| How is it not more accessible? To open a bank account in the United States, you have to provide an absurd amount of identification and contact information. This usually includes: >Your name & date-of-birth >Your social security number >Your driver's license and/or passport >A video selfie for some online banks >Your street address >Your email address >Your phone number Some of those items can be difficult acquire and maintain, especially if you're starting from nothing. Additionally, many banks require a deposit, and most if not all online banks won't accept it in cash. Most online banks now also require a closed-source app that will, on Android, most likely also require Google SafetyNet, excluding many custom rom users. The street address requirement is a burden on those who live nomadic lifestyles, as you cannot (legally, iirc) use a virtual mailbox, and you have to depend on friends or family to receive any mail they send you. I attempted to open an account at Ally last month and they denied me because they couldn't verify my identity, even though I'd accurately provided everything they asked me for. I assume it's because I'm not in the ChexSystems database or have no credit history. On the other hand, I can get an open-source bitcoin wallet on my PinePhone and just use it. |
I rest my case.