Recomendation for a good U.S. based internet bank?

by Uncle Darrell
(Cochabamba)

I bank with a credit union in the United States, but as they say... "It is not meeting my needs". My Debit card expired on March 31 and as of today April 11, 2013 I have not received a replacement. I am afraid to report it lost because I know as soon as I do the card will arrive. I need a recommendation for a good internet bank that knows how to service customers with a foreign address. Any information will be much appreciated.

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Apr 14, 2013
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starstarstarstarstar 		Online Internet Bank
by: Uncle Darrell

I just opened a bank account online with USAA. The process was quite simple and I was issued my account number in minutes. I talked to ALLY last week and was told I could open an account with a Bolivian address however today I was told only US addresses are accepted and this is from a manager Canadian Call Center. Since the USAA Bank was originally available only to U.S. Service members it is accustomed to expatriate Americans who live overseas. In any case, I should get the follow up call back from ALLY tomorrow if the manager was incorrect and if the information changes I'll post the news incase someone else is in my circumstances. In any case USAA is it.
Apr 13, 2013
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starstarstarstarstar 		Recomendation for a good U.S. based internet bank?
by: Uncle Darrell

What I need is a strictly an internet bank. I live permanently in Bolivia and I'm not returning to the U.S. anytime soon. I need to conduct all my transactions including opening an account online. The problem I have with my Credit Union is they can't get my address straight and their mailings are disastrous. I need a bank that is large enough to know there are people who live overseas that need BASIC, no or low fee U.S. banking services. I would never pay $9 dollars for an ATM withdrawal that is robbery in my opinion. I pay a 1% fee (usually $3) and I use Mercantile Santa Cruz for most ATM withdrawals (when my ATM card hasn't expired which is has). I know because I have started tracking my account to the penny Right now ALLY Bank or USAA seem to be the best options but I thought I'd ask people that live here. Visitors don't have the same issues that permanent residents of Bolivia have. When we have a problem we have to fix it from here we can't wait and take care of it when we get back.
Apr 13, 2013
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starstarstarstarstar 		US bank - internet and customer service
by: Anonymous

I use Union Bank of California although I presently live in another state because their customer service was always so good. I had no problems with my account while I was living in Bolivia. www.unionbank.com when I travel or live overseas I let my local branch know in advance that I will be overseas. They normally issue me a brand new debit card even if my old one hasn't expired to ensure it will last me a while (usually 5 years). Withdrawals in Bolivia are best at BNB or BISA ATM machines and the cost per withdrawal overseas is $9 dollars. they have overdraft protection options, low monthly maintenance fees (sometimes none), and NO ATM usage fees if you use a UBOC ATM machine. Their customer service in person is excellent at every branch I've visited, and their online website is easy to navigate and use.

Barclays Bank in Miami is also second to none, although I use them for corporate accounts.

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