Reccomendations for banking

[DavieRocket77]

Hi, I'm scheduled for BMQ on Nov 1st in St.Jean, Quebec. I currently have a bank account with Scotiabank but I noticed there is no Scotia on site there. So I'm just wondering who I should open a new account with, I read on the CFLRS site that there is a CF credit union on site. Just wondering if anyone has advice on this subject and also if there is any benefit to a CF bank account over a regular one. Another question, if I decide to open a CF bank account, should I take care of it now over the phone or can that be taken care of when I get there?  thanks in advance

 

[PMedMoe]

I wouldn't bother opening a new account.  You will be all over the place before finally settling down somewhere for any length of time and then perhaps you may wish to open an account at a different bank.

If your current bank charges you for use of another ATM, make sure you don't use the ATM too often or just use your card for purchases as most banks don't charge for that.

I have been posted from Petawawa to Kingston to Ottawa and am headed back to Kingston this year and I haven't even switched the main branch for my bank account.  There's no real requirement to do so.  If you do want to change, I'm sure you can find info online.

Make sure you do bring your banking info, either with a void check or directly from the bank for your pay deposits.

 

[chrisf]

If you're happy with scotia bank, stick with scotia bank. Telephone banking and internet banking are wonderful things...

 

[Fishbone Jones]

If you're happy with scotia bank, stick with scotia bank. Telephone banking and internet banking are wonderful things...

Which in turn leads to the inevitable, oft asked and answered question, "Is there free internet at the Mega and should I bring my laptop" : ;D

 

[DavieRocket77]

Which in turn leads to the inevitable, oft asked and answered question, "Is there free internet at the Mega and should I bring my laptop" : ;D

Dear Recceguy, I'm not sure what you're trying to imply but I can assure you that I make sure I use the information available at my disposal before I ask a question. I'm simply asking for an experienced persons advice on this subject.  If I misunderstood your comment then I do appologize, otherwise please don't put words in my mouth.

 

[Fishbone Jones]

Dear Recceguy, I'm not sure what you're trying to imply but I can assure you that I make sure I use the information available at my disposal before I ask a question. I'm simply asking for an experienced persons advice on this subject.  If I misunderstood your comment then I do appologize, otherwise please don't put words in my mouth.

Don't panic. I wasn't implying anything against you specifically, nor was I ranting (notice the smilies). Once you've spent some time here, you'll understand. No offence meant.

 

[SeanNewman]

I concur with the other guys above that it's not worth it to start a new bank account just for the few months that you'll be cycling through there.

As the other guys have said, if you can handle a few phone banking calls and a couple ATM fees from the non-Scotia systems there you'll be good to go.

I know where you're coming from though as when I got to Petawawa (5 years) I did the same thing because the Royal Bank was junk and the TD was full service so I changed, but for just one course it's not worth it in my opinion.

 

[stealthylizard]

Do they still offer the "military" banking account?  I know CIBC no longer runs CDCB.  I will agree with the others, there is no reason to change banks, and I would actually recommend against going with a credit union.  Since credit unions aren't linked nationally like the other banks, you can't transfer from one branch to another in different areas.  You have to close it, then start another in your new area.

 

[Occam]

Do they still offer the "military" banking account?  I know CIBC no longer runs CDCB.  I will agree with the others, there is no reason to change banks, and I would actually recommend against going with a credit union.  Since credit unions aren't linked nationally like the other banks, you can't transfer from one branch to another in different areas.  You have to close it, then start another in your new area.

It's BMO now that provides CDCB.

http://www.cdcb.ca/

 

[PMedMoe]

stealthylizard, excellent point about the Credit Unions not being linked nationally.    :nod:

 

[Humphrey Bogart]

Don't bother switching banks, unless your with CIBC (I have had bad experiences with them)

Honestly if you need to do banking super badly, their are a bunch of Scotia Banks within the greater Montreal Area.  You will most likely be leaving the base when you start getting weekends off and are free to head into Montreal (its only a $6.00 bus ride) where there are a number of Scotia Banks in the downtown area.  Not to certain about Branch times but ATM's for Scotia Bank are all over the place in Montreal.  I had friends that were Scotia Bank members when I did CEGEP in St Jean and they never had any problems with getting banking done.

 

[DavieRocket77]

Thanks to everyone for your great advice. I'm happy with scotiabank therefore I'll stay with them. I just thought I would bring the topic up to see what the pros/cons were. Just another question, someone mentioned banks offering a "military" banking account, maybe I should look into this?

 

[Occam]

Just another question, someone mentioned banks offering a "military" banking account, maybe I should look into this?

Only if BMO's deals beat Scotiabank's, and you really want to take advantage of it.  There's another thread on Banking in the CF.

 

[Greymatters]

If you do use the ATM's make sure its a proper one at a banking facility or supported by a banking brand, not a third party system; fees are lower and less chance of fraud...