Logistical Question with Cash

[ides]

Since many of us have moved multiple times I thought you all might have some ideas on this matter. We are going to look for an apartment and used car about a month before we move. Our current bank does not have a branch in the new location. I could possiblly need a large sum of cash (5-6k) to buy a car with. I don't want to carry lots of cash cross country on my person or keep it on me during the trip. Idealy I would go to a bank and withdraw the money. What is the best way to handle/get the money? Could I cashout travelers checks or something like that?

[DCJenn]

You can wire money to yourself through Western Union, I think. Or you can have a cashiers check drawn on your current account and open a new bank account at a new bank when you get to the new city.

Jenn

[poky]

I'd probably open a temporary account with a national chain (BofA, Key, wells fargo, etc.) while you're still where you are, then it'll be available when you get where you're going.
Our accounts are with USAA and a credit union, and we can transfer between them easily online, and the credit union is part of a credit union network that has branches all over; we could withdraw or cash a check at any of them.

[MrsK]

What poky said but make sure the bank is in your new city. For instance, no Key here and only 2 Wells Fargo branches.

[scrub-jay]

What poky said but make sure the bank is in your new city. For instance, no Key here and only 2 Wells Fargo branches.

I was going to say the same thing. We did BofA thinking it was throughout America (right?), but nope, no BofA branches in CO. always double check!!

[MDPhDWife]

FYI, there's SEVERAL BofA's & Wells Fargos here, but no Key. I've been getting emails for housing from outgoing students/residents. Would you like me to pass them onto you?

[ides]

FYI, there's SEVERAL BofA's & Wells Fargos here, but no Key. I've been getting emails for housing from outgoing students/residents. Would you like me to pass them onto you?

YES please!

Thanks everyone. I think I'll open a BofA or Wells Fargo account here for use there. Anyone have an opinion on either? I'm leaning toward Wells Fargo but I have no personal experience with either.

[poky]

YES please!

Thanks everyone. I think I'll open a BofA or Wells Fargo account here for use there. Anyone have an opinion on either? I'm leaning toward Wells Fargo but I have no personal experience with either.

They both suck (to be fair, I have no personal experience with WF; they may not suck as bad as the other national banks I've had experience with). This should just be a temporary measure until you find a better bank/credit union. Shop around once you're settled. This is just so you have cash available while you're transitioning; don't plan to leave your money there.

[SuzySunshine]

I agree with Sandy, DH has BofA accounts that he opened in KS then we moved to CA and now we're in MN and even transitioning state to state with them has been a PIA!

[DCJenn]

I've had both and I hate them equally. The DC house was mortgaged through WF and we have a BoA credit card. Equally horrible customer service.

Jenn

[ides]

Ugh. I hate opening and changing bank accounts! I was hoping to just change once. Thanks for the advice.

[ladymoreta]

I've had BoA accounts since medical school and never had a problem. Changing states was easy for us - I think I just did it online, and it prompted me to reorder checks at the same time. If you don't have direct deposit, they charge a monthly fee.

[MrsPotts]

Our Wachovia here in PA just changed to a Wells Fargo - so far I haven't had any problems with general banking through them!

[scarlett09]

Our Wachovia here in PA just changed to a Wells Fargo - so far I haven't had any problems with general banking through them!

This. I have no experience with BoA, but anything is better than the service/fees I was getting from TD Bank.

[alison]

We had Chase accounts in Illinois and had issues in California when we'd deposit $. They'd hold the money for a number of days before it would reflect on our balance. We were told that it was because we had an out of state account. I'm pretty sure it's BS, but something you might inquire about if you intend to access the money soon after you deposit in out of state.