Preparing before moving: bank account

[ir1cr12021 6]

Hi everyone,

 

I recently had my IR1 visa approved.

 

Before moving, I would like to prepare everything that I need to open a bank account. 

 

Apologies if I've missed this, but I couldn't see a guide anywhere. I wonder if anyone has any useful advice or links?

 

I appreciate that I will arrive with nothing but a visa, a social security number (after a few weeks), and no utility bills or proof of address.

 

Any advice on the best way of getting a bank account with this limited set of documents would be wonderful.

 

Many thanks!

[Boiler 45,898]

There are sort of national banks but unlike the UK there are lots of regional banks so there is no one good choice, depends where you are going to and then depends on your needs.

[JFH 12,191]

I got an account and a credit card with a $300 limit at Bank of America with my stamped IR-1, no SSN and no plastic green card. I was working within days of arriving so I had a letter from my employer. I hadn’t been paid yet. In fact, I opened the account so that I could be paid. 

[ir1cr12021 6]

33 minutes ago, JFH said:

I got an account and a credit card with a $300 limit at Bank of America with my stamped IR-1, no SSN and no plastic green card. I was working within days of arriving so I had a letter from my employer. I hadn’t been paid yet. In fact, I opened the account so that I could be paid. 

Thanks very much, that's extremely helpful! Might I ask 1) the type of account you opened, and 2) whether you opened this in person or online?

 

Also, I was under the impression that I would need to wait until I've arrived and picked up my SSN before looking for work in the US. Am I wrong? Could I start looking now, with nothing but the IR-1 (stamped at point of entry, once I fly over!)?

[MrHanky 1,377]

Most places seem to want an SSN, but you might have more luck going in person and talking with someone, could all depend on your situation etc.

I found the Capital One 360 checking (online account) the least restrictive/no fees for someone just starting out, it will depend on where you live etc.

[Sofitalian 134]

My USC husband had checked with Bank of America that SSN won't be required for me to open a bank account. I would need to provide my passport (with the IR1 visa), a 2nd document that has my name and my US address on. However, my SSN card just arrived before I opened up my bank account hence I don't really know if SSN is needed or not. 

[JFH 12,191]

5 hours ago, chriskrichardson said:

Thanks very much, that's extremely helpful! Might I ask 1) the type of account you opened, and 2) whether you opened this in person or online?

 

Also, I was under the impression that I would need to wait until I've arrived and picked up my SSN before looking for work in the US. Am I wrong? Could I start looking now, with nothing but the IR-1 (stamped at point of entry, once I fly over!)?

I opened a checking account and a savings account and also received a credit card. I did this all in person. It helped that the bank employee herself had immigrated here on an IR-1 visa and also this was in Seattle where they are used to opening accounts for new arrivals. A little branch in a small village might be more challenged in this regard.

 

Yes, you can look for work ahead of your arrival. I applied for a few positions whilst I was still at the NVC. My now-employer interviewed me by Skype and made a conditional offer on the understanding that I need to present proof that I am able to work in the USA on my first day. On my first day I walked into the building with my passport and stamped IR-1, no SSN yet, and was shown my desk and started work immediately. 

[TBoneTX 45,841]

15 hours ago, Boiler said:

There are sort of national banks but unlike the UK there are lots of regional banks so there is no one good choice, depends where you are going to and then depends on your needs.

This is good advice, and you'll find varying flexibility.  For example, when Mrs. T-B. arrived, I wanted to add her to my checking account but she had no Social Security Number yet, which my bank normally required.  The bank's branch manager knew me and said that she would add her as long as I provided the SSN when we knew it.

 

Where will you be moving?  People here might be able to make more specific suggestions.

[Allovertheworld 355]

On 11/13/2020 at 10:08 AM, mave said:

My USC husband had checked with Bank of America that SSN won't be required for me to open a bank account. I would need to provide my passport (with the IR1 visa), a 2nd document that has my name and my US address on. However, my SSN card just arrived before I opened up my bank account hence I don't really know if SSN is needed or not. 

Per US Law SS is never required for a bank account.

 

SSN is based upon the the banks internal policy

[Locito 85]

The credit union my wife is a member with wouldn't budge about letting me join until I had my physical green card.

 

Wells Fargo, as much as others were warning me about their predatory business practices, let me open an account with just having SSN. Then again, I entered the country with a CR-1 visa and received my social security card by mail in no time. If I recall correct, though, they did say at the physical branch of the bank they that would have been okay opening me an account even if I didn't have an SSN. And the requirement to waive the monthly maintenance fee was pretty reasonable, too, something like $1,000 in monthly direct deposits (didn't/don't want to have a balance on my account since the major banks don't pay proper interest anyway).

 

As others have suggested, a secured credit card is a really good way to start building the ah so important credit score. I actually qualified for a non-secured card fairly quickly, in like 10 months from POE, through Capital One.