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How to open a Bank of America checking account
This is the bank account that I use today. I think is the best choice however it's not easy to get.
They offer checkbook, ATM card, direct deposits and the movements on the account allow me to build a banking story if I want to ask for a credit on the future.
Next you will see how I was able to get this account from Quito, Ecuador.
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Important
The success on opening this account depends on a number of factors:
* Documents
* US based address
* Your local banking story
Like most of the bak accounts you need to contact the bank directly by phone. You also need to speak fluent english so be prepared or ask for someone that can help you.
This is what I needed to open the account (be aware that the bank can ask for more document if they need it on your particular case)
* Fax
* Scanner
* Copy and scanned image of my passport, ID document and driving licence.
* Copy and scanned image of my credit cards, VISA and Mastercard
* US based address
* Money for the first deposit (Normally US$100)
Once you have this you can contact customer service at 800-432-1000 on Florida.
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Contacting the Bank
Customer service is very good, however there could be situation on which this is not the case (new personal or simply a bad employee).
On this cases is better to keep calm and try to work along with the assitant to help him/her do they job the best they can.
Remember, this is NOT a standar proccess so there can be substantial differences on what they ask you. Always show yourself professional and offer all your help in give them what they could need.
Let them know that you have meet people that have an account with them and you have hear good comments on their service. Let them know that you are aware of the patriot act and you are able to give them any documents/proofs they would require.
Is always good to let them know that you already are getting payments/funds from US based clients/employeers and that's the main reason for you to have the account (it's NOT a good idea to said "I want this account to see if can start an online/paypal based business)
If you don't have a local banking/credit card story you can try the alternatives we show.
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Next Steps
After contacting customer service they will ask for you to send the documents, normally via regular mail.
I send the documents with apersonal friend, however they can be sent via Fedex, DHL, or your local mailing service.
The whole process is not fast. It took me around 5 weeks.
After that I got my welcome documents, ATM card and checkbook.
The documents arrive on different envelopes, and not always the same day. It's most likely that the bank ask you for a US based addres to send the documents.
If you have friend or family living on US, you can ask the some help with this. However you can can also use the service we recommend here. You can also see how to get a US based phone number.
Remember that you need a real US based address not a P.O. Box. The bank will not accept that.
To activate your ATM card you need to call a special number that is on a sticker added to it (1.888.624.2323)
The activation of your online banking services also requires the help of the customer service (unless they already optimized the proccess). Simply contact them.
Next you can see some images of my bank account:
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Deposit/Withdrawals
You can receive direct ceposit via ACH from Paypal, 2CO or even direct paymnets from customers in US. Simply use the next information:
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Account Number
*
Routing Number (You can see it on your checks)
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Bank account
Next you can see some images of a ACH Paypal deposit
You can make withdrawals from any VISA ATM worldwide. ATMs charges fees. Try to know this to avoid surprises.
I always prefer to use modern ATMs on which you don't need to insert your card, but simply slide it on a reader. By this I avoid the risk that an ATM take my card by mistake.
Next you can see a image from a ATM withdrawal from my city, Quito:
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What to do if the bank don't approve your account?
There is a chance that the bank don't approve your account. Keep the calm as a negative doesn't mean the last word.
Try to know the reasons for the negative and see if you can solve it. Probably they would require more documents or a better banking story.
Take your time and work on it. You can also use your experience on this bank and the domcuents you already have to try on antoher institution. Washington Mutual (www.wamu.com) is my next best choice, they are easy to deal with and you only need a US$1 as first deposit.
Aditionaly you can try some of the alternative we describe here. They normally require less documents, the proccess can be done online and they are not costly.
Even today I have one or two alternatives just in case. I'll recommend to do the same. |
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IP卡
狗仔卡
提升卡
置顶卡
沉默卡
喧嚣卡
变色卡
千斤顶
显身卡
