Ok, I just returned from opening bank accounts in the US. Here are my thoughts and sorry this might be a little long:
- it will take around an hour each bank, so make sure you have enough time. Each bank you can make an appointment, but can walk in like a did with a couple (citi, BMO, BAML)
- take with you foreign passport and bank statement with address on it (some also require a banking card with your name on it too)
- to get all these banks, you need about 2 days. I was there for 3 so had enough time. Note that banks close their door at 4pm so they won't attempt to open any new accounts after 2:30pm)
- some banks required funding there and then, so take some cash instead of being charged $5 per time I needed cash to open a new account
* Chase - existing credit card - easy and no need to fund account
* Citi - new client - I was successful on the 3rd try at a different citi branch (one required original ITIN and another required a visa) and need to fund min $100
* US Bank - new client - very easy and need to fund min $100
* BAML - new client - easy and need to fund account
* Wells Fargo - new client - easy and need to fund min $100
* BMO (it was next door to citi) - new client - easy and need to fund min $25
* Barclays - new client - online only and still going through verification
Out of all this, if I get the bonuses for each account I will get $1,825 plus if I hold $15k with chase for 90 days that's another $600 (still unsure if I will do it)
