I have a short question: Can i as a German national open a US Bank Account in Puerto Rico living in the Dominican Republic? A trip to visit a bank in Puerto Rico won't be a problem. Which Bank would be easiest?
US Citizens and US Legal Residents [green card]
Sorry, only US Citizens and US Legal Residents [green card] can open a US checking or savings account.
AE
This is not true at all!
I have several European friends that opened US bank account with just their passport. What you cannot do is open the bank account over the phone like a US citizen/resident could. Even illegal Mexicans can open accounts, with just their Mexican ID, for example, in Bank of America.
Some banks may be stricter than others, so you should go to a "mass" bank like Bank of America or Wachovia or Suntrust. Citibank and JP Morgan may be more difficult (especially Citibank).
Some banks may require to apply for ITIN - Individual Taxpayer Identification Number with the IRS before they open you the account.
All in all, it's not at all that difficult.
This will explain everything.
Section 326 of the U.S. Patriot act:
http://www.earlywarning.com/pdf/USA_PATRIOT_Act_Section_326_Final_Rule.pdf
It looks like I stand corrected - when my Dominican brother-in-law and his wife wanted to open a US checking account [both legal residents/green card holders] they had a hard time. I ended up taking them to my own bank where they know me well [PNC] and it was an easy process. Maybe it depends on the bank?
How does one open a US bank account without a social security # for the 1099 for interest at the end of the year?
How does one open a US bank account without a social security # for the 1099 for interest at the end of the year?
Even if they told me two times on the phone two ids are fine I entered the chase bank near the airport. They also wanted a Dominican Utility bill and they did not accept my german drivers license.
So it is not the law, it is the banks policies. I could verify my new account with paypal right away.