audelair Posted September 12, 2008 Report Share Posted September 12, 2008 (edited) It seems every bank rejects our application because my wife is a new resident with no credit history (and/or potential money launderer or terrorist?). Oftentimes we have to provide a form (a W-??? form). Other times, it is flat our rejection. I have no problems opening up a single account, though. But I prefer to keep everything "joint". Does anyone else have this problem with joint accounts? I am wondering what is the best way to deal with this? Edited September 12, 2008 by audelair (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randy W Posted September 12, 2008 Report Share Posted September 12, 2008 A social security number should be enough, but even that shouldn't be necessary. What kind of account are you trying to set up? What are they telling you? What form is it? It's pretty rare that a bank would turn away legitimate money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
izus Posted September 12, 2008 Report Share Posted September 12, 2008 every state is gonna differ....we had issues until she had her social. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
audelair Posted September 12, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 12, 2008 she's got a SSN. she's been working for a few years, paying taxes. No debt. we have perfect credit. It's been a continuous annoyance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dnoblett Posted September 12, 2008 Report Share Posted September 12, 2008 A credit history is not needed to open or add a person to a checking or savings account. All you should need is a SSN. I had no problems adding my wife to my accounts after she got her SSN. If entry to the USA on a K-1, the visa holder should be able to get SSN within the first 76 days of entry, all other K-Visas need EAD or Green-card to get SSN. If entry to use is on a CR-1 or IR-1 visa, should be able to get SSN shortly after entering the country. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
izus Posted September 12, 2008 Report Share Posted September 12, 2008 (edited) she's got a SSN. she's been working for a few years, paying taxes. No debt. we have perfect credit. It's been a continuous annoyance.does she have a drivers lic?i think my wife showed her social and her DL Edited September 12, 2008 by izus (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dnoblett Posted September 12, 2008 Report Share Posted September 12, 2008 she's got a SSN. she's been working for a few years, paying taxes. No debt. we have perfect credit. It's been a continuous annoyance.I would be asking for the bank manager, or be telling them that "I am closing my accounts and taking my business elsewhere" You are clearly dealing with a MORON. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
audelair Posted September 12, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 12, 2008 We just get automatic denials when we apply online, and have to go through a bunch of hoops (faxing in extra information for her... never for me). The thing is that some firms (like investment firms) require you to open online since there is no local branch. Also, online banks like ING obviously have no local branch. I think we will have better luck if we go into a branch and talk to someone. Problem is, banks like BofA only offer free checking (with no catches) if you apply online. At the branch, the free-checking offer has some requirements (like direct deposit or other). It is inconvenient that we are unable to do things normally. And it has been a very consistent problem, with 3 out of 3 banks over the past few years giving us the same issue. One investment firm told me that they have more requirements dealing with immigrants, since 9/11. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dnoblett Posted September 12, 2008 Report Share Posted September 12, 2008 We just get automatic denials when we apply online, and have to go through a bunch of hoops (faxing in extra information for her... never for me). The thing is that some firms (like investment firms) require you to open online since there is no local branch. Also, online banks like ING obviously have no local branch. I think we will have better luck if we go into a branch and talk to someone. Problem is, banks like BofA only offer free checking (with no catches) if you apply online. At the branch, the free-checking offer has some requirements (like direct deposit or other). It is inconvenient that we are unable to do things normally. And it has been a very consistent problem, with 3 out of 3 banks over the past few years giving us the same issue. One investment firm told me that they have more requirements dealing with immigrants, since 9/11.Apply for the account on line, and then visit a branch office to add spouse to the account. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
audelair Posted September 12, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 12, 2008 Apply for the account on line, and then visit a branch office to add spouse to the account. Sounds like a good idea. will give it a try. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lostinblue Posted September 13, 2008 Report Share Posted September 13, 2008 When I tried to add yan to my account we need SS number and proof of residency. A phone bill worked. I believe the marriage certificate was also needed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Rob & Jin Posted September 14, 2008 Report Share Posted September 14, 2008 just ss# worked for us Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Posted September 14, 2008 Report Share Posted September 14, 2008 All we provided was: SSN#, CA id card (picture ID with new name) Marriage license. passport for second id with picture Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeXiao Posted September 21, 2008 Report Share Posted September 21, 2008 (edited) Our bank here only needed the SSN. Had no other problems. Edited September 22, 2008 by MikeXiao (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonado Posted September 21, 2008 Report Share Posted September 21, 2008 Did you try Etrade? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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