banks that are opening accounts for companies with non-US owners

[davvve]

Hello

Has anyone of you non-US citizens opened an account in a US bank for your US-based company?

If so I would really appreciate if you could share the name of that bank

/David

[Broda]

try First Union

[WendyB]

Provided your business has a verifiable presence within the USA, yu as an authorized officer can open an account with most banks here in the USA.

As a general practice, you will have to appear in person at the bank to open an account.

You will need to bring/have a Federal Tax ID (EIN) for the business.

More than likely you will be incorporated in the US. The bank will need to see your company's ARTICLES of INCORPORATION, and a corporate resolution authorizing you to open account on behalf of the business.

Many banks typically ask for official photo ID, (drivers license or passport.) Check with individual banks for the exact requirements. While some banks define a drivers license, as one issued by any of the US states, others have a more relaxed definition of drivers license, accepting any globally issued drivers license.

You may also be required to show a major credit card. The credit card, depending on the bank, usually is not charged. It's purpose is to show you were credit worthy enough to have been issued a credit card by one of their peers.

If you were seeking a bank that you can mail in the paperwork, without a personal appearance...that is not likely to happen.
Be cautious of companies who claim they can get you an American bank account.

One upon a time, that might have been possible, however banks are being held accountable and required to "know" their customers.

[davvve]

Originally posted by WendyB
Provided your business has a verifiable presence within the USA, yu as an authorized officer can open an account with most banks here in the USA.

As a general practice, you will have to appear in person at the bank to open an account.

You will need to bring/have a Federal Tax ID (EIN) for the business.

More than likely you will be incorporated in the US. The bank will need to see your company's ARTICLES of INCORPORATION, and a corporate resolution authorizing you to open account on behalf of the business.

Many banks typically ask for official photo ID, (drivers license or passport.) Check with individual banks for the exact requirements. While some banks define a drivers license, as one issued by any of the US states, others have a more relaxed definition of drivers license, accepting any globally issued drivers license.

You may also be required to show a major credit card. The credit card, depending on the bank, usually is not charged. It's purpose is to show you were credit worthy enough to have been issued a credit card by one of their peers.

If you were seeking a bank that you can mail in the paperwork, without a personal appearance...that is not likely to happen.
Be cautious of companies who claim they can get you an American bank account.

One upon a time, that might have been possible, however banks are being held accountable and required to "know" their customers.

I've got an EIN, ITIN, articles of incorporation etc... There may be a problem if I have to appear at the bank though, as I live in Sweden. I called Chase and they SEEM to be able to help me. I guess I'll just have to call a couple of banks and ask them what policies they have when opening accounts like this.

[davvve]

Originally posted by Broda
try First Union

tack

will try them if it doesn't work out with Chase.

[dchottie]

as far as I know you have to have one of two things to have a US bank account. That is a EIN # with a US representative for that account which means you actually have no control over it and they do or a Personal TIN#.

[Broda]

Originally posted by davvve


I've got an EIN, ITIN, articles of incorporation etc... There may be a problem if I have to appear at the bank though, as I live in Sweden. I called Chase and they SEEM to be able to help me. I guess I'll just have to call a couple of banks and ask them what policies they have when opening accounts like this.

A $15k initial deposit for starters

Try First Union / Wachovia

or

tdwaterhouse.com
Go for a state like Florida with a lot of foreign citizens; banks there always understand better how to deal with non-US citizens.

You won't have to be present at the bank to open an account. You live in a civilized country and they probably won't even ask for notarized papers.

The US banking system is probably the most open in the world and still is. Go deposit $9,999 in cash and no questions ask. Repeat that in all the banks local branches all day long and still no questions asked. Deposit $10k in cash just once and the feds are all over you. Make you go hmmm doesn't it?

[RedBumper]

Originally posted by Broda


A $15k initial deposit for starters

Try First Union / Wachovia

or

tdwaterhouse.com
Go for a state like Florida with a lot of foreign citizens; banks there always understand better how to deal with non-US citizens.

You won't have to be present at the bank to open an account. You live in a civilized country and they probably won't even ask for notarized papers.

The US banking system is probably the most open in the world and still is. Go deposit $9,999 in cash and no questions ask. Repeat that in all the banks local branches all day long and still no questions asked. Deposit $10k in cash just once and the feds are all over you. Make you go hmmm doesn't it?

Good post