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RUFINIT · 09-04-2012, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KenTheKanuck

Another newbie question, thanks in advance for any help given.

We live in Canada and enjoy traveling in the States. It would appear that buying gas using cash might save us some dough. This means that we need to access a cash machine often so we are not carrying too much money on us.

Up here the CIBC (Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce) for example is all over the place. Also there is no charge for withdrawing money from their ATM's if you keep a certain amount of dough in your account.

Which American bank should we open an account in for traveling through out the States?

Thanks

KTK

I have the Costco American Express Card and have the Flying J RV card. With the Flying J card I get the cash price for fuel using a credit card, and get 3% back at the end of the year on all fuel purchases. The caveat is put in a maximum of 75 gallons at once (if I need more, I stop the pump, reset and finish pumping, and make sure they charge me as two transactions.) the other a limit on the total amount of fuel purchased is $3,000 per year to get 3% back. Over $3,000 you only get 1% back.

Because of this, we really don't carry much cash. We charge most everything and get cash back or miles, depending on the card.

Just an option to look into.

Gadget63 · 09-05-2012, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RUFINIT

I have the Costco American Express Card and have the Flying J RV card. With the Flying J card I get the cash price for fuel using a credit card, and get 3% back at the end of the year on all fuel purchases. The caveat is put in a maximum of 75 gallons at once (if I need more, I stop the pump, reset and finish pumping, and make sure they charge me as two transactions.) the other a limit on the total amount of fuel purchased is $3,000 per year to get 3% back. Over $3,000 you only get 1% back.

Because of this, we really don't carry much cash. We charge most everything and get cash back or miles, depending on the card.

Just an option to look into.

We hardly ever carry more than 100 in cash. We use our credit card for everything to get the points. I then go online a few days later and transfer money into the credit card. You'd be surprised how fast the points add up and what you can get for the points, all with no tax and free shipping!

blang · 09-05-2012, 08:30 AM

A USAA bank account (no, you do not need to be a veteran for just banking) lets you use ANY ATM anywhere and credits back the fee that the other banks charge you... up to $15 per month, I think. Their online banking site is also very good... Billpay, transfers, etc are very user friendly.

clyon51 · 09-05-2012, 08:35 AM

I went a bit differently. I opened a "cash account" at Fidelity Investments. No fees, interest, cash back, re-embursed any and all ATM fees. We have our checks direct deposited. A free app allows you to handle anything on your phone. If you ever encounter a physical check, you just take a picture of it and it's deposited. They pay all your monthly bills and will remind you to pay those varying bills. Haven't been in a bank in well over a year and have no need to. I can't imagine anything better, cheaper and easier.

Bubwheat · 09-05-2012, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clyon51

I went a bit differently. I opened a "cash account" at Fidelity Investments. No fees, interest, cash back, re-embursed any and all ATM fees. We have our checks direct deposited. A free app allows you to handle anything on your phone. If you ever encounter a physical check, you just take a picture of it and it's deposited. They pay all your monthly bills and will remind you to pay those varying bills. Haven't been in a bank in well over a year and have no need to. I can't imagine anything better, cheaper and easier.

+ 1 on Fidelity! My only "bank."

Gadget63 · 09-05-2012, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bubwheat

+ 1 on Fidelity! My only "bank."

Bank of America gives me the same, free app for my android and I can also take a photo of a check for deposit. I also like the way the online banking works and how I can keep track of outgoing payments. I haven't written a paper check in about four years now.

clyon51 · 09-05-2012, 09:50 AM

Is BOA 100% free for all it's services?

greystroke · 09-05-2012, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blang

A USAA bank account (no, you do not need to be a veteran for just banking) lets you use ANY ATM anywhere and credits back the fee that the other banks charge you... up to $15 per month, I think. Their online banking site is also very good... Billpay, transfers, etc are very user friendly.

I use USAA and Wells Fargo. When I can't find a Wells Fargo I use the Usaa card.

Half Dimes · 09-05-2012, 10:03 AM

Contact your bank in Canada and ask them if they have reciprocal agreements with any banks in the states for ATM withdrawals. We did this in reverse when we went to Canada and went to a bank in Alberta and withdrew cash with no ATM or exchange fees.

Ken-55 · 09-05-2012, 10:30 AM

*raising my hand* as a BoA hater!!

fortunately, there are options . . . the one that I've found is a local community bank that has an excellent online banking site, free checking and they refund any and all ATM charges at the end of each month.

I've used ATMs throughout the US and as far away as Australia, no problems!

https://www.liberty-bank.com/persona...e-checking.asp