I want to open an USA bank account from India. So that, I can transfer my Paypal funds to that bank account then to Indian bank using SWIFT transfer. It may not be possible.. but will be a great solution for Indians those who are filling Softex forms at RBI. Any thoughts?
You will need to fly to the US to be able to open a bank account there. You cannot do it remotely legally. If you can do it, check the rates for SWIFT Transfers because generally they are not cheap from the US.
I will admit with eddy2099, this question has ben asked almost on any board I come to, and the answer is the same, you have to travel to the US to open a bank acoount there.
There are two banks which will let you open remotely. You do need to be over 18, and a copy of your passport is neeed. I won't do it for you, but I can sell you the information for 1/2 of what I paid for it. It'lll cost you $30, and you can verify immediately with the bank that this is a genuine US Bank.
@bccruzer- yep, I am over 18 and I have Indian passport. I am happy to pay you $30. Let me know the next step.
It can be done without flying to the us: Open Virtual Address In US (USA2ME) Then you can sign up to paypal and get an online bank account remotely.
Also check this link: http://wired-gadget.blogspot.com/2007_04_22_archive.html Reputation appreciated.
Some merchants have had some luck with eTrade. You might check them out. Also check your local banks - see if they have some relationships with some United States banks. Go to the small ones as well - you might be surprised. If they have a relationship, this might help satisfy the YKYC (you know your customer) regulation. Online, US citizens can give their SSN or other numbers to help satisify the YKYC. Otherwise, walking into the bank will satisfy it - you don't need a SSN to open an account (unless it is interest bearing).