Can you open a checking account in a state that you are not a resident in?

Question

I'm going to be staying with a family member in a different state for a few months to a year. I won't become a resident of that state but I would like to have a checking account there so I can have a debit card on hand. Is that possible? Or is it possible to keep my checking account here and then use my current debit card there? I need a way to deposit checks from working while I'm there and be able to use that money for food, gas, etc...

Answer 1

Yes you need to have proper id, drivers license or state id from where you are from, and also proof that you are living in that state. Depending on if you are moving across country or just to the next state over it may or may not be easier to keep your checking account. It depends, will you need to go to your bank, do they have locations where you are going? if you want to write a check you may not be able to, or if you cash a check there may be alonger hold. Also your bank may charge a higher fee to use an out of system atm.
most banks require you to keep the account open for 6 months, so my advice find a place with a no minium balance and free checking where you will be living. It will make life easier

Answer 2

You can do it either way. You can use your current debit card in the other state, or you can open a separate account with a bank at the other place. All you'll need is a local address and a driver's license. You can even have pay checks deposited into your current bank if the employer offers direct deposit. The only thing that can be a problem is checks. Many people will only take local checks. I am a seasonal resident in a state other than the state of legal residency and I do find it helpful and convenient to have bank accounts in both locations.

Answer 3

yes