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What Banks Seem Favorable to North Americans

A
#1
Has anyone had good,bad,ugly experiences with banks here in Brazil. It would help to know which bank or banks have favorable lending practices and will work with USA banks on wire transfers...thanks in advance
See also
Texanbrazil
#2
It was great when HSBC was here. Sadly gone and difficult now.
I would look near you and find an English speaking rep you can work with.
BB of course is the daddy of all. Look at online services. Some have come a long way.
Itau is praised by many.
I am just amazed as to banks charging for their credit card.
A
#3
Who bought out HSBC and I believe CitiBank was here also I don't remember who bought them out, Itau can take a flying leap, BB might be the Ticket to paradise, thanks I'll see what's on line. I am not sure yet I think there is one of the banks in Brazil has a office in Florida..
Texanbrazil
#4
Bradesco bought HSBC BR.
Only problem with BB US, Bradesco US are bank separated from BR when I decided to move here I talked with all and HSBC was the only one which I could to "bank to bank" transfers for free. Now it is wire transfers.
Send an email to the bank you are considering as to options.
I take a trip tp Ft Lauderdale if I need to deposit U$D. HSBC has a branch there.
I do not know as to Citi bank or others.
A
#5
Thanks...
Texanbrazil
#6
De nada. In my case I knew what city I was moving. So I had limited banks in Foz and HSBC was the best choice. Now more have came and even new branches near my house.
A
#7
Been here 2 years, new city,new state, new beginning,new fate. I need a loan for Roller Skates..I gotta lighten up,intensity in Brazil=Frustration...jus sayn..and the Noa Entendo is getting old, I think it's ingrained to say Noa entendi before one finishes the question. ...lmao
abthree
#8
Quite a change, Paraná to Pará -- a lot more than one syllable!  All the best.  :top:

We've had very good luck with Banco do Brasil.  An advantage of the two government-owned back, BB and Caixa Econômica Federal ("Caixa", "CEF"), is that they're EVERYWHERE, even in all but the very smallest towns.  Caixa's fees are also a little lower than the outrageous Brazilian norm.

At any Brazilian bank, taking the time to get to know the manager and/or the assistant managers can help a lot in this relationship-driven society.  It sure helped us get the transfer to buy our apartment released in 24 hours at BB.

BB has good online tools, and a useful Android app; we use them to pay most of our bills, and I can even release my monthly transfer from the States on my phone, and don't need to go to the bank anymore.
sprealestatebroker
#9
These days I would try Santander.  For all intents and purposes, assume all the various countries they operate are not fully integrated.  So it is not as seamless as it may appear.

Locally, Itau, then Bradesco. Also Coop banks are sprouting, and if you are brave and bold, there are finntechs.
misterinternational
#10
I agree with the last post.  I went to citi and santander in the u.s.  they both told me that if i opened a citi or santander account in america, the brazilian citi and santander banks will not be able to access my checking or savings accounts.  I would not be able to deposit or withdraw money from brazilian citi or santander banks (except of course, i could withdraw money from the atm's at those banks, but i could withdraw money from any atm at any bank, anyway). 

The citi and santander in america are basically completely different banks from the brazilian citi and santander.
A
#11
I stayed with my bank in Alaska, and the fees for the transaction are minimal for I only withdraw my daily limit of $300.00 cash for my area that is the limit. I have lived in 2 States over the past two years and it seems that is the limit. It seems that one is forced to use the machines, I tried to withdraw from the bank teller for there is supposed to be no transaction fee's and the joke was on me for the teller seemed oblivious to what I wanted to do and directed me to a machine (lol). Brazil loves it's banking fee's. According to our beloved James (rest in peace) I will never have my monies in a Brazilian Bank, I may open a small account an I feed from my daily withdrawal only to access maybe a Credit/ Debit card for use of maybe the A Vista payment plan (for its hard out here on a player/kkk) or Gringo/Estranger. It seems that the cards are stacked against Gringo's, every turn I make is met with a endless 30 minute conversation to arrive @"Noa"(kkk). Everyone seems to play the "One Upper" game or I am more intelligent than you. I have never faced so much defiance in my whole life. I have found Brazil to be only Friendly in Name and not in Banking Business, it takes hours to bank and I wonder how anything gets completed for it takes all buracratic (sp) day.I only speak for my interactions on the financial front and document process, there is no "One Stop" shopping except maybe Walmart and Sam's Club and Costco and I find it hard to get a referral as to who may carry a item one needs (maybe it's just me/lol) I am so jaded till I am at the point of telling the person after the greeting , "You will not tell me "Noa Entendi" which is allways a Brazilians first reponse, it's like "Noa Intendi and "Entendo" is the Brazilian way of saying or skirting all issues and concerns or even caring and if you need help you will be told every time "Noa" with no "Reason" just "No" maybe São Paulo is more "Gringo" friendly , it's like the game of "Make Up Rules as you Go". I had to reach a point of Humor in all things in Brazil if not you will live in frustration amd live in total "Disbelief" my rule of thumb for me is Pay for large ticket items in cash and shop only at major stores with your cards anything else is a lesson in futility. I remember James speaking of HSBC as his bank of choice not sure of there locations yet the HSBC logo is on the ATM ... Good Luck.  And "Beivende Brasil".
Texanbrazil
#12
It is the present laws on banking and nothing expats can do. Yes while wanting on my RNE I took a trip to the ATM for daily $300 reais every 24 hours. No service on Sunday's
Once you have an account $2000 U$D a month is allowed. That is via wire transfer.
A
#13
Can you clarify, your hard to follow. I'm not sure if your replying to me or the forum.
Thanks
Texanbrazil
#14
I am saying it is not the banks against expats )not just American's), the laws and regulations as written today are what they are.
I was agreeing as to having to use ATM's each day just for $300 BR reis .
Luckily I have credit card with no foreign exchange fees and that helped until I got a bank account.
A
#15
I was not stating expat or discrimination it's just I am stating it's all archaic. And the Que is ridiculous. ..lol
Texanbrazil
#16
I understand.
Especially coming from a country where banks compete for you business.
As mentioned before it is good to go to the banks and find a person that has a little English and chat with them.
After HSBC sold to Bradesco I was "out of sync", but finally found a teller who was studying English and helped me with a relationship manager. He always has a smile and remembers my name and when I have the time I wait for  a number to be called and not the ATM. If it not his window he still chats with me and ask if any he can do.
misterinternational
#17
"I only speak for my interactions on the financial front and document process, there is no "One Stop" shopping except maybe Walmart and Sam's Club and Costco and I find it hard to get a referral as to who may carry a item one needs (maybe it's just me/lol) I am so jaded till I am at the point of telling the person after the greeting , "You will not tell me "Noa Entendi" which is allways a Brazilians first reponse, it's like "Noa Intendi and "Entendo" is the Brazilian way of saying or skirting all issues and concerns or even caring and if you need help you will be told every time "Noa" with no "Reason" just "No" maybe São Paulo is more "Gringo" friendly , it's like the game of "Make Up Rules as you Go". I had to reach a point of Humor in all things in Brazil if not you will live in frustration amd live in total "Disbelief" my rule of thumb for me is Pay for large ticket items in cash and shop only at major stores with your cards anything else is a lesson in futility. I remember James speaking of HSBC as his bank of choice not sure of there locations yet the HSBC logo is on the ATM ... Good Luck.  And "Beivende Brasil"."

they have costcos in brazil?

i have a costco credit card, which doubles as a costco membership card.  i was planning on canceling the card, but if they have costcos in brazil, then maybe i'll keep it.

i think brazil used to have hsbc's, but i think they don't have hsbc's in brazil anymore.
A
#18
Check the Costco website for International Locations there maybe one or 2 in the Sao Paulo area
A
#19
See Texas in Brazil post above reference HSBC...
misterinternational
#20
it doesn't look like there are any costcos in sao paulo after checking the website, but i'll ask eventually when i call my credit card company
Texanbrazil
#21
No Costco's in Brazil. Walmart just sold 80% of all Brazil operations to Advent International.
Have no idea as to naming and it will be cash and carry such as warehouses.
A
#22
Thanks Gringo Amigo any info is good..I'll research Advent Int. As of now,  I just shop. None in either  area I have lived in.. Got a few Warehouse stores current location as long as the $ is strong I'm good all over Brazil. I just found out last night after researching the Costco Factoid. What's up with Sams Clubs is that part of the sale to Advent?...
A
#23
Merry Christmas to you and your family...
Texanbrazil
#24
Merry Christmas to you and yours also.
Good Question as to Sam's Club. No mention of this in the article, but if Walmart was losing money last few years I would guess Sam's would fit the warehouse concept new owners will take.
Walmart sold the 80% for $0 dollars.
A
#25
They must be expecting a Hell of a ROI, either that or one Big Texas write off...lol.its just business and maybe the easy way out...
A
#26
Hey Tex, Big Alaska here,kkk. I was wondering if I join a Brazilian Bank,BB,Bradesco,Caixa and get a Brazilian Debit or Credit card would that help me secure use of the AVISTA payment programs. ...just a question... I'm still trying to find a real story on a "Gringo/Estranger" using the program. What I do know is its the Corporation Headquarters that rejects the foreign credit debit card not the store and where I am located it seems the store clerks(the clerks don't know the reason, tough being the only Gringo in town,lol) can only say the card was declined. When I talk to the Bank back in Alaska the Bank states there was no attempt to charge or see if the card was good. Hope this makes sense. All feel free to jump in the fracas. ....Did you know Alaska is 5 times larger than Texas...jus braggin....lol
Texanbrazil
#27
Yep 5 times larger than Texas and more than 5 times colder!!!
Yes a debit card comes with an account and would help. Now some banks want you to pay for a credit card. Bradesco wants $R400 for a credit card. No thanks my US bank is free.
Not up to speed on AVISTA payment programs??
A
#28
It's the time payment plan,say the item cost $1000r they spread the payments over 10 or 12 months and charge the card each month,we might call it a installment plan. On the Bradesco card is that debit or credit. Thanks yup, you won that showdown some days colder than a well diggers _ _ s. I was in Fairbanks one day it was minus 20F and the sole on one of my boots flapped off..lol. one winter on the Alcan Highway -40, left the car running all night, one lady in Fairbanks had a small car similar old Ford Escort, she left it running for 30 days...miss the State don't miss the earthquakes or the flipn cold...smh. thanks for the Speedy reply you guys from Texas are quick on the draw. .kkk
Texanbrazil
#29
It is a debit card which you can use to get money or pay merchants.
I do not know as of costs of credit cards. I was with HSBC and BR HSBC gave me a debit and credit card. Bradesco acquired HSBC BR and I got the debit card and waited and waited for a Credit Card. I finally called them and they said $R400 was initial cost. There may be banks that do not charge up front?
I am used to having credit cards sent in the mail almost everyday and not ask for such in the US.
HSBC has no foreign  transaction fees and I have others with the same. So just use them and payoff from US bank.
Being from the SE of Texas, they do not even have insulation in the walls......People freak out if weather gets below 32 degrees. All the sprinklers and pipes freeze and plumbers many a lot of calls.
sprealestatebroker
#30
Santander at the moment.  HSBC and Citi are gone.
Texanbrazil
#31
Howdy Big Alaska.......Have some friends wanting Alaska to "build a wall" against the cold weather!!!
Even Houston getting cold. Happy you are here?
A
#32

Texanbrazil wrote:

Howdy Big Alaska.......Have some friends wanting Alaska to "build a wall" against the cold weather!!!
Even Houston getting cold. Happy you are here?


We got 2 Walls the "Alaskan Highway and the Airport" we either stop the bad element at the Border or the Airport (kkk) Mother Nature don't care about nothing, she breaks through every flipn thingy, she has Alaska in Earthquake mode, I need a Wall for a Tsunami or move up to  higher ground, yup i love Bradio this week...lol.
So I go to the bank, get the Mature person #(over 60) so I feEl militaristic ya know the "Hurry up and W8 thingy" a hour later no action so I go over to this guy who aint doing nothing and ask and give him a translated note and ask what documents are needed to open a account for there's a note on the cue screen about 3 documents necessary,  I explain to the Dude ( Texas Style/lol) I have my necessary documents other than a utility bill, or anything in my new town as to say where I live, which from what I could read in Portuguese it is required, he says do you have a passport, I reply yes,  he says no problem opening a account, so I return to the que (sp) cue (kkk), my big moment arrives, I'm before her Highness the Account opener, she asks for what I told the Manager I did not have, I follow up with her the guy over there said all I needed was my passport, she calls the guy he's maybe 20 feet away, yet the importance of talking in front of the customer and rude people interupting is tantamount in this country, so he comes over and proceeds to say I said I had all the required documents and I call him out and show him the note again as well as her highness of accounts and he backs down, anyway I told him he wasted my 2 hours by not just saying you need a document with a address, so my friend needs to say I live there house and have it notorized.  I'll go back next week and see what the excuse is this time, the guy was embarrassed and apologize in front of her Account Highness . I laughed for calling him out and making him admit he gave me bad information.  The time I wasted waiting I could have gone home and returned with the document needed. ...

Texanbrazil
#33
Well if anyone has "thick skin" for Brasil you are the one.
Yep, first thing I did was get a phone plan and send bill to address before I had RNE. Used it and protocol
(had help from US HSBC and their Latin America center.)
A
#34
Thick Skin , yet a Rawhide (lol) the Bureaucracy of this Beautiful Country will either Break ya or Make ya. I ain't being mean or angry, I just am being right and Right wins. At 63 I need something to keep the heart pumping and the mind in gear so Brasil will do that to a Polar Bear Wrangler. I'll let you know how the account opening goes next week, for the bank thinks there safe and I went somewhere else, well it aint that kinda Rodeo. I want to be that guy who they say "He's Back" or "Oh Noa,here he comes again"/lol. I'm gonna get a couple of Address Letters Notorized and go on a Bank Shopping Spree....
Texanbrazil
#35
Best of luck... Know the feeling
KatHScott
#36
@Alascana

Hi, did you manage to open your bank account with your friend's address? I'm curious
Texanbrazil
#37
He did with Caixa Econômica Federal. Hopefully he will awake from the Alaskan hibernation and chime in.
A
#38

KatHScott wrote:

@Alascana

Hi, did you manage to open your bank account with your friend's address? I'm curious


Yes, it worked like a charm. I also took a current "Electric Bill" with the friends name and address. The letter needs to contain the CPF # and Permanent # of both  parties. My friends were able to take my ID to the "Registry" and completed the Address information without me...I may work on another bank after Carnival yet Caixa is "Full Service" . I will keep the group informed if I press forward...

KatHScott
#39
That's very good! I'm glad everything worked out well.
Thank you and Texan for the replies.
A
#40

KatHScott wrote:

That's very good! I'm glad everything worked out well.
Thank you and Texan for the replies.


We like a good Rodeo!...lol......and dog and pony shows...lol

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