Opening Bank Accounts

[Dawn]

The last time I opened a bank account (about a year ago) I had to have my TX driver's license and they allowed me to verbally tell them my social security number (without seeing the card.)

My son just told me that a friend had recently tried to open a bank account (didn't say which bank) and was not allowed to do so because he had a regular TX driver's license and not a newer "Real ID."

I'm going in to the bank today to inquire about any new policies since I am not aware that Texas has even started issuing "Real IDs" yet.

Has anyone else run into issues related to opening bank accounts and being required to present a "Real ID?"

[Anonymous]

I live in Texas also, and I just opened an account online with Capital One. I just had to type in my info. They send me some stuff to sign, and that's it. I can't imagine any bank would be that hardcore about something like that. Do they want his money or not?

The only problem I'm having is that it is taking a while to go through the account opening process. I called this morning and they said it's because it's become such a popular account to open, that they are behind in the processing of the applications. Supposed to be 2 business days, it's been 4, and they are saying it could now be 6 or 7 business days to open.

[Dawn]

Moobs wrote:

The only problem I'm having is that it is taking a while to go through the account opening process.

This doesn't help you now, but when I opened my account at Chase, the personal banker said it was better that I had come to the branch because online accounts take longer to process.  I had mine opened on the spot.

It is interesting to know that in light of the more stringent identity requirements these days that you can even open an account online. 

When I went to Chase this morning, they said that they only require a driver's license, social security number (not the actual card) and secondary form of ID.  The kid I spoke with wasn't even aware of what "Real ID" was all about.

My son either misunderstood his friend or the friend misunderstood the reason that they weren't opening an account for him.