US bank accounts - please confirm ?

[pluis 2]

I, too, experienced no problem when wanting to open a savings / checking account without an SSN. However, I became a member of a local credit union instead of a 'Big Bank', so different rules likely apply.

They do require me to show my SSNcard once I receive it, but were fine now when I showed them two forms of (foreign) ID with pictures on.

[Bill and Tanya 18]

I have a joint account with my Fiance, not yet married, and still waiting on interview. My bank is USAA, and they had me fill out form W8-BEN (http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw8ben.pdf), and now she is able to use her check card in most shops in Russia.

[NikLR 13,220]

USAA is awesome. They're very good about adding people to accounts, but as a military bank, they're used to foreign spouses I think. We had no trouble adding me to my husband's bank account via email and fax. I think if a bank doesn't do it, it's just because that person doesn't know how. Try a managers, or new branch first. Then try banking somewhere else.

[christeen 966]

It is totally bank specific... Ther is no law prohibiting them from opening an account, however, ther also is not law saying they cannot make specific requirements... If it is against bank policy, you will have to wait till you get a SSN or ITIN or change banks...