Help with Bank Account?

[Mark + Melissa 49]

My husband has his Social security card now, and we've established a state ID and he's already received bills in his name, but the bank has this form in which he has to state why he needs a bank account in order to deposit his funds here in the US. We put on the form that he entered the country on a K-1 visa, that we have married, and are now saving money for the AOS, which we expect to have filed in January at the latest. However, they rejected this form, saying that the explanation wasn't good enough, and that they will close the account or remove him from the joint account if his need for a US bank account cannot be proven. Has anyone else experienced something similar? Is this a general bank policy or is this something unique to my bank?

Edited December 9, 2012 by mseifman

[MichonandRuben 15]

Go with a credit union imho, or a different bank. Sounds like a strange requirement to me and I haven't seen anything like that before with my experiences. Others might have different feedback though. Check with other local banks if you are curious as well.

[jkelly07 120]

change banks. or use credit union banks,

[tru_loves_journey 117]

If you have a Wells Fargo Bank in your area you can open an account easy there.

[Enigma11561 336]

I have never heard of a bank asking this information. Honestly, it is none of their business. You have the right to open an account with the proper ID. My bank only needed ID ( passport with photo) and proof of residency ( utility bill as an example). Get another bank.

[hamigirl710 112]

I would change banks for sure...that is ridiculous

[Shirezu 5]

What bank was that? Bank of America didn't ask me any of that stuff. Just for my passport. Didn't need SSN or local ID.

[epsonderby 85]

I opened an account with BoA before my AOS was complete. I just took my passport, EAD and SSN. Took a few minutes and no hassle at all!

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Are you doing this online or is a real person across the desk from you rejecting your answer? Many people have success in person when rejected by the same bank online.

Your answer is weak because banks know diddly about immigration. K1 and AOS are probably not in their vocabulary. "I reside in this state, and receive bills at this address which need to be paid" is more in line with what I would try.

I agree with the others. Find another bank because yours is annoying. I also have never heard that being asked before.

[Mark + Melissa 49]

This was Chase bank, in person, face to face with one of the managers, and we simply filled out the form for verification of U.S. Address a second time, with a longer explanation basically saying that he is married to a U.S. citizen and this is where he resides. If it comes back again rejected, we will look for another bank. Thank you for all the helpful replies

Edited December 17, 2012 by mseifman

[Villanelle 4,122]

Due to the Patriot Act there are strict regulations on non-citizen residents opening bank accounts currently. Its up to the managers discretion. You should also note that if your spouses home country is on a list of 'hostile targets' they may deny him solely for that reason.

So you may have to try another bank, wherever you go, you will have to go in person. I would think an international bank is better then a local credit union or smaller bank- but people have had success opening accounts at all kinds. Like I said- its at the managers discretion.

(Also them asking what you need the account for isnt strange, its part of the Patriot Act requirements. A general answer of 'daily household expenses, living expenses, personal savings, etc, are all acceptable answers)