Caribbean bankers, they sniff, are not as well-educated and are prone to rolling over when the IRS knocks on the door. Opening the door You can get a named account at a Swiss bank, which means that your name appears on statements and in the bank's internal documents. It might make sense to get such an account if you work out of a corporate office in Europe. If you're a regular Jane or Joe eking out a living in America on less than six figures a year, there wouldn't be any point to it. It would be best to open it in person because a banker is unlikely to return phone inquiries from a foreigner about opening such a wimpy little account.
Banks raise the bar higher for private banking, in which the bank manages clients' investments.
Just make sure you walk through the correct door when you visit the bank to open your account. If you're looking for the retail banking lobby, don't walk into the private banking office. A private banker will turn you away politely. Bankrate Inc. All rights reserved.