To open a bank account in the United States, there’s no need to provide a lot of documents or credentials. Nevertheless, some important documents are required such as a proof of residence, two IDs, details of your employer, your social security number and one or two references in the United States.
A debit card can be issue without any difficulties. A checkbook may also be delivered on request. Operating costs vary greatly according to the banks. Note however that withdrawing money outside of your usual banking network is usually charged between $1 to $3 per withdrawal.
A credit card may be hard to obtain at first and you will have to wait until your credit history is satisfactory. The credit history is a record of an individual's past borrowing and repaying, including information about late payments. In other words, the more you pay your bills, fees or monthly payments on time, the better your credit history. After a few months in the country, you will be in a position to build up a credit history and get a credit card. Visit Equifax website if you want to find out more details about your personal credit history (fess apply).
A credit card can nonetheless be delivered provided that a certain amount of money (corresponding to your credit limit) is blocked in a savings account. Note that credit card interest rates may turn out to be quite prohibitive with some banks.
Useful links:
Equifax - credit history
http://www.equifax.com/home/
HSBC USA
http://www.hsbcusa.com/
Bank of America
https://www.bankofamerica.com/
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