Krungsri ATM costs 900+ THB for one withdrawal

[aboctok]

I am glad that reading the nasty and superior-than-thou comments and attitudes on other thaivisa messages did prepare me for the same regarding my ATM question.

My remaining questions are.....

-Why does my BoA account statement clearly state that both the $5 fee and the other larger fee were both paid to Krungsri Bank. All the other entries on my statement clearly state to whom I had paid out to and who was sending money into the account. If this statement means to say that the larger fee was collected by BoA, then why does the statement report payment to Krungsri? Is this fraudulent on part of BoA or what?

-Why is there not a true fee alert on screen when using the Krungsri ATMs?

-Why, using the same bank card, do I not encounter a high fee when using ATMs of Bangkok Bank and Siam Com. Bank ???

-And, why is it necessary for thaivisa typists to adopt such an unpleasant attitude in their responses? I thought living in Thailand was supposed to reduce sadistic tendencies in people, yes or no?

Regardless of the error here, I departed the Krungsri branch office with thanks to all there and enjoyed smiles around. I wish that company no ill will and am insulted for anyone to type otherwise, but then thaivisa typists are well known for their sadistic attitudes.

I never thought the day would come when I'd be defending the TV critics, but you must be joking. Sadistic, superior and unpleasant? I thought the TV "typists" (they're typists??) were astoundingly gentle with you. Suddenly now, you describe your departure from the Krungsri office in glowing terms! In your original post, you certainly didn't. Given what you actually said, how can you complain about the reaction?

You are insulted if anyone dares to "type" that you feel negative towards Krungsri? That's totally absurd, man! Your original post was succinct and clear, regarding your feelings about Krungsri, and the circumstances under which you chose to "depart:"

I explained that I would have no future contact with Krungsri Bank and I departed the poorer.

Where exactly is the unpleasant attitude in the TV typists responses? On balance, they've been as helpful as could be expected! The advice we've seen so far—provided free—has certainly refreshed my awareness of this issue; I hope I can avoid losses due to complacency, as I manage future transfers. But I'm perplexed that you can complain about how you've been treated, after your original post. Lucky for me I don't work in any bank or other retail outlet that you grace with your presence.

[Cheap Backpacker]

The OP probably doesn't even have an account with the Krungsri bank. Just uses their ATM machine with his BOA debit/credit/ATM card.

I praise the Krungsri bank for even getting an English speaking staff and wasting time and phonecalls charges on this idiot OP.

He probably thought he would get the money back from Krungsri.

When back in the USA try to get it back from BOA, they will laugh you away also when you tell them no more business with you.

Can not agree more with your post.

Best was telling them i'll take my business elsewhere when he doesn't even have an account with them.

Edited December 25, 2014 by Cheap Backpacker

[4evermaat]

..... I remember how the BoA wording of the charge did its best to imply the charge came from Visa and/or the Thai bank. Kinda similar to how U.S. telecommunications bills use to give certain fee names that implied they were being directly charged by the federal govt when in fact it was fees charged by the telecommunications companies to cover some of their expenses they felt were driven by compliance with federal regulations/laws. It's always a good thing if you can fool your customer into thinking someone else is charging the fee.

...

Correct on all accounts. Retail BoA accounts are terrible for overseas transactions $5 + 3% of transaction amount. This does NOT include any additional fees charged by the overseas ATM.

Military BoA accts were much better. 1% of the total withdraw amount, again excluding any fees levied by atm vendor.

Now that military BoA has merged with retail/regular BoA, there are 0% fees on overseas transactions and fee reductions all over the place (no wire fees, so i was told....never tested) Plus you get all the entitlements of a BoA acct, mainly being able to receive deposits from BoA branches, etc.

The banking system is a necessary evil. But it is not the fault of the thai bank in this case. And wording the fee language to cause confusion is just slick lawyer trying to justify their conmissions.

[Pib]

I use to have a Military BOA account a half dozen or so years ago, but as mentioned Military BOA was basically merged into the regular BOA instead of being a totally separate business unit. I remember I would get notices that on X-date I would be transferred over to the regular BOA ibanking. I can't remember exactly how the switch over went as to whether I needed to establish a regular BOA account separately or it just occurred, but I think I went ahead and established a separate BOA account before being merged from Military BOA to the regular BOA. I was glad I switched to a regular BOA account as the Military BOA ibanking was bare bones compared the regular BOA ibanking....it was night and day....the capability for funds transfers and ACH fees were lower.

I expect now Military BOA customers see the same ibanking and probably the same fees as the regular BOA but maybe offered some military focused products like credit/debit cards with military images. I just went to the Military BOA website and in most cases when clicking page sublinks a person was just directed to the regular BOA website. Downloaded one fee schedule and it looked "fee-hungry" and was just titled BOA, not Military BOA.

[Pib]

Who is the Bank of America?

Fine sounding name for a organisation capable of such alleged "rip offs"

BOA has its fair share of complaints. For example this 30 Jul 14 article shows the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Board received more complaints against BOA for 2012-2014 than any other bank. I expect most of those complaints are fees and mortgage related. Wells Fargo was #2. Of course BOA is one of the largest U.S. banks (maybe the largest) and the more customers you have then the likelihood of more complaints is probable based on sheer customer numbers.

.

[Pib]

And even though the banks on above list received a lot of complaints I expect most of the complainants did not switch banks later on as most people feel it's just too hard to change banks--but really it's not...just takes a little effort and planning. Probably the easiest way to open an account with another bank and then slowly switch over to that bank as your primary bank and then close the other account....Or, just keep the old account also fees permitting. Many times it's hard to find "one" bank that provides all your needs, wants, and best deals...a person may need to have accounts with several banks to get the best basket of products, services, and lowest fees.

Here's a couple of US and UK links to news stories as to why most people don't change banks. Link 1. Link 2.

[misterphil]

"I explained that I would have no future contact with Krungsri Bank..."

Doubtless Krungsri were devastated beyond words.

Yeah I bet the "only" English speaking teller soon spread the word to her colleagues, that the crazy farang will never be back in their bank.

Apparently they all had a sleepless night over it.

[alex8912]

Ia read the OP's first statement and if you don't go back there and say you are sorry then you are a huge loser. They should sometimes allow swearing on here. Your second comment sounds like you are bi polar.

[Jiu-Jitsu]

Easy now... don't take it too far. The OP is as much a victim here and the Krungsri bank staff.

He clearly had no idea that he was being ripped into like this, from either side. He's probably in shock.

Allow him to digest the information.

[Cheap Backpacker]

I think most people, even on this forum, dont notice the fees. Really, they probably dont care.

There are only a few banks who dont charge fees in the USA. TD Bank, capital one, and now I hear schwab.

I remember HSBC used to not charge fees for atm foreign transactions then all of a sudden they did some years back and that is why I opened an capital one and TD bank account, still keeping my HSBC account as my main bank account.

This trip I decided to bring crisp 100 dollar bills to even avoid the 150 baht atm fee as exchange rate for cash is almost exact traded rate.

I wonder if cash rate at superrich is even better than what capital one would give me.

Edited December 26, 2014 by Cheap Backpacker

[bangmai]

With Capitalone360 debit, I can go to Canadia Bank in Cambodia and withdraw 50 usd, and that is precisely how much is taken out, and given to me in USD. But, it is also good to walk around with some Riel, and the difference adds up to about a can of beer per 20 usd spent.

But back to the original topic: B of A sucks and carries quite a lot of responsibility for the GFC, as they basically launched the biggest assault on the middle class since Stalin. In other news: Ice is wet.

[4evermaat]

I use to have a Military BOA account a half dozen or so years ago, but as mentioned Military BOA was basically merged into the regular BOA instead of being a totally separate business unit. I remember I would get notices that on X-date I would be transferred over to the regular BOA ibanking. I can't remember exactly how the switch over went as to whether I needed to establish a regular BOA account separately or it just occurred, but I think I went ahead and established a separate BOA account before being merged from Military BOA to the regular BOA. I was glad I switched to a regular BOA account as the Military BOA ibanking was bare bones compared the regular BOA ibanking....it was night and day....the capability for funds transfers and ACH fees were lower.

I expect now Military BOA customers see the same ibanking and probably the same fees as the regular BOA but maybe offered some military focused products like credit/debit cards with military images. I just went to the Military BOA website and in most cases when clicking page sublinks a person was just directed to the regular BOA website. Downloaded one fee schedule and it looked "fee-hungry" and was just titled BOA, not Military BOA.

Your military BoA acct was migrated if it was still open (needed at least $0.01 on balance to keep it open) You keep the same acct #; they added 0's in front to make it 12 digits. Regular BoA had a superior online banking setup. But when it was merged, they give you the adv tier checking acct, but no min balance, no foreign transaction fees, and free/reduced fees on lots of services. I havent tested the ZERO wire transfer fee. I tried to get a master list of fees as there was supposed to be some internal chart showing the converted accts and what you gained/lost with the merger. Unfortunately, i never was able to obtain that document.

And the debit cards for military used to only have 2-year expiration dates. Now they have 4-year expiration dates, and include the chip/pin feature on top of the magnetic swipe.

Edited December 26, 2014 by 4evermaat

[Thaiready]

<p>

BOA sux. ......I dumped them years ago......Wells Fargo is my choice.

Wells Fargo debit card fee for foreign transactions is a $5 flat fee...or if making a purchase 3%. And if by chance you want to avoid the Thai bank Bt180 fee by doing a counter withdrawal, well, you will indeed avoid that Thai bank fee, however, but, Wells Fargo will be charging you a 3%. fee. See below cut and paste from the Wells Fargo website.

Maybe you did somewhat better in dumping BoA for Wells Fargo, but I think I would practice my dumping some more and switch to a bank that does not charge any foreign transaction fees, flat fee or percentage fee, like Schwab or others.

https://www.wellsfargo.com/help/faqs/debit-card/

• Wells Fargo will assess a $5 fee for ATM cash withdrawals made outside the United States and an International Purchase Transaction fee which is 3% of the transaction amount for each purchase made with your debit card in a foreign currency that has been converted into a U.S. dollar amount by a network.

  If you have any difficulty using a foreign ATM, use your debit card to get an over-the-counter cash disbursement at a local financial institution. (Wells Fargo charges a fee which is 3% of the transaction amount for international over-the-counter cash disbursements.) View our quick tips for using your card outside the United States.

You have to have "Real" money in Wells Fargo Bank not Chunk Change to get the savings.

[puck2]

Dear Pib, I admire your patience.

You exactly explained OP's problem - #3. You received an answer from the OP - #5

I am glad that reading the nasty and superior-than-thou comments and attitudes on other thaivisa messages did prepare me for the same regarding my ATM question.

My remaining questions are.....

as a thank you (ironic).

Later on you offered to "post a snapshot of your BoA statement blacking out anything you think is sensitive".

I guess your intention was to see the details or the reason why. But .... no answer ! But you didn't stop explaining (for those not in the know). Great.

BTW, in another threat somebody assumed that I would be a "commie". May I confirm it ??? (cookie doesn't work)

This extrem (cartell) fees (#28) are a typical "rip-off" (#28) of greedy "capitalistic" companies/banks.

Maybe, a lot of people don't know. In a nutshell, card networks - like VISA and MASTERCARD, for example - planed to rise their fees in Europe. At the same time the European Union interfered. Mastercard and Visa have been forced to cap their (interbanking) fees in Europe for cross-border money "transfers". Otherwise they would have been fined for violating European cartell right.

But hold in mind, Visa and Mastercard are card networks, banks in general their card issuers (different fees).

Although whinging a lot, just to now the card companies didn't become bankrupt.

[Tony125]

I might suggest you switch banks in the states to citibank I use citibank on Asok and only fee I pay is exchange fee of less than 3.00 USD. And can withdraw up to 1000.00 USD or if I might need more a simple toll free call to states and up the limit one time to amount needed. Just saying.

Oh almost forgot this is the same at any Citibank worldwide. Saving those useless fees adds up quick.

Those above statements are not totally true. If you have opened accounts in USA and travel overseas you will be charged a Foreign Transaction Fee of 3 % unless its a Gold Account or if you open a Gold Account at the Asok Citi Bank with 100,000 baht you can link your accounts in USA and then will not be charged the FTF. If you don't believe me call CitiBank in USA and ask them with the free calls they give you at Asok or CentralWorld Citi Bank.(4th Floor)

I talked to Citi USA and they said that is a US policy but Citi cards issued in say Australia or Singapore would not incur a charge in Thailand.

[Pib]

I might suggest you switch banks in the states to citibank I use citibank on Asok and only fee I pay is exchange fee of less than 3.00 USD. And can withdraw up to 1000.00 USD or if I might need more a simple toll free call to states and up the limit one time to amount needed. Just saying.

Oh almost forgot this is the same at any Citibank worldwide. Saving those useless fees adds up quick.

Those above statements are not totally true. If you have opened accounts in USA and travel overseas you will be charged a Foreign Transaction Fee of 3 % unless its a Gold Account or if you open a Gold Account at the Asok Citi Bank with 100,000 baht you can link your accounts in USA and then will not be charged the FTF. If you don't believe me call CitiBank in USA and ask them with the free calls they give you at Asok or CentralWorld Citi Bank.(4th Floor)

I talked to Citi USA and they said that is a US policy but Citi cards issued in say Australia or Singapore would not incur a charge in Thailand.

Yeap, from the Citibank website:

Transactions Made Outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico

ATM Cash and POS Transactions Outside the U.S: Transaction

Charge. Whenever you use your Citibank® Banking Card outside

of the U.S. and Puerto Rico to get cash at an ATM or to purchase

goods or services, we will apply a foreign exchange fee equal to 3%

of the transaction amount (including credits and reversals). This

fee is waived for Citigold, Citi Private Bank, International Personal

Banking, Citigold® International, Citigold® Private Client and Global

Executive Banking customers. Please refer to “Other Fees and

Charges for All Accounts” in the Marketplace Addendum.

[kkup]

I'm curious, when here for business, how do i claim the tax the 180 baht atm fee (as a bank charge) when it isn't showed on my bank statement as a fee?

[blackcab]

I'm curious, when here for business, how do i claim the tax the 180 baht atm fee (as a bank charge) when it isn't showed on my bank statement as a fee?

What is it shown as?

[Langsuan Man]

I'm curious, when here for business, how do i claim the tax the 180 baht atm fee (as a bank charge) when it isn't showed on my bank statement as a fee?

It's a fee, not a tax, so what makes you think that anyone but the originating bank is going to re-imburse "your claim of tax"

[Pib]

I'm curious, when here for business, how do i claim the tax the 180 baht atm fee (as a bank charge) when it isn't showed on my bank statement as a fee?

It's a fee, not a tax, so what makes you think that anyone but the originating bank is going to re-imburse "your claim of tax"

Yeap, just like the local ATM use fees commonly charged by ATMs all over the world in various amounts when your card is not part of the card-issuing bank's network of ATMs. Heck, I hear that in some Las Vegas casinos they charge $12 (approx Bt420) ATM use fees...not sure a person would want to try to deduct that ATM fee as a business expense/reimbursement.

[kkup]

I presumed you could, just like you can claim on bank fees and charges in Australia (for running your own business).. Maybe I'm wrong for overseas, have to double check.

[perdido]

...tempting God.....in a Godless land..... or what....

...you could have made 1 withdrawal....

...you made 3......so of course you were charged 3 times.......duhhh........

.....nicely put...