Trying to open a joint bank account

[Mimzy 11]

Hello everyone!

 

My husband and I are applying for AOS for me and we're trying to open a bank account. This is the last step needed for us (unfortunately it should've been the first) but I'm having an issue right now. I'm from Venezuela and my passport expired on dec 2016. It'll probably take a couple of months before I get my new one because of the situation on Venezuela. We tried to open a joint bank account in Chase and we were rejected because they need a not expired passport. 

 

What are my options now to show that we share the financial burden?

 

Thank you so much for your time!

 

[Enigma11561 336]

Banks need proof as to the identity of the person opening an account. Usually a drivers license is good enough. Just because your passport expired should not have led to a rejection. It is still proof of identity. I would try another bank or even better, a credit union.

 

[KULtoATL 1,551]

A lot of people has talked about Chase not allowing account opening involving a K-1. Bank of America has been said to be more lenient so maybe try there but not sure if an expired passport would affect that.

 

Showing that you have a joint bank account does not prove that you won't be a public charge. It will only be considered as a bona fide marriage though it would have to show some activities not just that it was opened for show.

[Mimzy 11]

1 hour ago, Enigma11561 said:

Banks need proof as to the identity of the person opening an account. Usually a drivers license is good enough. Just because your passport expired should not have led to a rejection. It is still proof of identity. I would try another bank or even better, a credit union.

 

Unfortunately they would not accept my expired passport. I've just tried called Bank of America and a credit union and they also said they needed an unexpired passport.

1 hour ago, KULtoATL said:

A lot of people has talked about Chase not allowing account opening involving a K-1. Bank of America has been said to be more lenient so maybe try there but not sure if an expired passport would affect that.

 

Showing that you have a joint bank account does not prove that you won't be a public charge. It will only be considered as a bona fide marriage though it would have to show some activities not just that it was opened for show.

Would a joint bank account be a requirement for this process? Can I just open one after I get my EAD? It just seems to be almost impossible for me to have my name on one as of now..

[KULtoATL 1,551]

1 minute ago, Mimzy said:

Unfortunately they would not accept my expired passport. I've just tried called Bank of America and a credit union and they also said they needed an unexpired passport.

Would a joint bank account be a requirement for this process? Can I just open one after I get my EAD? It just seems to be almost impossible for me to have my name on one as of now..

I am so sorry to hear that Bank of America wouldn't be able to allow you for an account opening due to the expired passport. Any ways for you to get your passport renewal expedited even if not to open a bank account? Best to have a valid ID for sure.

 

If a bank account can't be done right now, make sure you have other evidences e.g. your name added to his/her health insurance, a variety of utilities bills, memberships, joint purchases of big ticketed items, lease etc. Those are some of the things that you can consider

[Ebunoluwa 6,136]

If you tried different banks and they refuse then you have to wait for your EAD.
Do you have a state ID ?

Read over the list in the ROC guide on what you will need to ROC , from that list you may have something for AOS

that you aren't thinking of. You don't need to submit it with your application and can bring it if you have an interview.
Keep in mind that for ROC they want to see joint financial statements from the inception of marriage so prepare for ROC
while you wait for AOS.
Stay one step ahead of the process so you won't have to deal with RFE's.

Things you can use for AOS:
http://www.visajourney.com/content/751guide 

 

[Nin&Way 69]

I had the same issue with my husband yesterday. He tried to add me into his account at Wells Fargo but they denied. I had my passport, my marriage certificate, but they wouldn't. They needed a state ID that can't have because I'm going to need at least an EAD card. 

Maybe because we wanted my married name to appear on the contract, but they said they would put my name as it appears on the passport. So have to wait till I have my EAD to at least open a bank account . 

[Scandi 4,173]

Bank of America is the best option for aliens with no clear status in the US, but I think even them would require some type of non-expired government issued ID. It would be very strange if they didn't. I don't know how you make it without a valid ID? I have used my passport so many times already and I've only lived here since October. I would be a little scared not having any kind of valid ID tbh.

[Mimzy 11]

6 hours ago, KULtoATL said:

I am so sorry to hear that Bank of America wouldn't be able to allow you for an account opening due to the expired passport. Any ways for you to get your passport renewal expedited even if not to open a bank account? Best to have a valid ID for sure.

 

If a bank account can't be done right now, make sure you have other evidences e.g. your name added to his/her health insurance, a variety of utilities bills, memberships, joint purchases of big ticketed items, lease etc. Those are some of the things that you can consider

We do have a lease on our apartment and 1 utility bill that is under both of our names. We've also got a bunch of mail coming with our address on it so hopefully that will do until i get my EAD..

 

19 minutes ago, Scandi said:

Bank of America is the best option for aliens with no clear status in the US, but I think even them would require some type of non-expired government issued ID. It would be very strange if they didn't. I don't know how you make it without a valid ID? I have used my passport so many times already and I've only lived here since October. I would be a little scared not having any kind of valid ID tbh.

I'm waiting for the appointment.. which seem to have been becoming slower every year :/

3 hours ago, Nin&Way said:

I had the same issue with my husband yesterday. He tried to add me into his account at Wells Fargo but they denied. I had my passport, my marriage certificate, but they wouldn't. They needed a state ID that can't have because I'm going to need at least an EAD card. 

Maybe because we wanted my married name to appear on the contract, but they said they would put my name as it appears on the passport. So have to wait till I have my EAD to at least open a bank account . 

So you guys submitted the initial filing before having a joint bank account? I did not think that was possible.. 

5 hours ago, Ebunoluwa said:

If you tried different banks and they refuse then you have to wait for your EAD.
Do you have a state ID ?

Read over the list in the ROC guide on what you will need to ROC , from that list you may have something for AOS

that you aren't thinking of. You don't need to submit it with your application and can bring it if you have an interview.
Keep in mind that for ROC they want to see joint financial statements from the inception of marriage so prepare for ROC
while you wait for AOS.
Stay one step ahead of the process so you won't have to deal with RFE's.

Things you can use for AOS:
http://www.visajourney.com/content/751guide 

 

I do not have a state ID.. 

 

We do seem to have most evidence of marriage (apartment lease, utility bills, pictures, we might even purchase a car now and have both of our names on it if it helps) but it's just the bank account that's left for us :'( this is so aggravating but i'm so thankful for everyone that replied it helps calm my nerves a lot! 

 

Thank you!

[antoineD 36]

Have you tried Schwab Bank? They're pretty great. I use them because my employer already forces me to use them for my 401k, so I decided to give them a try for our join checking account.

 

I'm not sure they asked me for any documentation online when opening the account except for my social - so maybe try something online?

 

 

 

[adam2dot0 7]

Not sure if it's in your area, but my spouse and I had zero issue at US Bank. They just needed his SS card and a photo ID, hopefully your expired passport will suffice.

[MiaTher 73]

What is your current status in the application process? Have you already sent your package?  Are you waiting for EAD?  

 

It's not necessary to send proof of bona fide marriage with the applications, so yes you can open a bank account as soon as you get your EAD.

 

It would be more helpful to visit banks instead of calling, if you can, as it's always better to talk to people in person than on the phone. So maybe go to a Bank of America location and see if you can try to get them to accept your passport, they are the most helpful with people who don't have a fully established status in the US (although they usually do ask for two forms of ID but it won't hurt to try). 

Other than that you can try an online bank or just wait until you get your EAD. 

[Russ&Caro 1,549]

21 hours ago, KULtoATL said:

A lot of people has talked about Chase not allowing account opening involving a K-1. Bank of America has been said to be more lenient so maybe try there but not sure if an expired passport would affect that.

 

Showing that you have a joint bank account does not prove that you won't be a public charge. It will only be considered as a bona fide marriage though it would have to show some activities not just that it was opened for show.

 

I'm surprised Wells Fargo hasn't already opened an account for you without your knowledge.

 

[Joke from earlier problems Wells Fargo was having by doing this activity]

[Transborderwife 4,666]

In all seriousness, Wells Fargo is pretty liberal with opening an account

[fcl 42]

In Parts of Texas even in NM, is super easy, my wife and i opened an account in a first Convenience Bank (Walmart), they just asked for her id and my B1/B1 card, it was even free (no monthly fees or minimum balance) since i showed my Student Card, took 15 mins max.