Go Back  British Expats > Living & Moving Abroad > USA
Reload this Page >

Utilities & Banking set up before moving?

Utilities & Banking set up before moving?

Old May 8th 2014, 10:18 am
  #16  
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
 
SecondRow's Avatar
 
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 45
SecondRow is an unknown quantity at this point
Default Re: Utilities & Banking set up before moving?

I will attempt to open the Lloyds US bank to start with to tide me over for the first couple of months and then when I start getting paid in the US I will need to set up an American account.
SecondRow is offline  
Old May 8th 2014, 2:01 pm
  #17  
Forum Regular
 
Joined: Mar 2013
Location: Madison, Ct
Posts: 39
audi4t is an unknown quantity at this point
Default Re: Utilities & Banking set up before moving?

Many utilities do not accept credit cards for payment of utility bills.

Regulated utilities are not allowed to subsidize any one group of customers.

Allowing a customer to pay by CC means for every $100 billed they would receive a lower dollar amount in revenue due to the processing fee the banks take - usually a percentage (3-4%) of the transaction.

They dont want the percentage hit on the balance you owe them, since their primary revenue is provided by the customer.

In effect, for the revenue they didn't get, other customers would have to make up the difference - this is often prohibited by State statute.

Last edited by audi4t; May 8th 2014 at 2:03 pm.
audi4t is offline  
Old May 8th 2014, 3:16 pm
  #18  
 
thinbrit's Avatar
 
Joined: May 2008
Location: DFW
Posts: 987
thinbrit has a reputation beyond reputethinbrit has a reputation beyond reputethinbrit has a reputation beyond reputethinbrit has a reputation beyond reputethinbrit has a reputation beyond reputethinbrit has a reputation beyond reputethinbrit has a reputation beyond reputethinbrit has a reputation beyond reputethinbrit has a reputation beyond reputethinbrit has a reputation beyond reputethinbrit has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Utilities & Banking set up before moving?

Originally Posted by audi4t
In effect, for the revenue they didn't get, other customers would have to make up the difference - this is often prohibited by State statute.
My electricity company accepts credit card payments.

Some state agencies I pay require a 'convenience charge' to accept payment by credit card to cover the cost, I suspect some utility companies prohibited by State statute may do the same.


Originally Posted by audi4t
Allowing a customer to pay by CC means for every $100 billed they would receive a lower dollar amount in revenue due to the processing fee the banks take - usually a percentage (3-4%) of the transaction.
As a business owner, if my credit card processor took 3 to 4% I'd kick them to the curb in a heartbeat. Our turnover was only $800k last year, and we only pay 1.59% - 1.79% in transaction fees. I imagine a utility company could negotiate better rates than that.
thinbrit is offline  
Old May 8th 2014, 3:47 pm
  #19  
Banned
 
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5,154
hungryhorace has a reputation beyond reputehungryhorace has a reputation beyond reputehungryhorace has a reputation beyond reputehungryhorace has a reputation beyond reputehungryhorace has a reputation beyond reputehungryhorace has a reputation beyond reputehungryhorace has a reputation beyond reputehungryhorace has a reputation beyond reputehungryhorace has a reputation beyond reputehungryhorace has a reputation beyond reputehungryhorace has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Utilities & Banking set up before moving?

Originally Posted by thinbrit
My electricity company accepts credit card payments.
I don't believe my electricity or gas company does either, though I can pay my cable bill with a credit card with no extra fees which I find frankly bizarre given in the UK there were huge fees involved for paying anything other than DD. I can even pay my car and renters insurance with my credit card, all at the same price! I wonder if they just charge the CC processing fee to EVERYONE by default, then make money on those who pay via CHAPS / DD (or whatever the equivalent is here).



As a business owner, if my credit card processor took 3 to 4% I'd kick them to the curb in a heartbeat. Our turnover was only $800k last year, and we only pay 1.59% - 1.79% in transaction fees.
Those sound like VISA / Mastercard fees. Is that for AMEX as well?

Last edited by hungryhorace; May 8th 2014 at 3:51 pm.
hungryhorace is offline  
Old May 8th 2014, 3:49 pm
  #20  
Lost in BE Cyberspace
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 41,518
Sally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Utilities & Banking set up before moving?

At one time we had all our utilities being paid automatically off the credit card, but each time the card was compromised that caused a big hassle.
Sally Redux is offline  
Old May 8th 2014, 3:52 pm
  #21  
Banned
 
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5,154
hungryhorace has a reputation beyond reputehungryhorace has a reputation beyond reputehungryhorace has a reputation beyond reputehungryhorace has a reputation beyond reputehungryhorace has a reputation beyond reputehungryhorace has a reputation beyond reputehungryhorace has a reputation beyond reputehungryhorace has a reputation beyond reputehungryhorace has a reputation beyond reputehungryhorace has a reputation beyond reputehungryhorace has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Utilities & Banking set up before moving?

Originally Posted by Sally Redux
At one time we had all our utilities being paid automatically off the credit card, but each time the card was compromised that caused a big hassle.
Which is a regular occurrence now unfortunately. I've had two cards replaced and my wife one in 6 months.
hungryhorace is offline  
Old May 8th 2014, 3:53 pm
  #22  
Lost in BE Cyberspace
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 41,518
Sally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond reputeSally Redux has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Utilities & Banking set up before moving?

Originally Posted by hungryhorace
Which is a regular occurrence now unfortunately. I've had two cards replaced and my wife one in 6 months.
Yup.
Sally Redux is offline  
Old May 8th 2014, 4:32 pm
  #23  
Lost in BE Cyberspace
 
Bluegrass Lass's Avatar
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Location: My Old KY Home!
Posts: 6,498
Bluegrass Lass has a reputation beyond reputeBluegrass Lass has a reputation beyond reputeBluegrass Lass has a reputation beyond reputeBluegrass Lass has a reputation beyond reputeBluegrass Lass has a reputation beyond reputeBluegrass Lass has a reputation beyond reputeBluegrass Lass has a reputation beyond reputeBluegrass Lass has a reputation beyond reputeBluegrass Lass has a reputation beyond reputeBluegrass Lass has a reputation beyond reputeBluegrass Lass has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Utilities & Banking set up before moving?

I was going to say the same as above. I don't think I've come across a utility company yet that would accept CC payments, but you may get lucky with your local utility.

Other thing to consider, if you are going to an apartment in a major commercial property, they may want to do a DD of your rent. The last place we rented from did have an online payment system where we paid by our debit card every month (IIRC there was an add'l fee if you wanted to pay by CC). If its a private landlord, they will likely expect a check/cheque every month - you can't do a standing order in the US like you can in the UK. You may want to find out what your payment options are, until you get a US account set up.
Bluegrass Lass is offline  
Old May 8th 2014, 4:35 pm
  #24  
Banned
 
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5,154
hungryhorace has a reputation beyond reputehungryhorace has a reputation beyond reputehungryhorace has a reputation beyond reputehungryhorace has a reputation beyond reputehungryhorace has a reputation beyond reputehungryhorace has a reputation beyond reputehungryhorace has a reputation beyond reputehungryhorace has a reputation beyond reputehungryhorace has a reputation beyond reputehungryhorace has a reputation beyond reputehungryhorace has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Utilities & Banking set up before moving?

Originally Posted by Bluegrass Lass
I was going to say the same as above. I don't think I've come across a utility company yet that would accept CC payments, but you may get lucky with your local utility.

Other thing to consider, if you are going to an apartment in a major commercial property, they may want to do a DD of your rent. The last place we rented from did have an online payment system where we paid by our debit card every month (IIRC there was an add'l fee if you wanted to pay by CC). If its a private landlord, they will likely expect a check/cheque every month - you can't do a standing order in the US like you can in the UK. You may want to find out what your payment options are, until you get a US account set up.
We do ours via 'direct billing', ie they make a request to pull the money from our account every month.

I don't mind it so much, but I do not like the fact that control is taken away from me on paying. ie, in the UK, if I fall out with the landlord and enter a dispute I can simply cancel the standing order. Here I would have to log into our online account and cancel the autopay, which I'm not sure would stop them taking the monies still as I'm sure they could find a way to refuse the cancellation.
hungryhorace is offline  
Old May 8th 2014, 5:48 pm
  #25  
 
Pulaski's Avatar
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Location: Dixie, ex UK
Posts: 52,397
Pulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Utilities & Banking set up before moving?

Originally Posted by hungryhorace
.... I'm not sure would stop them taking the monies still as I'm sure they could find a way to refuse the cancellation.
It doesn't make much difference when a business you've never heard of can present a cheque directly or indirectly (via their own bank) to your bank, with your account number on it, marked with "authorized by customer", "signed electronically", or something similar, and your bank will debit your account based on that cheque.
Pulaski is offline  
Old May 8th 2014, 5:49 pm
  #26  
Banned
 
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5,154
hungryhorace has a reputation beyond reputehungryhorace has a reputation beyond reputehungryhorace has a reputation beyond reputehungryhorace has a reputation beyond reputehungryhorace has a reputation beyond reputehungryhorace has a reputation beyond reputehungryhorace has a reputation beyond reputehungryhorace has a reputation beyond reputehungryhorace has a reputation beyond reputehungryhorace has a reputation beyond reputehungryhorace has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Utilities & Banking set up before moving?

Originally Posted by Pulaski
It doesn't make much difference when a business you've never heard of can present a cheque directly or indirectly (via their own bank) to your bank, with your account number on it, marked with "authorized by customer", "signed electronically", or something similar, and your bank will debit your account based on that cheque.
Insane isn't it?
hungryhorace is offline  
Old May 8th 2014, 5:57 pm
  #27  
Lost in BE Cyberspace
 
Bluegrass Lass's Avatar
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Location: My Old KY Home!
Posts: 6,498
Bluegrass Lass has a reputation beyond reputeBluegrass Lass has a reputation beyond reputeBluegrass Lass has a reputation beyond reputeBluegrass Lass has a reputation beyond reputeBluegrass Lass has a reputation beyond reputeBluegrass Lass has a reputation beyond reputeBluegrass Lass has a reputation beyond reputeBluegrass Lass has a reputation beyond reputeBluegrass Lass has a reputation beyond reputeBluegrass Lass has a reputation beyond reputeBluegrass Lass has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Utilities & Banking set up before moving?

Originally Posted by hungryhorace
We do ours via 'direct billing', ie they make a request to pull the money from our account every month.

I don't mind it so much, but I do not like the fact that control is taken away from me on paying. ie, in the UK, if I fall out with the landlord and enter a dispute I can simply cancel the standing order. Here I would have to log into our online account and cancel the autopay, which I'm not sure would stop them taking the monies still as I'm sure they could find a way to refuse the cancellation.
Originally Posted by Pulaski
It doesn't make much difference when a business you've never heard of can present a cheque directly or indirectly (via their own bank) to your bank, with your account number on it, marked with "authorized by customer", "signed electronically", or something similar, and your bank will debit your account based on that cheque.
yeah, with a landlord, you almost feel like you don't have a choice but to go along with their billing procedures. But due to that exact issue of being able to pull money without my permission, is why I do not give any company our bank account details. I set up all payments (cc's and such) to be a recurring payment through my bank's e-bill pay. It's definitely one of those 'fine print' things that is easy to overlook and a Brit would find that completely unexpected I'm sure...and probably even most USCs don't know a company can do it!
Bluegrass Lass is offline  
Old May 8th 2014, 6:11 pm
  #28  
 
Pulaski's Avatar
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Location: Dixie, ex UK
Posts: 52,397
Pulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond reputePulaski has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Utilities & Banking set up before moving?

Originally Posted by hungryhorace
Insane isn't it?
Beyond!
Pulaski is offline  
Old May 8th 2014, 6:50 pm
  #29  
BE Forum Addict
 
MMcD's Avatar
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Location: "LA LA Land"
Posts: 2,447
MMcD has a reputation beyond reputeMMcD has a reputation beyond reputeMMcD has a reputation beyond reputeMMcD has a reputation beyond reputeMMcD has a reputation beyond reputeMMcD has a reputation beyond reputeMMcD has a reputation beyond reputeMMcD has a reputation beyond reputeMMcD has a reputation beyond reputeMMcD has a reputation beyond reputeMMcD has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Utilities & Banking set up before moving?

Originally Posted by audi4t
Many utilities do not accept credit cards for payment of utility bills.
Regulated utilities are not allowed to subsidize any one group of customers.
.
Originally Posted by Bluegrass Lass
I was going to say the same as above. I don't think I've come across a utility company yet that would accept CC payments, but you may get lucky with your local utility..
Yes, it depends on your local utility.

In LA both Electric/Water/Sewer and AT&T accept Visa with no add'l. fee.
Gas Company is a direct EFT debit from chequing account.
MMcD is offline  
Old May 9th 2014, 1:44 pm
  #30  
.
 
Yorkieabroad's Avatar
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Location: Where bad things rarely happen in movies
Posts: 8,933
Yorkieabroad has a reputation beyond reputeYorkieabroad has a reputation beyond reputeYorkieabroad has a reputation beyond reputeYorkieabroad has a reputation beyond reputeYorkieabroad has a reputation beyond reputeYorkieabroad has a reputation beyond reputeYorkieabroad has a reputation beyond reputeYorkieabroad has a reputation beyond reputeYorkieabroad has a reputation beyond reputeYorkieabroad has a reputation beyond reputeYorkieabroad has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Utilities & Banking set up before moving?

Must be a local thing.
We pay all of our bills through one credit card, with automatic drafting and no fees charged. The only one we don't do that way is our MUD district who want to charge $3.95 per billing cycle for autopay enrollment. Given that, especially in Winter, our MUD bill can be as low as $20, that is an outrageous amount which pisses me off so much I do them by online billpay from the bank. Does anyone remember the days when you used to get a discount for enrolling in autopay, presumably because companies realized it simplified their receipts section, and reduced the need for a collections department....?
Yorkieabroad is offline  

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.