Which bank should I choose for a new account?

We've been through this topic more than a few times already.
I wouldn't say you should go out of your way to avoid Chicago unless you’re managing a corporate account.
The truth is, they have one massive advantage that, in my book, makes up for all their other flaws: they probably have more ATMs than all the other banks combined. And considering how much those out-of-network withdrawal fees bite...
Sure, they’ve cut down on some of their shortcomings, but they aren't the only players in town, and I don't think being the "only option" is the top priority when a regular person picks a bank. Besides, any rudeness from the staff is offset by a really solid online banking platform; honestly, I rarely even step foot in a branch anymore because everything gets handled online. 👍
Take RBC, for example—I know plenty of cases where online transfers ended up landing in the wrong accounts entirely.

Bank of America is a total disaster. Their attitude toward customers—people who are literally walking in with cash just to deposit it or whatever—is just appalling. I was at the teller window once, and this guy was trying to deposit $66667 (I won't go into that specific detail), and he was dealing with a regular teller. At JPMorgan Chase, if you're looking to deposit 1,000 euros, they’d move you over to a private banker where you actually get some discretion. As for credit info or their investment funds? A complete mess. They clearly have no clue what they’re talking about.

Now, JPMorgan Chase has its drawbacks, but it definitely has its perks:
Chase Online is incredibly user-friendly compared to most other options.
The integration for shopping and investing in mutual funds through Chase Online works quite well.
If they see potential in your profile, they assign you a private banker, which means you can handle certain transactions over the phone if they aren't available via Chase Online.
They have plenty of ATMs everywhere.

As for the other banks, I can't really say.

But honestly, in principle, every bank is going to try to fleece you with some stupid little service packages. They’ll try to push every single product they own on you, often with nothing more than a half-hearted smirk from a teller (who, let's be honest, usually acts like a grumpy old man regardless of gender).

For me, the most important thing in banking is not having to struggle through endless lines with my pension money; that’s why I rely so heavily on online banking and having a dedicated private banker.

When it comes to loans, most banks don't even require you to be an existing client anymore, so everything is pretty much the same across the board.

Hey,

Sending greetings to everyone—thanks in advance to anyone willing to
help me out.

I’m looking to open a bank account outside the US—I know it's a legal gray area, but
I know there's a way.
I need an account where I can send and receive wire transfers, plus ideally a
debit card so I can hit ATMs and make payments.

Can I set this up without actually flying to the country—say, Switzerland or
Germany? Anyone have experience with this?

PLEASE HELP ME OUT!!!

Is anyone here already using accounts like this? What's the reality like...

Thanks, everyone.

P.S.
You can also reach me via email:
mark.herman@zg.t-com.hr

---looks like everyone's just quoting others here—as if any of us actually have a clue... 😢

Why haven't they gotten back to you on all those other various points yet?

I’ve managed to get some answers, I guess... all I know is that it’s 100% doable, but where... when... how much it actually costs... nothing...
thanks

Maybe try sending a PM to the person who claimed they actually pulled it off; let them give you the full breakdown. 👋

I don't get it. Are you actually publicly asking people to help you with illegal stuff?

What is wrong with you? It's a good thing you didn't ask for tips on how to rob a convenience store because you're broke and need a hand since you've already done it before... 👎

Clearly you aren't getting it, Chris Ruiz10—so why even bother weighing in?
Robbing a bank and opening an account aren't exactly the same thing... they're polar opposites. Love dealing with geniuses like you... 🙄
Am I asking for anything illegal here?

I spend up to ten months a year outside the States—I don't see any reason why I couldn't have an account in Germany while living in the US...

Has anyone actually used an Offshore Bank account with a debit card before?

thanks 👋

So, you're telling me that even after ten whole months, you still haven't found a single spare moment to get an account set up overseas? 😕

I'm stuck in Qatar right now—really wish I could just open an account in the US or somewhere in the European Union instead...

Thanks

ironsurfer12 said:Am I asking for anything illegal!?

I'd say yes!

Are you even a US resident? Do you actually have a legal address here? If so, then go check out the Foreign Exchange Act :

II. 7. Deposit Services

Resident Deposit Services

Article 29.

The Federal Reserve determines the conditions under which residents, excluding banks, may open an account and hold funds in an offshore account.

So, maybe talk to the Federal Reserve. They might let you open one. And look, don't get mad at me, I'm just saying what I know. If I'm wrong, my bad.

Best, 👋

Since you live and work outside the US, you have the legal right to open a bank account wherever you choose. You might want to look into this here:

Offshore Bank account

Chris Ruiz10, where'd you disappear to?
If someone lives and works abroad for more than 183 days a year, it’s only logical they have the tools to manage their life. That means having a checking account, paying utility bills, handling social security, just... basically everything required to function.
Or do you honestly think someone should be trying to pay their electric bill in Qatar through Chase Online?

That’s fine, I guess, but he didn't say he actually LIVES and WORKS abroad—just that he stays outside the US.

Which basically means he could be traveling to another country every month on vacation, and I don't think you can just waltz in and open an account like that.

My wife worked overseas once—her company sent her out—and they were pretty clear about her opening an account at a local bank there to get her paychecks deposited.

Maybe his company just didn't bother explaining things to ironsurfer12, I don't know.

Thanks everyone... how on earth did you know I was out in Qatar?!

Later

I mean, when you’re working for the Department of the Treasury—or basically the FBI.

You really stepped in it this time...😢

😉 😁

haha 🙂 why on earth would I let some guy from the NYPD mess that up for me?!
I mean, they can barely find a Starbucks in this city... how the hell are they going to track me down 😎

I am not entirely certain regarding the specific salary structures, but I suppose one significant advantage of Bank of America is their extensive network of ATMs.