Quote:
Originally Posted by jrhartley
can i vote for scotia bank being the worst- 12 days wait, questions asked and replied to and money now returned back to England awaiting using another bank
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When I first banked here in 2004, I opened with BR. It was HORRIBLE. Their ATMs seemed to be off line or out of cash all the time. What was worse was their cash card (la "Verde") was never online with Cardnet. How many declines I suffered in line at the store. The process to do checks in dollars was horrible - needed to go to the tower on Churchill and wait 2 hours. The lines at the retail branches were horrific as well. 15 labor days to clear non-BR checks.
I had known nothing then and followed a recommendation from some "friends". BR is the bank that manages the payroll for all govt. operations like the PN, so on payday, you better not need to get cash from the ATM.
A major client of mine used BHD Business Banking, and for wires and ACH transfers (and the timeliness therein) they have been great. I use Leon for personal banking here and they work superiorly with my Chase and Citi in NY. All my BHD and Leon International wires have been 24 hrs or less. ACHs are instant for intrabank and after 3pm the following business day for interbank.
Many think Popular is a good bet because of its international presence, but the operations are completely separate and thus behave like separate institutions.
I know nothing of ScotiaBank, but they bought Citi retail operations a few years back here in SD and seem to have had solid growth.
Your banking choice is always very personal. Some banks offer products and services that attract one, while turning away others. Discretion, online security, access, customer service, account management are all very important to consider. Wire transfers are a no-brainer for years, but the individual bank's INTERNAL processes may delay your transaction. My experience is just like many other functions here in DR: use the "crony" system. If I ever have an issue, my account manager intercedes immediately. However, if your issue is the ATM is always down, offline or out of cash, then welcome to DR - not many can help you with this.
My recommendation is to select a bank that has robust online banking products, international debit and credit cards and "personalised" services. These days I almost never have an issue. For wires, many can keep your signature "on file" once you have completed your first SWIFT transfer. The following occasions, just the recipients details can be sent via email. All very streamlined.
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