First Bank Virgin Islands

Hi Kyle,

We've used First Bank on STX. The staff at our local branch -- from the tellers to the security guard -- have always been highly professional and very friendly to us each time we've done business inside the branch. The majority of staff at that branch are West Indian women ranging in age from early 30's to mid 40's. (That may be way off because so many of the West Indian women I've met age so slowly in terms of physical appearance - have been stunned to find out that several I thought were in their early 30's have children or grand children of "advanced" ages.)

The bank offers a good range of choices re: accounts, and I find the telebanking service very useful. Am quite disappointed that I didn't learn that their online banking system isn't set up to allow USVI residents to pay bills online through the firstbankvi.com web site. Getting a password to use the online banking system is a bit of a pain, too -- although you apply online, they insist on snail mailing you a temporary password. Given how erratic mail service is here, it can mean weeks of delay before being able to access your accounts online.

Have never had a problem using their ATM machines, and love that they have both a walk up and a drive through ATM at Sunny Isle. Wish thatt they had longer hours -- closing the branch at 2p or 3p on weekdays and only being open 9-12 noon on Saturday makes visiting a branch a time management exercise.

Isthat the kind of info you want to know?

Yes HC, thank you, thats about what I was looking for.

Also, does anyone else know whether the VI is home to the "Corporate Headquarters" of such financial institutions, or is it mainly branch locations that report to HQ elsewhere. Thanks.

Kyle

Kyle,

I'm pretty sure that the First Bank corporate headquarters is located in Puerto Rico. (That's my rationale for why their customers in PR can use online bill pay through the First Bank site when that feature isn't available in the USVI.)

HC

i was sort of bummed that there were no atm debit/credit cards offered here (STT). only straight debit cards, so you have to use a real credit card unless you pay cash most places. my BF has had a tough time with banco popular, so i chose first bank and the people were nice to me there, although the lines were a little long. when i called the first bank number to get my account balance i had to talk to a person, not use an automated thing, which i wasn't used to... but they set up my acct quickly and all that. they are only open until 3 on weekdays and from 9-6 on Sat which is nice.

I have had a different experience when it comes to banking. I stuck with my Bank of America account because I had way too many things tied to it. I had read where I would have to have a local account but have not found that to be the case. The cable company, wapa and tax offices all took my BOA check which I already had my local address on. The checks I wrote all cleared my account within three business days. I use my BOA check card wherever I go for USAirmiles and BOA still has the top rated on line banking service in the industry which I would have trouble living without. I also set up an auto payment for my rent that goes directly into my landlords Banco Popular account the 1st of the month. If I had been forced to open a local account I would of for a minimum amount of activity. By the way Scotia bank is affiliated with BOA and does not charge an ATM surchage to get cash. BOA is just one example. Im sure some folks have stuck with their other stateside banks. I have moved to five different states in the last six years and the U.S.V.I without changing banks, hopefully I can continue this practice because as has been posted on here, it can be a pain.

Eric...

I'm there with ya on keeping my stateside bank, www.commerceonline.com . Its not that I have all that much tied to it, yet, its just that its so cheap! No fees, no minimums, free everything (checks, checking, online banking, bill pay, customer support, transfers, you name it). While researching VI specific banks I found myself picking between the lesser of a few evils.

Aside from direct deposit of your paycheck, how do you make deposits to your BOA account from the island? And it may be an obvious question, but how satisfied are you with the BOA? They seem to be growing by leaps and bounds, which could be both good and bad. If you have a minute, let me know, thanks.
Kyle

Post Edited (09-14-04 22:51)

Kyle,
BOA has been great for my wife and I. We both utilize direct deposit and it is rare that we receive any other checks except an occasional expense report check. With those I use BOA bank by mail slips they provided me before I moved here. I mail those USPS first class and they go directly to Charlotte. They typically take 3-5 days to be reflected in my balance. I keep a balance sufficient enough so they do not charge me ATM fees if I use a foreign ATM. I use the Scotia bank ATM's because there is no charge from the host ATM or I use First Bank ATM when at Marriott Frenchmans Reef or the Airport because they do not charge a host fee. Also I get cash back whenever available while shopping. I know a lot of folks love the local banks and that is great. I just find it easier to stay where I am because as I stated, I have my whole life going into and out of multiple accounts at BOA. Another nice feature BOA provides is your picture on your check card and credit cards. This helps a lot with the locals who will I.D. any credit card transaction, but unfortunately you have to be at a stateside branch to have your photo taken. BOA has recently bought out Fleet Bank so they are now in the Northeast as well as south and out to CA. I think they are in 30+ states and my wife and I move a lot so it has been a great convenience for us. Im sure there are people out there who could tell you horror stories about BOA, just like any other bank, but to answer your question directly, we have been nothing but pleased with BOA.