Bank advice for those returning/moving to the U.S.?

[scouseredneck 0]

Hi Everyone,

My British hubby and I are currently waiting in the UK for his visa approval. Could those of you who have already settled in the States give me an idea of how easy/difficult it is to open a U.S. bank account?

I am a U.S. citizen and closed my bank account 2 years ago before moving to the U.K. I was wondering if U.S. banks are difficult when re-opening an account and transferring foreign funds?

Also, is it difficult for a legal British immigrant to open an account in the States?

When I moved to the U.K. I had a horrible time trying to open a bank account (it is like they assumed that every foreigner is doing money laundering). I eventually had to have my boss write a letter of recommendation and have a co-worker introduce me to her bank manager friend before I was able to open a current account.

Any advice/experiences are welcomed.

Many thanks,

Scouseredneck

[Patricia_and_andy 0]

Hi My hubby is from the UK and immigrated here October 2005, He did not have any trouble opening a bank account with CHASE bank (even without a job or SSN). We also use a seperate account to send child support to his kids. We deposit the weekly support and his Ex withdraws it using a debit card we sent her for the account. So far it works great!

As for transfering foreign funds I'm not sure that is something you would need to work out with the bank.

What we did is keep Andy's UK account open with all the money in it and we take what we need using his debit card.

We once tried to wire money from his bank to mine before he immigrated and it didn't work the money got "lost" and he ended up sending the money western union, so we don't trust wire transfers.

As for you opening an account.... you should not have any trouble.

Patricia

[waj 0]

My husband and I are also in the UK awaiting approval of his visa. I was scrutinized and treated like some sort of criminal when I opened my account here, too!

On a visit to the US last year my husband was able to open a checking account with Bank of America with no problem at all. Since he doesn't have a Social Security Number they just used his ITIN, which we had to have for my tax returns. He has since opened a money market savings account in the States, which was also very easy.

We recently sold our house here and transferred that money over to his savings without incident. He has been genuinely shocked and very impressed with the high level of customer service that BofA has offered...none of the hassle of the UK banks!

[backinthestates 0]

It's not like it is here in the UK. All you need to open a bank account in the states is money. You got money to deposit, you got an account.

I moved to the states a few years ago after being in the uk for 8 years and found no problems.

But.... you can't open a bank account over there without physically being there... I think. But what you can do, is order an international money order into your name, and deposit it in a bank over there. But your limited to £8,000 for that money order.

Or you can try to see if you can open one over the phone. Doubt that you can tho.

But choose your bank wisely!!! I opened a Bank of America account in the states so it's easy to tranfer money from Barclays here in the UK. Their affiliated with each other. In the North of the states i've also got another bank account which is affiliated with RBS and also easy to transfer money.

Stay away from the non-international small banks. They make it very difficult to transfer money!! Found out the hard way!!!

Good luck!

Jennifer

[scouseredneck 0]

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to say thank you to all of those people who responded to my bank query! I feel much better and appreciate everyone's time and advice.

Best wishes to you all

Scouseredneck

[Laura_and_IanM 0]

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to say thank you to all of those people who responded to my bank query! I feel much better and appreciate everyone's time and advice.

Best wishes to you all

Scouseredneck

Hiya...my hubbys brother in law works for HSBC. All you have to do is go into HSBC while you are here, and open a US dollar accnt. THat is what my hubby is going to do. All the proceeds of the sale of his house will go in there. And it will also benefit us because all assets have to be shown in US dollars. We are in the same boat as you. I am the US citizen and I too am waiting here with him for his approval. Goodluck with your journey!!!

LJ