Personal bank account opening in US

[royalflush]

Yes this is possible and very easy.

WellsFargo is the bank to go to at the west coast, (deposit $1500 and you do not pay account fees)
TD at the east coast (deposit $500 and you do not pay account fees).

With both banks you get issued a debit card. Your account opening deposit ($150), which you can spend immediately with your debit card.

BoA also accepts walk in customers.

You need a passport + drivers license, and a credit card to fund you deposit (WF) or cash (TD). For both you do not need a US address (you do for BofA). A US cellphone number is easy (for account autentication, you can easily change this to a EU number once you are back in Europe.

In November 2019 this was no longer true. I went to multiple branches of WF, TD, BoA, Chase, Santander and Citi and none would open an account for an NRA without a permanent US address. In the cases of Santander and Citi I even had accounts in my home country already and bought documentation with me.

 

[Tr0nad0r]

In November 2019 this was no longer true. I went to multiple branches of WF, TD, BoA, Chase, Santander and Citi and none would open an account for an NRA without a permanent US address. In the cases of Santander and Citi I even had accounts in my home country already and bought documentation with me.

I opened accounts in both HSBC and TD this year. Some friends and acquaintances opened accounts in Citi, BofA, and TD during the last months (August - October) as well.

Some were rejected by BofA and no one had success with WF and Chase.

 

[royalflush]

I opened accounts in both HSBC and TD this year. Some friends and acquaintances opened accounts in Citi, BofA, and TD during the last months (August - October) as well.

Some were rejected by BofA and no one had success with WF and Chase.

Interesting. I must be doing something wrong. I am from the UK and only have a virtual mailbox in the US. No friends and family address I can use unfortunately.

 

[jjrapy]

Interesting. I must be doing something wrong. I am from the UK and only have a virtual mailbox in the US. No friends and family address I can use unfortunately.

For what I have read and also spoke with a citi person, it’s easier to open NRA bank account at Miami for example ( a lot of tourists and immigrants), it’s just about finding the correct branch.

 

[lostguy]

For what I have read and also spoke with a citi person, it’s easier to open NRA bank account at Miami for example ( a lot of tourists and immigrants), it’s just about finding the correct branch.

did you find this "correct branch" ?

 

[jjrapy]

did you find this "correct branch" ?

Unfortunately I didn’t have enough time when I went to Miami.. planning to go maybe this year or maybe January ‘23. But as I mentioned, I spoke with a RM of citigold package and she told me that just needed to visit a branch and I would get a personal account. Citigold allows to open remotely from 200k

 

[JohnnyDoe]

Unfortunately I didn’t have enough time when I went to Miami.. planning to go maybe this year or maybe January ‘23. But as I mentioned, I spoke with a RM of citigold package and she told me that just needed to visit a branch and I would get a personal account. Citigold allows to open remotely from 200k

Can you please tell more on Citigold remote account opening?

 

[jjrapy]

Can you please tell more on Citigold remote account opening?

I submitted a request from the webpage, and then a RM called to explain the requisites: to open remotely a citigold account, minimum deposit of 200k.

Below that, only in person at any branch she said.

 

[JohnnyDoe]

ARE YOU A RESIDENT ALIEN OF THE U.S.?
No
Unfortunately, we are unable to open your account online at this time.

 

[jjrapy]

ARE YOU A RESIDENT ALIEN OF THE U.S.?
No
Unfortunately, we are unable to open your account online at this time.

Quite strange.. I contacted them in 2021. And about opening in person this is what she wrote:

 

[lostguy]

I submitted a request from the webpage, and then a RM called to explain the requisites: to open remotely a citigold account, minimum deposit of 200k.

that is a lot of money for an initial deposit.

 

[Piano]

Hello ,

This thread is what I found.

I would like to travel to the USA to open a personal bank account , what do I need and which place is the best to achieve this ?
Any bank recommendations ?

 

[Forester]

Hi,

If you want to travel yourself to open a USA account , which banks in which states would you recommend ?

It completely depends on what you need the accout for and who you are. With some “1st world” passport and intention to use the account for paying your bills when you are in the U.S., you can be accomodated probably in every reasonable bank in probably any state. If you possess really an exotic passport and have an intention to pay from your account for pornsites membership, go to Miami, FL and walk bank after bank, branch after branch until some onboards you

 

[12345]

Hi,

If you want to travel yourself to open a USA account , which banks in which states would you recommend ?

I opened bank of america easly as non US resident. Took like 30 minutes, they didn't even ask about nature of my business

 

[Piano]

I opened bank of america easly as non US resident. Took like 30 minutes, they didn't even ask about nature of my business

Which branch of BofA ? Are you european ?
They did not ask for an address ?

I opened bank of america easly as non US resident. Took like 30 minutes, they didn't even ask about nature of my business

It completely depends on what you need the account for and who you are. With some “1st world” passport and intention to use the account for paying your bills when you are in the U.S., you can be accomodated probably in every reasonable bank in probably any state. If you possess really an exotic passport and have an intention to pay from your account for pornsites membership, go to Miami, FL and walk bank after bank, branch after branch until some onboards you

They will not ask for a USA address ?

 

[daniels27]

Which branch of BofA ? Are you european ?
They did not ask for an address ?
They will not ask for a USA address ?

As explained elsewhere, Bank of America staff has some leeway. They may ask for an address proof but can also waive it. I recommend having at least something in you hands. Even if it is a ATT prepaid receipt.

 

[12345]

Which branch of BofA ? Are you european ?

400 Delaware Ave, Wilmington, DE 1980
. Yes european
As address proof I gave them my virtual office lease agreement. You can also get some cheap insurance or cheap internet or phone bill and that should do, they don't care much
ITIN was needed

 

[Forester]

They will not ask for a USA address ?

As explained elsewhere, Bank of America staff has some leeway. They may ask for an address proof but can also waive it. I recommend having at least something in you hands. Even if it is a ATT prepaid receipt.

Yes, true. And generally, @Piano, unless you share your citizenship, current residence (less important) and what is the intended purpose of having an account, you cannot expect much founded/tailored answers...

I opened bank of america easly as non US resident. Took like 30 minutes, they didn't even ask about nature of my business

As address proof I gave them my virtual office lease agreement.

BTW, note that @Piano wants to open a personal account, not a business one; and this can (need not) be a different game.

 

[daniels27]

Personal account BofA is possible without ITIN. Some address pdf on the computer definitely helps.

 

[Piano]

Personal account BofA is possible without ITIN. Some address pdf on the computer definitely helps.

My home address in europe or USA ?