Jammy_Dodgers

I noticed that a few people were moaning about HSBC at the mo, whereas a little while ago people were saying they were quite good.

Im just about to open an account as soon as i get the all important residency visa and was wondering who you would recommend.

As i have to pay for my GCC travel (flights/hotels) then claim it back i need a bank with a decent credit card (flexible and low rates)

Someone said CBI were offering good rates, and also ABN Amro offer the traveller card thing with a reward scheme for frequent travellers.

Thoughts please

GrecoRomano

Lloyd TSB. Free for life, 0.99% per month. Otherwise, if you spend more than 10,000 dhs/month, RAK Titanium, again free for life, 1.12% but they give back up to 2% back in cash every months. Also check on the 7days archive, they did an excellent report on CC in Dubai.

NorthernLad

We're with MEbank and have no complaints. You can open the account without residency (savings account), you then get a ATM card and Internet banking.

Once you have residency take it and the account can be updated with current account, cheque book and credit card.

From my experience I'd stay away from HSBC (colleagues had a few problems with them too...like taking over 2 months to get Internet Banking working).

MataHari

DON'T GO TO ABN-AMRO (and this coming from a Dutch person who banked with them in Holland)....
We are happy with Lloyds.

Jammy_Dodgers

Why not?..They come from a country that legalised drugs and prostitution..they cant be that bad !

IndieG

Would go with the above - very happy and no complaints. Also RAKBANk's customer service is better than most other banks.

GrecoRomano

Agree. No citibank, no standard chartered, no abnamro, the more small and local, the better. The option of the Islamic banking should also be considered, though you just want to avoid Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, for their own ammission they like to deal preferably with customers who have account movements above 1 M Dhs/month.

Miss Eck

I have banked with LLoyds for a couple of years here and 15yrs in the UK and would not recommend anyone else! You can also set up your offshore bank account from here and get online & phone banking.

Benson

LloydsTSB you need to have min 5,000 in your account or they charge 75dhs.

MEbank you need an average of 3000 over the month or paid by TT into account or a credit card.

I am trying to start a pension and am thinking of LloydsTSB but the 5,000 min is a bit of pain when I would rather put that into the pension!

GrecoRomano

saving account. No minimum balance. Check it out.

MightBe

God gave you enough gifts,
Please spend some on the poor.

Be blessed my son

MJC

Anybody see this letter in 6 days?

ABN don't come out smelling of roses...

Neither do Lloyds for that matter

IndieG

Jeez, and they were supposedly voted as the best in customer services amongst ALL banks ........anyway this survey was conducted by some unknown/sidey outfit

http://www.ameinfo.com/72256.html

RAKBANK isn't that bad - it is definitely better than the rest of the banks mentioned above.

GrecoRomano

Rak is one of the best because is not too small, therefore capable to offer sophisticated services (try National Bank of Fujeirah, if you dare!) but still small enough to be considered truly "retail", and they seem to be serious with the debt collection issue, so try not to be on the wrong side!

Benson

Aye no min balance for a savings account but you still need min 5000 in the current?