Adding a foreigner to a US bank account

[David And Katie 5]

Went to Katie's bank today to get added onto her bank account.

The clerk asked if I was an LPR or if I had an SSN, to which I have neither.

She needed to see my drivers licence (UK) and my passport. She had some trouble finding a number to enter into the computer until I told her I had a visa. I think she entered in my "A" number into the computer and it liked that. She asked if I'd been in the country more than 30 days this year, and if I'd been in the country more than 180 days in the past 3 years.

Then she added a UK address and a UK phone number and that was it - once I get my SSN I'll come back and have her update the records - and once we change Katie's last name.

YMMV depending on your spouse's bank, but it was painless.

[Ironman140 45]

Thanks for the info. It may come in handy real soon I hope

;-)

Edited August 17, 2011 by Ironman140

[jingo 38]

When I was a student there, I opened a bank account without a SSN, phone number or anything.

[Deputy Purple 1,294]

I would be most helpful to others if you would mention the name of the Bank...

[David And Katie 5]

Woops, sorry I thought I did.

Chase bank.

I've heard that chase are difficult when you're a foreigner, but she just needed a visa number apparently.

[JoannaV 174]

It seems to be something that can even vary depending on the individual you speak to.

I was added to my husband's account after I was a resident with SSN....over a year later we got a letter threatening to close our account unless they immediately saw proof of my SSN and identity (our bank is one without local branches, so they hadn't seen anything at the time. Apparently they got audited by the government and obviously there must be a mandatory "check ID" box )

[Paula_am 0]

I tried chase bank but my visa number has already expired so they needed something else, like a monthly billing to my home proving that i live here and i dont have anything to show them, i dont have a phone number so i dont even have the phone bill to prove it, does anyone know what should i do?

[Darnell 8,478]

hi Paula - what was the visa that expired?

[Paula_am 0]

I got married january 13th, my b2 visa expired january 19th.

[Darnell 8,478]

Paula - alas, you won't qualify for a ssn till you have green card in hand. I'm sorry

[benuk 18]

Paula - alas, you won't qualify for a ssn till you have green card in hand. I'm sorry

I went to the US last year on holidays for 3 weeks got a bank account open with Bank of America ( I have a SSN since 1990)got my wife in my account and she doesn't have a SSN they only asked her to fill up some form stating that she lives abroad we got debit cards both of us and even I got offer a Secure Credit Card that of course I got done so I could start working on my Credit Report.Can't understand that and we are not moving to the US probably until September this year!

Edited May 6, 2012 by benuk

[Darnell 8,478]

benuk - ya, the wacko bit is that it worked for you. Congratulations !

To anyone else reading this -

all depends on the bank you go to, the staff you deal with, and 'who shows up' to get things done.

Lots of variances here, lots of variables, but in the end, if you get what you went in for, please report back:

1. name of bank

2. city of bank

3. approx date you did this

as it helps those coming up behind you that have the problem to get bank accounts.

Thanks so much !

Edited May 6, 2012 by Darnell

[Holly2234 66]

I tried to open an account while on a trip once. They said all they needed was my green card or visa to show i can live there. Nothing else. This was in 2010 and with NBT bank, which is very good for using abroad. Only $1 fee to withdraw money at a foreign ATM.

[benuk 18]

benuk - ya, the wacko bit is that it worked for you. Congratulations !

To anyone else reading this -

all depends on the bank you go to, the staff you deal with, and 'who shows up' to get things done.

Lots of variances here, lots of variables, but in the end, if you get what you went in for, please report back:

1. name of bank

2. city of bank

3. approx date you did this

as it helps those coming up behind you that have the problem to get bank accounts.

Thanks so much !

Well every case is a different case..I had bank account previous in 2009 when I took sabbatical here in the UK and went with my wife to spend 5 months in the US when we left we close that account with Chase! Well I wish all the best to everybody out there and no stress because we all get there somehow!

[Elora & Rob 15]

i think it depends on the bank.