Banks!
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 4
Banks!
Moving to Charlotte in the new year and got round to looking at banking stateside... A few questions, if I may:
Cheers,
Ollie
- Any recommendations for which bank in the Charlotte area, few people have suggested that branches and service can vary in different areas.
- I use the Barclays iphone app in the UK which is great for payments, transfers, statements etc, any US banks have a similar thing?
- When to open an account - before we leave the UK, or when we arrive?
- Are the higher paid accounts with perks normally worth it? Not that used to having to pay for a bank account in the UK!
Cheers,
Ollie
#2
Re: Banks!
I use Wells Fargo. (Been happy with them for 15 years.)
There is an app.
Depending what services you have there may not be a fee so you may not need a 'paid' account.
(What visa? What job? A few words helps others understand the process, adds to the body of knowledge...)
There is an app.
Depending what services you have there may not be a fee so you may not need a 'paid' account.
(What visa? What job? A few words helps others understand the process, adds to the body of knowledge...)
#3
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 4
Re: Banks!
Thanks, L-1 visa, working in strategy for an Aerospace company.
#4
BE Enthusiast
Joined: May 2009
Location: DC Metro Area
Posts: 305
Re: Banks!
Moving to Charlotte in the new year and got round to looking at banking stateside... A few questions, if I may:
Cheers,
Ollie
- When to open an account - before we leave the UK, or when we arrive?
- Are the higher paid accounts with perks normally worth it? Not that used to having to pay for a bank account in the UK!
Cheers,
Ollie
Also, get used to having to pay for stuff. (For the land of the free, there's very little that actually is ).
#6
Re: Banks!
Most banks, even shit ones these days have a phone app.
Open an account when you arrive, it's quick and easy enough and much less hassle than trying to do so if you're not there in person.
As for perks, all depends on what kind of balance you'll keep...some are, some aren't, so not a very helpful answer.
Open an account when you arrive, it's quick and easy enough and much less hassle than trying to do so if you're not there in person.
As for perks, all depends on what kind of balance you'll keep...some are, some aren't, so not a very helpful answer.
#7
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Aug 2013
Location: Athens GA
Posts: 2,134
Re: Banks!
Just be ready to go back to the dark ages. Banking here is unbelievably archaic.
#9
BE Enthusiast
Joined: May 2009
Location: DC Metro Area
Posts: 305
Re: Banks!
I agree with Hotscot on this one. My bank has internet banking, IOS/Android apps (including mobile check depositing), etc. Plus I'm able to do international transfers from my online account, unlike my UK Barclays account (even with internet banking). The usage of 'checks' is widespread, but this is more often on the part of consumers than banks. (I.e. people insisting that you pay by check. I refuse to pay by check, just as I refuse to fax anything).
#10
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Aug 2013
Location: Athens GA
Posts: 2,134
Re: Banks!
Limits on inter bank transfers
Inter bank transfers take too long - nothing like the UK faster payment system
Many bank websites poorly designed
Too much dependence on check payments
Lack of use of direct debits
Poor credit card security
Having to pay "convenience fees" to pay by credit card
Home address printed on checks - just helps the bad guys
Charges (or at least the threat of them) for everything they can possibly think of
Inter bank transfers take too long - nothing like the UK faster payment system
Many bank websites poorly designed
Too much dependence on check payments
Lack of use of direct debits
Poor credit card security
Having to pay "convenience fees" to pay by credit card
Home address printed on checks - just helps the bad guys
Charges (or at least the threat of them) for everything they can possibly think of
#11
Re: Banks!
I use BB&T, great service, with no complaints. This bank is based in NC, and they are all over the S.E. US.
#12
Re: Banks!
I have personal and business accounts for my company with WF...I've never been impacted negatively with any of that.
#13
Banned
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5,154
Re: Banks!
Many bank websites poorly designed
Too much dependence on check payments
Lack of use of direct debits
Poor credit card security
Having to pay "convenience fees" to pay by credit card
Home address printed on checks - just helps the bad guys
Charges (or at least the threat of them) for everything they can possibly think of
#14
Re: Banks!
When we arrived in PA, we were taken to WF by a representative of the local relocation company provided. With no appointment we were able to open our account with the banker in less than an hour and leave with a temporary debit card in hand, despite not having an address. The banker used the branch address so that any important mail, including the permanent cards, was sent there and we collected it when we had relocated. So as soon as we had some money deposited into the account we were up and running immediately.
No fees and an app to use for online banking.
I did have to visit the branch to make an international transfer recently, but no real complaints from me. (so far)
No fees and an app to use for online banking.
I did have to visit the branch to make an international transfer recently, but no real complaints from me. (so far)
#15
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Oct 2007
Location: Charlotte,NC
Posts: 1,717
Re: Banks!
Moving to Charlotte in the new year and got round to looking at banking stateside... A few questions, if I may:
Cheers,
Ollie
- Any recommendations for which bank in the Charlotte area, few people have suggested that branches and service can vary in different areas.
- I use the Barclays iphone app in the UK which is great for payments, transfers, statements etc, any US banks have a similar thing?
- When to open an account - before we leave the UK, or when we arrive?
- Are the higher paid accounts with perks normally worth it? Not that used to having to pay for a bank account in the UK!
Cheers,
Ollie
I opened an account soon after with a local bank, South Carolina Bank and Trust which is now South State Bank which covers SC, NC and GA who were extremely helpful in getting us moved from a construction loan to a mortgage.