Two helpful tips for opening a bank account!

[midwinterrose 263]

Hey everybody,

 

My husband and I just successfully opened a joint bank account yesterday, and there were a couple things that came up that I thought might be helpful for others to know.  First, we opened the account at Chase, and the lady helping us said that a Social Security number is not necessary to open an account.  My husband did have his SSN already, but she said it was not necessary.  My husband had to provide one photo ID and one form of ID with his address on it.  They accepted his passport as photo ID, and our electric bill in both our names with our address on it as the secondary ID.

 

The other thing I noted was that the girl helping us was very well-versed in opening accounts for foreigners, and it turns out it is because we happened to go to the branch closest to the university where a lot of students also go to open their accounts, including a lot of foreign students.  She even told me that she has the ID requirements for foreign students memorized, she opens those accounts so often.  She was very helpful and friendly and excited to practice her Spanish with my husband.  I suspect that others might have the same experience elsewhere, with branches nearest to universities (or other hubs for foreigners) being more accustomed (and open) to dealing with opening accounts for foreigners and/or special circumstances.

 

Hope this helps someone down the line, enjoy your weekend!

 

[M+M 55]

Hello! 

I have a quick question for you. Did they ask you to file out a W8? 

[midwinterrose 263]

33 minutes ago, M+M said:

Hello! 

I have a quick question for you. Did they ask you to file out a W8? 

Hi 🙂  Yes, sort of, she filled it out because everything was digital.  She asked how many days he had been in the country during the past 3 years and filled in the info.  Then when we had to sign everything we had to select an option for why my husband does not qualify as a resident.  We weren't exactly sure which to choose, so we chose 'Other', and explained that he arrived in the U.S. on a K1 visa and currently has an application for permanent residency pending.

[Newuser4453454 79]

1 hour ago, M+M said:

Hello! 

I have a quick question for you. Did they ask you to file out a W8? 

 

I've learned that W-8s are normal. Some accounts bare interest, though it is admittedly minuscule. In order to announce this interest to the IRS, the W-8 is required. At least, I think that's how it works.