US bank accounts for UK resident? Experience?

Kallisti

Hi,

I have had a US bank account for many years which a vacation rental unit money is paid into. At the end of last year I moved all of the money from it into a savings account - not sure why, I usually leave $20, but not this time.

As it happens I didn't get any income the following month and it looks like the bank (5th3rd) took this as a signal to close the account. They won't now re-open it.

So - at a crossroad. Anyone have experience of US banks - specifically using them from afar. I've always had trouble moving money for one reason or another using 5th3rd - they seem to be stuck in the 70s.

It might be useful to be able to open an account remotely but not a deal breaker.

ronbell101

From my experience you will struggle to open a US Bank account from "afar" as you need a SSN (social security number) this can be "by-passed" by bank staff when you apply in person in a branch

Westin

I'd be interested in learning the answer to your question as well. As Ronbell101 points out, so far I have been asked for a SSN and US address - neither of which I have.

10pence

HSBC used to be able to open accounts in the USA for their Premier and Advance service. They did lose this during the Mexico scandal but it was reinstated after the huge payout.
Worth asking them.

Expert1_2

It's very easy compared to UK accounts for non-UK residents. I opened two accounts back in November 2013--one in TD Bank and one in Bank of America (which I have closed).

At TD , they asked me for my passport and a second ID. They made me fill some tax exemption forms. As for a US mailing address, I had no proof. All they asked was for an account holder at the bank to send a fax to them allowing me to share their address. Everything took about an hour.

Bank of America was even easier. I don't think they even asked for proof of address. Opening an account on the phone/online would be more tricky I suppose. No way to verify if you are a real person.

Without a SSN, I can't get a credit card and go through computerized security verification--I have to speak to a real person and answer questions. Not a big deal.

TD is pretty good. No fees if you have at least $100 in your account. Uk banks on the other hand are a pain in the butt for non-residents.

ronbell101

We opened a Bank of America checking and savings account in branch in 2010 and still use it for holidays, got our debit cards within 2 days, as for a mailing address, most post offices in Florida(not sure about other states) offer a "general delivery" i.e. your mail is delivered to the said Post Office you phone up and ask if there is any mail delivered to your name, drive there and pick up your mail, our 2nd debit cards were delivered there no problem you get a "physical" address and a zip code
I was advised to do this in the Post office as I was just about to rent a mail box and was told there was no need to spend money just use the "general delivery" and you are sorted!

Joe Bloggs
c/o General Delivery Any City Post Office
Somewhere Boulevard
Florida
38876