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Question
Is there any way to open US bank for non-US residents?
I think it's time for me to open my US bank account.
I work with US clients, sell stuff in USD, buy things in USD. I pay international transaction fees or conversion fees every time money moves. That's really sucks. Time to stop it.
I know a program where Japanese can open my Union Bank account, but it has a lot of tiny rules and pricing. Looks very complicated. I'd like to know alternatives before I apply to it.
Thank you!
I work with US clients, sell stuff in USD, buy things in USD. I pay international transaction fees or conversion fees every time money moves. That's really sucks. Time to stop it.
I know a program where Japanese can open my Union Bank account, but it has a lot of tiny rules and pricing. Looks very complicated. I'd like to know alternatives before I apply to it.
Thank you!
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Yes. If you can walk into a branch with your passport, any of them will let you open a bank account. I had one before I even had a social security number.
Just FYI: I was successful in doing this with Wells Fargo, but had problems with Chase. Some banks will hold 10-30% of your money for tax purposes prior to you having a SSN I believe.
I did it with both Wells Fargo and Chase. Moved to Chase because it has better online banking (didn't need physical presence to make a wire transfer, for example)
Interesting, good to know. Revolut bank plans to open in the US in the next few months and I plan to move everything to them then.
Agree. Revolut looks interesting. I hope it will be available in Japan soon!
Thank you!
I will try it when I visit US. However, I don't have a plan to go to US in this and next year. I'm looking for an online banking solution. Do you have any idea about it? :D
Charles Schwab let’s you open a US bank online but you would have to provide proof of residence + social security number. Not sure of others if you are non-resident.
Yeah, Charles Schwab would be the ideal choice if i were eligible to open my account. Their service is best for digital nomads.
Stripe Atlas opens a US account for you as part of company incorporation. So it might be an alternative since you mostly use it for business.
Thank you! I've never heard about Stripe Atlas. This would be a perfect idea if my business become big enough to start a company. I bookmarked the page! :D
I would recommend trying out transferwise.com/sg/business/… , which essentially creates pseudo "bank accounts" you can receive payments from in multiple currencies, including USD.
I have not used this particular feature, but I have transferred money in different currencies using this platform before.
Generally their transaction fees are cheaper than most banks, and it seems like a good alternative vs. maintaining a bank relationship in the states.
Thank you for letting me know about this! Actually I already tried to create borderless account, but they said that they are not ready for Japan. I will try once again when I travel in Europe from this October :D
Welcome :)