Turned down for a bank account

[RUSSandRACHEL 3]

I arrived here on my K1 visa three weeks ago and recieved my Social Security card this morning. So, I went online to Bank of America to apply for the basic checking account. I wanted an account with them as my fiance has one with them too.

I completed the simple form, gave my social security number and have just recieved an email a few hours later saying that my application has been declined!!! What am I supposed to do now? I know I have limited credit history as I've only just got here but how else am I supposed to get an account for AOS proof and for later when I have a job??

I'm really suprised at this. I don't have great credit in the UK, but I didn't think that would effect me here. My UK bank is all in good standing and is still in use and open.

Edited June 23, 2010 by RUSSandRACHEL

[ryna 132]

Just a thought... Can you be put onto a joint account with your fiance? Maybe open a NEW joint account, if necessary...

[pdcvcc 0]

Hi guys,

I added Paul to my chg/saving accounts also insurance benefits & as a beneficiary to my 401K plus we have credit cards and he is adding himself to our utilities. Did not need SSN# for any of those. We were too late to get a SSN# and so we are waiting until he is issued one with the AOS. Then we will go back to all these places and have them add it. It is my understanding that is what is important for now to show we are living together as a couple and it is a bonafide relationship. Yes at some point we want him to start establishing a credit history for various reasons but b/c the I-94 will be expiring soon the SSN office said too late and gave him a letter. They didn't want there to be any confusion since we had sent in the AOS package.

[NotworkSte 19]

Somewhat surprised to hear this, but I checked out BoA website and they do indeed go through an approval process.

What about trying another bank? Wachovia and Chase are in NJ, and I didn't have to go through an approval process for them, that I can remember. To start with though, I got added to my wifes account, so not sure if that helped me or not, but I don't think so.

[daboyz 36]

I arrived here on my K1 visa three weeks ago and recieved my Social Security card this morning. So, I went online to Bank of America to apply for the basic checking account. I wanted an account with them as my fiance has one with them too.

I completed the simple form, gave my social security number and have just recieved an email a few hours later saying that my application has been declined!!! What am I supposed to do now? I know I have limited credit history as I've only just got here but how else am I supposed to get an account for AOS proof and for later when I have a job??

I'm really suprised at this. I don't have great credit in the UK, but I didn't think that would effect me here. My UK bank is all in good standing and is still in use and open.

That's odd. I work with alot of H1Bs from India. They seem to have no problem opening an account. They even added my wife to my account before she had a SS#. They lady just entered 0s in there for her SS#. You might try going there in person.

[Mrs. Gil 1]

Most banks have some kind of stipulation for non-citizens. You may try actually going into the bank in person to apply. They just asked for several forms of picture ID and proof of address. They didn't even look at the social security card. We ran into so many problems trying to get my husband on our bank account. It took having his name added to our lease and utilities before they would finally accept him on the account. It was the same for Chase Bank too. Good luck!

Edited June 23, 2010 by Mrs. Gil

[ryna 132]

I too should have added that it's probably better to go in person as someone else said. The web-based account opening can only look at your (new) SS# and see that it has no credit history associated with it, it can't make a decision based on your unique circumstances.

Good luck!

[Nich-Nick 3,353]

Does anybody else think it's strange that they need a credit history to open a bank account? She's going to put money in, not use their money on credit. I would try another bank in person, and I would get a joint account because that's a biggie with AOS--the proof of co-mingling money. If you want an individual account also, then put some joint money into a new shared account and open yourself another individual account. Credit unions are nice too if there is one you qualify for membership locally.

[Brother Hesekiel 2,235]

Man . . . after way over half a Century on planet Earth I've never heard that a bank would not want a new customer's business.

Come on, spill the beans . . . tell us which bank you are talking about. Most important, what exactly was the bank manager's response? Depending on his or her response -- and I kid you not -- I would consider filing a formal complaint with the bank's corporate offices.

If you did not talk to the bank manager . . . there's your problem. Talking to to a drone who barely got their high school diploma out of mercy is like asking the door man at the USCIS building if your AOS package looks good. What response do you expect from this?

Until then, go to another bank. Any of those would love to have you as a customer and take care of your banking needs.

[Jewel-8 21]

I arrived here on my K1 visa three weeks ago and recieved my Social Security card this morning. So, I went online to Bank of America to apply for the basic checking account. I wanted an account with them as my fiance has one with them too.

We got an offer in the mail for $100 credit if we opened an account and added direct deposit at CHASE! They didn't have much trouble, we just had to bring in UK passport, SS Card and 2 utility bills to show my husband's proof of address.

He walked into a local credit union yesterday and they told him he didn't qualify because he didn't live or work in Salt Lake County. He called me and I told him he does because a household member (me) does. All this was listed on their website as qualifications to open an account.

I was so mad because I thought they might have been b!tches to him due to him having an accent. So I left a very hot message on the branch manager's voicemail informing him that he better check into what is going on with his branch if the employees are turning away business so quickly.

[sachinky 464]

That's bizarre. I opened at account with Bank of America when I was 18, just fresh off the boat. I didn't even have a SSN at that point. They just needed an ID and proof of address.

Maybe go in and see what they say.

[sachinky 464]

Plus, I just wanted to added that I've used Bank of America for 5 years and have received tremendous customer service, even while overseas. I'm very happy with the way they conduct business. Never had any problems! Just received my new credit card from them!

[RUSSandRACHEL 3]

Thank you to everyone for your repies! They're so helpful! It does seem really weird that 1, they're doing a credit check for me to put my money in their bank and 2, that they are turning away business. I told Russ today at work and hes really surprised and suggested we try somewhere else. But, I used to work for credit card companies in the UK and know that every time a credit search is conducted, a mark goes on your record. I don't want to be turned down by a load of companies just to get turned down again and again.

Just Bob, I applied online because the monthly fee for checking accounts is waived if you apply on line, and it was Bank of America.

Nich-nick. If we wait to add my name onto Russ' account, we'll have to wait until we're married and then get our marriage certificate back. That doesn't leave u much time left to compile 'proof' for AOS. And, I also tried to get my name on the utilities. One company said ok, but then changed their mind and said I could have 'access' to pay the bills but not have my name actually on them. The other company said a flat no! I don't get these people.

I'm getting a little worried now as I don't know what else we can do. We don't have the money right now to add me onto Russ' health insurance and he doesn't have any credit cards either that my name could be added to.

[Gemmie 142]

You shouldn't need to be married to be added to his bank account. Ours just needed passport and SSN. Maybe take another shot and ask to see a supervisor if they refuse again?

[payxibka 10,044]

That doesn't leave u much time left to compile 'proof' for AOS.

I suggest you take another look at the I-485 instructions.... other than a marriage certificate, there is NO other "proof" for AOS needed with the initial submission. If and only if you have an interview would this information be required for AOS.... you have some more time to get it together than you might think

Edited June 24, 2010 by payxibka