Banking in the US

[ricnally 258]

Interesting thread. I just met with an RBC rep last weekend to get details of the cross border account. He told me I could NOT get the US VIsa as I would have to be a Canadian resident to do so.

He also did NOT mention anything about mobile banking and being able to e-deposit cheques to the RBC US account, nor did he tell me I could write cheques on the US account.

It seems I need to get some clarification around this. I thought that their cross border package seemed like the most sensible way to get myself started once I'm stateside. I already have a BoA account with my husband, but I don't think it starts my credit history down there.

Yikes. Sounds like you should talk to somebody else at RBC. I set up the linked accounts while living in Canada, but didn't get the US RBC credit card til I got here. I found out about it (and the e-deposit app) on rbcbankusa.com

[NikLR 13,227]

You open the US bank accounts in canada and call to get the US credit card. I've had both for over a year now and have had zero issues. Any canadian cheques or funds can be either direct deposited or mailed to the Canadian branch. All US checks can be deposited via the scanning app. At no time have I had to walk I to a bank in the USA. There isn't any here anyhow as I bank with RBC USA and USAA.

[Dualie 185]

Just an FYI, RBC and Wells Fargo play nice together.

[Wishing-Waiting 2]

Kept Cdn account open (TD).

Took initial amount with me US$5000 (money order).

Arrived in USA. Applied for ID (Driver licence, Social Security).

Opened US bank account. Deposited initial US$5000.

Had used Custom House in Canada before for foreign exchange. Called them. They are affiliated with Western Union in USA.

Opened account with Custom House / Western Union.

Transferred various amounts small to large as I wound down my Canadian affairs. Transaction cost $5 each . Took about 3 - 5 days each.

Caution: Watch out for withholding taxes taken by Canadian bank. (RESP / proceeds from house sale was horrific - Long story)

Kept Cdn Visa (TD) open.

My husband approved for truck loan. We INSISTED they add me to build my credit. They declined. We said no ADD, no truck. They did it.

Applied for credit card with my USA bank (First National Bank Alaska) - declined. NO USA credit history. The bank offered secured card application.

I requested my own credit reports to see what (if anything) was reporting and correct any misinformation.

Tried again in 6 months with Chase. Approved.

Told both that I had excellent Cdn credit history, assuming they can pull these as Equifax and TransUnion are in Canada and USA.

I hope I explained clearly for you.

Planning, patience, perseverance.

Good Luck.

[khaugust 3]

I don't know if you have a BMO/Harris bank where you are or if they are linked? But, I believe they can do the same that RBC used to.

[CAMama3 1]

Jumping in here... are the exchange rates the bank give you for the RBC (or BMO) US/Canadian account transfers pretty decent?

And for getting a credit card ASAP, if you have an American Express card, you can do a global transfer of your Canadian one to the US. It brings some of your credit history with you (or something like that) so at least you don't start with zero. It has always been fairly easy to get another credit card after a couple of months too.