Hey guys, i found a tutorial to open a bank account in the usa for non residents on www*dollarat*com does it really works just with a copy of the passport? i'm from germany and i found this on the etrade website : Documentary evidence requirement for Account Opening: * You need to complete W-8BEN form (provided in the application form) if you're not a US citizen * A certified copy of your current signed passport with photo (or Signed ID card or driving license). Qualified certifier includes registered lawyer, registered notary, chartered accountant, government ministry, post office, police officer, embassy or consulate. Contact details of the certifier should be provided as well. * An original recent utility bill or a certified copy of the recent utility bill Please submit all the above evidence with your completed application. For joint account please submit an additional passport copy, W-8BEN form and evidence of residential address. are there any other banks where i can open a bankaccount without a notarized copy of my passport? or does it work to open a bank account just with a copy of my passport on etrade? i don't think so since i have read that they want a certified copy. please help me!
Why not just get the copy notarized ? There should be notary public whose job is to do just that and their fees are quite reasonable. Or pop into a police station and get it done for free there. Since the bank cannot have access to your original passport, it would require a trusted 3rd party to certify that the documents you provided is real and not forged.