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freudling · Jan 18, 2008, 02:04 AM

Does anyone know if it is possible to get a US bank account, as a Canadian (without a SSN)?

What State is probably another question:

Washington.

Sealobo · Jan 18, 2008, 06:44 AM

why do you need an account in the state?

i had opened an account in Canada (TD Bank) using a british passport, no problem with the SIN (the canadian version of SSN). but i had problems when i tried to deposit a large sum of canadian bills.

The Godfather · Jan 18, 2008, 08:56 AM

Bank of America should be able to, with no problems. Just bring your passport, I guess.

Mastrap · Jan 18, 2008, 09:02 AM

Are you sure you need a US bank account? The TD offers a US$ account, maybe that would work?

freudling · Jan 18, 2008, 11:18 AM

It doesn't matter why I need an account and yes, I am sure I need an account in the US.

Sealobo:

What the hexx? Did you even read the post? I want an account in the US, not Canada.

Mastrap · Jan 18, 2008, 11:59 AM

Relax. We were just trying to be helpful. Jeez.

Railroader · Jan 18, 2008, 12:50 PM

It would be helpful if the OP posted why they needed a US based bank account.

I didn't realize how difficult it would be to get a US account. What's the reason someone would be prohibited from getting an account? Taxes on interest maybe?

andi*pandi · Jan 18, 2008, 01:42 PM

terrorist cell!

Person Man · Jan 18, 2008, 01:59 PM

Originally Posted by Railroader

It would be helpful if the OP posted why they needed a US based bank account.

I didn't realize how difficult it would be to get a US account. What's the reason someone would be prohibited from getting an account? Taxes on interest maybe?

How about making purchases from the US iTunes Store, for example? Of course, he'd also need a US address for that as well.

The only way I'm able to buy from the Greek iTunes Store is to have a debit card with a Greek account and a Greek address. I use my father's house in Greece as the address, and the bank account I can transfer money to electronically when I need to make a purchase. It's a non-interest bearing account so I don't have to worry about taxes.

Railroader · Jan 18, 2008, 02:14 PM

Originally Posted by Person Man

How about making purchases from the US iTunes Store, for example? Of course, he'd also need a US address for that as well.

The only way I'm able to buy from the Greek iTunes Store is to have a debit card with a Greek account and a Greek address. I use my father's house in Greece as the address, and the bank account I can transfer money to electronically when I need to make a purchase. It's a non-interest bearing account so I don't have to worry about taxes.

See, that's why I asked.

freudling · Jan 18, 2008, 05:16 PM

All I am inquiring about is whether it is possible and what is needed.

I just got off the phone with Citibank and Bank of America.

The reason I asked this is because of the Patriot Act. It constrains the banks ability to give US bank accounts to foreigners.

From what I have been told, it is possible for a Canadian to open a US bank account at some banks.

finboy · Jan 18, 2008, 06:24 PM

Originally Posted by freudling

It constrains the banks ability to give US bank accounts to foreigners.

Not from what I've seen. According to my mortgage banker (who was recruited to expand the bilingual contingent in our area), BofA actively courts "undocumented" folks for accounts, loans, etc. IBC does as well.

freudling · Jan 18, 2008, 08:48 PM

From what I have researched, while it may have been possible for non-residents to open US accounts remotely, this now must be done in person on US soil.

That is not a problem for me. However, I read conflicting reports of the requirement of needing a SSN and State ID. Since I have been in contact with the US banks, I understand the process now. Whether the Patriot Act has anything to do with these constraints I do not know, but suspect that it is from this Act since several sources quote increased constraints as a direct result of it.

The Godfather · Jan 18, 2008, 11:33 PM

What did Bank of America say, exactly?

freudling · Jan 19, 2008, 04:20 AM

Godfather:

They said to take my CAD axx back home and eat some whiskey pancakes. That's right, whiskey pancakes, it warms the blood for the morning ice skate in the backyard.

They said Canadian ID is fine, I am good to go. Looks like you yankees don't mind us after all. I must say, that Bank of America has amazing telephone support. Wow. You Americans know how to provide good service. That goes for my brothers POS system he is buying from the US as well. He gave up on the Canadian suppliers: it was amateur night up here all around for that.

Spook E · Jan 19, 2008, 07:46 AM

I was wondering the other day, is it possible for an Aussie, with no connection to the US, to get a home loan from a US bank?

Aren't interest rates over there like 3% or something? It's 8% here, i want your rates!

The Godfather · Jan 19, 2008, 10:22 AM

Our Macbooks have held up more value than our homes. Why would you want to invest in a house?

P.S. for all questions that might fall in this thread. The answer is Bank of America.

Spook E · Jan 19, 2008, 08:44 PM

Beacause what is happening in the US economy isn't happening here (but it could) and house prices are ghastly for a first home buyer.

turtle777 · Jan 20, 2008, 12:22 AM

Originally Posted by freudling

I must say, that Bank of America has amazing telephone support. Wow. You Americans know how to provide good service.

Seconded.

BoA has great service and good products.

-t

turtle777 · Jan 20, 2008, 12:23 AM

Originally Posted by Spook E

I was wondering the other day, is it possible for an Aussie, with no connection to the US, to get a home loan from a US bank?

No, not even in your dreams.

-t

Cold Warrior · Jan 20, 2008, 12:29 AM

Originally Posted by Spook E

I was wondering the other day, is it possible for an Aussie, with no connection to the US, to get a home loan from a US bank?

Aren't interest rates over there like 3% or something? It's 8% here, i want your rates!

I'd love to meet anyone who can get a 3% rate for a home -- unless their FICO score is 850 and they have in cash as collateral three times the home's value.

Sealobo · Jan 20, 2008, 02:36 PM

Originally Posted by freudling

It doesn't matter why I need an account and yes, I am sure I need an account in the US.

Sealobo:

What the hexx? Did you even read the post? I want an account in the US, not Canada.

o... i thought i might share my experience since canada is the 52nd state of america and the states might share similar banking practice.

freudling · Jan 20, 2008, 03:36 PM

Sealobo:

Canada is not the 52nd state of the US. Take your trolling self and leave.

Cold Warrior · Jan 20, 2008, 03:41 PM

Yeah, since the US has only 50 states, Canada would be the 51st.

Jeez Sealobo!

The Godfather · Jan 20, 2008, 06:32 PM

^ SL Probably wishes that Puerto Rico became the 51st.

Sealobo · Jan 20, 2008, 10:23 PM

Originally Posted by Cold Warrior

Yeah, since the US has only 50 states, Canada would be the 51st.

Jeez Sealobo!

no... Mexico is the 51st!

badidea · Jan 22, 2008, 06:17 PM

No... England is the 51st state!

turtle777 · Jan 22, 2008, 06:27 PM

No, Iraq is.

-t

freudling · Jan 23, 2008, 05:05 PM

Success.

Got an account at Wells Fargo. Great customer service, but overboard. Too many friendly questions. Only in America. And very heavy people everywhere.

The Godfather · Jan 23, 2008, 08:19 PM

Great! I'll tell my Mexican friends that they can bank in Wells Fargo.