US Business Bank Accounts

**NeilDurrant** · 10-12-03

Rather than use a UK banks USD account I want to look at opening an account with a US bank direct. However, I'm really struggling to google up any leads as to what bank to contact and how to go about it etc.

Has anyone here looked at or created an account with a US bank direct?

Thanks

**Mogga** · 10-12-03

I'm also looking as citibank us$ account isn't for business use.

10-12-03

have you tried www.bankofcyprus.co.uk ...they have accounts in sterling or dollars or euros...

**Jeff** · 10-12-03

Originally posted by Mogga
I'm also looking as citibank us$ account isn't for business use.

Using it to deposit dollar cheques from merchants doesn't count as business use does it?
Just using it to receive payments is no different to paying in your salary.

I applied for an account with them and they wrote to me and said I was provisionally accepted but they wanted copies of my bank statements. I sent the statements over a week ago but they've not confirmed that they've accepted me yet.

**Mogga** · 10-12-03

I will ring them again perhaps - my problem being I get cheques paid to my company name - so would have to swap them all back...

**bunder** · 10-12-03

If you are from outside the US and trying to open a US account in the US it can be very tricky if not impossible due to the rules after 9/11. Also unless you are a US citizen or have a US social security number, if you try going over to the US t open an account it is also difficult.

Citibank in the UK do offer a US checking account in the UK, albeit unlike the personal account which is free to operate (as long as you have atleast $3,000 across all accounts with them), the US business account needs something like $10,000 or so in it.

Barclays in the UK can set up a US checking account so you can pay in US checks. But from what I remember, they will charge you £15 a month for operating the account.

Leslie

Originally posted by Mogga
I'm also looking as citibank us$ account isn't for business use.

**nick** · 10-12-03

I have been looking into US$ accounts too. I cannot find any info about charges relating to the citibank US account, if there are any can anyone tell me where please?

Also I have noticed that nationwide have US account:

http://www.nationwideinternational.c...lar_glance.htm

**spatny** · 10-12-03

I've have a Bank America account for over 3 years now. I just walked into a branch in San Francisco and opened one. I have to sign a declaration every year that I am a non US resident and not liable for tax. I am able to Pay in my US Cheques easily. I am not sure about the rules now.

**NeilDurrant** · 10-12-03

Spatny, Is it a 'checking' account you have?

Don't suppose you know their tariff of charges for writing a cheque do you?

**tsilva** · 10-12-03

I opened a Chase US account about a year ago from Australia. Took a couple of months, but it's working well. It's a special account for non US residents. I found the application forms on their website www.chase.com/ .
Tom

**spatny** · 10-12-03

Neil,

No its not a checking account, but I do have a debit / cash card. I tend not to make withdrawals into Sterling, as i can remember the fees were high. So I let it accumulate, and use the account when I go to the States. Not that often, I might add.