FYI: Way to set up US bank account before leaving home

[thatbritishlass 2]

Hi folks

Posted a while back about which financial broker I should be using to transfer my wedding fund...for now I've opened accounts with both HiFX and Moneycorp and am waiting to see what the exchange rates do for a bit.

However Moneycorp do have a very useful additional service. They have a deal with Wachovia to set up bank accounts for Brits before they emigrate. The account is therefore ready and waiting for you to activate in full once you get to the states. It's also a free service which helps - HSBC wanted £100!!

All that is required is a photocopy of passport, driving license and a utility bill, which can be emailed as scans. The account is then opened within 72 hours and you have to deposit $100 within 10 days to keep it open.

Seems simple...not sure I'll bank with Wachovia on a permanent basis but having a bank account straight from the off will be a massive help. I'm going to be delving into this process over the next couple of weeks so I'll let you know how it goes!

[Lioncub4 4]

Hi folks

Posted a while back about which financial broker I should be using to transfer my wedding fund...for now I've opened accounts with both HiFX and Moneycorp and am waiting to see what the exchange rates do for a bit.

However Moneycorp do have a very useful additional service. They have a deal with Wachovia to set up bank accounts for Brits before they emigrate. The account is therefore ready and waiting for you to activate in full once you get to the states. It's also a free service which helps - HSBC wanted £100!!

All that is required is a photocopy of passport, driving license and a utility bill, which can be emailed as scans. The account is then opened within 72 hours and you have to deposit $100 within 10 days to keep it open.

Seems simple...not sure I'll bank with Wachovia on a permanent basis but having a bank account straight from the off will be a massive help. I'm going to be delving into this process over the next couple of weeks so I'll let you know how it goes!

Another possibility you might want to consider is to open a Wells Fargo account if you are able to visit their London office. I opened both a checking account and a secured credit card with Wells Fargo prior to my move. Wachovia were recently taken over by Wells Fargo and now have a big presence throughout the whole of the US.

[Boiler 45,557]

I have used Nat West and XE.com