Opening a bank account for Brother in Law

[Geode 3]

I would like to open a bank account here in the US for my wife's brother.  He is a citizen of Venezuela and living there at the time.  How can I do this?

 

Thanks

George

[Crazy Cat 41,772]

How do you propose to submit proper identity proof?  Banks follow STRICT regulations and policies regarding accounts, ESPECIALLY for non-US residents.

[Going through 5,671]

Some banks, not all, open accounts for foreigners with no status in the US (ie. they are visiting on a tourist visa)...but they require the foreigner present and their original ID to do so.  Citibank is one that I know does this. I did a little googling and found the following info (mind you, it always depends on the individual bank):

 

If you have power-of-attorney over him, you can open an account under his name, without his presence or ID, by providing a POA document and your ID.

 

You can add him as a beneficiary to an account opened by you in your name---but he would not be able to access the funds until you passed away.

 

If he is a minor, you can open up a custodial savings account under both of your names (this doesn't mean you have custody of him---just that you are the "main" account holder and liable), they wouldn't need him physically there but MOST banks still require at least 1 original form of ID, and he would not be able to access the funds until he reaches the age of 18 or 21, depending on your State laws.

 

Does he come to the US on a tourist visa at all, and can open up his own account then?  

 

 

Edited August 17, 2017 by Going through