Dougster75

I have no clue what he wants to do with it but father-in-law travels to the US a lot and wants to open a bank account here.

I'm assuming (dangerously) that it is possible with some banks to do this without having an SSN (and without any ability to get one). Can anyone confirm or deny?

I can only guess that he's doing this for convenient access to cash when over here and not because he's tempted by the magnificent interest rates.

Anybody have any recommendations? I believe he is with Barclays in UK and so don't think they have an easy way to do it.

Thanks,

Doug.

NatashaB

Bank of America let me open an account without an SSN, I did provide them my passport though to prove I was living here though and had a permanent address here. WHat about the Citibank Dollar account? (never actually used one so can't say how good it is).

http://www.citibank.co.uk/personal/b...?merchant=citi

I believe BoA and Barclays are affiliated in some way - I never got charged fees when withdrawing from my Barclays account via a BoA cashpoint and it worked out better for me than exchanging currency via the post office (and about the same as transferring to my US account via HiFX).

Bear in mind that most accounts have a monthly maintenance fee so that might outweigh any savings you make from not paying fees to withdraw money.

Bob

You don't need a SSN to open a bank account, but some might want proof of residency, but if you don't mind, they could just use your address.

They won't be able to open an interest baring account though without a bit of hassle.

scrubbedexpat099

I believe Bank of America specialise in those without any documentation so he should have no difficulty.

Marocco

Do they also give you access to internet banking without a SSN?

NatashaB

I had full access to internet banking without my SSN.

scrubbedexpat099

You could use an ITIN instead of a SSN.

meauxna

How will they get an ITIN without filing a US income tax return?

scrubbedexpat099

http://www.irs.gov/individuals/artic...222209,00.html

For the bugger all less ten interest earned.

Assuming he does not have other US Tax issues.

You need an ITIN to file is how I understand it, not the other way around.

meauxna

From your link: Individuals must have a filing requirement and file a valid federal income tax return to receive an ITIN, unless they meet an exception.

Who needs an ITIN?
IRS issues ITINs to foreign nationals and others who have federal tax reporting or filing requirements and do not qualify for SSNs. A non-resident alien individual not eligible for a SSN who is required to file a U.S. tax return only to claim a refund of tax under the provisions of a U.S. tax treaty needs an ITIN.

How do I apply for an ITIN?
Use the latest revision of Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to apply. Attach a valid federal income tax return, unless you qualify for an exception, and include your original, notarized, or certified proof of identity and foreign status documents.
Because you are filing your tax return as an attachment to your ITIN application, ..




The exceptions are listed on page 12 http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1915.pdf

Since there are banks that will open an account without a SSN or ITIN, it seems we're out for a wander on the garden path.

Silken

I'm Canadian but all I did was take my passport with me and got a free Bank of America account (ebanking.)