Updated April 2026
Chase vs Bank of America for ITIN Holders 2026: Which Is Better?
Chase and Bank of America are the two largest traditional banks that accept ITIN holders. Chase operates 4,700+ branches in 48 states. Bank of America operates 3,800+ branches in 38 states. Both charge $12/month for basic checking (waivable) and require in-person branch visits to open accounts. This guide compares every feature that matters to ITIN holders: fees, ATM networks, Spanish-language support, credit card options, and more.
How Do Chase and Bank of America Compare for ITIN Holders?
| Feature | Chase | Bank of America |
|---|---|---|
| Branches | 4,700+ (48 states) | 3,800+ (38 states) |
| ATMs | 16,000+ | 15,000+ |
| Monthly fee | $12 (waivable) | $12 (waivable) |
| Fee waiver | $1,500 min or $500 DD | $1,500 min or DD |
| Min opening deposit | $0 | $25 |
| FDIC insurance | $250K | $250K |
| Zelle | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile app rating | 4.8/5 (App Store) | 4.7/5 (App Store) |
| Spanish support | Many branches | Most branches + dedicated line |
| ITIN credit card | Not available | Secured card available |
| Intl wire fee | $40 ($5 online select) | $45 |
| Rewards program | Chase Offers | Preferred Rewards |
| Best for | Largest branch network, mobile app | Spanish support, secured card |
When Should ITIN Holders Choose Chase?
Chase is the better choice for ITIN holders who prioritize branch access, mobile banking quality, and future relationship banking potential.
- You need maximum branch coverage. 4,700+ branches in 48 states means you are more likely to find a Chase branch wherever you live or travel in the US.
- You value mobile banking. Chase's mobile app consistently ranks among the best in the industry with a 4.8/5 App Store rating. Features include instant Zelle transfers, real-time alerts, and mobile check deposit.
- You plan to build a Chase relationship. Chase Sapphire and other premium products may become available as you build credit history and banking relationship over time.
- You want lower international wire fees. Chase charges $5 for online wires to select countries vs BofA's $45 flat fee. If you send money internationally online, Chase can save you $40 per transaction.
Full details: Chase ITIN guide
When Should ITIN Holders Choose Bank of America?
Bank of America is the better choice for ITIN holders who need Spanish-language support, want a secured credit card, or plan to use the Preferred Rewards program.
- You prefer Spanish-language banking. BofA offers the most comprehensive Spanish-language banking experience with bilingual staff at most branches, a Spanish mobile app, and a dedicated Spanish customer service line at 1-800-688-6086.
- You want a secured credit card. BofA offers the Customized Cash Rewards Secured card to ITIN holders. This lets you build credit history while earning cashback rewards. Chase does not offer credit cards to ITIN-only holders.
- You plan to keep high balances. BofA's Preferred Rewards program offers fee waivers, rate bonuses, and cashback boosts for customers who maintain $20,000+ across BofA and Merrill accounts.
- You live in the Southeast or mid-Atlantic. BofA has stronger branch coverage in these regions compared to Chase.
Full details: Bank of America ITIN guide
What Is the Final Verdict: Chase or Bank of America?
Our recommendation:
Both banks offer similar fees and features for ITIN holders. Choose Chase for the largest branch network, best mobile app, and lower international wire fees. Choose Bank of America for Spanish-language support and the ability to get a secured credit card with your ITIN. If you need $0 fee banking without branch visits, consider Mercury or Relay instead.
See also: ITIN banking hub | ITIN credit cards compared | Wells Fargo ITIN guide
Chase vs Bank of America for ITIN: Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Both Chase and Bank of America accept ITIN holders for personal checking and savings accounts. You need to visit a branch in person with your ITIN letter (CP565 or CP567), valid passport, and proof of US address. Neither bank accepts ITIN applications online for new accounts. Both require a minimum opening deposit ($0 at Chase, $25 at BofA).
Chase has more branches: 4,700+ branches in 48 states compared to Bank of America's 3,800+ branches in 38 states. Chase has the largest branch network of any US bank. However, Bank of America has more branches in certain regions (Southeast, mid-Atlantic). Check branch locators for your specific area.
Both charge $12/month for basic checking. Chase Total Checking waives the fee with a $1,500 minimum daily balance, $500+ monthly direct deposit, or qualifying linked accounts. BofA Advantage SafePass waives the fee with a $1,500 minimum daily balance or qualifying direct deposit. The fee structures are nearly identical.
Chase has approximately 16,000 ATMs nationwide. Bank of America has approximately 15,000 ATMs. Both networks are extensive and cover major cities and suburbs. Both charge $3-$5 for out-of-network ATM usage plus any fee from the ATM owner. Neither reimburses out-of-network ATM fees on basic accounts.
Bank of America generally offers better Spanish-language support with bilingual staff at most branches, a fully Spanish mobile app, and Spanish-language customer service at 1-800-688-6086. Chase offers Spanish support at many branches and some Spanish mobile app features, but BofA's Spanish integration is more comprehensive.
Bank of America offers secured credit cards to ITIN holders through its Customized Cash Rewards Secured card. Chase does not currently offer credit cards to ITIN holders who lack an SSN. For ITIN credit cards, consider Capital One Platinum Secured ($49-$200 deposit) or OpenSky ($200 deposit, no credit check).
Chase consistently ranks higher for mobile banking in customer satisfaction surveys. Chase's mobile app features include Zelle transfers, mobile check deposit, account alerts, and spending insights. BofA's app offers Erica (AI assistant), Zelle, mobile deposit, and spending/budgeting tools. Both are well-designed but Chase's interface is slightly more user-friendly.
Yes. Both Chase and Bank of America offer savings accounts to ITIN holders. Chase Savings has a $5/month fee waived with a $300 minimum balance or linked checking. BofA Advantage Savings has a $8/month fee waived with $500 minimum balance. Interest rates on basic savings are minimal (0.01%-0.02% APY) at both banks.
Bank of America offers international wire transfers at $45 per outgoing wire for account holders. Chase charges $40 per outgoing international wire ($5 for online wires to select countries). Both charge exchange rate markups of 1%-3%. For cheaper international transfers, pair either bank with a Wise account (0.3%-1.5% with mid-market rates).
Yes. Both Chase and BofA allow joint accounts where one holder has an ITIN and the other has an SSN. Both account holders must be present at the branch with their respective identification. Joint accounts provide full access to both parties for deposits, withdrawals, and online banking.
Need an ITIN to open your Chase or BofA account? Apply through itin.so starting at $297.
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