Hi everyone,
My husband and I purchased a property in Cedro, Carolina two years ago. We are renovating it (my husband is a builder - thankfully). The process of purchasing, shipping stuff from the UK has been interesting to say the least. It has certainly been a big learning curve. Fortunately, we have a few lovely Puerto Rican friends that have helped us along the way.
We live and work in England. We get over to the Island usually every few months to carry on with renovations.
The problem that we have is not a single bank will allow us to open a basic account. We have been to them all. We have been directed from smaller branches, to have meetings with main branches in Santurce, still to no avail.
The main branches told us we could open an international account. This is not suitable for us as they require a large amount of money to be deposited in at all times.
We have looked into trying to get an ITIN number. We have drawn a blank there, as we have been told we can not have an ITIN number unless we have accounts to submit.
It is so difficult not being able to have a checking account. We brought our house cash, so we own it outright. Therefore, we have a physical address in Puerto Rico, all identification that is required, utility bills. It's so frustrating. We don't want credit or to borrow. We just want to have an account to make it easier to pay bills etc. At the moment we are relying on our friends helping us (they deal with bills and we pay them in turn).
Last time we were at a Banco Popular (three weeks ago). It took 2 hours to change some English pounds to dollars!!. The banking teller told us she couldn't do it to start with!. We knew that it wasn't the case, but it took her lots of chatting to her colleges, and also on the phone describing the appearance of the notes. You feel our pain?.
I just want to know if anyone knows if it is possible to open a regular checking account?. If so what are the magic words we need to utter?. Which branch do you suggest we try?. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Hayley