I am looking to open a bank account while I'm there in May and apparently need 2 bank references to do so as I'm currently a non resident. Can anyone tell me the information they need on the reference? When I asked for a reference at my bank I was received with blank stares and confusion.

ds, something like this, it worked for me.

Our banking relationship with (fill in the blank) has been very satisfactory. Accounts include checking, savings, money market etc,etc.

signed by an officer

thanks

Also, if you are married, both names have to appear on the letters of reference. They need to show a standing of good record for a year. You will need two different bank references. A copy of your SSN is also requested. I just opened one in Feb and did not include the wifes name on the letters. Ergo, shes not on the account as of now.

I don't see how the SSN can be required as it only exists in the USA. I've opened several bank accounts in Belize and wasn't asked any such questions.

Peter, I have not had a ssn card for years and had to get one before I went down. They in fact asked me for it and made a copy. This was not even an off-shore account I opened. Its just a Belize account. I think is has to do with the 9-11 stuff.

Just the letters from the bank saying you are in good standings. I have never used my SSN on anything in BZ.

The letter should be on original bank letter head (not a copy) It should state your name as well as the date on which your account was opened and that the account is in good standing. That is all you need for any bank here. The second reference can be a character reference in most cases. Doctor, Lawyer, etc. The letter should state the length of time the person has known you and that you are a fine and upstanding person. Again the letters should be originals and written on letter head.

deadserious,

When I opened an account several years ago, Atlantic Bank & Barclays wanted 2 bank references. Scotiabank wanted only one. Two weeks ago, a friend who had been in Belize less than a week, opened an account at a credit union with no references from other banks.

When we opened an account at Belize Bank a couple years ago, we had two letter from the same bank, but for different accounts.

They didn't ask for our social security numbers, just passport numbers.

Same for us 2 letters from banks in canada - they accepted faxed copies at first because we were living here and asked us to have the originals mailed.

Does the list of accounts need to include the balances?

No, account balances are not required. Basically the letter of reference will refer to how long you have held the account and that your account has been in good standing (you haven't been in default of paying loans, haven't bounced cheques etc.)

We had to get our bank letters redone. The first set was the standard Bank Letter the States seem to think you need. Date account opened..average balance in the account and if any overdrafts etc were involved...WRONG,,,what the banks want here is as stated above ,a more personal letter. Ours ended up being...Our names, how long we did business with the bank and that we were good upstanding people in our community...the last seeming to be of most importance..............