HI,

IDK if this should go in the US section instead, but since I need advice from canadians, I'd think it's better off here anyways,

It seems the big 6 all offer USD accounts, but somehow they think it makes sense to not offer debit cards with them (because the gov'ment doesnt want to piss off Interac???) Only in branches service and paper cheques. Anyways, I've been going thru all their websites and it seems only RBC will do it thru their Florida branches. Is that right?

If not, then can anyone point me in an alternative direction?

Also, does the Patriot Act still prohibits canadians from opening USD accounts directly with BoA? If not, then is it possible for someone without a drivers licence to provide alternate ID? (Prov. Health Card, birth certificate etc...)

TIA very much

The Patriot Act never prohibited Canadians from opening US accounts with any financial institution, such as BOFA. The Patriot Act requires specific ID from non-US persons. Canadian citizens interested in opening a bank account with a US bank must provide a passport, a US-address, and a Canadian address to certify your non-US status (for tax purposes). Some banks may also request a SIN number, though I would be hesitant into giving it.

With RBC Bank (USA), all that was required from me was a driver's licence. I'm not sure how the passport requirement was bypassed, but they have a special program for Canadians. It's great because you can transfer from your CA to US accounts in real time, and use your VISA debit card (also called a check card) down in the United States. RBC Bank (USA) also offers credit products based on your Canadian credit history.

As far as providing an alternative ID document instead of a driver's licence to RBC, a passport will be ideal. Your provincial health card will most likely not be accepted. Not sure how QC cards are, but ON health cards cannot be used to establish identification.

One final thing - you will find it useful that most RBC branches have at least one employee who speaks French.

Best of luck

Thanks. Will probably have to go with RBC usa.

BOA requires two pieces of ID and Mr Kaylla334 will probably never get a driver's licence as he has lots of vision problems and he keeps failing the test, but using the health card is never a problem for ID in Canada, but unless you're very close to the border, it gets frowned at a lot because of all the scary french words and stuff :/

Are you headed to FL?

That's mainly the reason I opened an RBC account down there. Easier to pay all the US bills

Not just in FL, but all over the country. What we want is the visa debit cards so we dont have to look for an atm every 500$ and also to not have to always carry so much cash and to limit those damn foreign transaction fees

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