A couple of years ago, prior to moving completely to the US I opened an international personal account with Chase - basically regular checking, but without the need to be in the US.
I didn't have an SSN at the time, or even an ITIN.
I was in the country, but temporarily, on a 90 day visa waiver from the UK. I just showed my ID etc, and they opened it up. I was using the branch opposite the UN, so I assume they deal frequently with this sort of thing.
So, yes, I was physically present, but you could do it as part of a one day trip. I wan't resident in the US in any meaningful way - i.e., no legal residency, etc.
I didn't have an SSN at the time, or even an ITIN.
I was in the country, but temporarily, on a 90 day visa waiver from the UK. I just showed my ID etc, and they opened it up. I was using the branch opposite the UN, so I assume they deal frequently with this sort of thing.
So, yes, I was physically present, but you could do it as part of a one day trip. I wan't resident in the US in any meaningful way - i.e., no legal residency, etc.