Will I need to call to make an appointment with the bank or can I just drop in?
How long does it take?
What, other than my passport, should I bring?
What questions or forms will need to be completed?
Thank you very much, 10 points for the person who answers all parts first.
Usually you can just walk into a bank without an appointment.
The process can take as little as 10 minutes to as long as 30 minutes: The bank may be busy, or you may need to discuss the right type of checking account options available, etc.
Bring several types of identification - not just one. If you have a drivers license, it will help. You should bring your social security card. Some banks may ask you for further proof of residence, so it's good to bring a copy of a utility bill, lease, etc.
They will ask you to sign a form saying you will follow all the bank rules and you understand the terms and conditions that apply to your account. You will sign a signature card so they can verify your signature. There will be some form to sign affirming your social security number, citizenship status, address, etc. There may be a form for your Automatic Teller Machine card.
Some banks might ask you to sign a permission slip/form to conduct a credit check or employment verification.
If you are opening a checking account, they will also ask you to order some blank checks.
At MOST banks, you can just walk in and request to open an account. It shouldn't take more than about 10 minutes once someone is available to assist you. In the US, they will need proof of your Social Security number, but may be able to do the paperwork without it. As for ID, CALL the bank before you go to find out what they require.
Note: Your mailing address can be verified by MAILING you something.
You can just show up, though there might be a brief wait for a banker. They may need an identification showing your current address that banking correspondence would be sent to.
Commonly one would choose whether o have a simple savings account ,or a checking account from which bills are paid, a savings account is more likely to earn some small interest, a checking account is more likely to have an ATM card tied to it.
It is possible they will help you if you just drop in to a bank but I find I have to make an appointment to do anything significant with my bank ... and they've known me for 40 years.
You will normally have to take two forms of identification, including photographic evidence so your passport will do as one of them. The other proof should include proof of your address - a utility bill or similar.
If you have not been at your present address for long, they will want to know your previous address so take proof of that too.
They will want to know whether you are employed, married/in a civil partnership, a bankrupt, have a regular income ... just straightforward stuff so they can check your credit rating and decide if they want you as a customer.
I would allow 7-14 days for them to decide whether they want to give you an account and, if so, to open it.
In the UK you do not need to make an appointment.
It doesn't take long.
Banks usually ask for 2 forms of ID, one with your address, such as a driving license.
They just need your name address and such stuff.
