Bank Account
Hi,
I recently arrived (last weekend) in the States and some of the immediate tasks I need to take care of are Licence Bank accounts SSN. As per forum, a little wait after one gets into the country is recommended before one heads to the SSN office. (10 days) which means I won't have SSN for 2-3 weeks. The issue is, I hear banks won't open any accounts for me (Savings) without SSN. Licence needs SSN too. Are there any banks from your experience, that entertain / open an account for you without SSN? THanks for your help. |
Re: Bank Account
When I applied for an SSN there was a phone number you could call a day or two after you applied and they would give you your SSN over the phone. I don't know what the # is but its probably on a government website or call your local SSN office and ask. Hopefully they still do this I applied several years ago.
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Re: Bank Account
Originally Posted by kwisking
(Post 8604907)
When I applied for an SSN there was a phone number you could call a day or two after you applied and they would give you your SSN over the phone. I don't know what the # is but its probably on a government website or call your local SSN office and ask. Hopefully they still do this I applied several years ago.
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Re: Bank Account
Originally Posted by E3only
(Post 8604931)
So without the SSN life is pretty much on a hold? I thought a 'savings' account would have been possible to open with SSN.
We also took care of getting utilities connected (with a deposit on some) at our rental house and got a pay as you go cell phone. |
Re: Bank Account
Originally Posted by rebs
(Post 8604975)
I wouldn't say 'life was on hold' for us - we opened a regular checking account with Bank of America when we first arrived in 2008 before we had our SSNs.
We also took care of getting utilities connected (with a deposit on some) at our rental house and got a pay as you go cell phone. I have a mobile now (PAYG of course), I think rental is fine too (albeit they are charging 2 times deposit which is ridiculous). What documents did you take to the BOA to apply for the checking account? |
Re: Bank Account
Originally Posted by E3only
(Post 8604994)
Thanks. yeah perhaps wrong choice of words
I have a mobile now (PAYG of course), I think rental is fine too (albeit they are charging 2 times deposit which is ridiculous). What documents did you take to the BOA to apply for the checking account? |
Re: Bank Account
Originally Posted by E3only
(Post 8604931)
So without the SSN life is pretty much on a hold? I thought a 'savings' account would have been possible to open with SSN.
What a bank wants to open an account online is not always the same as what they want when opening in person at a branch. |
Re: Bank Account
Just open a normal checking account, the few weeks it takes to get SSN won't make any difference to your savings, % will be so laughable you won't lose any money.
Opening the account just needs ID, can use a passport. |
Re: Bank Account
Originally Posted by Jsmth321
(Post 8605041)
What a bank wants to open an account online is not always the same as what they want when opening in person at a branch.
The other pattern in opening accounts (judging by numerous threads in the past) is how clued up the individual teller is - get one that's never done a furrner before, and you're wasting your time. I would have thought the OP will be OK in California, though. |
Re: Bank Account
Originally Posted by lapin_windstar
(Post 8605178)
IIRC (don't promise anything) usually when you open accounts online they usually access/verify your information using a drivers licence number, don't they? Can't remember actually.
The other pattern in opening accounts (judging by numerous threads in the past) is how clued up the individual teller is - get one that's never done a furrner before, and you're wasting your time. I would have thought the OP will be OK in California, though. Savings accounts are likely to be a different matter, as the financial institution usually needs to report your interest income to the government for tax purposes. |
Re: Bank Account
Originally Posted by E3only
(Post 8604669)
I hear banks won't open any accounts for me (Savings) without SSN.
Ian |
Re: Bank Account
I can confirm I opened a checking and savings account without a SSN with HSBC by walking into my local branch. This was in March.
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Re: Bank Account
Originally Posted by E3only
(Post 8604994)
What documents did you take to the BOA to apply for the checking account?
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Re: Bank Account
Thanks all. I called a couple of banks and they mention I 'need' SSN to open any account. SO - after reading the posts, I am going to visit a branch (say BofA) and see how I go. I will post my experience here. I just want a checking account to get paid :)
I will be heading to the East Bay SSN office too to apply for the #. I will be taking with me Passport, job offer, approved petition, I94 on the passport and hope that should keep them happy. |
Re: Bank Account
Originally Posted by E3only
(Post 8606934)
Thanks all. I called a couple of banks and they mention I 'need' SSN to open any account. SO - after reading the posts, I am going to visit a branch (say BofA) and see how I go. I will post my experience here. I just want a checking account to get paid :)
Either way, it's not the law, it's just easier on them to use a SSN, fits the software and less hassle, but a manager or anyone that can be bothered should be able to sort it out for you. If they really do need a SSN, they can use the generic international number which I think is 000-00-0004 and then switch it over once you get one. |
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