Banks

[Lemonslice 4,852]

I had no problem opening accounts with different banks as a LPR. Great service from ally for savings (1% interest is also ok) and then great interest from Consumers Credit Union for my chequing (3.09% on the first 10K). No monthly fees. Look at findabettterbank.com to see what is in your area and/or available online.

[mallafri76 1,012]

I was able to open a bank account with Bank of America when I was still living in Sweden and just visiting on the VWP. All I needed was two forms of foreign ID and to make a deposit. I had the bank account for years before moving over to the US.

[Thegirl 225]

I just opened a checking account with Capital One yesterday. Was easy, just needed my passport and ssn. Loved that they are open on Saturdays and open late Will see what they are like as time goes by.

[lilsweetie 32]

Bank of America is really easy too.

I had an account there before I was a permanent resident or even applied for my green card.

My parents have accounts there and they live in Canada - do not have any status in USA at all.

[Roy&Chanel 109]

I had problems opening bank account when I first came to US, and even NOW after AOS with the Conditional Green Card.

I get rejected from Bank of America, Chase, Region, Wells Fargo, etc.

Im using joint account, cos thats the only solution.

I have no credit cards either, only supp from my husband, tried to apply, got rejected.

About what JenniferNangel said its true, I happened to face the same issue with Chase bank. After applying for joint account, I noticed only in around May-June that my money has been deducting excluding spending, the bank deducts around few cents to few dollars per month.

I asked them the similar question was told that it is the so called "federal withheld fees" because I have no status even though I have updated them in April that I've received my green card.

They didn't refund me the money, its around 40 dollars from month of Nov - April that has been deducted and it wasn't listed on my bank statements either. The banker showed me in her PC system that there were deductions which I could not see.

I tried to get back the money, but its been almost 6 months and I gave up.

Suggest everyone to update your status once you get your PR card.

I believe it depends on where we are located.

Also by the way, ever since I complained, I stopped receiving interests too. I gave up asking them, I intend to change bank once I get a job.

Edited November 23, 2016 by Roy&Chanel