How to open a bank account in the US as a foreign traveler?
I am travelling to the US on vacation. I would like to open a bank account, probably a free checking account so that I can purchase tickets & rent hotels online.
How do I go about this? Is it easy to open a free checking account in the US?
Best Answer
OK, here's the deal. Through TD Bank you can open an account very easily in the US. You don't need a SSN. If you maintain a $100 minimum balance, there's no charge on the account. I didn't have a pleasant experience with Walmart or Bluebird, their customer service is clueless.
The TD Bank customer care is awesome. You can always get connected to a real human customer care representative without through jumping loops. It's open on 7 days a week. It's a real banking account so all the positives that come with it.
The only problem is they are an East Coast bank with no branches elsewhere, so unless you happen to be on the East Coast you might not be able to open an account.
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Can a foreigner open a US bank account?
A foreigner can open a bank account in the US. Most small banks only allow US citizens and permanent residents to open up bank accounts. These banks require a social security number, which non-citizens don't have. This is the most common problem that foreigners realize.Can a foreigner open a bank account in the US remotely?
Can a foreigner open a bank account in the US remotely? Yes, a foreigner can open a bank account in the US remotely without an SSN, even before arriving in the US.Can a Traveller open a bank account in the US?
The USA Patriot Act made it difficult for foreigners to open accounts or engage in monetary transactions in the U.S. Foreigners require more identification than permanent residents and citizens. Anyone who opens an account may need a Social Security number or an individual taxpayer identification number.How To Open A US Bank Account \u0026 Credit Card ONLINE For A Non Resident (Without SSN)
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Answer 2
This was actually asked a while back on Money.SE. I'll summarise the accepted answer there:
Basically, it depends. Not all banks will allow you to open one as a foreigner, and you'll still need supporting documentation - passport, proof of residential address back home, and so on. Some, however, may require a US address, or proof of visa or residence status, at which point you'll have problems.
Have a read of the other answers on there, and it may give you an idea of what to expect.
Answer 3
You can always put money on a reloadable bank card. It's what most cash-workers do here in the states to avoid having to carry around large sums of cash, while still not having to open a bank account and possibly be audited for not reporting taxable wages.
Stop by one of thousands of Walmart locations, cash in hand, and they'll have you set up in 20 minutes.
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