I opened a Charles Schwab brokerage and checking account 2 years ago to solve this problem. I left my deposits alone, still going to my bank account and do electronic transfers to the Schwab checking account as I need cash wherever I am. I only withdraw from reputable bank ATMs to get favorable exchange rates, as insurance the transaction completes successfully, and that my information isn't stolen. At the end of every month Schwab reimburses any ATM fees. So far tested in Canada, Guatemala, Macau, and Hong Kong. Will test in the Phils Sunday afternoon.

 

I am with BPI never had a problem i changed from R.C.B.C. bank because B.P.I.debit and savings card works all over the world .

 

Yes, they give good exchange rates especially on foreign credit cards as they make their money on the back end from the credit card fees they get.

 

The manager at BDO Robinson Mall will help you set up a charge card linked to your savings account which is linked to you checking account. You only need to show 2 months of your cellphone bill with your address on it.

 

I also bank with BPI for many, many years for the same reasons as Alex. They have prepaid/postpaid MasterCard that is good for use online or anywhere I have gone throughout Asia including and in the USA. They also have online banking from desktop or cellphone. I don't use that one myself but know they have it. But they do have long ques at their main branch across from Jose Rizal Park near McDonald's and the Cathedral.

 

Been with BPI, main branch for 9 years. No problems. We receive really good customer service. A teller went the extra mile for us just yesterday and she went and did something for us in 3 minutes that the last time we did it a couple of years ago took an hour through normal channels. Some days and times are busier than others but once you figure that out it's usually a breeze.

 

Thanks for that info but it just goes to show you how different people will have different experiences because I used my RCBC Savings Bank credit card and debit card in Hong Kong and Canada with no problem, although I did tell them in advance that I would be doing that. But that was 6 years ago so they may have changed by now.

 

I have been with PNB 8 years now No problems. Banknet with other cards and the Online account has been great.

 

Just implemented my (seemingly contrarian) ATM method at BPI. Got charged the p200 fee but as I mentioned before Schwab will refund it at the end of the month so I count that as zero. Most interesting to me is according to xe.com the current rate is us$1.00 = p47.86 and BPI gave me p47.97! I'm happy so far...