Go to the nearest Bank. All you need is your social security number, your photo-Id, either a passport or driving license, and need to fill up an application form.

Along with the passport and extra photo identity such as driving license or international photo credit card is useful as many places such as bank, need 2 unique photo identities.

Some banks such as SunTrust or Bank of America allow you to open a zero balance checking bank account with them on the assurance of producing a SSN in next 90 days.

Cheque and Cheque Books

The bank gives you the first cheque book. The additional cheque books would be mailed to you at the address provided by you to the bank.

A Cheque is as good as cash and can be deposited at any ATM center.

Cheques are accepted only with a valid Photo-Id at most places.

A Photo-id could also be a simple identity card issued by the DMV (Dept. of Motor Vehicles), which is not a drivers license.

The following style is used to write the amount in words on the Cheques. Say for e.g. the amount to be paid is $35.47, then you would write: Amount in words $: THIRTY FIVE & 47/100 (**/100 for 0 cents).

The whole procedure of opening an account takes about 10-15 minutes.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT

To open a bank account the documents required are:

Your social security number (SSN)

Your passport

Your driver license (home country or international)

First cash deposit, minimum between 25 & 100 US Dollars.



To open an account you need a Social Security Number (SSN). Since it takes a week or more to obtain a SSN, you can request the bank to verify the passport and open an A/C. Do remember to inform the bank your SSN once you have received the same.