To open an account in the BVI, the banks will require you to provide two forms of official identification, such as your passport and driver’s license. Some banks will insist that these two photo identifications must be issued from the same country. For example, one form of identification cannot be from the BVI and the other from Jamaica. Some banks may also request copies of your utility bills or rent payments and a job letter or pay slip. You will also need to provide personal information such as your physical address, date of birth, telephone number, and your BVI Social Security number. You will need to fill out an application form with this information. If you are opening a joint account with someone else, the other person will also have to provide the bank with identification and personal information. You will need cash or a check to make your first deposit. There is usually a minimum amount of money you will need to deposit to open a bank account. Again, this varies from bank to bank.

The bank will run a verification process to determine whether you will be a responsible customer and that you are who you say you are before your account becomes officially active, and your money is available to you.   If you have opened a checking account, checkbooks with your name, address and phone number will be mailed to you or you may arrange to pick them up at your bank.  Most banks will also issue you a debit card with a personal identification number or PIN number that will allow you to access your account through the ATM machines. Your PIN is a secure number that will only work with the card for which it was assigned.