Bank Account Queries

[SL2024 61]

Hi all,

 

Just wondering if there is anything else I should provide or prepare when it comes to opening a US bank account? I am travelling to the USA next month and will be looking to hopefully obtain my SSN about 2 weeks after travelling but keen to provide as much information to the bank as I can. 

 

Also which banks would you recommend banking with? 

 

Hope you can help.

[Cw1977 100]

4 hours ago, SL2024 said:

Hi all,

 

Just wondering if there is anything else I should provide or prepare when it comes to opening a US bank account? I am travelling to the USA next month and will be looking to hopefully obtain my SSN about 2 weeks after travelling but keen to provide as much information to the bank as I can. 

 

Also which banks would you recommend banking with? 

 

Hope you can help.

What do you think they need?! They want your SSN, ID like a passport and proof of address (which is often the hardest to prove) from a recognised source (rent contract, other financial institution etc). 
 

that’s all they want. They don’t care or even want anything from your previous accounts etc

[SL2024 61]

37 minutes ago, Cw1977 said:

What do you think they need?! They want your SSN, ID like a passport and proof of address (which is often the hardest to prove) from a recognised source (rent contract, other financial institution etc). 
 

that’s all they want. They don’t care or even want anything from your previous accounts etc

 

I did think that all those things would be required but I didn't know if there was anything else that might have been needed that was all but thank you for confirming. I think the proof of address will definitely be the hardest to prove.

[Neonred 3,541]

Might be easier to get added to your partners bank account.

 

At least initially, then open your own later if needed.

Edited Sunday at 07:38 PM by Neonred

[appleblossom 2,338]

59 minutes ago, SL2024 said:

 

I did think that all those things would be required but I didn't know if there was anything else that might have been needed that was all but thank you for confirming. I think the proof of address will definitely be the hardest to prove.

The letter that your SSN comes with should suffice for that. 

[SL2024 61]

That's great - thank you for the advice everyone. 

[Melancholic Mage 89]

10 hours ago, appleblossom said:

The letter that your SSN comes with should suffice for that. 

 

Didn't work for me, was point-blank refused. Having the most difficulty with proof of address to the point I'm stuck. Some requirements appear to be State/bank dependant. Good luck. 

[SL2024 61]

51 minutes ago, Melancholic Mage said:

 

Didn't work for me, was point-blank refused. Having the most difficulty with proof of address to the point I'm stuck. Some requirements appear to be State/bank dependant. Good luck. 

 

I will try the SSN letter but I might ask my fiancee to add me onto one of the utility bills as well

[appleblossom 2,338]

6 hours ago, Melancholic Mage said:

 

Didn't work for me, was point-blank refused. Having the most difficulty with proof of address to the point I'm stuck. Some requirements appear to be State/bank dependant. Good luck. 

I’d just try another bank, for example Bank of America lets you open an account even if you’re not resident in the US. Chime bank accepts a mobile phone bill. 
 

Or how about your health insurance, do you have anything from them with your address on? 
 

If not, rental insurance? AAA membership? 

 

 

Edited Monday at 12:22 PM by appleblossom

[appleblossom 2,338]

6 hours ago, Melancholic Mage said:

 

Didn't work for me, was point-blank refused. Having the most difficulty with proof of address to the point I'm stuck. Some requirements appear to be State/bank dependant. Good luck. 

Also, another idea if you haven’t already thought of it - get a pre-paid credit card, then you have a financial document with your address on. 

[SL2024 61]

On 11/4/2024 at 6:04 AM, Melancholic Mage said:

 

Didn't work for me, was point-blank refused. Having the most difficulty with proof of address to the point I'm stuck. Some requirements appear to be State/bank dependant. Good luck. 

What did they say to you? And which bank was this with? 

[top_secret 2,379]

There are also the fintech cards and phone apps like chime.com or cred.ai.  These things are set up to function as a checking account with a debit card, but they are structured to report on your credit report as a credit card.  So it provides you a checking account and it builds your credit rating as well. They are backed by FDIC approved banks so your money is safe and the only real downsides are no physical branches and although they give you a checking account there are no paper checks.  Only ACH checking.  My wife got both of the above in the first few months she was here, before she had a physical green card and with only the endorsed CR1 visa acting as a temporary green card and her Social Security card.  If i recall correctly she had to do some extra verifications over the phone and online but she did open the accounts.

Edited Tuesday at 05:13 PM by top_secret