Setting up a US account

[jharrowell]

I'm looking at setting up a US checking account so I can pay my Annual Dues via direct Debit, does anyone have any experience of this?

I hear that it's a lot harder to do this nowadays due to the patriot act and that you have to have interviews, etc.

I'm currently looking at getting an account with Citizens due to the fact that I'm a RBoS customer already and I'm hoping that going through there US arm (as Citizens is basically RBoS, US edition ) but am happy to go to anyone who'll give me an account.

I'd rather avoid paying a monthly fee but as long as it's not too much I don't mind.

Any ideas?

 

[Chris and Pooh]

Hi,

I opened a Suntrust account and the nearest branch is just across the road from Downtown Disney, all that was required was my passport and a $100 to open it the account I have has no monthly fees and the account is called "Free Checking"

 

[jharrowell]

Hi,

I opened a Suntrust account and the nearest branch is just across the road from Downtown Disney, all that was required was my passport and a $100 to open it the account I have has no monthly fees and the account is called "Free Checking"

That sounds a good route if the citizens account doesn't pan out.

Do you need to keep the balance above $100 or is that just an opening amount? (It'll be getting over $100 pcm anyway, but it's nice to know).

 

[jharrowell]

Update:

No luck with Citizens as they don't have branches in Florida (not sure the reason for that. My "official" uk branch is in Manchester and I live in Wales, go fig).

Suntrust looks good. It needs to be done in person but they are used to handling accounts opened for paying timeshares so just pop into the branch with your passport and another major form of ID (drivers licence, credit card, etc).

I'm out again on the 5th of Dec so I'll pop in while I'm there and let you know how it goes.

 

[vernon]

I had a US$ account with Citibank in London ( the strand branch) which I used to pay my dues etc from.

 

[TinkTatoo]

I opened an account with Wachovia in 2004. At the time all I needed was my passport and $100. It's a free checking account (so no fees) and I have on-line access to me account. I got a visa debit / cash point card and check book.

There's a branch opposite the FLorida mall so you could call in there and give them a try

 

[Chris and Pooh]

That sounds a good route if the citizens account doesn't pan out.

Do you need to keep the balance above $100 or is that just an opening amount? (It'll be getting over $100 pcm anyway, but it's nice to know).

The account can drop below a $100, I also forgot to mention that you get a cheque (check) book and card and can bank online, also it can be very handy for building up you holiday funds with whilst the exchange rates are good and use your US account instead of you UK account

 

[paulrae]

We opened a Wachovia Free Checking account last Visit this September...Very straight forward ..PM me if you would like our account managers details she is really helpful