Bangkok Bank deposit acc't for US Soc Sec payments

[tutsiwarrior]

I need to arrange a deposit account at the Bangkok Bank in Thailand for purposes of having the US Social Security folks ACH transfer my monthly check to the Bangkok Bank in New York to retrieve funds at home in Thailand. This item has been discussed before in various threads and there is a very helpful BKK Bank webpage for this purpose.

As I don't live near a large branch of Bangkok Bank I want to open the account in BKK where they will know what I am talking about...preferably when passing thru in a few months time somewhere in the upper Sukhumvit area. Anybody have experience opening a similar account at a branch nearby? If so please advise the location.

Thanx

also...any info regarding the ID and other documentation required to open the account at the indicated branch is greatly appreciated.

As I will still be working when the SS checks start coming and won't be able to withdraw the funds in person every month as required anyone know for how long the checks are allowed to accumulate in the account before there is a problem? I should be home every 3 months or so to do the necessary...

cheers...

[lopburi3]

Bangkok Bank main office would likely be the best place to set up - for sure they will know what is required and do it right. Believe there web site lists what is required - as they are responsible for that web site expect they will abide by it.

Account should not have any issues with you not taking money out for periods of time.

You are sure you want direct deposit? Many of us find sending money to a US account with internet access a better option - no requirement to visit banks to obtain money and you have funds in US for expenses there or in other countries. You can use ACH to send from that US bank to any Bangkok Bank account here as needed - and many banks can do this ACH free of charge.

[tutsiwarrior]

hi, lop...naw, I ain't got a US address so no local account is possible...this Bangkok Bank set up looks to be the best arrangement...where abouts is the main office?...I was wantin' folks to comment so's maybe they can advise regarding the best branch to use for this purpose as well...the counter staff that are familiar with the service and etc, with no weird requests for US birth certificates and etc...

[lopburi3]

Should not be any problem if using head office - or most large branch office - but outside of Bangkok or in smaller places that do not do the 'no can do' is often used to avoid asking others.

As for US address that is not always required - I just used my Thai address with USAA to open an account from here. But if you have no need for $ payments probably just as well to do the direct transfer.

Head Office. Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited 333 Silom Road, Bangkok 10500

[rjbangkok]

i opened my BANGKOK BANK account at EMPORIUM BRANCH...they also have the TRADING ROOM upstairs if you wish to trade....great service at that branch without throngs of people if you go early.

Edited April 5, 2016 by rjbangkok

[Fookhaht]

You can open an account to receive your Social Security at any small or large Bangkok Bank branch. I recently opened such an account at a very small branch in central Isaan that just opened near my workplace.

Here are the instructions I followed just two months ago and it worked out just fine.

"When you contact Bangkok Bank, refer to this as “Direct Deposit,” not ACH.

"At your local branch, call the Direct Deposit Department of the head office:

Kuhn Suporn

or

Kuhn Supatra

@ 02 230 1323

"Request an account (non ATM/non internet; must withdraw in person) for direct deposit.

"Then give the phone to the local branch for them to be instructed how to get the forms and set up the account."

Edited April 5, 2016 by Fookhaht

[Pib]

Go to the main Bangkok Bank branch on the 1st floor of the HQ Bangkok Bank building on Silom Road in Bangkok....ie, the address given by lopburi3 above. They deal with a ton of farangs. Although I live in western Bangkok I opened several accounts there to include a Direct Deposit account for my military retirement pension around 7 years ago when I did have the pension go directly to that account for a few months. At that time I was till trying to figure out the best way to get money to Thailand to live on....direct deposit of pension, periodic bank transfers, debit card use, etc. But after a few months I stopped the pension going to the direct deposit account and had it go back to my U.S. bank account because I started using some no foreign transaction fee debit cards which also reimbursed ATM fees to get my day-to-day living money...continues to work well although I now also use counterwithdrawals/cash advances to avoid the bank getting an ATM fee. Since this branch is also in the HQ Bangkok Bank building you can get anything accomplished there between this BIG branch and the headquarters functions.

And actually I had my military pension going to a regular Bangkok Bank savings account for a few months before Bangkok Bank spotted it was a U.S. govt payment and sent me a letter saying I needed to open a Direct Deposit account with them or they would send the payment back to the sender...in fact they had the latest monthly payment on hold pending me opening the Direct Deposit account. I went in and opened the account...they released the payment into the account....That night I called the routing number and account number info into my military pension payment agency...piece of cake...or Bangkok Bank will mail in the forms for you to the Social Security Agency, whatever U.S. govt agency making the pension payment.

Still have the Direct Deposit account today although it don't receive any pension payments anymore...I just keep the account balance at or above Bt2,000 and/or do a transfer in/withdrawal once every 12 months to show user activity to avoid a Bt50/month maintenance fee. Never know when I might have a need for the account again the way the world changes. As long as you keep at least Bt2,000 in the account "and/or" do a user transfer/withdrawal/deposit once every 12 months the account will stay fully active...no monthly maintenance fee---actually this also applies to a Bangkok Bank regular savings and most any Thai bank regular savings account. You can keep the account balance below Bt2,000 without any fee...without them sending you letter to see if you still exist by just doing at least one "user initiated" transfer in or out during a 12 month period....a periodic interest payment does not qualify since that's bank initiated.

But as you know "you" have to personally go to a Bangkok Bank to withdraw any money from a Direct Deposit account...it can not be a joint account...only in your name....you must prove you are still breathing by going to a branch. You can not have an ATM card associated with the account, but you can see the account on your Bangkok Bank ibanking and can do electronic transfers into it....you cannot do ibanking transfers out of it...you must personally go to a branch to do that.

And keep in mind you do not have/get an account with the NY York branch...your account is with an in-Thailand Bangkok Bank branch...you will just be using the NY branch routing number.

Every time I have opened an account with the branch they just needed to see my passport and asked if I had a long term visa (I do...a yearly retirement extension of stay) or work permit. With no local address or long term via or work permit they may ask you to get a certificate of residence from the U.S. Embassy which costs $50...you'll need to make an appt with the embassy in Bangkok to get this one page form letter...you can make the appt online. To be safe, take along your Social Security card or copy of it as some posts I read some branches have asked for that since some people have apparently been giving incorrect social security number in trying to get around FATCA reporting. They will have you read and complete an easy FATCA related Bangkok Bank form which is basically asking you to confirm or deny you are a U.S. citizen,and if a U.S. citizen you'll complete an IRS W-9 form where you enter you address, social security number and sign it....I'm sure you have completed a few over your lifetime while in the U.S. Easy stuff....no drama. Good luck.

[craigt3365]

hi, lop...naw, I ain't got a US address so no local account is possible...this Bangkok Bank set up looks to be the best arrangement...where abouts is the main office?...I was wantin' folks to comment so's maybe they can advise regarding the best branch to use for this purpose as well...the counter staff that are familiar with the service and etc, with no weird requests for US birth certificates and etc...

I just opened an account with Schwab. No US address. Their credit card is great. No international fees and no ATM fees. Pretty good online access.

[Thailand J]

Bangkok Bank main office would likely be the best place to set up - for sure they will know what is required and do it right. Believe there web site lists what is required - as they are responsible for that web site expect they will abide by it.

Account should not have any issues with you not taking money out for periods of time.

You are sure you want direct deposit? Many of us find sending money to a US account with internet access a better option - no requirement to visit banks to obtain money and you have funds in US for expenses there or in other countries. You can use ACH to send from that US bank to any Bangkok Bank account here as needed - and many banks can do this ACH free of charge.

I would avoid "direct deposit" , Schwab account comes with a US bank account : Bny Mellon Bank with a routing number also good for IRS refund.

[CaptHaddock]

hi, lop...naw, I ain't got a US address so no local account is possible...this Bangkok Bank set up looks to be the best arrangement...where abouts is the main office?...I was wantin' folks to comment so's maybe they can advise regarding the best branch to use for this purpose as well...the counter staff that are familiar with the service and etc, with no weird requests for US birth certificates and etc...

I just opened an account with Schwab. No US address. Their credit card is great. No international fees and no ATM fees. Pretty good online access.

How did you manage that? Is it a Schwab US or International account? Or is it just a credit card?

[craigt3365]

Schwab international account. Credit card, ATM card, brokerage account. Relatively easy to setup with my Thai address. I've only got a PO box back in the US. Schwab wouldn't accept that, and had the IP address from my original email contact, Thailand.

[tutsiwarrior]

Thanks for all the great advice. One thing I was worried about was any requirement for proof of address like a US embassy affidavit...I have a retirement extension so apparently not required so OK. I've also got a 5 year driving license with my address on the back, for what it's worth...

what I don't have is a US Social Security card...I have correspondence from the US Treasury Dept showing my Taxpayer ID number which is the same thing...I suppose I could apply for a duplicate from the US SS folks...

has anyone actually had to show their SS card when opening a Bangkok Bank direct deposit account?

Edited April 6, 2016 by tutsiwarrior

[Pib]

Thanks for all the great advice. One thing I was worried about was any requirement for proof of address like a US embassy affidavit...I have a retirement extension so apparently not required so OK. I've also got a 5 year driving license with my address on the back, for what it's worth...

what I don't have is a US Social Security card...I have correspondence from the US Treasury Dept showing my Taxpayer ID number which is the same thing...I suppose I could apply for a duplicate from the US SS folks...

has anyone actually had to show their SS card when opening a Bangkok Bank direct deposit account?

Some ThaiVisa posts showed "some" branches still want a residency certificate even if you had a long term visa/extension of stay---some branches are just that way. And it's the same for the social security number, "some" branches may ask to see proof it not a bogus social security number. Just take along something official that has you social security number on it "if the branch" asks for proof. Believe it or not both the wife and I have our original social security cards printed on sheep's skin.

You can search through ThaiVisa posts and eventually find some posts indicating they were asked for a copy of their social security card, but it's not many posts. But it's not uncommon to be asked for a residency certificate...seems I've been seeing more and more posts like that over the last year but many times it's unclear what length of visa the person had. Heck there are even posts where some branches, usually out in the sticks, just will not deal with a farang unless you have a work permit....they don't care if you have an long stay visa and been living in Thailand for many years with a Thai wife. Some branches can just be a pain...not expat friendly...that's one reason you will see so many different stories of bank account opening rejection by some ThaiVisa posters.

Now the last time I opened an account at the Bangkok Bank branch in the HQ Bangkok Bank building (a little over a year ago) they asked if I had a work permit...I said no...I have an retirement extension of stay...that made them happy. They still asked the work permit question even though I already had several accounts with them...each new account opening is treated almost like you are a newbie to the bank.

Less than month ago when the wife and I were leaving the U.S. Embassy after submitting passports renewal paperwork there was a gentleman outside taking on the entrance door phone explaining to embassy personnel he needed to get a "piece of paper" from the embassy saying he had residence in Thailand in order to open a Bangkok Bank account...I couldn't help but over hear...told him it's called Residency Certificate while he was talking...he then started speaking that on the phone with the embassy rep...when he ended the call he was pissed because he was told to make an online appt. So don't forget to make an online appt if the bank branch does require a residency certificate....you just can't show up at the embassy without an appt to get one. By the way that residency certificate costs $50. I didn't ask the guy which Bangkok Bank branch he had dealt with nor type of visa he had. You can also get a residency certificate from your servicing Thai immigration office but it usually takes a week or two to get it but only costs a few hundred baht...depends on the office.

Good luck....there is no standard story in Thai bank account openings...some of happy stories in one short chapter....other stories go on for several chapters in describing the obstacles open come/dragons requiring slaying to open the account...and some just end with an unhappy ending (rejection). Just search ThaiVisa and you'll see what I mean. Hopefully you will have no problem since you have a retirement extension of stay...at worst they may ask for a residency certificate.

[tutsiwarrior]

^^yeah, pib...my purpose in starting this thread is to find specific info for starting a direct deposit account at Bangkok Bank so that I will have a facility for direct deposit of US Social Security checks and not otherwise having a US bank account and I'll apply for retirement benefits this Summer...I want to avoid the possibility that my local branch in small town Suphanburi would not know what I was talkin' about and having to return to BKK, get a hotel and etc...

when I got business in BKK when I'm away working I usually make all the arrangements (ACS appointments, hotel, etc) before I travel home on leave and then when I arrive 'bam, bam, bam and thank you ma'am' and then I'm happily away home with another inconvenient job well done...wanna do the same with this bank account...

thanks to your replies and others looks like I got enough info to start the ball rollin'...

[Pib]

More info at this Bangkok Bank weblink regarding Account Opening for Foreigners (not to imply every Bangkok Bank strictly follows their own guidance).

http://www.bangkokbank.com/BangkokBank/WebServices/WebForms/Pages/Default.aspx

[Fookhaht]

Thanks for all the great advice. One thing I was worried about was any requirement for proof of address like a US embassy affidavit...I have a retirement extension so apparently not required so OK. I've also got a 5 year driving license with my address on the back, for what it's worth...

what I don't have is a US Social Security card...I have correspondence from the US Treasury Dept showing my Taxpayer ID number which is the same thing...I suppose I could apply for a duplicate from the US SS folks...

has anyone actually had to show their SS card when opening a Bangkok Bank direct deposit account?

Yes, I did have to show my SS card, and they made a copy of it for their documentation. Maybe you could print out your Taxpayer ID from an online document (tax return, tax software, etc.) that looks somewhat "official," and hope they would accept that. Good luck.

[lopburi3]

The normal procedure is to just set up account and do the paperwork with SS in Manila AFAIK. No reason BBL would need an SS card in that case (this account is not specific to SS - other government payments may require such an account).

Edited April 8, 2016 by lopburi3

[Pib]

It's just I read several ThaiVisa posts since FATCA went into effect 1 Jul 14 that some Thai banks have asked U.S. citizens for a copy of their Social Security card when opening an account/filing out the FATCA questionnaire and W-9. Didn't matter what kind of account it was....Direct Deposit, regular savings account, fixed savings account, etc.

But since I've only read a few posts saying they wanted a copy of the SS card, like Fookhaht's above, I can only assume "some" branches do this and they probably just want to ensure they are getting the individual's correct SS number for FATCA reporting purposes and maybe for documentation mail-in purposes if you want Bangkok Bank to mail the account info to your pension paying agency. They offered to do that for me when setting up my Direct Deposit account years ago for my military retirement pension....I said they don't need to mail it in (figured it would take weeks/a month to arrive) as I will just call in the account info which I did that night.

And regarding the need to use Manila to start your social security or submit bank account info, you can apply directly to the Manila office or do it all online just like an applicant living in the States. The Manila website even says you can apply online. And I confirmed that with Manila just less than a month ago. Manila just said if the Social Security Agency happens to ask for a copy of anything (i.e., additional documentation) after the application is submitted online the documentation should be mailed to their Manila office instead as it would be faster than mailing it to Baltimore. Seems just submitting online versus making a trek to the U.S. Embassy Bangkok to submit a social security application is the way to go. Partial quote of Manila's mid March 16 email reply to me follows where I asked with me living in Thailand do I need to submit my application to their office and can I do an online application like everyone else as I'm seriously thinking about starting my social security pension in the near term:

Thank you for your email. You have an option to apply online at www.ssa.gov. Once completed and evaluated, we shall determine if you need to submit some documents. If you do, our office in Manila shall contact you as you will be required to submit them through our office. If you receive an advise online to send your documents to Baltimore, please it would take longer for your application to be approved.

[CaptHaddock]

It's just I read several ThaiVisa posts since FATCA went into effect 1 Jul 14 that some Thai banks have asked U.S. citizens for a copy of their Social Security card when opening an account/filing out the FATCA questionnaire and W-9. Didn't matter what kind of account it was....Direct Deposit, regular savings account, fixed savings account, etc.

But since I've only read a few posts saying they wanted a copy of the SS card, like Fookhaht's above, I can only assume "some" branches do this and they probably just want to ensure they are getting the individual's correct SS number for FATCA reporting purposes and maybe for documentation mail-in purposes if you want Bangkok Bank to mail the account info to your pension paying agency. They offered to do that for me when setting up my Direct Deposit account years ago for my military retirement pension....I said they don't need to mail it in (figured it would take weeks/a month to arrive) as I will just call in the account info which I did that night.

And regarding the need to use Manila to start your social security or submit bank account info, you can apply directly to the Manila office or do it all online just like an applicant living in the States. The Manila website even says you can apply online. And I confirmed that with Manila just less than a month ago. Manila just said if the Social Security Agency happens to ask for a copy of anything (i.e., additional documentation) after the application is submitted online the documentation should be mailed to their Manila office instead as it would be faster than mailing it to Baltimore. Seems just submitting online versus making a trek to the U.S. Embassy Bangkok to submit a social security application is the way to go. Partial quote of Manila's mid March 16 email reply to me follows where I asked with me living in Thailand do I need to submit my application to their office and can I do an online application like everyone else as I'm seriously thinking about starting my social security pension in the near term:

Thank you for your email. You have an option to apply online at www.ssa.gov. Once completed and evaluated, we shall determine if you need to submit some documents. If you do, our office in Manila shall contact you as you will be required to submit them through our office. If you receive an advise online to send your documents to Baltimore, please it would take longer for your application to be approved.

Good info.

[KonaRain]

Send for a Social anyway.

I had to get a SS 'letter to get my passport.. it proves the number to drivers license bureau, which is okay for passport application. I don't think tax ID will work and would send for the card anyway.

Aloha

[carken]

Should not be any problem if using head office - or most large branch office - but outside of Bangkok or in smaller places that do not do the 'no can do' is often used to avoid asking others.

As for US address that is not always required - I just used my Thai address with USAA to open an account from here. But if you have no need for $ payments probably just as well to do the direct transfer.

Head Office. Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited 333 Silom Road, Bangkok 10500

I've also been using USAA Bank for several years now. I use debit card to withdraw funds monthly since USAA refunds the ATM fees (up to $15 max) ... Heve U found a better way (ACH maybe?) to receive funds from bank?

[craigt3365]

Should not be any problem if using head office - or most large branch office - but outside of Bangkok or in smaller places that do not do the 'no can do' is often used to avoid asking others.

As for US address that is not always required - I just used my Thai address with USAA to open an account from here. But if you have no need for $ payments probably just as well to do the direct transfer.

Head Office. Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited 333 Silom Road, Bangkok 10500

I've also been using USAA Bank for several years now. I use debit card to withdraw funds monthly since USAA refunds the ATM fees (up to $15 max) ... Heve U found a better way (ACH maybe?) to receive funds from bank?

Setup a transfer to Bangkok Bank via their New York City "branch". Relatively cheap way to bring money over.

Don't forget, USAA charges some 1% for each transaction. Foreign transaction fee. So if you bring over $20k/year, you're paying $200.

[lopburi3]

Have not used ATM card for many years and most recent communications from USAA indicates they will no longer refund overseas fees.

I have been using Bangkok Bank ACH transfers as needed - no charge from USAA (set up as one way/non owner of foreign account as I recall) and then just $5 or less BBL NY charge for 2K or less or $10 if above and the 200-500 fee in baht when exchange done (.25%). Find it takes about 2 workdays but you get at full TT exchange rate and have not had any issues.

So you need a Bangkok Bank account here in Thailand and then use the ACH routing for there New York branch as outlined on there website. Do not believe USAA required the test transfers but you can find out deposit by calling BBL or better have SMS alerts to your phone (which will provide complete details of all foreign deposits without charge).

[JimGant]

I've also been using USAA Bank for several years now. I use debit card to withdraw funds monthly since USAA refunds the ATM fees (up to $15 max) ... Heve U found a better way (ACH maybe?) to receive funds from bank?

As Lop said, USAA has advertised that they may stop reimbursing overseas ATM fees:

EFFECTIVE MARCH 1, 2016, TRANSACTIONS AT ATMS LOCATED

OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES MAY NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR ATM

USAGE FEE REFUNDS

But, even with ATM fee reimbursement, an ACH transfer is cheaper than using USAA's debit/ATM card -- because of the 1% foreign transaction fee it charges. For example, if the ATM rate you get approximates the buying TT rate (which it usually does), then using 35 as the TT rate means your effective rate will only be 34.65 when accounting for the foreign transaction fee. Now, ACH money to your Bangkok Bank account via BB NY, and for $1500 sent, your effective rate will be 34.75 [((1500-5)*35)-200) = 52125/1500 = 34.75] Send $2000 -- effective rate 34.813. And if you now are no longer reimbursed ATM fees by USAA, well, after tacking on that 200 baht to a 10,000 baht pull, your effective rate of exchange plunges to 33.97 (34.38 for a 25,000 baht pull). ACH transfers, especially in this last scenario, look pretty good.

Setting up your Bangkok Bank account for an ACH transfer with USAA online used to be a snap. Now they ask for your mobile phone number so they can send a one-time passcode. Since I doubt they can send to your Thai mobile number, I use Google Voice to circumvent this while in Thailand. But, I'm sure you can also just call USAA and set it up the old fashioned way. In any event, you'll by asked for your Bangkok Bank account number plus the routing transit number, which will be that of Bangkok Bank New York (found on their website). Also, they'll ask if you "have signature authority" over this account. You just check the block that says, "No, I can only make deposits." This should then preclude having to send two trial deposits for verification.

Anyway, once you get this set up, it's just a matter of logging into USAA online, going to "transfers," entering to and from, then enter. Easy. Thirty-two or so hours later, the transfer should arrive (in my experience, business days only).

[craigt3365]

USAA is converting all credit/debit cards over to Visa. You can't request a date, it just happens. Sucks as I'll be out of the country for 2 months. Almost impossible to get a card to me while I am away. Glad I got an account setup with Schwab.

[JDGRUEN]

OP ... you might want to consider just using an American Bank for Direct Deposit of your Social Security Benefits Check. Then use the ACH Automated Clearing House feature to transfer all or part of your monthly S.S. Benefit to you Bangkok Bank account via the BB New York Bank. I do this every month - go on line to my American bank - initiate an ACH transfer via BB New York. The money arrives at my BB branch in 3 -- maybe 4 days. It has been quite flawless. Bangkok Bank in Thailand has a on line feature iBanking... I can easily check to see if the money has arrived. Bangkok Bank has on line Bill Pay and other features. Plus a BB Visa Branded Debit Card. They charge a whole 15 Baht to use the card at another BB that is not your 'home' branch. I also suppose that there is a way to transfer BB funds to another Thai bank account more accessible to you.

Having to physically go to a Bangkok Bank is thus avoided because the funds transferred in the U.S. to BB NY then to Thailand are no longer marked as S.S. funds - rather just as Money.

[KonaRain]

Goldman Sacks has just started a savings only account, with 'decent' interest . I think it's online , and would be very interesting if it would work worldwide.

Aloha

[tutsiwarrior]

OP ... you might want to consider just using an American Bank for Direct Deposit of your Social Security Benefits Check. Then use the ACH Automated Clearing House feature to transfer all or part of your monthly S.S. Benefit to you Bangkok Bank account via the BB New York Bank. I do this every month - go on line to my American bank - initiate an ACH transfer via BB New York. The money arrives at my BB branch in 3 -- maybe 4 days. It has been quite flawless. Bangkok Bank in Thailand has a on line feature iBanking... I can easily check to see if the money has arrived. Bangkok Bank has on line Bill Pay and other features. Plus a BB Visa Branded Debit Card. They charge a whole 15 Baht to use the card at another BB that is not your 'home' branch. I also suppose that there is a way to transfer BB funds to another Thai bank account more accessible to you.

Having to physically go to a Bangkok Bank is thus avoided because the funds transferred in the U.S. to BB NY then to Thailand are no longer marked as S.S. funds - rather just as Money.

ain't got no US address so no US bank acount...no connection whatever except my passport and all the associated income tax liabilities (mumble, grumble)...and although my monthly SS shall be less than USD1k I intend to collect 'cause I'se entitled...(hooray fer de red, white and blue...)

[craigt3365]

OP ... you might want to consider just using an American Bank for Direct Deposit of your Social Security Benefits Check. Then use the ACH Automated Clearing House feature to transfer all or part of your monthly S.S. Benefit to you Bangkok Bank account via the BB New York Bank. I do this every month - go on line to my American bank - initiate an ACH transfer via BB New York. The money arrives at my BB branch in 3 -- maybe 4 days. It has been quite flawless. Bangkok Bank in Thailand has a on line feature iBanking... I can easily check to see if the money has arrived. Bangkok Bank has on line Bill Pay and other features. Plus a BB Visa Branded Debit Card. They charge a whole 15 Baht to use the card at another BB that is not your 'home' branch. I also suppose that there is a way to transfer BB funds to another Thai bank account more accessible to you.

Having to physically go to a Bangkok Bank is thus avoided because the funds transferred in the U.S. to BB NY then to Thailand are no longer marked as S.S. funds - rather just as Money.

ain't got no US address so no US bank acount...no connection whatever except my passport and all the associated income tax liabilities (mumble, grumble)...and although my monthly SS shall be less than USD1k I intend to collect 'cause I'se entitled...(hooray fer de red, white and blue...)

I just opened an account with Schwab using my Thai address. Works great and no atm fees, no foreign transaction fees.

[tutsiwarrior]

OP ... you might want to consider just using an American Bank for Direct Deposit of your Social Security Benefits Check. Then use the ACH Automated Clearing House feature to transfer all or part of your monthly S.S. Benefit to you Bangkok Bank account via the BB New York Bank. I do this every month - go on line to my American bank - initiate an ACH transfer via BB New York. The money arrives at my BB branch in 3 -- maybe 4 days. It has been quite flawless. Bangkok Bank in Thailand has a on line feature iBanking... I can easily check to see if the money has arrived. Bangkok Bank has on line Bill Pay and other features. Plus a BB Visa Branded Debit Card. They charge a whole 15 Baht to use the card at another BB that is not your 'home' branch. I also suppose that there is a way to transfer BB funds to another Thai bank account more accessible to you.

Having to physically go to a Bangkok Bank is thus avoided because the funds transferred in the U.S. to BB NY then to Thailand are no longer marked as S.S. funds - rather just as Money.

ain't got no US address so no US bank acount...no connection whatever except my passport and all the associated income tax liabilities (mumble, grumble)...and although my monthly SS shall be less than USD1k I intend to collect 'cause I'se entitled...(hooray fer de red, white and blue...)

I just opened an account with Schwab using my Thai address. Works great and no atm fees, no foreign transaction fees.

I contacted Schwab last year about opening an account and they said no dice w/o a domestic US address...when did you open your account? do you have a link to the Schwab folks that you contacted?