Bank Froze Our Joint Account

[Nikita2Charles 32]

Was that a New joint account, I added my wife to my checking account with Bank of America, we didn't have any problem.

[ladybird216 2]

After the third time we closed our account and went to Washington Mutual. We haven't had a problem since and we've been with them for over 1 yr 6 mos. Go wamu!

Our bank is Washington Mutual and they have been absolutely fantastic!!!!! No problems with them whatsoever...we agree 'GO WAMU'!

Edited February 24, 2006 by ladybird216

[babybunny 2]

ohhhh.. dayum this news is quite shocking.

is it accounts under 1 year or something? is it joint accounts? whats the pattern here?

[Mme Rej 0]

Nothing to do with the Patriot Act.

Time to move banks.

Edited February 24, 2006 by mmebitote

[SteveLaura 0]

The supposed 'security checks' bank implement these days are a joke. I opened a joint account when I was here thru the VWP with my then girlfriend (now wife, of course) with just my UK passport. When we went in a few weeks ago to change her name on the account, they couldn't proceed with it because I didn't have my SSN with me. Which wasn't required when it was opened!

Oh well. I suppose hassling people over their bank statements is easier/cheaper for the government than putting proper measures in place to beat terrorism...

[Boiler 45,468]

Looks like the misuse of the Patriot Act has been answered by others, so no need to go there again.

My local Hardware shop has a No Dogs Allowed Inside sign, saying it is an Insurance requirement.

Also untrue, but having worked in Insurance for many many years something I have come across many many times. The easiest excuse is to use something that looks justifiable to Joe Public to justify/excuse something they want to do, but not debate.

[Badgerbabe 0]

I work for Associated Bank and we have a list of things weneed to open an account.

The main thing is a photo ID and a passport would be just fine.

If there is no ssn then we woud get the person to sign a W9 to say that they have not got one yet but it's being applied for and would usually take a copy of any visa no so the adjustment of status letter would be used to capture the A number.

Once they have a ssn then we can get them to sign a W8 verifying the number is correct.

When changing the name a new photo ID has to be shown like an ID card and you can get that once you have your employment card. If you've had your passport changed then that wpuld be good as well.

I have had dealings with guest workers where the number has been applied for but has not come through but we are still able to open the account for them.

That's what happen's at our Bank.

Hope this helps