Community Forums

OntheroadBDW · 04-09-2019, 05:34 PM

Hi my name is Darrell and I've been RV and Motor homing for 50 years or so. I decided last year while snow birding in Yuma AZ that I would like to ride off into the sunset as a full timer. I came home in April 2018 and started the process of selling out and everything was gone on Sept 19th. I sold my 30 foot Allegro Motor Home and ordered a new 2019 Thor Palazoo 37.4 and received it early December. Also bought a 2016 SRX for a toad.
One of my first challenges has been banking. I use a local bank and cant find one that will cash checks etc. when out of town. Is there a preferred bank for full timers that is all over the country? Also I have Thousand Trails, Passport America and Good Sam. Should I be looking at something else to add? Any information is welcome.

momdoc · 04-09-2019, 07:33 PM

Welcome to the forum and congrats on the new coach.

You are joining a good group of folks here with good info to share. We use Bank of America as they are in many places and have no fee affiliate ATMS all over as well.

I would also add Harvest Hosts to your list

Good luck and enjoy the adventure!

IBTripping · 04-09-2019, 07:51 PM

Welcome. I haven't used a check in years; just my bank card or credit card to pay bills. If I need cash, I use my bank card to get cash from an ATM. But, you might consider opening an account with a nationwide bank. For instance, Wells Fargo has branches all over the nation.

OntheroadBDW · 04-09-2019, 08:27 PM

Thank you

Barbaraok · 04-10-2019, 08:21 AM

We also haven't walked in and cash a check in YEARS. I generally pull out several hundred at the start of the month for causal dining, haircuts, personal expenses, etc. from the ATM. We use Bank of America as they are in just about all states. Also can use the debit card for cash at grocery stores if we need it. Just about everything else is charged on one of the rewards cards and paid off each month. I probably write 6-8 checks a year!

. And if we get a check (gift, etc) deposit using my iPhone.

SomeDay · 04-10-2019, 08:44 AM

Bank of America here, and haven't used a check in years. Refunds received after closing utilities on Fla house by cheque = deposited using iPhone.

On line banking, cash withdrawal for emergency back up, rarely used, at no fee ATM's - use credit/debit card for almost everything.

For sure BOA has reduced it's number of ATM's/branches we've noticed over the past decade or so, but we always keep a topped up amount with us when travelling "just in case".

Also many large box stores offer cash back typically up to $80 or $100 which we utilize when shopping.

MSHappyCampers · 04-10-2019, 10:40 AM

Hi Darrell! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Congrats on the new rig! Have fun and keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

pduggs · 04-10-2019, 09:16 PM

I think Walmart cashes checks.

twogypsies · 04-10-2019, 11:44 PM

Use your credit card at WalMart for your purchases and you can get cash back at the register. Pay the card off in full monthly with no interest.

If you have a credit card that gives you cash back on your purchases then they're giving you free money - that is, IF you pay it off in full every month. We use the card for everything and get a big chunk of money back. You can apply it to your monthly card bill.