I am overseas. How can I open a bank account with a US bank?
Each bank has its own procedures for opening accounts and verifying the identification of the new customer. It is obviously easier to open an account where you have an established relationship. If this is a brand new relationship, be prepared to answer many questions and provide notarized documents that help prove your identity, but even at that, many, if not most banks would urge you to open the account when you arrive at your new location. Most people bank where they do because of the bank's location, compared to them. It is a matter of convenience.
If you are not moving there, the chances are less that you'll find a bank willing to assist you. Banks are required to understand their customers needs and if location is not an issue, they must know what is and why you want to bank with them. Be prepared to explain why you want the account and what it will be used for, how and how often. Contacting the major banks that have a worldwide presence is your best bet.
BankingQuestions.com is a free service made possible by the generous support of our advertisers. Advertisers are not responsible for site content. Please help us keep BankingQuestions.com FREE by supporting our advertisers. When you see an ad for a product or service you may have an interest in, click through to learn more.
Accounts
Article
Q&A
Podcast
Video
Blog
Discussions
PDF
Powerpoint
Each bank has its own procedures for opening accounts and verifying the identification of the new customer. It is obviously easier to open an account where you have an established relationship. If this is a brand new relationship, be prepared to answer many questions and provide notarized documents that help prove your identity, but even at that, many, if not most banks would urge you to open the account when you arrive at your new location. Most people bank where they do because of the bank's location, compared to them. It is a matter of convenience. 