Opening a bank account help
 

So, HSBC just told em I can't open a US account with them as I havent got a job when i move to the USA (going on an L2 Visa with my Wife who has the job)

HSBC reckons no bank will let me open a US account until i get a job


True? Options available to me?
I cant spend months paying massive fees to HSBC for using my uk account over there

Re: Opening a bank account help
 

It might help if you have a significant amount of money to deposit into the account when you open it.

But why don't you just open a joint bank account with you wife?

Re: Opening a bank account help
 

That's what I think we may have to do now
We've never had one in UK

Re: Opening a bank account help
 

Try a different bank - don't take the word of some individual at HSBC. It was back in 2008 but I opened an account at Citizens before I had a job.

Re: Opening a bank account help
 

My son just opened an account at our local credit union (Building society) He has no job. Hes a 17 year old student.

Re: Opening a bank account help
 

I can't remember, do L2s have SSNs or ITINs?

Re: Opening a bank account help
 

He also has no access to credit as he isn't yet 18, and a current account for an adult has potential credit/ overdraft implications so your son's situation is not comparable to the OP's situation.

Re: Opening a bank account help
 

I opened a Bank of America account which I just use occasionally

Re: Opening a bank account help
 

I've got my own bank account in the same branch as our joint account. No probs at all. Just open it with $50.
My kids have their own bank accounts too.
BTW Wells fargo

Re: Opening a bank account help
 

I managed to open an account with Bank of America and they never asked me for my passport/job info etc. To get a credit card I had to get a secured credit card however.

Re: Opening a bank account help
 

Doesn't matter, neither are requirements to opening an account.

Only need a SSN on interest accounts, but they're a joke anyway.

Re: Opening a bank account help
 

Sounds like you are trying to open an account before you go to US?

Once you get here you should be able to get an account at one of thousands of different banks. A job is not a requirement.

In 2004 I went into my local Bank of America to ask about the requirements and came out with an account opened. I was on K1 visa and if memory serves it was before we even got married. I certainly was not working.

Re: Opening a bank account help
 

I know that, but to the drone on the end of the phone with his script that says "ask them for their SSN"...

Re: Opening a bank account help
 

What the drone on the phone has forgotten is that the USA PATRIOT Act requirement to open an account is for "a government issued ID number, such as an SSN .....". A drivers license number or passport number works equally well :nod:

Re: Opening a bank account help
 

That's not on his script and he won't be able to type it in his silly little computer. Then after maybe an hour you'll get to the address part and he'll realize that he needs to put a zip code in which you don't have either and you'll realize you've both been wasting each others time.