As a non-resident alien (no SSN) would it be possible to open up a US bank account or a US certificate of deposit (CD)?

If possible, under what status would that work? Most places ask for a SSN and/or state ID (license, etc.) for a background check/etc.

Thoughts?

You can't open an interest bearing account without a tax ID number.

It is interesting -- however -- that IRS mandates that non-resident aliens do not have to pay taxes on that interest...

So you need the TIN or SSN to open the account but then you don't pay taxes on it?

Do you have a link for that, please? I would find it useful.

Thanks.
Rene

You can open an account and buy CDs with proof that you are not a resident. No SSN ot Tax ID needed. No US tax on interest. ( you can have a brokerage account also and pay no tax on capital gains.
You must sign a W8 form.
You may be subject to tax in your home country however.

Umm~~~ Well a friend who comes for two weeks every year on a visa waiver
has an interest bearing saving account and every year the bank withhold about 40% off his interest for the tax man leaving him with about 12c interest

Not in reality it seems ..the bank will withhold it

They withhold because he has not filled out the proper forms at the bank. W8

I bow to your superior knowledge of the IRS

From what I read the issue is with setting up the bank account/etc. and not with the withholding...

Filling out the W8 properly will ensure withholding for the target country (for example Austria has 0% and Canada has 10%, other countries vary)...

However, I don't think one can apply for an interest-bearing account without the tax ID -- that was my original question.

Taxes in the home country are a different issue altogether.

Your question is answered.
You CAN open the account without the tax ID.
If you want,you can get a tax ID#.