US bank account?

Collapse
X
 
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
  • DamageX
    Marketing & Strategy
    • Jun 2001
    • 14293

    #1

    US bank account?

    Does anyone know of the procedures and fees related to opening a US bank account as a non-US resident? I need this for my daily dealings with clients and sponsors, would make my life a lot easier. If you can also recommend someone who provides the service of setting up an account I would be grateful, thanks.
    Whitehat is for chumps

    If you don't do it, somebody else will - true story!
  • the Shemp
    congrats to the winners
    • Nov 2001
    • 10891

    #2
    the best way is drive down to the nearest USA border town..
    the banks there are used to opening accounts for Canadians..
    i use Vacares...so should you
    Submit your picture galleries to my site...Outlaw TGP

    Comment

    • BRISK
      Too lazy to set a custom title
      • Feb 2003
      • 12240

      #3
      I know a guy who is not a US resident and he got a bank account with this US bank: www.thebancorp.com
      I post on GFY so that when people ask me what I do,
      I can tell them that I work with the mentally retarded.

      Comment

      • DamageX
        Marketing & Strategy
        • Jun 2001
        • 14293

        #4
        Originally posted by the Shemp
        the best way is drive down to the nearest USA border town..
        the banks there are used to opening accounts for Canadians..
        Thanks Shemp, that would really be the easiest thing to do, if I were in Canada. However, being in Europe might cause a bit of a problem, when trying to drive to the US.

        Anyway, joking aside, yes, I am considering putting my ass on a plane and opening an account, would this be doable hassle free for a European?
        Whitehat is for chumps

        If you don't do it, somebody else will - true story!

        Comment

        • detoxed
          vip member
          • Jan 2003
          • 17798

          #5
          Originally posted by DamageX
          Thanks Shemp, that would really be the easiest thing to do, if I were in Canada. However, being in Europe might cause a bit of a problem, when trying to drive to the US.

          Anyway, joking aside, yes, I am considering putting my ass on a plane and opening an account, would this be doable hassle free for a European?
          Probably tons of hassles due to Patriot Act

          Comment

          • pussyluver
            Clueless OleMan
            • Mar 2003
            • 11009

            #6
            Where I kive, it woud be about impossible. Even if you live here, sometimes it's hard to open an account. That's even with cash in your hand!

            Found smaller local banks were easier than the big ones.

            Wanted to open a bank account for my significant in the same bank as me to make life easier. They wouldn't let her because she did not have enough ID. That's with a drivers license, ATM cards from other banks and me sitting there with three accounts open at the bank.

            Comment

            • pussyluver
              Clueless OleMan
              • Mar 2003
              • 11009

              #7
              Originally posted by detoxed
              Probably tons of hassles due to Patriot Act
              Yep, they said it was the Patriot Act

              I say Bullshit!!! Why did another bank open account for her without question?

              Comment

              • DamageX
                Marketing & Strategy
                • Jun 2001
                • 14293

                #8
                Originally posted by detoxed
                Probably tons of hassles due to Patriot Act
                Yeah, that's what I'm fearing, reason why I'd prefer someone to do it for me, I know there are people who specialize in this kind of service.

                Originally posted by pussyluver
                Where I kive, it woud be about impossible. Even if you live here, sometimes it's hard to open an account. That's even with cash in your hand!

                Found smaller local banks were easier than the big ones.

                Wanted to open a bank account for my significant in the same bank as me to make life easier. They wouldn't let her because she did not have enough ID. That's with a drivers license, ATM cards from other banks and me sitting there with three accounts open at the bank.
                Makes you wonder where their sense of business is... Thing is, they tend to be that way when they know you don't have a lot of choice. If this was me, I would've closed all my accounts and moved my business to my wife's bank. I hate doing business with stiff rednecks.
                Whitehat is for chumps

                If you don't do it, somebody else will - true story!

                Comment

                • the Shemp
                  congrats to the winners
                  • Nov 2001
                  • 10891

                  #9
                  Originally posted by DamageX
                  Thanks Shemp, that would really be the easiest thing to do, if I were in Canada. However, being in Europe might cause a bit of a problem, when trying to drive to the US.

                  Anyway, joking aside, yes, I am considering putting my ass on a plane and opening an account, would this be doable hassle free for a European?
                  yes, thats a nasty drive ;)
                  i use Vacares...so should you
                  Submit your picture galleries to my site...Outlaw TGP

                  Comment

                  • BRISK
                    Too lazy to set a custom title
                    • Feb 2003
                    • 12240

                    #10
                    www.thebancorp.com

                    My friend opened his account with them over the phone and by sending stuff (photocopies of ID) through the mail. They sent him an ATM and debit card he can use anywhere in the world. He's never even been to the US before.
                    I post on GFY so that when people ask me what I do,
                    I can tell them that I work with the mentally retarded.

                    Comment

                    • Groove
                      Confirmed User
                      • Jan 2003
                      • 3852

                      #11
                      I'm Australian and have had an account with Chase in NY for several years. However I recently had to close the account because Chase now require a minimum $100,000 balance in order to cover the additional record keeping and monitoring expenses required under The Patriot Act.

                      Comment

                      • ZanyCash Larry
                        Confirmed User
                        • Jun 2004
                        • 1057

                        #12
                        Check the internet. Most US banks have a website and
                        ing.com is an internet bank without any branches.

                        Some of the banks we use localy are:
                        wamu.com
                        wellsfargo.com

                        $45 Per Signup - 60/40 RevShare!
                        5% Webmaster Referral Bonus
                        Hosted Static Galleries With Recip Link

                        Comment

                        • DamageX
                          Marketing & Strategy
                          • Jun 2001
                          • 14293

                          #13
                          Originally posted by BRISK
                          www.thebancorp.com

                          My friend opened his account with them over the phone and by sending stuff (photocopies of ID) through the mail. They sent him an ATM and debit card he can use anywhere in the world. He's never even been to the US before.
                          These guys would actually look OK, if it weren't for the $500/day withdrawal limit on the ATM card. This way I'm better off sticking with ePassporte, at least there I can have my daily withdrawal limit raised, at least in theory.
                          Whitehat is for chumps

                          If you don't do it, somebody else will - true story!

                          Comment

                          • GTS Mark
                            Vrume Mark
                            • Jan 2001
                            • 20912

                            #14
                            Originally posted by the Shemp
                            the best way is drive down to the nearest USA border town..
                            the banks there are used to opening accounts for Canadians..
                            That is exactly what I did...

                            4 hour drive to Michigan to open up a simple chequing account. LOL!

                            Was worth it though!

                            DH

                            Comment

                            • DamageX
                              Marketing & Strategy
                              • Jun 2001
                              • 14293

                              #15
                              Originally posted by ZanyCash Larry
                              Check the internet. Most US banks have a website and
                              ing.com is an internet bank without any branches.

                              Some of the banks we use localy are:
                              wamu.com
                              wellsfargo.com
                              Yeah, I did check the Internet. I was basically looking for some recommendations here, since I'm kind of challenged when it comes to which US bank to use, was hoping for some more practical feedback.
                              Whitehat is for chumps

                              If you don't do it, somebody else will - true story!

                              Comment

                              • the Shemp
                                congrats to the winners
                                • Nov 2001
                                • 10891

                                #16
                                Originally posted by DrinkingHard
                                That is exactly what I did...

                                4 hour drive to Michigan to open up a simple chequing account. LOL!

                                Was worth it though!

                                DH
                                for sure..
                                its legal for a canadian to have an account in the US..
                                you need to fill out a w-8 form and have some decent ID with you.. just keep the transacations under 10K at a time... ;)
                                i use Vacares...so should you
                                Submit your picture galleries to my site...Outlaw TGP

                                Comment

                                • juice
                                  Confirmed User
                                  • Jan 2003
                                  • 628

                                  #17
                                  Originally posted by the Shemp
                                  for sure..
                                  its legal for a canadian to have an account in the US..
                                  you need to fill out a w-8 form and have some decent ID with you.. just keep the transacations under 10K at a time... ;)
                                  why keep the transaction below $10k ?

                                  Btw, dont remember signing a w-8 form.. what is it exactly ?

                                  Comment

                                  • Theo
                                    HAL 9000
                                    • May 2001
                                    • 34515

                                    #18
                                    Brisk,does your friend has a US company?

                                    Comment

                                    • volante
                                      Confirmed User
                                      • Mar 2002
                                      • 2940

                                      #19
                                      If you're in the UK, have a word with HSBC - last time I checked, they offered US based business accounts to UK citizens. I think there was a £50 per month service charge though...

                                      Comment

                                      • BRISK
                                        Too lazy to set a custom title
                                        • Feb 2003
                                        • 12240

                                        #20
                                        Originally posted by Soul_Rebel
                                        Brisk,does your friend has a US company?
                                        No, he just has that personal bank account
                                        I post on GFY so that when people ask me what I do,
                                        I can tell them that I work with the mentally retarded.

                                        Comment

                                        • {fusion}
                                          Confirmed User
                                          • Sep 2003
                                          • 1650

                                          #21
                                          try to do it through your on bank, most often they will be able to set it up for you as a business account. be impossible to open a personal due to money laundering acts.

                                          i know HSBC do it if you with them

                                          Comment

                                          • DamageX
                                            Marketing & Strategy
                                            • Jun 2001
                                            • 14293

                                            #22
                                            Originally posted by the Shemp
                                            for sure..
                                            its legal for a canadian to have an account in the US..
                                            you need to fill out a w-8 form and have some decent ID with you.. just keep the transacations under 10K at a time... ;)
                                            From a legality point of view, I'm pretty sure it's not against the law for anyone to have a bank account in the US. I take it it's the hassle of opening one that differs between say Canadians and Europeans.
                                            Whitehat is for chumps

                                            If you don't do it, somebody else will - true story!

                                            Comment

                                            • Theo
                                              HAL 9000
                                              • May 2001
                                              • 34515

                                              #23
                                              thanks

                                              Comment

                                              • the Shemp
                                                congrats to the winners
                                                • Nov 2001
                                                • 10891

                                                #24
                                                Originally posted by DamageX
                                                From a legality point of view, I'm pretty sure it's not against the law for anyone to have a bank account in the US. I take it it's the hassle of opening one that differs between say Canadians and Europeans.
                                                if your scottish they cant understand you....
                                                i use Vacares...so should you
                                                Submit your picture galleries to my site...Outlaw TGP

                                                Comment

                                                • Dagwolf
                                                  President of Canada
                                                  • Sep 2003
                                                  • 23141

                                                  #25
                                                  Originally posted by the Shemp
                                                  if your scottish they cant understand you....
                                                  lol
                                                  Sleep well, and dream of large women.

                                                  Comment

                                                  • DamageX
                                                    Marketing & Strategy
                                                    • Jun 2001
                                                    • 14293

                                                    #26
                                                    Originally posted by the Shemp
                                                    if your scottish they cant understand you....
                                                    Yep, I can certainly understand that kind of hassle.

                                                    However, I'm not Scottish and thank God my English sounds nothing like that. In fact, if I spoke with you, you'd probably think I was fooling you about not living in the US.
                                                    Whitehat is for chumps

                                                    If you don't do it, somebody else will - true story!

                                                    Comment

                                                    • Warren
                                                      Confirmed User
                                                      • Jul 2003
                                                      • 2284

                                                      #27
                                                      Ok a suggestion for You,

                                                      Contact these people, http://www.corporate.com

                                                      They will act as Your US agent, use Your EU address as your permenant one, they will forward all recieved docs relating to Your new company to You anywhere

                                                      Next, once incorporated contact the IRS, and request Form SS4, once You fill this out and fax it back to them, You will be issued a company tax id number

                                                      Lastly, get on a plane with all Your paperwork, and hit any main bank in the US and You will have a business account with Your own company Visa card

                                                      There is many advantages to incorporating in Delaware, which I am sure You will discover

                                                      No offence, but they also have a book on this

                                                      http://www.corporate.com/dummies.cfm
                                                      ICQ:208-603-797

                                                      www.altdollars.com

                                                      Comment

                                                      • DamageX
                                                        Marketing & Strategy
                                                        • Jun 2001
                                                        • 14293

                                                        #28
                                                        Originally posted by warren
                                                        Ok a suggestion for You,

                                                        Contact these people, http://www.corporate.com

                                                        They will act as Your US agent, use Your EU address as your permenant one, they will forward all recieved docs relating to Your new company to You anywhere

                                                        Next, once incorporated contact the IRS, and request Form SS4, once You fill this out and fax it back to them, You will be issued a company tax id number

                                                        Lastly, get on a plane with all Your paperwork, and hit any main bank in the US and You will have a business account with Your own company Visa card

                                                        There is many advantages to incorporating in Delaware, which I am sure You will discover

                                                        No offence, but they also have a book on this

                                                        http://www.corporate.com/dummies.cfm
                                                        Yeah, I've heard a lot about the advantages of incorporating in Delaware, the only thing that's stopped me from doing it so far is that I'm still not in the clear about how my revenue will be taxed and where. I'm sure you're aware of the semi-socialist taxation policies of most EU governments. I don't want them to consider me worthy of being stoned to death just because they *think* I'm trying to evade paying taxes.
                                                        Last edited by DamageX; 07-25-2004, 11:02 PM.
                                                        Whitehat is for chumps

                                                        If you don't do it, somebody else will - true story!

                                                        Comment

                                                        • xxxdesign-net
                                                          My hips don't lie
                                                          • Nov 2002
                                                          • 10129

                                                          #29
                                                          Originally posted by warren
                                                          Ok a suggestion for You,

                                                          Contact these people, http://www.corporate.com

                                                          They will act as Your US agent, use Your EU address as your permenant one, they will forward all recieved docs relating to Your new company to You anywhere

                                                          Next, once incorporated contact the IRS, and request Form SS4, once You fill this out and fax it back to them, You will be issued a company tax id number

                                                          Lastly, get on a plane with all Your paperwork, and hit any main bank in the US and You will have a business account with Your own company Visa card

                                                          There is many advantages to incorporating in Delaware, which I am sure You will discover

                                                          No offence, but they also have a book on this

                                                          http://www.corporate.com/dummies.cfm

                                                          Will you need to obey the new 2257 law if you incorporate in the US..?

                                                          Comment

                                                          • Theo
                                                            HAL 9000
                                                            • May 2001
                                                            • 34515

                                                            #30
                                                            Originally posted by xxxdesign-net
                                                            Will you need to obey the new 2257 law if you incorporate in the US..?
                                                            of course

                                                            Comment

                                                            • DamageX
                                                              Marketing & Strategy
                                                              • Jun 2001
                                                              • 14293

                                                              #31
                                                              Originally posted by xxxdesign-net
                                                              Will you need to obey the new 2257 law if you incorporate in the US..?
                                                              Did you do a lot of thinking, before asking that question?
                                                              Whitehat is for chumps

                                                              If you don't do it, somebody else will - true story!

                                                              Comment

                                                              • BRISK
                                                                Too lazy to set a custom title
                                                                • Feb 2003
                                                                • 12240

                                                                #32
                                                                Originally posted by DamageX
                                                                Did you do a lot of thinking, before asking that question?
                                                                I post on GFY so that when people ask me what I do,
                                                                I can tell them that I work with the mentally retarded.

                                                                Comment

                                                                • Warren
                                                                  Confirmed User
                                                                  • Jul 2003
                                                                  • 2284

                                                                  #33
                                                                  Originally posted by DamageX
                                                                  Yeah, I've heard a lot about the advantages of incorporating in Delaware, the only thing that's stopped me from doing it so far is that I'm still not in the clear about how my revenue will be taxed and where. I'm sure you're aware of the semi-socialist taxation policies of most EU governments. I don't want them to consider me worthy of being stoned to death just because they *think* I'm trying to evade paying taxes.
                                                                  My answer to that is, where its made is where its paid.

                                                                  I have held a couple of directorships in the UK, london based companies and know the ins and outs fairly well of the inland revenue system there, so I would leave out the semi and go straight to the socialist taxation You mentioned.

                                                                  The information I gave earlier is what I had to do to get set up

                                                                  If You want to talk further my icq is 208603797













                                                                  and
                                                                  ICQ:208-603-797

                                                                  www.altdollars.com

                                                                  Comment

                                                                  • BarneyRubble
                                                                    Confirmed User
                                                                    • May 2004
                                                                    • 279

                                                                    #34
                                                                    Originally posted by DrinkingHard
                                                                    That is exactly what I did...

                                                                    4 hour drive to Michigan to open up a simple chequing account. LOL!

                                                                    Was worth it though!

                                                                    DH
                                                                    I guess nobody told you that Buffalo was an hour and a half huh?
                                                                    SIG TOO BIG! Maximum 120x60 button and no more than 3 text lines of DEFAULT SIZE and COLOR. Unless your sig is for a GFY top banner sponsor, you may use a 624x80 instead of a 120x60. Let me repeat... A 120 x 60 button and no more that 3 lines of DEFAULT SIZE AND COLOR text.

                                                                    Comment

                                                                    Working...