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SSA Checks To Colombia

I know that Bill had a previous thread on this subject but I wanted to start a fresh one to let all of you geezers know what I discovered. I applied for my SSA but was worried about a Colombian bank manipulating my funds. SSA has a program whereby they issue you a Mastercard debit card and deposit the funds in it monthly. It is supported by a US bank. The card can be used as a debit card or for funds withdrawal. Of course you pay ATM fees but, you will pay those with a Colombian bank. Seems pretty slick to me so I opted for it.

I hope this helps.

By cstew47 on Sep 8, 2009, 14:13 in Friendly Talkzone.

charlysito71 says on Sep 8, 2009, 14:36:

We have used visa debit cards ever since we first arrived here Regardles of the amount withdrawn Citi charges 2.oo US.fee.Our s/s is deposited to our bank in the states.We find it very convenient for us.

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cstew47 says on Sep 8, 2009, 14:45:

Yes, I too have used credit and debit cards here for 17 years. My attraction to this arrangement is that it eliminates the transfer step and avoids the use of Colombian banks. For me this is the best arrangement but YMMV. I will wait to see how it works.

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Bluesdude says on Sep 8, 2009, 15:23:

Better to avoid any money transfers from US to here. Credit/Debit is the way to go.

A guru once said, "the mind is like a drunken monkey." If that's true, then my mind is an orangutan on a binge

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Bluesdude says on Sep 8, 2009, 15:35:

SSA debit card charges a hefty 3% for foreign ATMs. Add ATM fees to that and it's even more hefty. Better to find a bank with low fees and do a direct deposit from SSA into that bank, and use their card here. lt

A guru once said, "the mind is like a drunken monkey." If that's true, then my mind is an orangutan on a binge

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www.calirentals.net (☼Travelguide writer) says on Sep 8, 2009, 15:50:

I have my SS check direct deposited into my U.S.based credit union account and withdraw it in Colombia with my credit union debit card.I can also transfer funds from my credit union checking account into my paypal account and withdraw the funds in Colombia using my paypal debit card.

Here are a few other options.

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=p/acc/dc_intro-outside

http://www.capitalone.com/

https://us.etrade.com/e/t/homehttp://

https://www.everbank.com/

https://www.affinitybank.com/index.asp

http://www.compassbank.com/index.html

http://www.calirentals.net/

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cstew47 says on Sep 8, 2009, 17:14:

Wow, some great ideas here. I'm learning a lot.

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misterfinger says on Oct 9, 2009, 21:37:

wow yeh I guess not much of Difference if IN an American Bank too they charge you anyway...

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