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Q: Can non-resident open a bank account? ( Answered 3 out of 5 stars,   5 Comments )
Question  
Subject: Can non-resident open a bank account?
Category: Business and Money > Accounting
Asked by: naithanmcgil-ga
List Price: $200.00
Posted: 01 Nov 2005 04:56 PST
Expires: 01 Dec 2005 04:56 PST
Question ID: 587472
Diar Sirs or Manams,

How can non-resident open a bank account with online access to the
account in the USA or in Europe. What must I have for it. Which bank
can open an account for non-resident? Can I make it without my
presence?

Thank you
Answer  
Subject: Re: Can non-resident open a bank account?
Answered By: pafalafa-ga on 01 Nov 2005 07:23 PST
Rated:3 out of 5 stars
 
naithanmcgil-ga,


I spoke with a representative at Citibank, which I believe to be the
largest banking company in the world.

The answer to your question is Yes, non-residents of the US can indeed
open a US-based bank account, with online access to the accounts,
credit cards, and so on.  It's not an easy process, but it is
possible.

There is no online procedure for doing this at Citibank.  They will
need to receive from you -- via the mail -- copies of a number of key
documents -- an application form, 2 forms of identification (at least
one with a photo), information about your in-country bank, and so on.

There are minimum deposit requirements as well, but these vary
depending on the type of account and the types of services you need.


To get the process started, you should call Citibank's International
Personal Banking (IPB) group at:


1-813-604-3000


They will send you a complete package of information on starting up an IPB account.


From outside the US, this will be an international call, and will
require you to use the proper dialing codes from your country.

By the way, when I called the IPB (at their US-based toll-free
number), it was not easy to get past the automated menu to a live
operator.  If you run into that problem with your call, try pressing
"O" or "*" to get through to a real human being.



Citibank IPB also has offices in various cities around the world. 
Depending on where you are located, you may be able to visit them in
person.  A Google search on terms like:  [ "international personal
banking" singapore ] will show you whether the city has an office
available.  Of course, you can choose whatever major city name you
like.



===============


This type of banking service is not unique to Citibank, but they are
certainly among the most well-known and reputable names in the banking
business.

There are also services that, for a fee, will assist you in
establishing a US-based bank account.  I cannot vouch for these
services personally, as I have not used them myself.  However, I did
not see any claims on an internet search that they are scam operations
-- from all appearances, they seem to be legitimate.

Two services you might want to consider are:



http://www2.valisinternational.com/?pg=personal
US accounts for Foreigners



https://www.get-your-company.com/order/main.php?f=personal_bank#top
Easy Corp  -- Open your US personal bank account 



Again, these seem legitimate, but please proceed with caution if you
decide to use these services, rather than the Citibank option.


I trust this information should fully meet your needs.  

However, please don't rate this answer until you are fully satisfied
with the results.  If there's anything else I can do for you, just
post a Request for Clarification to let me know, and I'm at your
service.


Best of luck,


pafalafa-ga


search strategy -- called Citibank, and also searched Google for: [
online banking non-resident us ]

Request for Answer Clarification by naithanmcgil-ga on 02 Nov 2005 09:05 PST
Thank you for your answer. If I open an account in Citibank, will I be
able to open merchant account for accepting Credit cards on my
web-site. Must I pay any taxes in the USA if I non-resident? Where can
I read about Internet-traid taxation? Thank you

Clarification of Answer by pafalafa-ga on 02 Nov 2005 09:30 PST
Hello naithanmcgil-ga.

You must have missed my request to not rate the answer until you have
everything you needed.  Ah well!

As for your clarification questions:

--If I open an account in Citibank, will I be able to open merchant
account for accepting Credit cards on my web-site.

A merchant account depends entirely on the policies and procedures of
the company to which you apply for the account.  Citibank may be able
to offer some guidance on this.  In general, though, having an
established US account should be helpful in then getting a merchant
account, but by itself, it's no guarantee.


--Must I pay any taxes in the USA if I non-resident?  

This is really a very separate topic than your original question.  If
you need information on this, I would suggest posting a new question
here at Google Answers.


--Where can I read about Internet-traid taxation? 

Again, my suggestion would be to make this a part of a new follow-up
question regarding taxation issues.


Best of luck in your ventures.

pafalafa-ga
naithanmcgil-ga rated this answer:3 out of 5 stars

Comments  
Subject: Re: Can non-resident open a bank account?
From: denise_mac-ga on 01 Nov 2005 11:36 PST
 
Intresting theme...
Someone know EU banks for non-resident?
Subject: Re: Can non-resident open a bank account?
From: naithanmcgil-ga on 01 Nov 2005 21:15 PST
 
Thank you for your answer. If I open an account in Citibank, will I be
able to open merchant account for accepting Credit cards on my
web-site. Must I pay any taxes in the USA if I non-resident? Where can
I read about Internet-traid taxation? Thank you
Subject: Re: Can non-resident open a bank account?
From: prince55l-ga on 30 May 2006 06:03 PDT
 
Yes Non resident can open a usa bank account , you can get this
information here www.bargainpointonline.com/usa-bank/usa-bank.html .
Subject: Re: Can non-resident open a bank account?
From: prince55l-ga on 30 May 2006 06:11 PDT
 
i forgot to add that this site
http://www.bargainpointonline.com/usa-bank/usa-bank.html charges $10
for this information
Subject: Re: Can non-resident open a bank account?
From: easycorpltd-ga on 30 Aug 2006 02:10 PDT
 
The URL entered above is no longer working. The new one is
http://www.easycorpltd.com/en/banking.html. The domain
www.get-your-company.com has been closed and has been transferred to
www.easycorpltd.com to better reflect the Easy Corp Ltd name.

For personal account: http://www.easycorpltd.com/en/bank_personal.php
For business account: http://www.easycorpltd.com/en/bank_business.php

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