How to transfer savings without SSN?

[ZackMoonyHam 3]

Hello everybody,

I am heading to US soon. I wanted to know how can I transfer my savings to a bank account as I don't have a Social Security number yet?

If someone here has any experience with this please let me know how you dealt with this problem?

[BBCC 16]

Try using a IRS TIN (tax ID number). You don't need to have any status in US to get one from irs.gov. It is the same 9-digit format that is a SSN except without any employment authorization. Some US banks will accept it, some won't, to open an account.

[ZackMoonyHam 3]

Try using a IRS TIN (tax ID number). You don't need to have any status in US to get one from irs.gov. It is the same 9-digit format that is a SSN except without any employment authorization. Some US banks will accept it, some won't, to open an account.

Thanks for that. I will look into it and if it works that would solve a huge problem for me.

Thanks again.

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

~ Moved from AOS from Family Based Visas to Tax & Finances During US Immigration - topic is bank transfers, not AOS process ~

[BBCC 16]

One other thought- I worked in the UAE five years ago. I noticed the flag to the left of your post. I found buying US$ cheaper there than here. Is that what you are finding? Most banks here charged $25 and up to cash a US$ bank check drawn on a bank outside the US as well.

[ZackMoonyHam 3]

One other thought- I worked in the UAE five years ago. I noticed the flag to the left of your post. I found buying US$ cheaper there than here. Is that what you are finding? Most banks here charged $25 and up to cash a US$ bank check drawn on a bank outside the US as well.

I am just looking to set up a bank account in US so I can transfer my savings there in US $.

[strugglinangel 0]

You can open a saving/checking account to any bank here, if u r in the process of immig, they will just categorize u as non-resident. As long as u show them valid 2 id like passport and visa thats just what i did.

[ZackMoonyHam 3]

You can open a saving/checking account to any bank here, if u r in the process of immig, they will just categorize u as non-resident. As long as u show them valid 2 id like passport and visa thats just what i did.

Thanks for you reply.

Can you please suggest any banks?

[strugglinangel 0]

Thanks for you reply.

Can you please suggest any banks?

I lived in abu dhabi before i settled here. I went to bank of america , chase and wells fargo works well too,Getting money from people is their business as long as you have money to put in they will accept you

[ZackMoonyHam 3]

I lived in abu dhabi before i settled here. I went to bank of america , chase and wells fargo works well too,Getting money from people is their business as long as you have money to put in they will accept you

Srsly thanks a lot. This really solved a big problem.

[Penguin_ie 5,993]

Alternatively, do it the other way around: move to the USA without closing your foreign account, open a bank account when you have the SSN, then do electronic fund transfer from your foreign to your US account.

[ZackMoonyHam 3]

Alternatively, do it the other way around: move to the USA without closing your foreign account, open a bank account when you have the SSN, then do electronic fund transfer from your foreign to your US account.

sounds cool but what if I need money while i am sitting around wait for SSN to be issued?

by the way how long does it take to get a SSN?

[Penguin_ie 5,993]

You should get the SSN within 2-3 weeks; after about ten days in the country, you can also go to the Social Security office and they should be able to tell you.

[BBCC 16]

sounds cool but what if I need money while i am sitting around wait for SSN to be issued?

then maybe start now with a TIN and open the US account as soon as possible.

You can always carry some funds with you on arrival to set up the account on the day you arrive.

[SimonBelgium 49]

1. To open a bank account, you do not need an SSN or ITIN. Having one DOES make it easier. It all depends on the bank and their procedures. Typically you DO have to provide proof of residence, like a utility bill. And yes, there will be banks that refuse you if you do not have an SSN/ITIN, simply because they don't care for foreigners.

2. The cheapest way to transfer money, as far as I could find, is TransferWise (https://transferwise.com/u/b6f15). Much better rates, and much lower fees than most banks. I've used it several times now.