Shared Bank Accounts, Is it really needed?

[JEH* 0]

I read one of the posts here that says, one of the evidences to be needed in getting a permanent greencard is the shared bank accounts. Now, my questions is: Is it really needed to have a shared bank accounts? Me and my fiance never talk about it and perhaps he never know about this also infact this is my first time to read about this matter. The truth is, I dont have plan to be part of what he put up before we started this whole thing, do u think this is a right idea? I'm hesistant to open up this matter to my fiance coz i might use a wrong approach He always told me that it wouldn't bother him if i wanted to go find work or just stay home as long as we are together thats all that matters to him and of course for me also. What I planned is to find me a job just as soon as i can get to work legally and open me a bank account for myself only, would that be right?

[Carlawarla 1]

Yes, it is used by many as evidence of a bona fide relationship in terms of co-mingling finances after marriage. Other evidence can be used in lieu of this, although they might ask about this at the interview (if you have one). Just a reminder, this is for evidence you use at the AOS stage...after you're here in the US, after you're married. You might not have had this talk with your fiance, and you really don't have to worry about this part in your journey right now, but don't you think a talk about finances is in order before you get married anyway? What your plan is, and what his plan is, might be two different things. You can plan to work and open your own account...have you talked about this? Maybe if you're working, he wants you to put money in your joint account?

I think you're getting a bit ahead of yourself, as there are other means of providing evidence for your AOS application. What is more important is that you talk about finances NOW before you go further along in your journey. Finances are something you both should be making decisions on, no matter who's income is involved. Please don't delay in discussing this matter. Many couples don't, and it has disastrous results. The #1 cause of marital strife and divorce in American is financial.

[redglasses 1]

Since it's very common for a couple to have a joint account, I don't think it would offend him.

In regard of upcoming AOS, it would be a good proof for your marital status.

Why not open both joint account and your own if you really want to have one?

[roybyers 0]

It is not nessessay to have a joint account before mariage but after you are married, it seems that it is very important for the AOS process to progress. It is a good proof of Marital status like redglasses has written.

Before we were married I talked to my fiancee about our financial situations. My wife is from Peru and found it very strange to want to talk about that issue. She said that was not common in Peru. I told her it is common for Americans to discuss this issue.

Since it's very common for a couple to have a joint account, I don't think it would offend him.

In regard of upcoming AOS, it would be a good proof for your marital status.

Why not open both joint account and your own if you really want to have one?

[~BahAmerican~ 0]

It would be best to obtain a "joint bank account" and at the same time you can always open up a separate checking/savings account if you desire.

I've done this and my hubby doesn't have a problem with this at all.We've actually took the time, sat down and discuss/assess our finances.

[Jon&Lindsey 0]

I agree, if you are going to get married, you should discuss your finances, and it is good evidence for the AOS. Opening a joint account doesn't mean that your husband-to-be has to put all his money in it though - what we did was open a new, joint account and when I get the EAD and start working, we will both put money into it to pay for shared expenses (rent/mortgage, food, utilities etc) and if we have money to spare after this, then it will go into our separate accounts for us each to do as we like with it. It makes it much easier to pay joint expenses with a joint account, but I wouldn't expect my husband to put all his money into it, from before he knew me. I'm sure if you approach it that way, your fiance won't be offended!

[pushbrk 12,881]

My wife and I have a joint account but we also have separate accounts. There is no requirement that all funds be in joint accounts. It's just a form of evidence. I suggest you involve your husband in the AOS process when the time comes and let him see and deal with the references to joint accounts.

[ready4ONE 5,400]

I agree with everyone who suggested to you a joint account is a good idea. It did come up during our interview, and since at that time we needed to send two checks, one for AOS and one for Employment Authorization, my wife had signed one, I signed the other, and both were copied and included in our packet. Not only were both our names on the checks, both checks were successfully cashed or we would not have been at the interview, proof solid we had a joint account.

[MrsD 0]

It is hard for me to understand why married couples would not have access to each other's accounts. Sure, it is normal to have multiple bank accounts, even in different names because of credit reports etc. but I really can not get that somebody doesn't want to have anything to do spouse's finances... And the other way around.

Maybe it is my culture, the way I was raised, but I firmly believe that husband and wife should share everything. Isn't that what marriage is all about???

My husband told me a lot about people here in US getting married for wrong reasons, I guess everyone is terrified and not trusting enough. Just look at the divorce rate.

Again, for me it is hard to get that. I have complete access to my husbands bank account, cards, his credit report, I even did his taxes for last year. He trusts me without any reservations and I deserve that trust. Actually. he loves that I took responsibility of paying bills and dealing with taxes and credits.

What is general state of mind in US when it comes to that?

[chris39 0]

I tried adding my wife to my bank account, however, they would not let us do that because she did not have her green card. Are there any banks that will let us open a bank account with a greencard or EAP?

[Dakine 26]

More evidence you have that you have a loving and trusting relationship the better for AOS and for removing conditions also. Save everything that has both your names on it.

Even tho it may not be necessary register all bills jointly. Normally only takes a phone call to change.

Edited August 6, 2008 by Haole

[Heliosphan 1]

Yup like the other posters, we have both joint and separate accounts.

You have to show co mingling of finances and the beginning of starting a life together. On top of that it's really handy paying bills and what not from a joint account.

[Big Papa Zone 93]

It is hard for me to understand why married couples would not have access to each other's accounts. Sure, it is normal to have multiple bank accounts, even in different names because of credit reports etc. but I really can not get that somebody doesn't want to have anything to do spouse's finances... And the other way around.

Maybe it is my culture, the way I was raised, but I firmly believe that husband and wife should share everything. Isn't that what marriage is all about???

My husband told me a lot about people here in US getting married for wrong reasons, I guess everyone is terrified and not trusting enough. Just look at the divorce rate.

Again, for me it is hard to get that. I have complete access to my husbands bank account, cards, his credit report, I even did his taxes for last year. He trusts me without any reservations and I deserve that trust. Actually. he loves that I took responsibility of paying bills and dealing with taxes and credits.

What is general state of mind in US when it comes to that?

You've got to be kidding me!!!!!!??????? I'd rather hack my own nuts off with a rusty penknife than allow 'er indoors anywhere near my credit cards!!!!!!

[pushbrk 12,881]

It is hard for me to understand why married couples would not have access to each other's accounts.

What is general state of mind in US when it comes to that?

It's all over the place. We are a multicultural society full of individuals with varying ideas about such things. Enjoy it.

[Heliosphan 1]

It is hard for me to understand why married couples would not have access to each other's accounts. Sure, it is normal to have multiple bank accounts, even in different names because of credit reports etc. but I really can not get that somebody doesn't want to have anything to do spouse's finances... And the other way around.

Maybe it is my culture, the way I was raised, but I firmly believe that husband and wife should share everything. Isn't that what marriage is all about???

My husband told me a lot about people here in US getting married for wrong reasons, I guess everyone is terrified and not trusting enough. Just look at the divorce rate.

Again, for me it is hard to get that. I have complete access to my husbands bank account, cards, his credit report, I even did his taxes for last year. He trusts me without any reservations and I deserve that trust. Actually. he loves that I took responsibility of paying bills and dealing with taxes and credits.

What is general state of mind in US when it comes to that?

You've got to be kidding me!!!!!!??????? I'd rather hack my own nuts off with a rusty penknife than allow 'er indoors anywhere near my credit cards!!!!!!

Well that's extreme