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Banking Is it possible to obtain an American bank account without an American credit record? This can prove somewhat tricky as due to recent money laundering legislation combined with lack of a social security number, problems can occur. We have developed connections with one of Florida’s major banks, which will provide accounts for overseas customers. It is critical to take advice on the implications of foreign exchange to the overall process. Currency fluctuations can and do make enormous differences to the profitability of transactions and again we work closely with a major foreign exchange company. When relocating to and working in the United States, you will need to open a bank account in order to make payments to others, get paid from your employer and have access to cash. Banks require new customers to provide proof of identity and address in order to open a new account. Opening a Personal Bank Account The United States Patriot Act requires banks to collect the following information from their account holders: Name   Physical Address (not a Post Office Box)   Date of Birth Primary ID - government issued with a photo for individuals (address on ID must match the address given by the client. If not, further proof of address must be provided (i.e. phone installation, rental agreement, or receipt for establishing utility service). Secondary ID This information is required from each individual on any account. The primary and secondary IDs must be in the form of the following: Primary (one of these)   Driver's License Valid Passport State Identification Card Armed Forces Identification Card Alien Identification Card Matricula Consular Instituto Federal Electoral ID Identity Card Diplomatic ID Diplomatic Driver's License Secondary (one of these) Employee Identification Card Student Identification Card Major Credit Card Mother's Maiden Name Trade License In addition, non-residents criteria: must have a valid passport must permanently reside outside the United States but may have a temporary transitional residence within this country   is not a United States Citizen does not have a United States social security number does not have a green card is required to sign a W-7 form and a W-8 BEN/ECI form Non-residents with current visas are often given an ITIN due to work or tax purposes but these clients still complete a W-7 and a W-8 BEN/ECI form. Individuals who hold E,H,I and L visas and meet the IRS resident test are considered residents. Opening a Business Bank Account For business accounts, in addition to the personal documentation on each principal, the following materials must be provided: Verification through the Secretary of State website that the business is licensed to do business in the United States Valid Federal Tax ID number Copy of the Articles of Incorporation Original signed Signature Card Original signed Corporate Resolution   ______________________________________________________________________________   For further information on how to obtain specialist advice on relocating or buying property in Florida, the advantages and disadvantages of different locations, and importantly How to obtain details of  specialised fully licensed Real Estate Agents, experienced in explaining options from a British perspective. Click here  Thinking about buying a property in Florida - click here   Thinking about selling a property in Florida - click here   Just want to be sent details of suitable agents with excellent testimonials and a proven track record of working with British buyers and / or property information. click here   Andrew Bartlett an acknowledged expert on property trends and relocation in Florida, writes articles and answers readers’ questions for several British publications including Florida Magazine, Escape Magazine, Place in the Sun, Sunday Times, America, and The Red guide to buying Property in America and is regularly consulted by journalists and broadcasters. His consumer web guides have received numerous accolades.   Andrew was a Senior Government Official for 20 years before relocating to Florida several years ago where he was headhunted to set up specialist British property and relocation teams for Coldwell Banker and Remax - America’s largest estate agents. He then established a uniquely impartial and independent relocation and property briefing company working between Britain and Florida. He has written a number of watchdog style articles on overseas property and emigration selling techniques.