Moving to STX, Looking for reputable bank

My husband and I just opened an account with First Bank of St.Croix. The banks (except Scotia Bank which is Canadian) are FDIC insured. Also I could not figure out a way to get an account except in person. And you need a VI mailing address to do it. But not a PO Box. It has to be a VI Street address. You shouldn't worry about it once you find which one will suit you. We had to fill out all the same forms as Stateside, (like for interest income and such).

Islander is the smart one with the addresses, websites and Phone numbers for you to call and get info.

Thanks so much, Eve, appreciate your reply. From reading your post, you appear to be just in the process of moving there as well. Would like to continue the exchange if we can swap email addresses (I don't know how this works on this board)

Eve,

Do you know if all the banks require a VI street address? I am coming to STX the end of May for vacation/premove visit and job interview. I was planning on opening an account but I probably won't have a VI address.

You know, I'm am not 100% positive...
But... everyone I spoke with indicated that. So although we're not actually on island and have an address (let alone a PO Box), we were prepared.
The real estate agent let us use her office street address. She called today, as a matter of fact to let us know that some mail for us came from the bank. So it worked. When we get property down there (which is a whole nother story), we'll just go back to the bank and switch. If you have friends, relatives or some relationship to an individual you can trust on island, go ahead and ask them.
The reason we did it was to have the account number for transferring money to the island.
All the accounts that I read up on have monthly fees unless you deposit higher sums.
I would go at about 11:00am mid week, They get you done faster for lunch and not as many people. It only took us 45 minutes!

KB,
Sent you an email. Has my number on it. Although I only answer between 8am and about 10:30pm (when I'm not at work)

BTW
Janet have you been down to StX yet. What made the both of you decide on StX?

Thank you for the info Eve. I haven't been to STX yet. I have been to STT and Puerto Rico several times and really enjoyed every trip. I'm from a very small town so as far as living there I'm probably better suited for St. Croix. Anyway, I had a vacation planned and happened to hear of a job opening in my discipline so I thought I'd pursue it.
What made you decide on St. Croix? It sounds like you have been there a few times. Are you planning on buying a house or condo?
Jan

I have only been down to StX twice. I wrote a little of my experience so far on this message board. At the top, do a search on the message board for "Don't Stop the Carnival" by Herman Wouk. That is the message title I used for it. I'm sure you and KB will get some enjoyment from it. Matter of fact, I have to do some more editing on it, now that I've been back my second time.

My husband and I are researching business oppurtunity down there. You'll get a good idea of what we're thinking if you do searchs of titles or posts under my name. I'm not publically talking about it right now do to the fact that I'm suspicious and find I don't want to jinx myself. LOL....

I just found that post I mentioned and brought it to the top for you two to read. Called it My Story so you can find it easier.

Post Edited (04-21-04 03:06)

Try the Bank of St Croix.

We managed to open an account with them in less than 30 minutes. Very friendly offer service equal to or better than most stateside banks.

Don't have ATMs or on line banking, but they assure me they will have on line banking in May as they are testing it now

Located in Gallows Bay so I would guess many of their customers are snow birds and other ex pats used to dealing with banks that don't operate on "island time".

We closed our accounts at VICB because of their poor service.

Jim