New Bank Account in Canada for US resident

[TPCHole5]

Looks like citibank in Canada will allow US residents to open an account. will get back with details.

[TPCHole5]

I copied and posted from citibanks web page:

For non-residents of Canada, you must:

Submit a signed application
Identification — Photocopy two pieces of identification of which one is a picture ID.
Bank reference letter from your current Financial Institution
W-9 or W8BEN (U.S. person only)
Copy of Social Security Number card (U.S. person only)
All documentation (i.e. application form, copies of identification etc.) must be authenticated by a Citigroup employee.

[Insp. Clue!So?]

How about opening a savings account w/atm privileges?
Sounds like some places have objections to checking accts but the former might have different rules. Would work for some if you can tolerate atm daily limits.

[svelte]

Another possibility hsbc.ca

[nuts]

why don't you open a non-numbered swiss account?

They have very strong banking privacy laws and there are some firms that specialise in opening accounts for americans. There's lots of good info on wikipedia about swiss banking.

[joeker]

wouldnt going with an american bank defeat the purpose?

[Yakuman]

Thank you for writing us about opening and account at TD Canada Trust.

Unless you're residing in Canada, you cannot open an account with us. Please accept my apologies.

TD Canada Trust

[TPCHole5]

Your account would be based in Canada. This should work. Ill get back with any info.

[Yakuman]

I got a "oui" from ScotiaBank:

We welcome the opportunity to respond to your enquiry with regard to opening an account with Scotiabank.

To open an account with Scotiabank, please visit one of our branches in Canada and present two pieces of identification (e.g., driver's license, credit card, passport or birth certificate, among others). Canadian law requires us to verify your signature against the identification you present when opening an account. Therefore, we suggest that at least one piece of identification includes your signature and photograph.

For details on the types of accounts Scotiabank has to offer, our branch locations, or other questions you may have about opening an account, please visit our website at:

www.scotiabank.com

Please feel free to contact Scotiabank again any time you require assistance. Our Customer Service Officers would be pleased to assist you.

[Yakuman]

One thing I read was that Canadian banks do not consider US credit ratings. This may be good, bad, or nothing; I'm not sure.