Is it me or is the US banking system archaic?
Dec 17th 2003, 7:33 am
#16
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 22,105
Re: Is it me or is the US banking system archaic?
Originally posted by Pulaski
That isn't actually true. There is no legal prohibition on non-SSN holders opening bank accounts either in the USA Patriot Act, or anywhere else for that matter, .... however some, maybe even many, banks have decided to enforce a no-SSN, no bank account policy.
Try a smaller community bank, where you can ask to speak to somebody woth real authority if you have problems with the counter clerks, and be sure to have other ID with you - passport, birth certificate, immigration correspondence, etc.
That isn't actually true. There is no legal prohibition on non-SSN holders opening bank accounts either in the USA Patriot Act, or anywhere else for that matter, .... however some, maybe even many, banks have decided to enforce a no-SSN, no bank account policy.
Try a smaller community bank, where you can ask to speak to somebody woth real authority if you have problems with the counter clerks, and be sure to have other ID with you - passport, birth certificate, immigration correspondence, etc.
Dec 17th 2003, 7:47 am
#17
C.G.D.S
Joined: Nov 2003
Location: Ireland--->London--->Spain--->Rockport, MA
Posts: 3,353
Re: Is it me or is the US banking system archaic?
Originally posted by Pulaski
That isn't actually true. There is no legal prohibition on non-SSN holders opening bank accounts either in the USA Patriot Act, or anywhere else for that matter, .... however some, maybe even many, banks have decided to enforce a no-SSN, no bank account policy.
Try a smaller community bank, where you can ask to speak to somebody woth real authority if you have problems with the counter clerks, and be sure to have other ID with you - passport, birth certificate, immigration correspondence, etc.
That isn't actually true. There is no legal prohibition on non-SSN holders opening bank accounts either in the USA Patriot Act, or anywhere else for that matter, .... however some, maybe even many, banks have decided to enforce a no-SSN, no bank account policy.
Try a smaller community bank, where you can ask to speak to somebody woth real authority if you have problems with the counter clerks, and be sure to have other ID with you - passport, birth certificate, immigration correspondence, etc.
Most banks said a point blank no but Sovereign did say that if I go in with proof of my legal status in the US which will be my K1 details they would consider opening an account. Everyone I spoke to immediately cited the Patriot Act.
Out of curiosity I wonder what all the new FL holiday home owners will be doing.
At this stage I can't even be a co signatory on my fiances account and deposit money there. I'm going over in Jan to speak to the bank in person.
Dec 17th 2003, 7:48 am
#18
C.G.D.S
Joined: Nov 2003
Location: Ireland--->London--->Spain--->Rockport, MA
Posts: 3,353
Re: Is it me or is the US banking system archaic?
Originally posted by AmerLisa
I've held my account for a number of years, last time we were over in the States I added my husband on to the account, no problem. He also has no SSN. He has his own debit card and his name on the checks. They saw no problem with him not having a SSN.
I've held my account for a number of years, last time we were over in the States I added my husband on to the account, no problem. He also has no SSN. He has his own debit card and his name on the checks. They saw no problem with him not having a SSN.
Dec 17th 2003, 8:00 am
#19
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 22,105
Re: Is it me or is the US banking system archaic?
Originally posted by sibsie
The changes came about in October. Did he open the account after then?
The changes came about in October. Did he open the account after then?
Dec 17th 2003, 9:49 am
#20
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2002
Location: Birmingham, USA
Posts: 802
Re: Is it me or is the US banking system archaic?
Originally posted by PrincessofWales
- Debit cards - great idea, but get hit for 25c every time I use it. Writing checks is a pain but why charge us for a service that UK banks have been offering customers for free for yonks?
- Online banking - the same, pay a fee for a service that pales in comparison to Lloyds TSB Online (even if you do have to remember what your last meal but five was in order to retrieve your password)
- Check books - again, cost to customer, pray tell why I have to pay to be able to pay my bills. And it costs $30 to cancel the buggers.
- Transferring money - days and days and days, say no more.
- Qualifying for a bank credit card - among fellow Brits, do I really need to go there?
Is it just me?
- Debit cards - great idea, but get hit for 25c every time I use it. Writing checks is a pain but why charge us for a service that UK banks have been offering customers for free for yonks?
- Online banking - the same, pay a fee for a service that pales in comparison to Lloyds TSB Online (even if you do have to remember what your last meal but five was in order to retrieve your password)
- Check books - again, cost to customer, pray tell why I have to pay to be able to pay my bills. And it costs $30 to cancel the buggers.
- Transferring money - days and days and days, say no more.
- Qualifying for a bank credit card - among fellow Brits, do I really need to go there?
Is it just me?
Try netbank for online banking, free bill pay
Dec 17th 2003, 9:54 am
#21
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2003
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Posts: 345
Re: Is it me or is the US banking system archaic?
Originally posted by PrincessofWales
- Debit cards - great idea, but get hit for 25c every time I use it. Writing checks is a pain but why charge us for a service that UK banks have been offering customers for free for yonks?
- Online banking - the same, pay a fee for a service that pales in comparison to Lloyds TSB Online (even if you do have to remember what your last meal but five was in order to retrieve your password)
- Check books - again, cost to customer, pray tell why I have to pay to be able to pay my bills. And it costs $30 to cancel the buggers.
- Transferring money - days and days and days, say no more.
- Qualifying for a bank credit card - among fellow Brits, do I really need to go there?
Is it just me?
- Debit cards - great idea, but get hit for 25c every time I use it. Writing checks is a pain but why charge us for a service that UK banks have been offering customers for free for yonks?
- Online banking - the same, pay a fee for a service that pales in comparison to Lloyds TSB Online (even if you do have to remember what your last meal but five was in order to retrieve your password)
- Check books - again, cost to customer, pray tell why I have to pay to be able to pay my bills. And it costs $30 to cancel the buggers.
- Transferring money - days and days and days, say no more.
- Qualifying for a bank credit card - among fellow Brits, do I really need to go there?
Is it just me?
Dec 17th 2003, 10:34 am
#22
Go RedSox!
Joined: Feb 2003
Location: London
Posts: 681
banks
Originally posted by Patrick
Firstly, welcome to America where nothing is free. Bank charges are like everything - part of the price you pay for living here. Banks are run much more like businesses in the USA where everyone pays for the running of the bank. In the UK it is big business who pays and the little people are left unscathed.
I pay the same for my business checks as I do my regular checks. As long as my accounts are in credit I don't pay monthly fees.
I went hunting for a car the other day and I was told my beacon score by the dealer - 601. They assumed (because of my age) it was because of bad credit but really it is because I have only lived here 9 months. Personally I was chuffed to bits with 601 after only 9 months and it proves that I have been doing the right things to build my credit slowly but surely.
Patrick
PS Doesn't it piss you off (in this day and age) when the person in front of you at the supermarket writes a check!
Firstly, welcome to America where nothing is free. Bank charges are like everything - part of the price you pay for living here. Banks are run much more like businesses in the USA where everyone pays for the running of the bank. In the UK it is big business who pays and the little people are left unscathed.
I pay the same for my business checks as I do my regular checks. As long as my accounts are in credit I don't pay monthly fees.
I went hunting for a car the other day and I was told my beacon score by the dealer - 601. They assumed (because of my age) it was because of bad credit but really it is because I have only lived here 9 months. Personally I was chuffed to bits with 601 after only 9 months and it proves that I have been doing the right things to build my credit slowly but surely.
Patrick
PS Doesn't it piss you off (in this day and age) when the person in front of you at the supermarket writes a check!
They told you your credit rating? Wow, they never do that here in the UK!
Btw I have to say, I bank with HSBC and they are excellent. No charges whatsover for direct debits, cheques, standing orders, arranged overdraft even (well just interest). I think HSBC is the only international bank in the UK.
Dec 17th 2003, 12:50 pm
#23
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2003
Location: Avon Lake, OH
Posts: 5,270
what i dont get is the check acceptance. wouldnt it be so much easier to use a guarantee card than a drivers licence? it pisses me off when i have to accept one at work because there are so many things to type in, plus you try entering letters on a register designed for numbers!
Dec 17th 2003, 12:53 pm
#24
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 68,280
Re: Is it me or is the US banking system archaic?
Out of curiosity I wonder what all the new FL holiday home owners will be doing.
Dec 17th 2003, 1:14 pm
#25
Former Blonde
Joined: Nov 2003
Location: In a wibbly-wobbly world of my own
Posts: 1,380
Originally posted by Patrick
PS Doesn't it piss you off (in this day and age) when the person in front of you at the supermarket writes a check!
PS Doesn't it piss you off (in this day and age) when the person in front of you at the supermarket writes a check!
There are times when automation really does pay off!
I love technology; 'cept when it screws up!! LOL
Dec 17th 2003, 1:23 pm
#26
I'm as thick as a plank!
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2003
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 360
I guess those annoying folks writing checks are those who like me are charged 25c each time they use their debit card.
I'm with First Virginia, which has just merged with BB&T...a disastrous exercise which screwed up all my direct deposits...anyway, BB&T don't charge you to use your card, but charge you a hefty sum for checks (and an even heftier sum if you want pretty Florentine patterns on them)!
no win situation, unless you are really prepared to shop around...but being a Brit I am tempted to stay with a bank that knows me and after 5 years in the country was prepared to give me a credit card!
I'm with First Virginia, which has just merged with BB&T...a disastrous exercise which screwed up all my direct deposits...anyway, BB&T don't charge you to use your card, but charge you a hefty sum for checks (and an even heftier sum if you want pretty Florentine patterns on them)!
no win situation, unless you are really prepared to shop around...but being a Brit I am tempted to stay with a bank that knows me and after 5 years in the country was prepared to give me a credit card!
Dec 17th 2003, 1:25 pm
#27
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 53
Originally posted by JulianB
I'm with BoA. I get ripped off for new checks, but don't use those much anyway. Debit cards are free, the online banking system is not bad, money transfers are pretty painless.
I'm with BoA. I get ripped off for new checks, but don't use those much anyway. Debit cards are free, the online banking system is not bad, money transfers are pretty painless.
I bank with USAA-the military bank who are WONDERFUL. No fees to bank, they even refund me the surcharges other banks charge to use their ATM's, up to ten a month. My car loan is the lowest possible, savings have highest interest rates and my investments have zero management fees. Plus i can do everything (transfer money, download statements to MS money and make CC payments) all online, and their phone line is open until 11pm at night. Makes Brclays, my UK bank look like a bunch of idiots-which they are.
Dec 17th 2003, 1:32 pm
#28
Former Blonde
Joined: Nov 2003
Location: In a wibbly-wobbly world of my own
Posts: 1,380
Originally posted by adamfdz
Makes Brclays, my UK bank look like a bunch of idiots-which they are.
Makes Brclays, my UK bank look like a bunch of idiots-which they are.
With Wachovia here and they're as good as gold. Highly recommended.
Dec 17th 2003, 1:36 pm
#29
C.G.D.S
Joined: Nov 2003
Location: Ireland--->London--->Spain--->Rockport, MA
Posts: 3,353
Re: Is it me or is the US banking system archaic?
Originally posted by ray6
No problem getting a bank account in Florida
No problem getting a bank account in Florida
Dec 17th 2003, 1:52 pm
#30
Go RedSox!
Joined: Feb 2003
Location: London
Posts: 681
Originally posted by Duncan Roberts
what i dont get is the check acceptance. wouldnt it be so much easier to use a guarantee card than a drivers licence? it pisses me off when i have to accept one at work because there are so many things to type in, plus you try entering letters on a register designed for numbers!
what i dont get is the check acceptance. wouldnt it be so much easier to use a guarantee card than a drivers licence? it pisses me off when i have to accept one at work because there are so many things to type in, plus you try entering letters on a register designed for numbers!
What if you don't drive and don't have a licence?
Also, surely having the licence details doesn't prevent the cheque from bouncing?