Can Canadians open more than one non-resident US account?

Canadian Expats and travelers in the USA can communicate with each other here!

Moderator: visaplace.com

calgal11New Member
Topic author
Posts: 4
Topics: 1
Joined: 29 Mar 2011

Can Canadians open more than one non-resident US account?

Post Tue Mar 29, 2011 5:04 pm

I recently opened a US account with RBC USA (Centura) and I also applied for a RBC USA Visa which was approved.
I'm also a client of RBC Canada. And in all honesty, I'm not all that thrilled with the customer service provided by RBC USA, not to mention that they're located in the SE US and not anywhere else.
I'm thinking of opening an account with Bank of America in WA state as it's only 1 1/2 hrs away. I know what ID I need to bring and that I have to open the account in person.
At least Bank of America has far more branches in the US.

My questions:
1)Will the IRS wonder what I'm up to if I have two non-resident US bank accounts? Am I better having just one?

2) I read online somewhere that having a US credit card (issued by a bank in the US) may attract the attention of the IRS as it maybe considered 'residential'. Is this true? I opened a non-residential account (of course) with RBC USA.
I'm thinking of opening a MACY's store credit card - again, will the IRS wonder what I'm up to?

btw, I have no intention to immigrate to the US., at least not in the immediate future and in the event that I do so, it will be through the proper channels. I don't want to do anything that will mark me in a bad way.
I go to the US as a visitor for sight seeing and shopping. I just hate being soaked by Canadian banks for the exchange rates, fees, etc.
Plus I'd like to add a US bank account to my Paypal account for the same reasons.
Top
RevRandyCanuckAbroad Regular
Posts: 32
Joined: 11 Oct 2008
Location: Santa Ana, CA

Re: Can Canadians open more than one non-resident US account?

Post Tue Mar 29, 2011 8:15 pm

I have two different bank accounts in the U.S. Even when I was back in Canada between visa's, I kept them open. It was never a problem.

To open an account you now need to bring your US Social Security Card, plus photo ID plus proof that you are allowed to be in the US. All compliments of the Patriot Act.
Top

Did you enjoy this post? Share it!

 
  • Related topics
    Replies
    Views
    Last post