Bank account in Oregon

[Pheebs1201 269]

In preparation for my move to Oregon, Dan has been trying to scope out a US bank or credit union that will allow me to open an account on my K1 visa (I already have a SSN from previous summer camp J1's) but so far he has been told that without a US driving license as another form of ID, I cannot do so. (This includes joining his account).

Can anyone make a recommendation of a bank that may allow me to open an account with an SSN, my visa and my UK passport? Has anyone had success at a particular bank in the past? I won't be taking my driving test until my EAD comes through and would like to have a bank account ASAP.

Any suggestions/thoughts?

[shell20 746]

I had no difficulties opening an account up in the USA, the only thing, is I had to use my former UK address to by pass the fact I didnt have a social security number or such. However my bank statements come to my address in the USA They said I could change that once I got my ssn and GC. I don't know if that is the case in a different state though.

Edited February 23, 2015 by shell20

[perfect 39]

The bank is wrongly applying the "Know your Client" part of the Patriot Act when it relates to opening a bank account! I had no problem getting my bank account with SSN and UK Passport.

http://www.ffiec.gov/bsa_aml_infobase/pages_manual/olm_011.htm

Customer Information Required

The CIP must contain account-opening procedures detailing the identifying information that must be obtained from each customer.⁴⁵When an individual opens a new account for an entity that is not a legal person or for another individual who lacks legal capacity, the identifying information for the individual opening the account must be obtained. In contrast, when an account is opened by an agent on behalf of another person, the bank must obtain the identifying information of the person on whose behalf the account is being opened. At a minimum, the bank must obtain the following identifying information from each customer before opening the account:⁴⁶For credit card customers, the bank may obtain identifying information from a third-party source before extending credit.

• Name.
• Date of birth for individuals.
• Address.⁴⁷For an individual: a residential or business street address, or if the individual does not have such an address, an Army Post Office (APO) or Fleet Post Office (FPO) box number, the residential or business street address of next of kin or of another contact individual, or a description of the customer's physical location. For a "person" other than an individual (such as a corporation, partnership, or trust): a principal place of business, local office, or other physical location.
• Identification number.⁴⁸An identification number for a U.S. person is a taxpayer identification number (TIN) (or evidence of an application for one), and an identification number for a non-U.S. person is one or more of the following: a TIN; a passport number and country of issuance; an alien identification card number; or a number and country of issuance of any other unexpired government-issued document evidencing nationality or residence and bearing a photograph or similar safeguard. TIN is defined by section 6109 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 USC 6109) and the IRS regulations implementing that section (e.g., Social Security number (SSN), individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN), or employer identification number).

Based on its risk assessment, a bank may require identifying information in addition to the items above for certain customers or product lines.

Customer Verification

The CIP must contain risk-based procedures for verifying the identity of the customer within a reasonable period of time after the account is opened. The verification procedures must use "the information obtained in accordance with [31 CFR 1020.100] paragraph (a)(2)(i)," namely the identifying information obtained by the bank. A bank need not establish the accuracy of every element of identifying information obtained, but it must verify enough information to form a reasonable belief that it knows the true identity of the customer. The bank’s procedures must describe when it will use documents, nondocumentary methods, or a combination of both.

Verification Through Documents

A bank using documentary methods to verify a customer’s identity must have procedures that set forth the minimum acceptable documentation. The CIP rule gives examples of types of documents that have long been considered primary sources of identification. The rule reflects the federal banking agencies’ expectations that banks will review an unexpired government-issued form of identification from most customers. This identification must provide evidence of a customer’s nationality or residence and bear a photograph or similar safeguard; examples include a driver’s license or passport. However, other forms of identification may be used if they enable the bank to form a reasonable belief that it knows the true identity of the customer. Nonetheless, given the availability of counterfeit and fraudulently obtained documents, a bank is encouraged to review more than a single document to ensure that it has a reasonable belief that it knows the customer’s true identity.

[genr87 53]

TD Bank will allow you to open an account

[retheisen 10]

Sometimes credit unions are more lenient with their account requirements.

[Pheebs1201 269]

Thanks for the input guys, we have tried onpoint credit union with no luck she also said if my UK passport isn't in my married name it won't be accepted, is this correct? I thought I could wait until it needed renewing.

TD Bank will allow you to open an account

I don't think there are any in Oregon.

[GabsUSA 19]

I was able to open an account online (Online Checking) but I was given the runaround as my SSN was not able to bring up enough Identification Info.

I haven't tried a joint account, but I know that you should be able to open a joint account regardless of what your name is at the time. In fact, I'd almost say you'd want to keep your UK passport with your Maiden Name until you AOS as it seems to make the entire process less of a headache. (At least from what I have seen here on VJ).

[Nich-Nick 3,353]

Thanks for the input guys, we have tried onpoint credit union with no luck she also said if my UK passport isn't in my married name it won't be accepted, is this correct? I thought I could wait until it needed renewing.

I don't think there are any in Oregon.

It's kind of up to the bank to have in place how they will identify their customers to be in compliance with the Patriot Act. They are supposed to have their written procedure. Maybe he can ask for it in writing and review exactly what they have adopted. Perhaps most people have a driver license so the clerk thinks that's what is required. Maybe there is actually another way.

This is a Texas document but it explains the federal charge to all banks about a written policy. Maybe that will help you understand the banks requirement and come up with an argument with somebody supervisory at his current bank. http://www.texasappleseed.net/pdf/projects_immigrantAccess_deposit_account.pdf

[GabsUSA 19]

It's kind of up to the bank to have in place how they will identify their customers to be in compliance with the Patriot Act. They are supposed to have their written procedure. Maybe he can ask for it in writing and review exactly what they have adopted. Perhaps most people have a driver license so the clerk thinks that's what is required. Maybe there is actually another way.

That is exactly why I went with an "online only" bank. I figured they would be the ones who would know what to ask as they are more likely to see it come up more. Maybe try contacting the bank via internet (chat or email) and see if they give you in writting what you need. That was how I was able to open my first account... Hoping the joint account will be much easier.

[VOL 425]

Banks will have their own policies, and the tend to vary.

I suggest have your husband/boyfriend sign you up and have some type of mail delivered to your address in USA in your maiden name. I had requested some online information from the Texas Board of Nursing in my fiancé name. Get your SSN a couple days after you arrive also.

Go to your local bank with your paperwork, SSN card and envelope from SSN, your other mail in your name, and take your passport, this should be enough to get account opened and separate joint account. IF you want it in your married name, take your marriage license and then change it....

[RM1987 3]

Initially I was put onto my husbands account (Chase) using my maiden name, as my only form of photo ID was of course in my maiden name. As soon as I got my EAD we went back into the bank and they changed my name to my married name.

They needed my social security number and official proof of my address in the US, for this I used my letter sent with the social security card but also had my letter from USCIS sent to my US address (AOS notification) with me. They also took details of my UK address which they need until I'm a permanent resident and my UK national insurance number (I'm not entirley sure why).

[Pheebs1201 269]

Thanks for the advice guys! I already have an SSN so I will try again once I have my marriage license!

[rinimina 7]

Try Chase Bank! I was able to do it without a problem. They just need an ID, address, and your SSN.

[VFittipaldi 30]

Since you already have a SSN go to the DMV with your I-94 and get an ID. My wife got her learners permit right away because financially it makes more sense but if you just want to get an ID just do that. With your Oregon ID go to a bank and open an account. I don't see why that would not work but who knows. We are actually going to be going and opening an account this week so i will let you know if it worked.

[sara..... 371]

Chase in Oregon seems to be easy a friend of the family had a three month visa and wanted to put their cash into the bank they allowed it

sara