what does verification mean?

I was wondering: if one makes out a debit card with a U.S bank, I believe that debit card would automatically be associated with an account with the bank...or maybe I am wrong and I have to ask the bankers before I do so. Making out a debit card and then a separate bank account would be overkill. BTW, someone told me that if I was not in U.S, getting a U.S bank account might be some huge mountain to climb.

There are two kinds of debit card. The most usual is one associated with a specific current/checking account and is used to make payments (as an alternative to cheques) or to withdraw money from an ATM. The second is known as a 'prepaid debit card' and works in a similar way to a credit card except that you fund it before you can make purchases and there must always be a credit balance for it to be acceptable. It is, indeed, very difficult (but not quite impossible) for a non-US resident to open a US bank account. If you wish to do so, you will usually need to do so through an International arrangement with a local bank and you will need to be able to fund the US account with a considerable amount. There may be other requirements, too: for example, a good and sufficient reason for requiring a US bank account in the first place.

I deal with the Bank of Montreal here in Canada. They do have U.S. bank accounts but you have to go to the bank and deposit to it. You cannot do it online. Also you can get a credit card but have to pay an annual fee. I got one because my husband used Canadian money and had to pay high fees. I open an American account to avoid that. That was before he got worse and we were never able tontskevthe next cruise or go through the states and before they started the annual fee. We can also get debit gift cards here. And debit cards through banks,

thanks jenny1015. i now realize that. i am making arrangements for a card. happy working week.

I fell short of marking your response as the best, although it came very very close. I have read the page and I really learned a lot from it. Now I know what verification means. Information makes things lots better and doing business easier and more secure. thanks, owlwings.

thanks blogandme. having varieties of verification methods makes it easier for paypal customers. nice day.