Finding a bank in the US

[Gruntswife 0]

I am about to submit my immigration package, am in the US, married to an american citizen. I can not find a bank who will let me open an account without having a social security number. My husbands bank wont let me, and wont let me be joint on his account either. Does anyone know any banks that will let me have an account? What did you guys do?

[BermyCat 1]

Wachovia put me on Phil's account and I'm not even a resident yet. They just wanted to see my passport. It probably helped that the bank manager was an Australian that had immigrated on a K-1 visa many years ago. He seemed pretty knowledgable about banking rules when foreigners were involved.

~ Catherine

[DeadPoolX 9]

Well, I haven't been in this spot (I'm the USC), but I think Bank of America is fairly lenient. You could always attempt to open an account with RBC's American branch. It used to be called "RBC Centura," but they changed the name to simply "RBC Bank." If you have a Canadian RBC account, you can move funds back and forth easily. Even if you don't, RBC might be more willing to give you an account, since you're Canadian.

One thing you might want to know is that RBC Bank only has brick-and-mortar branches in several states, so they're not widespread. That's fine if all you ever need is online banking, but there might be a time when you need to walk into a branch itself.

If none of the above works, then your husband could always open up a new checking account with you on it. I know you said his bank wouldn't allow him to add you, but if he opens a new one with you on it from the start, that might work. Especially if it's with a different bank.

Edited October 15, 2008 by DeadPoolX

[Flames9_RN 358]

Ya wachovie let me!! But like many other things, 1 branch may say yes, while another may say no

[Pandora01 0]

I'll be moving to the US soon and asked my fiance to check with his bank, Wells Fargo. He was told I don't need an SSN to open a checking account.

[vanee 13]

National City let me open a chequing account and get a credit card with them when I was visiting my to-be-husband for 2 months. They wanted to see my passport and Canadian driver's licence, and they recorded my SIN. I updated their record when I got a SSN much later.

[Krikit 1,164]

Our bank added me to my husband's account using his SSN until I was issued one. All they needed was my passport and, I think, our marriage certificate..... can't remember now. Once I received my SSN they updated their records.

[bradcanuck 1]

I walked into Bank of America with nothing but a passport and successfully opened a checking and savings account. No questions asked.

[thetreble 19]

I'm not sure what it will be like right now to be honest. No one wants to take any risks at all. I had a friend working at WaMu (RIP) so I didn't have any problems.

Go with big banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo,etc.

[CDAgirlMI 51]

Bank Of America!

I went to another institution & they wouldn't allow me cause I'm not a US resident. Went to BAC & they were awesome! Absolutley freindly I couldn't believe it. I talked to the woman who opened my accounts for about 20mins just about my life situation alone (being a Canadian, dating American, want to move there one day...etc).

I'd recommend this bank because they let me have an account, the staff is very welcoming, and I think they're the safest bet on the US banks right now. I don't really trust any other bank(well, maybe Chase). Not with the way things are going lately.

[Reba 2]

Well considering deposits up to $250,000 are insured I'm guessing most of us here are safe at just about any bank for a checking account. Investments are another kettle o fish altogether.

My husband was able to add me to his account without issue the day after we were married. I wasn't even living in the US at the time, they even mailed my debit card to my Canada address.

I'd try either Bank of America or RBC, they're probably the most forgiving.

[JillA 2]

Yes this issue is definitely a pain in my rear too. Glen called his bank about adding me to his account and making it joint; and getting me a bank card and credit card attached to our account. They said NO until I have an SSN #, which is frustrating. What am I to do with no access to the bank, ask hubby for "allowance" on a weekly basis!?

[Flames9_RN 358]

Yes this issue is definitely a pain in my rear too. Glen called his bank about adding me to his account and making it joint; and getting me a bank card and credit card attached to our account. They said NO until I have an SSN #, which is frustrating. What am I to do with no access to the bank, ask hubby for "allowance" on a weekly basis!?

wow, ur greedy, once a month should suffice! lol

[JillA 2]

Yes this issue is definitely a pain in my rear too. Glen called his bank about adding me to his account and making it joint; and getting me a bank card and credit card attached to our account. They said NO until I have an SSN #, which is frustrating. What am I to do with no access to the bank, ask hubby for "allowance" on a weekly basis!?

wow, ur greedy, once a month should suffice! lol

I'm sure hubby would say the same thing!

[thetreble 19]

Well a credit card I can understand. After two years of being here my bank still would not let my husband put me as a responsible party on one of his credit cards. I could use the card, it just would not affect my credit and I needed to gain more credit. Pretty bad.

If you don't have an SSN though, they aren't going to put you on your husband's card of your card for that matter. Sorry Jilla!