American bank account

boxter_2

I'm a UK resident with an HBOS current account.

In order to receive online payments, I need a US bank account that accepts Direct Deposits - so it has to have a banking and routing number.

I understand that HBOS have US branches, and would like to open an account with one. I'd like to be able to manage it online and transfer any funds deposited to my UK current account.

Unfortunately I can't see anything on their website about US branches or how I'd open one. Has anyone any experience of this, and can offer me any advice?

Thanks in advance

jambosans

HBOS (a.k.a. Halifax Bank of Scotland) do not have branches in the US. Are you perhaps thinking of HSBC?

boxter_2

Hmm, thanks Jambosans.. I must have been mistaken.

I'll look into HSBC. From a cursory inspection, their US accounts require a social security number. I'll give them a call tomorrow to explain my situation and see what they can do.

Thanks!

jambosans

There's also Citibank, who offer a US Dollar Current Account. I'm not sure if this will provide you with US "banking details" (i.e. routing number, etc.) as it's still a UK account and would assume assigned UK bank details. I could be wrong, but similar to the UK, you can normally only open bank accounts in a particular country if you are domicile there. I believe it's for tax purposes. Like I said, I'm way out of my knowledge base with this one and someone should be along soon enough who can be of more help.

noh

Natwest?
http://www.natwest.com/personal/travel-international/g2/foreign-currency/current.ashx

Fiddlestick

boxter wrote: »

Hmm, thanks Jambosans.. I must have been mistaken.

I'll look into HSBC. From a cursory inspection, their US accounts require a social security number.

No they don't

Many banks in the US *think* they require an SSN but they do not - there is no legal requirement for one (ignore them if they spout the USA PATRIOT Act) and last time I was in the US (2005) I was able to open a Checking Account with Chase.

The computer system did request an SSN so the clerk just entered it as all 9's.

boxter_2

So I'd be able to open a US bank account, online, from the UK? If that's the case, it will be ideal. I'll investigate!

Thanks for all the advice.

Fundin

boxter wrote: »

So I'd be able to open a US bank account, online, from the UK? If that's the case, it will be ideal. I'll investigate!

Thanks for all the advice.

Please, If it works let me know was trying to do this myself for online gaming some time ago with no luck. If I can do it now it would be useful

97trophy

boxter wrote: »

So I'd be able to open a US bank account, online, from the UK?

No you will not due to the Patriot Act.

HSBC UK can open you an account with HSBC USA. Or you can open an account in person whilst in the US.

boxter_2

I've been investigating this, and GlobalMoneyCard seem to issue prepaid cards to UK residents, whilst allowing Direct Deposits from US.

This looks promising, but I'll keep you in the loop for anyone else in the same situation.