You will still need to maintain a U.S. address on file.

Chase International Banking does not offer new products or higher limits for overseas customers. It is a maintenance service, not an expansion of your account. You cannot use it to open a new account from Europe — only to keep an existing one active while you travel or relocate temporarily.

Why European banks and alternatives are often better for long-term residents

If you plan to live in Europe for more than a year or two, opening a local bank account is usually simpler and more practical than maintaining a U.S. account. European banks do not require a U.S. address, and they offer services designed for people living in the EU, such as SEPA transfers and local debit cards.

Major European banks like ING, Deutsche Bank, and Santander have straightforward account opening for non-residents, though requirements vary by country. Some require proof of residence (a utility bill or rental agreement), while others accept a passport alone. Many offer English-language support and online banking.

If you want to keep a U.S. bank account for transfers home or to maintain credit history, consider opening a second account with a bank that has a European presence, such as Citibank or Bank of America. These banks have branches in major European cities and can sometimes open accounts for existing customers relocating abroad.

What happens if you try to open a Chase account without a U.S. address

If you apply online without a U.S. address, the application will fail at the address verification step. Chase's system will not allow you to proceed, and you will receive a message that you do not meet the requirements to open an account. You cannot override this by calling or visiting a branch — the policy is consistent across all Chase locations.

Some people try to use a false or borrowed address to get around this requirement. This is fraud and can result in the account being closed, your funds being held, and legal consequences. Chase verifies addresses through third-party databases and by mailing account materials. If the address does not match your identity, the account will be flagged and closed.

Documents you will need if you have a U.S. address

To open a Chase account from Europe with a valid U.S. address, gather these documents before you contact the bank:

  • A government-issued photo ID (U.S. passport, driver's license, or state ID card)
  • Proof of the U.S. address (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days)
  • Your Social Security number
  • Your current address in Europe (for their records, though your account will be tied to the U.S. address)

If you are opening the account by mail, Chase will ask you to provide copies of these documents. If you are opening in person during a U.S. visit, bring the originals. Do not send originals by mail — copies are sufficient and safer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Chase account online from Europe without a U.S. address?

No. Chase's online system requires a U.S. address and will reject applications without one. If you have a valid U.S. address (such as a family member's home or a mailbox service), you can apply online. Otherwise, you must contact Chase by phone or visit a branch in person during a U.S. visit.

What if I use my family member's U.S. address to open an account?

You can use a family member's address if they agree and it is a real address where they receive mail. Chase may contact them to verify the address, so they should know you are using it. Make sure your family member is comfortable receiving your bank statements and account notices at their home.

Will Chase close my account if I move to Europe after opening it?

Chase will not automatically close your account if you move abroad, but you must keep a U.S. address on file. If your address changes to a non-U.S. location, Chase may freeze or close the account. Contact Chase International Banking before you move to let them know you are relocating and to confirm your account will remain active.

Can I use Chase while living in Europe if I already have an account?

Yes. If you already have a Chase account, you can use your debit card and online banking while in Europe. Your card will work at ATMs and merchants that accept Visa. However, you may face foreign transaction fees and currency conversion charges. Contact Chase before you travel to let them know your dates so they do not flag your card for fraud.

Is it better to open a European bank account instead?

For most people living in Europe long-term, a local bank account is more practical. European banks do not require a U.S. address, offer services designed for EU residents, and typically charge lower fees for local transfers. You can keep a U.S. account for transfers home, but a European account should be your primary account if you live there.