American moving to Canada -- what to do about banking? (car insurance, transfer)

[SarahC13]

My husband was hired as a professor in Vancouver. We'll be permanently moving there from the States in a couple of months, and I'm trying to figure out which bank would be the best for us. We'll be traveling back and forth as we have family in Minnesota and on the West Coast (Seattle, etc.), so it would be great if there were a bank that crossed Canadian/US borders . . . Any ideas or helpful hints? Also, any advice/tips on car insurance or anything else from those of you out there who've done something similar?

[Luhts]

TD? Although they have no branches on the US West Coast...yet.

[marc3565]

TD bank bought out commerce bank but I believe the 2 are separate. Most Canadian Banks have USD accounts you can use so you can pay US items with USD checks. Both US and Canada banks allow you to use ATMs on both sides of the border but you need to know the fees or using one on the other side of the border. One of my US banks charges a minimal percentage. Another charges a $5 fee for every Canadian transaction. You might be better off having an account on each side of the border. My banks allow me to setup EFT transfers to other banks including international ones. The transfers take a few days but with planning it can work.

[maclock]

Originally Posted by SarahC13

My husband was hired as a professor in Vancouver. We'll be permanently moving there from the States in a couple of months, and I'm trying to figure out which bank would be the best for us. We'll be traveling back and forth as we have family in Minnesota and on the West Coast (Seattle, etc.), so it would be great if there were a bank that crossed Canadian/US borders . . . Any ideas or helpful hints? Also, any advice/tips on car insurance or anything else from those of you out there who've done something similar?

Harris Bank is owned by BMO (Bank of Montreal, that is) and it has a decent midwestern network of branches. They might have something to help you. RBC (the Royal Bank of Canada) has a nifty-cross border banking website that works very well, but its US branches are limited to the south-eastern US.

[maclock]

Originally Posted by marc3565

Most Canadian Banks have USD accounts you can use so you can pay US items with USD checks.

While most Canadian banks still do have USD accounts, I believe the ability to pay US businesses across the border with USD cheques drawn on Canadian banks died with the crush of financial regulation that was imposed after 9/11.

[Northbound81]

RBC is the only bank with cross-border banking.

[evissone]

Scotiabank and BoA are partners. I know for a fact they don't charge you if you withdraw money from the other partner's ATMs.

[Luhts]

TD bank in the US and Canada are linked, but after looking at the RBC website, they do currently seem to be your best bet.

[VirtualAmerican]

Except that RBC's looking to unload ALL of their U.S. branches in the near future. See here:
Buyer Beware: RBC Bank on Block - WSJ.com

[Northbound81]

TD Bank in the US and canada are linked? Since when. Last time I checked the two banks operate independently and the accounts are not linked. They are just owned by the same company.