Can you open a bank account while waiting for your greencard?

[Noktor 4]

I would like to know if it’s possible for my wife who is waiting for her greencard approval if she can open a personal bank account for herself? Or does she need to become a US citizen first?

[W199 264]

48 minutes ago, Noktor said:

I would like to know if it’s possible for my wife who is waiting for her greencard approval if she can open a personal bank account for herself? Or does she need to become a US citizen first?

Even foreigners living overseas can open up a US bank account.  But this heavily varies by bank.  You will need to get an ITIN number for her if she does not yet have a SSN yet.  

 

Why don't you just go to your local banks and ask them for the requirements for her to open it up? 

[OldUser 4,819]

No US citizenship is needed for opening a bank account. People on J1 visas open bank accounts all the time.

[Ontarkie 13,917]

~~Moved to MOving Here and Your New Life, from Taxes and Finances - as banking is discussed here often.~~

[millefleur 5,037]

7 hours ago, Noktor said:

I would like to know if it’s possible for my wife who is waiting for her greencard approval if she can open a personal bank account for herself? Or does she need to become a US citizen first?

Her passport and valid visa should be sufficient enough. I agree with the others check each bank as they might have different requirements.

 

 

[Marieke H 2,314]

She can probably open an account, as long as she has a SSN, but some banks may require some proof of legal status. I was able to open a personal account with my EAD and SS card, but we went to the bank that my husband was already with and opened a joint account and a personal account for me on top of his existing account. 

[Calicolom 265]

19 hours ago, Noktor said:

I would like to know if it’s possible for my wife who is waiting for her greencard approval if she can open a personal bank account for herself? Or does she need to become a US citizen first?

Bank of America opens accounts for Illegals.

[gstrength 20]

all you need to have is an ID (passport is sufficient), US address and phone number (Phone number helps but is not a deal breaker)

[beloved_dingo 1,932]

I was able to add my husband to my existing bank account before he had his green card or his SSN. This was PNC, and they did have to escalate it to get assistance at my local branch to figure out how to add him. As others have stated, this will vary by bank. 

[Joyoussinger 1,411]

Bank of America was easy! All my husband needed was his passport and we opened a joint account. He had his own debit card and everything!

[Noktor 4]

7 hours ago, Marieke H said:

She can probably open an account, as long as she has a SSN, but some banks may require some proof of legal status. I was able to open a personal account with my EAD and SS card, but we went to the bank that my husband was already with and opened a joint account and a personal account for me on top of his existing account. 

Is the joint account savings or checkings and what type is the personal account? i'm not sure which type to choose for my wife.

[Marieke H 2,314]

4 hours ago, Noktor said:

Is the joint account savings or checkings and what type is the personal account? i'm not sure which type to choose for my wife.

It really just depends on how you want to organize your finances and what your incomes look like. We have a joint checking account where both of our incomes are deposited and from where all our bills are paid, and a joint savings account. And then we both have a personal checking account with the same bank, and we transfer money to our personal accounts for personal purposes (and presents for each other so we don't ruin the surprise. Lol).

[Tunc 0]

If you are eligible for SSN you can not apply for an ITIN number. Adding to joint account is the easiest way as others suggested