How to Open a Wells Fargo Bank Account

How to Open a Wells Fargo Bank Account

Here I'll explain how to open an account with Wells Fargo. This account is NOT easy to open and we do not offer any kind of support or customer service on this.

To open the account as a foreigner (technically refer as non-resident alien), you need to go to http://www.wellsfargo.com/ipb/ IPB stands for International Personal Banking.

Basically what you need to do is
Go to the above page and fill up the online application form
When you have completed the form, you will need to print out the form.
You will also be given another few forms to print out, including the signature card and the service agreement
You will have to prepared the most recent 3 months bank statements and 2 bank reference letters from your local bank.
You will need to verified your signature and this is the hardest part. Please read carefully.

To verify your signature, it has to be done by one of these three ways:
SWIFT message type 199 send by your bank.
Signature verified by San Francisco IPB office or Hong Kong IPB office.
Signature notarized by US Embassy or Consulate.

For choice #1, You have to go to your local bank and ask for them to help you send a SWIFT message type 199. Not all the banks can do this and you probably have to speak with a very proffesional representative to help you whit this service.

For choice #2, if you live in Hong Kong, this will be good for you. If you live near San Francisco, you do not need to verify your signature because you can visit any wells fargo bank directly since you are already in the US!

For choice #3, this seems like the only 'slightly' more convenient way to do so. Given that you live near the consulate. It will cost you a fee to certify your document (should be around USD$20 per document). Usually, you will need to drop off your document at the embassy and come back to collect it a few days later.

Please be aware that Wells Fargo service agreement stated that you can not use the bank account for PayPal and other eCommerce solution. Make sure you read it carefully.

The aproximatly cost to open a Wells Fargo Account will be:

1. Money paid to get your 2 bank reference letters ($15 x 2 = $30)
2. Money paid to certify your signature ($20 to $30)
3. Money paid to get your 3 months bank statement if you didn't
keep it ($10 x 3 = $30)
4. Petrol/Parking/Travel cost when you go to the banks and the
embassy.

Remember, this information is a free bonus, for this reason and due to the difficult procedure on open this account. We do not offer any kind of guarantees or support service about this.

If you need any assistance on this regards, please contact Wells Fargo directly at www.wellsfargo.com