pcuz

Guys,

quick one...

When I go to the SSN office to get my card go they give me the number straight away while I wait for my card?

If not do I get anything that I can give to banks etc?

Thanks.

Bob

Usually you get the card a few weeks later, but you can go back asking for the number a week later if you need it and you can get a letter saying you've applied for one.

Bank doesn't need a SSN though.

lifehouse51

Best to inquire with the bank you want to open an account with. I vaguely remember that when I applied with JP Morgan Chase 2 years, they had requested for my SSN. It's something so commonly required that I couldn't remember which place specificially needed it.

Poppy girl

I got mine back within a week of going to the SS office as have a few others that have posted over the years.

Bob

Bank doesn't need it.

If they ask, speak to the manager or get another bank.

They just need to verify you are who you say you are and a passport will do that. They ask for SSN because it is easy and they figure most customers would have it, but it isn't a requirement unless it is bank policy, in which case go else where.

penguinsix

I thought the card *had* to be mailed to you. You can get a verification letter in the office but I was under the impression the actual card had to go through the mail (but it's been decades since I got my own).

augigi

Yes the card is mailed, but you can go back after a day and they can give you a printout with the actual # on it.

MsElui

after the application is input onto the system - the overnight process allocates the number. Therefore you can usually go back THE NEXT DAY and ask for the number on a printout - even though the card wont turn up for a week of 2. My husband got his the next day with no issues - only hassle is having to queue up again. (number might not be available if there is a problem with the application - but you would find out the problem faster if you went in to get the number).

Tonyuk

I read that banks are only allowed to ask for your SSN if your opening an interest bearing account. I googled opening a bank account without SSN when i moved here in october 09, and it does state that SSN is only required by the bank for accounts that earn them interest, so if you open a standard checking account it shouldnt be required.

EricK

I opened an account with HSBC without a SSN - just went back into the branch with it once I had received it in the post -that took around 10 business days as has been mentioned. This was at the beggining of March this year.

pcuz

Thanks Guys for the response. I went in and they gave me a number to call to find out when the number has been issued, then I can go back and get it.

Managed to open an account with Bank of America without the SSN no problems.

It has been well documented on the site about the tough problems with getting a credit card due to lack of credit history, I know I could go the AIG route and get a card that way but has anytbody managed to get a card just by showing a letter of employment with a good salary? In that case which are the immigrant friendly banks?

Cheers!

CarlWain74

I went back the next day after submitting my application and they printed out the SSN on paper. I then used this paper to open my Chase account

pcuz

So I called them today and it seems that I have the problem reported elsewhere on the site that the Homeland Security system and the Social Security System are not yet synced.

I left it 10 days from orginal entry to appearing at the office. The guy on the phone said it could take a few weeks to get my SSN number. But as others have said on the site I will call back in a couple of days and see what they have to say then.

Anybody else had a simliar experiance?

Tonyuk

credit hurts here. i bought a nokia 5800 in december and only company that still does sim cards is att or t mobile, so i went in att and they charged me a $500 deposit for the account upfront which i wont get back till next december, i mean i didnt even get the phone from them i bought it online for $300 so i feel like i paid $500 for a sim card lol.

CarlWain74

Yeah the $500 deposit is horrible, I refused to pay $500, so still use my company phone until my credit becomes better.

However, I was after a phone and contract so could be somewhat justifiable, though in your case it makes no sense to demand a deposit!