Originally Posted by Pulaski

I have no doubt that is true, but back when my card of choice was an Amex card, it was rarely not accepted - ALL major retailers and restaurants accepted it.

Originally Posted by MarylandNed

Yes, I didn't mean traveller's checks instead of electronic transfer. Normally when someone moves they take money in various forms. I meant traveller's checks instead of taking cash or a cashier's check (which was the suggestion I was responding to). If someone needs immediate access to cash then an electronic transfer isn't going to help if the receiving bank account hasn't been set up yet.

Originally Posted by LeavingLondon

Sorry to jump on this thread but we are coming to the South Bay area next week and whilst there want to open a bank account. Can we use my husband's work address as we won't have a residential address at that point and also, is it advisable to take cash (dollars) with us to put into the account (was going to bring just under $10,000 cash to put into the account that way, if we need to release funds for rental security deposit etc we have the money ready?

Originally Posted by Michael

Unless someone is going to rent an apartment or buy or lease a car very quickly, credit cards along with a small amount of cash and/or debit card withdrawals is probably the best way to go. Usually very quickly, a non interest bearing account can be opened and an electronic transfer can be made for those purchases.

Originally Posted by Michael

Initially open a non interest bearing checking account and you shouldn't have any problems since there is no taxes that are due so no need for a permanent address. If the bank wants you to fill out form W-8BEN, ask for the manager or go to another bank.