Beware when depositing foreign check at Bangkok Bank

[phinick]

I had a check from the U.S. that was drawn on an account with Bank of America, so it was from one major bank (Wells Fargo) who had an account with another major bank (Bank of America).  I thought about sending it to someone in America to deposit it into an acount I have with Bank of America, but figured it would take about 2 weeks to get there so went to Bangkok Bank where I do most of my banking to see about depositing it there rather than depositing it in a foreign bank and then transferring to Bangkok Bank.

The manager said that since it is a foreign check it could take 2, or possibly 3 weeks to clear, so I deposited it there.  After waiting over 3 weeks, went to talk to the bank manager.  Waited while he went in the back (presumably on the phone) and when he came back, he said that it was just ready to leave Bangkok, and it would be 2-3 months longer.

Had I sent it to be deposited in the U.S., it would have gone into my account there, and I would have transferred funds to Bangkok Bank, and had my money a week ago.

Sorry I couldn't explain in fewer words, but I hope this might same someone else a lot of aggravation.
 

[lopburi3]

Why would you need to send to someone else to deposit into your account?  Even if you have to use mail rather than immediate internet deposit that most banks offer you should be able to deposit directly.

 

Banks in Thailand do not like foreign check at all - they don't even like Thai checks.  And normal wait would be 4 weeks or so but it appears your check must have been forgotten.  Was this at a branch with foreign account service?  Only a few banks really are set up for such deposits.  

 

You are aware that transfers from US accounts can be made using ACH domestic service are low fees so if you are going to have more checks best to check out internet direct deposit options and set up internet transfer to Bangkok Bank here when you need funds.

[pigeonjake]

I had an 18k tax rebate from uk one government check still took a month,

[fishbrando]

Bank of American has mobile deposit where you take a photo of the check with your mobile phone (using their app) to deposit it.

[sandgroper2]

Banks love checks, especially foreign ones . They draw on it, deposit it in the short time money market for as long as they can get away with it, then, pay you.

[rott]

I think most people are aware that foreign cheques will take at least 6 weeks to clear.

 

You have been a bit unlucky with your bank manager, who appears to have no experience of this type of transaction at all.