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esperanza

Aug 13, 2009, 5:03 PM

Post #51 of 53 (2020 views)

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Re: [bournemouth] Bank Accounts in the USA

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I've spent some time in the last two days talking with BBVA Compass Bank. BBVA Compass advertises free ATM withdrawals as part of its free checking account: http://www.bbvacompass.com/bto/build/.

I applied online for a free checking account and was told that I would be notified shortly whether or not my account was accepted. 'Shortly' developed into about 36 hours. A little uneasy about my application, I called BBVA Compass again to find out what was happening. Rather than take the website's word for 'free ATM withdrawals', I asked the woman who was on the phone with me. "Oh no," she said, "We don't offer free ATM withdrawals from non-Compass banks." I was a little nonplussed, since I was looking at the page in that link, which clearly says "No Fee to Use Another Bank's ATM". I said again. "If I withdraw money at a non-Compass ATM, your website says I will not be charged." "Oh no," she reiterated. "You would be charged for using that non-Compass ATM. You would have to accumulate your withdrawal slips and then mail them in for a refund."

"And what about linking my Mexican BBVA Bancomer account to a BBVA Compass account?" I asked. "Oh no," she replied. "We don't link to any other bank." Surprised, I said, "But BBVA owns both banks." "Oh no," she replied. "It's an entirely different company."

By now I was definitely non-Compass mentis. "Could you please cancel my application for a new account and send me an email that my application has been cancelled?" Of course.

And what did I get in my email inbox? Hmph. "Your application has been denied."

I'd say they are definitely not set up to do anything for those of us who would like to use Compass and Bancomer (both BBVA banks).

Bournemouth, I say forget it.

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bournemouth

Aug 13, 2009, 6:10 PM

Post #52 of 53 (2008 views)

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Re: [esperanza] Bank Accounts in the USA

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That's really a shame Esperanza - I never pay a fee for using an ATM from my Compass account, no matter which bank I use. I don't pay for the debit card - but - I earn no interest on the account that provides those benefits, which is why I only keep the cash necessary for a few withdrawals in it and maintain a money market account from which I can transfer cash as needed.

I got intrigued and went on line to see what I could about Compass banking these days and came up with this account information:

http://www.bbvacompass.com/personal/checking/build-to-order/index.cfm

I was talking to the Bancomer manager here in Ajijic some time ago and he said they are working on getting a transfer system in place between the various BBVA in the north and BBVA here.

esperanza

Aug 13, 2009, 6:43 PM

Post #53 of 53 (2001 views)

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Re: [bournemouth] Bank Accounts in the USA

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Well, I don't know what the #@!!#$ the woman at Compass was talking about--YOU get free ATM use at non-Compass banks. They obviously offer that service, according to both the link I posted and the link you posted. I think tomorrow I will give them another call to see what else I can find out. I'll ask to speak to a supervisor. You'll hear more about it after I make that call.

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