Is There *any* Advantage To Bangkok Bank Vs. Its Competitors?

[hermespan]

There must be or expats and tourists wouldn't keep any money there. I mean for soemnoe who doesn't need their cushy correspondent bank in New York, i.e. for American citizens/residents/ those with business interests in USA.

I am considering withdrawing all of my funds from BKK Bank and placing it in my backup account at SCB.

Why? I was reminded yesterday that because I come in and out of Thailand on a tourist visa (no residency in the Kingdom) I don't qualify for online or telephone banking. They will take my money and invest it. But they won't provide access to information about it (unlike my banks in Singapore, Hong Kong and Cambodia. I believe, but will verify soon, that SCB allows normal intelligence access to balance, transactions etc without growing roots in Siam).

Secondly, when I went in to update my client record (new passport) I was told I had to apply and get a new passbook (at Hang Seng in Hong Kong, when I asked them they said that as far as they were concerned it could go to the shredder--no practical purpose to being 20th century). I thought it odd that my identity is such a national security issue that I had to have a new passbook, but kept my mouth shut. When a junior clerk brought me a new passbook and I wrote my name in it, they reacted like I was a retarded fool. But, what broke this camel's back was not being willing or able to explain why this strange policy. In general, compared to SCB some but not all BKK bank employees seem to have an attitude problem. It amounts to -- 'we are doing you a favour talking to you and accepting your miniscule savings.

But what really pi"#%ed me off was them handing me a paper in Thai to sign. I told them that I don't sign documents I cannot read (SCB does not do this). So, they cancelled getting me a new passbook and snottily told me I had to do all non-ATM transactions now at head branch.

So, why keep one satang in their vaults?

[TommoPhysicist]

Thai business has Thai forms ........ learn Thai script.

But as to banking, I don't find BKB all that good either.

I want to take money out of any ATM in Thailand without any charges, ever.

So TMB is the best bank for me.

SCB is good if you with gf/spouse wants a home loan, as they are one of the easiest.

[stoneyboy]

The biggest benefit for me using BKK is that they have a London branch which you can transfer to prior to sending to Thailand,cutting costs.

[Naam]

except for the (once in a blue moon required) fast issue of a debit card within minutes conducting any business with Thai banks is more difficult than explaining quantum mechanics to your dog.

[TommoPhysicist]

except for the (once in a blue moon required) fast issue of a debit card within minutes conducting any business with Thai banks is more difficult than explaining quantum mechanics to your dog.

You telling me, my misses was after a home loan.

The woman at the bank in charge of processing didn't understand pensions, investment accounts, bonds, stocks or share trading.

This is a Thai woman with a degree who works in a bank ........ "can you point to me in your bank book where your monthly income was paid in".

[kennedy]

except for the (once in a blue moon required) fast issue of a debit card within minutes conducting any business with Thai banks is more difficult than explaining quantum mechanics to your dog.

I totally agree with you, but they smile alot.

[LawrenceChee]

Hahahah true which is why I enjoy my banking transactions when I have to do them ...just today I went to BBK to ask when my mutual fund will be completed and funds transferred to my savings account

Took them 25 mins and 2 tellers and 1 manager to resolve it but the teller smiled so sweetly so often ...my anger had to dissolve

For serious banking I stick to my international ones where I can have an intellectual conversation about my money

[Naam]

except for the (once in a blue moon required) fast issue of a debit card within minutes conducting any business with Thai banks is more difficult than explaining quantum mechanics to your dog.

You telling me, my misses was after a home loan.

The woman at the bank in charge of processing didn't understand pensions, investment accounts, bonds, stocks or share trading.

This is a Thai woman with a degree who works in a bank ........ "can you point to me in your bank book where your monthly income was paid in".

degree or no degree. she is a Thai "banker" who never experienced any "real" banking. that in the real world bankbooklets are since half a century only sentimental pieces of scrap paper would be very difficult to explain to her.

[dave_boo]

FWIW, Kasikorn Bank has been really friendly and helpful for the last 7 years. Absolutely no problem opening up an account on a VOA and even set up online banking right there and then. Don't know if we're supposed to mention specific branches, but this is at Samut Prakarn on the way to the Crocodile Farm from the Big C.

Have managed to screw up my pin code a couple of times and simply calling and answering some security questions was enough to get it reset; ditto with the online banking password (although they reset it to my last one and for some reason...after not being able to log in with that same password...I'm able to get back in).

The only issue I do have is that having a secondary password to handle your banking can be a bit of a nuisance. Case in point; wanted to add a payee on so I could make payment and went back and forth getting him added. Found out that using a OTP (one time password where they send you a pin to your phone of record) would have allowed it instantly. However, that does somebody little good if they are out of the country!

[iluvbeaches]

There must be or expats and tourists wouldn't keep any money there. I mean for soemnoe who doesn't need their cushy correspondent bank in New York, i.e. for American citizens/residents/ those with business interests in USA.

I am considering withdrawing all of my funds from BKK Bank and placing it in my backup account at SCB.

Why? I was reminded yesterday that because I come in and out of Thailand on a tourist visa (no residency in the Kingdom) I don't qualify for online or telephone banking. They will take my money and invest it. But they won't provide access to information about it (unlike my banks in Singapore, Hong Kong and Cambodia. I believe, but will verify soon, that SCB allows normal intelligence access to balance, transactions etc without growing roots in Siam).

Secondly, when I went in to update my client record (new passport) I was told I had to apply and get a new passbook (at Hang Seng in Hong Kong, when I asked them they said that as far as they were concerned it could go to the shredder--no practical purpose to being 20th century). I thought it odd that my identity is such a national security issue that I had to have a new passbook, but kept my mouth shut. When a junior clerk brought me a new passbook and I wrote my name in it, they reacted like I was a retarded fool. But, what broke this camel's back was not being willing or able to explain why this strange policy. In general, compared to SCB some but not all BKK bank employees seem to have an attitude problem. It amounts to -- 'we are doing you a favour talking to you and accepting your miniscule savings.

But what really pi"#%ed me off was them handing me a paper in Thai to sign. I told them that I don't sign documents I cannot read (SCB does not do this). So, they cancelled getting me a new passbook and snottily told me I had to do all non-ATM transactions now at head branch.

So, why keep one satang in their vaults?

I think it really depends on the person, situation and branch more than the bank. I've had similar situations with SCB and never a single problem with bkk bank.

I set all my accounts up while I was still working in Thailand (wp, visa) but now while I still have only tourist visas when I come in never a problem with that except at SCB. And the SCB online banking is horrible, slow connection from abroad and full of bugs.

Maybe try another few branches before you write them off? I found bkk bank branches much more professional and easier to get more serious things done (FET for incoming funds, etc).

[Pib]

I am considering withdrawing all of my funds from BKK Bank and placing it in my backup account at SCB.

Do yourself a favor and do not close your Bkk Bk account...at least leave it a minimum level. That way, since all Thai banks must follow the same Bank of Thailand regulations and Thailand laws....and service can vary greatly from bank branch to bank branch whether it's Bkk Bk, SCB, K-bank, etc., when you get PO'ed at SCB you'll have another bank to immediately transfer your money back to. And as far as I know, all banks all over the world hold your money for your use and also to make investments, loans, etc.

[IMA_FARANG]

Yes, as an American there is an advantage in transferring my Social Security pension funds through Bangkok Bank versus any other Thai bank.

This month the 3rd of March was a Sunday.

For international pensioners Social Security does its direct deposits on the 3rd of each month.

My pension was direct deposited to my U.S. bank that day, and processed through the Bangkok Bank in New York on the 4th of March, (Monday, was the first day my U.S. bank was open)

On the morning of the 5th of March it was in my bank account here in Thailand.

That is 24 hours for the funds transfer time for this month.

And that includes a 12 hour time difference to the U.S. east coast when my U.S. bank was closed.

That's why I use Bangkok Bank for my monthly pension funds.

From the time my pension is direct deposited to my U.S, bank account to the time I see it in my Bangkok Bank acount is always no more than 24 hours.

And, I keep saying this, but no one seems to listen .... there is NO CHARGE from Bangkok Bank here.

My U.S. bank however does charge a fee for the transfer, but Bangkok Bank charges no fee.

Of course, their interest rates are crap at Bangkok Bank.

I can;t do anything about that, however.

[davejones]

I've had a Bangkok Bank account for almost 3 years and have always had good service. Never had a problem, and everything sorted out ok.

To the OP - why do you expect a Thai bank to give you documents in English. Do you think American banks issue documents in Thai for their Thai customers. If you're in Thailand and want to be able to do things, then learn Thai. Your problem not theirs.

[raro]

I moved around Thailand a bit over the years and opened lots of bank accounts as well. My personal experience says that the branch matters much more than the bank behind it. UOB at the Eastern Seaboard is very professional, the branch in Ban Chang is useless.

The Pattaya branch in 2nd road very efficient, the guys in Nakluea soso...

Most of my every day banking I do with Bangkok Bank. Their Internet banking works well enough for me. Had that years ago with Kasikorn and it was much more complicated - having said that, they might have improved over the years.

When I tried to apply for Internet banking with SCB many years ago at their Pattaya main branch I was laughed at. Their Ban Chang branch was probably the best bank I ever had...

[Pib]

Yes, as an American there is an advantage in transferring my Social Security pension funds through Bangkok Bank versus any other Thai bank.

This month the 3rd of March was a Sunday.

For international pensioners Social Security does its direct deposits on the 3rd of each month.

My pension was direct deposited to my U.S. bank that day, and processed through the Bangkok Bank in New York on the 4th of March, (Monday, was the first day my U.S. bank was open)

On the morning of the 5th of March it was in my bank account here in Thailand.

That is 24 hours for the funds transfer time for this month.

And that includes a 12 hour time difference to the U.S. east coast when my U.S. bank was closed.

That's why I use Bangkok Bank for my monthly pension funds.

From the time my pension is direct deposited to my U.S, bank account to the time I see it in my Bangkok Bank acount is always no more than 24 hours.

And, I keep saying this, but no one seems to listen .... there is NO CHARGE from Bangkok Bank here.

My U.S. bank however does charge a fee for the transfer, but Bangkok Bank charges no fee.

Of course, their interest rates are crap at Bangkok Bank.

I can;t do anything about that, however.

Unless something has changed, around 4 years ago I had my military retirement pension going to a Bangkok Bank Direct Deposit account for a few months. As the ACH transfer flowed through their NY branch a fee was sliced off the pension and the standard currency conversion/receipt fee of 0.25% (200 baht min, 500 baht max) at the in-Thailand branch was also applied. The fact it was a U.S. govt pension and going to a Bangkok Bank direct deposit account didn't result in any waiver of the normal fees in this ACH transfer. Maybe things have changed...I can't find in reference on the Bangkok Bank website that there would be no fees if it a pension...can you provide a link?

Plus you seem to be saying the pension first goes to your U.S. bank and then it's sent to Bangkok Bank...I guess you have an automatic ACH transfer setup. Seems this would appear as just a normal funds transfer subject to all the Bangkok Bank NY and local Bangkok Bank fees.

Or maybe you are a transfer method where the Sending bank pays the Bangkok Bank fees...which means in a round about way you are still paying the Bangkok Bank fees. How much does your Sending bank charge you for the transfer?

[Bpuumike]

FWIW, Kasikorn Bank has been really friendly and helpful for the last 7 years. Absolutely no problem opening up an account on a VOA and even set up online banking right there and then. Don't know if we're supposed to mention specific branches, but this is at Samut Prakarn on the way to the Crocodile Farm from the Big C.

Have managed to screw up my pin code a couple of times and simply calling and answering some security questions was enough to get it reset; ditto with the online banking password (although they reset it to my last one and for some reason...after not being able to log in with that same password...I'm able to get back in).

The only issue I do have is that having a secondary password to handle your banking can be a bit of a nuisance. Case in point; wanted to add a payee on so I could make payment and went back and forth getting him added. Found out that using a OTP (one time password where they send you a pin to your phone of record) would have allowed it instantly. However, that does somebody little good if they are out of the country!

Works for me overseas if I open my Thai phone

[Huayrat]

The biggest benefit for me using BKK is that they have a London branch which you can transfer to prior to sending to Thailand,cutting costs.

Still cost me 25 GBP to do it that way

[Bpuumike]

There must be or expats and tourists wouldn't keep any money there. I mean for soemnoe who doesn't need their cushy correspondent bank in New York, i.e. for American citizens/residents/ those with business interests in USA.

I am considering withdrawing all of my funds from BKK Bank and placing it in my backup account at SCB.

Why? I was reminded yesterday that because I come in and out of Thailand on a tourist visa (no residency in the Kingdom) I don't qualify for online or telephone banking. They will take my money and invest it. But they won't provide access to information about it (unlike my banks in Singapore, Hong Kong and Cambodia. I believe, but will verify soon, that SCB allows normal intelligence access to balance, transactions etc without growing roots in Siam).

Secondly, when I went in to update my client record (new passport) I was told I had to apply and get a new passbook (at Hang Seng in Hong Kong, when I asked them they said that as far as they were concerned it could go to the shredder--no practical purpose to being 20th century). I thought it odd that my identity is such a national security issue that I had to have a new passbook, but kept my mouth shut. When a junior clerk brought me a new passbook and I wrote my name in it, they reacted like I was a retarded fool. But, what broke this camel's back was not being willing or able to explain why this strange policy. In general, compared to SCB some but not all BKK bank employees seem to have an attitude problem. It amounts to -- 'we are doing you a favour talking to you and accepting your miniscule savings.

But what really pi"#%ed me off was them handing me a paper in Thai to sign. I told them that I don't sign documents I cannot read (SCB does not do this). So, they cancelled getting me a new passbook and snottily told me I had to do all non-ATM transactions now at head branch.

So, why keep one satang in their vaults?

I think it really depends on the person, situation and branch more than the bank. I've had similar situations with SCB and never a single problem with bkk bank.

I set all my accounts up while I was still working in Thailand (wp, visa) but now while I still have only tourist visas when I come in never a problem with that except at SCB. And the SCB online banking is horrible, slow connection from abroad and full of bugs.

Maybe try another few branches before you write them off? I found bkk bank branches much more professional and easier to get more serious things done (FET for incoming funds, etc).

I use The Emporium, Sukhumvit branch and have only ever had excellent service.

[Bpuumike]

The biggest benefit for me using BKK is that they have a London branch which you can transfer to prior to sending to Thailand,cutting costs.

Still cost me 25 GBP to do it that way

Not worth it, just t/f direct from your UK bank to BBL

[chainarong]

Naam, summed up this subject pretty well, you can have problems with all Thai banks and Sh!!t they come up with some pretty weird decisions and they still haven't started the request from the IMF to upgrade four hundred concerns to international standards, mainly there ain't enough fast brains at the coal face.

[Pib]

Thailand does meet "world" banking standards; unfortunately, Thailand thinks the world begins and ends at its borders.

[lopburi3]

This is real world ACH transfer information current as of today for Bangkok Bank - there are always 2 charges by them (which varies by the amount transferred in a set range) and if you sign up for SMS notification it is clearly explained on that message.

$2,000 transfer to Bangkok Bank New York ($5 fee removed)

$1,995 transfer to Bangkok Bank Bangkok converted at 29.62

minus B200 conversion fee in Thailand = 58,891.90 into account here.

[monty]

Same as Raro said, it's not so much the bank but rather the branch.

They do have a flag on every Bkk bank account owned by a foreigner saying resident or tourist.

If you actually live here, and owns or rents a place, showing them the paperwork should see your status quickly to resident.

Be persistent all the way up to asking to talk to the manager.

As Naam said, most staff are not always the brightest bulbs, and it's virtually impossible to make them think "out of the box"...

That said, Bkk bank's internet banking is pretty good and straightforward, much better the what SCB has....

[yoshiwara]

I've had a Bangkok Bank account for almost 3 years and have always had good service. Never had a problem, and everything sorted out ok.

To the OP - why do you expect a Thai bank to give you documents in English. Do you think American banks issue documents in Thai for their Thai customers. If you're in Thailand and want to be able to do things, then learn Thai. Your problem not theirs.

False argument.

[PattayaPhom]

SCB Easynet all the way......online banking at its best!!!...and they do have English speaking operators if you are inclined to call the call centre. Most first transactions require OTP so bear this in mind if you stay outside Thailand for long periods...although 12call sims accept sms abroad so isnt much of a problem.

[nevets]

Bangkok bank have always gone the extra mile for me no problems since 2002.

[iluvbeaches]

SCB Easynet all the way......online banking at its best!!!...and they do have English speaking operators if you are inclined to call the call centre. Most first transactions require OTP so bear this in mind if you stay outside Thailand for long periods...although 12call sims accept sms abroad so isnt much of a problem.

A major bug when I try to click send to another SCB customer under transfers is that it logs me off and says you have timed out or something similar.

I also cannot add new payees to the directory only temporary ones with the little button to the right. Tried in three browsers. Also the site slows to a crawl from outside thailand. Peculiar.

Personally I think SCB easy net is the worst of the three banks I've used (bkk bank, k bank and SCB) and they don't offer online banking for business for free.