Opening a bank account?

Megstertex · Post by **Megstertex** » Thu Aug 18, 2005 5:00 pm

Well, I've been lucky and gotten a job. Now, I am waiting for my work and residence permits to process and come through.

I thought I could just go to Nordea and open an account at least for my paychecks to go through, but they didn't seem to understand that I have a job. I am also starting Finnish classes at night next week, and they said I needed proof from my class to open an account. However, I would like to start paying bills and put money into an account sooner. Does anyone know what documents are required to open an account? I figured if I have money and an address, surely they would let me put money in their bank.

Slightly confused and feeling silly--but any help appreciated.

**Sponsor:**

graham · Post by **graham** » Thu Aug 18, 2005 5:25 pm

Try OP, we didn't have a job, kela number or jack sh@t else and we opened an account no problem!

karo · Post by **karo** » Thu Aug 18, 2005 6:06 pm

Nordea sucks.

Try Sampo (http://www.sampo.fi/english/) or the above mentioned Osuuspankki (https://www.op.fi/english/) instead.

Hank W. · Post by **Hank W.** » Thu Aug 18, 2005 9:23 pm

You need to have your personal identity number to make things work.

mumboman · Post by **mumboman** » Thu Aug 18, 2005 9:49 pm

Osuuspanki let me open an account when I was in Finland to visit for a couple of weeks. All I needed was my passport, and a representative of my new employer came along to explain the situation and translate for me. They just told me to bring my ID number in and my new address when I arrived in late August or early Sep. It's made my life much easier in I'm able to transfer money to the account before I leave Canada.

Jason · Post by **Jason** » Fri Aug 19, 2005 8:06 am

Go to Nordea foreign customer service in the World Trade Centre branch. Ask for someone called Eva Relander. She will help you out.

When I got a bank account I was living in UK, working in the UK, salary paid to the UK and they (Nordea) still gave me a mortgage.

You need to find the right people and Eva Relander is the one to speak to at Nordea.

Good luck.

Megstertex · Post by **Megstertex** » Fri Aug 19, 2005 12:34 pm

Thanks all for your help. Between your advice, my very muddled, pathetic Finnish accompanied by my pseudo charades/gestures and "puhetko inglantia"s and hopefully I can open an account. Carrying cash and paychecks on paper is as fun as monopoly money.

Hank W. · Post by **Hank W.** » Fri Aug 19, 2005 3:38 pm

Whats a paycheck on paper? No, you just won't get your salary unless you have a bank account.

Emi · Post by **Emi** » Fri Aug 19, 2005 9:19 pm

in Ålandsbanken you wouldn't have problems either (I have the account there, student one though I have nothing common with students yet

)

Hank W. · Post by **Hank W.** » Sat Aug 20, 2005 1:54 pm

inÅlandsbanken you won't have a debit card either... unless you're loaded

catcher · Post by **catcher** » Sun Aug 21, 2005 3:38 pm

Hank W. wrote:You need to have your personal identity number to make things work.

even if you have permanent residence, identity card and passport you need to prove that every month you'll have permanent income on your account. Nordea just sucks!!!

No need for indetity number, residence permit and any stupid explanation why you need account @ Sampo! Just take a passport with you. PLUS ++ low monthly fees if to compare with Nordea and free electron card. Nordea charge $20 for electron card!!!

lukelee · Post by **lukelee** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 2:05 pm

This good to read! I am moving in January to helsinki but wanted to open an account soon so I can start transfering money. This should be possible from what I have read.
has anyone had much experience with open an account without actually living there yet?

Cheers
Luke

luoto · Post by **luoto** » Mon Aug 29, 2005 3:12 pm

Try a smaller branch...?

Nordea did set me up with an account many years ago and they can generate their own internal identity number if they want to..

But I use OP now and they are very hassle free !

Caroline · Post by **Caroline** » Mon Aug 29, 2005 5:30 pm

I second recommendations on Osuuspankki. They are more flexible and welcoming than the others. I've had good experiences with them.

Make · Post by **Make** » Mon Aug 29, 2005 7:13 pm

Ålandsbanken is a small/good bank. I had no problems there and internal personal number was created for me like mentioned before.

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