Bankofthewest onlinebanking

Question 1

What is an offshore bank account?

Answer

Most people associate offshore with the mafia and something illegal. In fact, there is nothing illegal here. They are simply accounts set up with banks in another country. And everything is legal as long as the owner of the accounts pays taxes on them. Many create such accounts because they often have to send money abroad or because they own real estate or other property in that country. In this case, the presence of such an account greatly facilitates the processes and reduces the time of operations. Illegal offshore companies are only if they are created to reduce taxes. Remember, you still have to pay taxes on time.

Question 2

How to open a student bank account?

Answer

Opening a student bank account is not a complicated task. It requires just a few documents. Here’s what you need: any form of photo ID (either a passport or a driver’s license), any proof of address (bring your last utility bill or a monthly bank statement), a document proving that you are a student (any official correspondence from a particular university, student ID, etc.). Mind that most banks will ask you to submit original copies rather than photocopies. Visit a bank located near your house and ask the bank’s staff for assistance. Do not forget to give your new account details to your university.

Question 3

What can someone do with your bank account number?

Answer

Nowadays, most people are giving their bank account numbers in many instances, and many of them are afraid of the possibility of misusing this information with malicious intent. However, in fact, there is almost nothing to be afraid of because even the most experienced fraud can do nothing to your money, having only your bank account number. Nevertheless, you have to be prudent anyway because if someone gets your bank account number alongside other personal information, the possibility of becoming a victim of fraud will increase.

Question 4

How to create a bank account online?

Answer

In the era of digital technologies and high-level competition on the financial market creation of a bank account online is one of the easiest tasks. To accomplish this task, you will definitely need your documents, namely identification number, ID card, or driver's license, and in case if the bank requires first deposit information about your other credit card. So, just fill in this information alongside your personal data, and you have opened a bank account online.

Question 5

How much money can you have in a bank account?

Answer

There is no limit on the amount of money kept when it comes to a usual bank account. But you should notice that the insurance amount is only 250 thousand dollars, and keeping more than that on one account can be dangerous. In case when huge sums of money are needed to be kept, consider creating multiple bank accounts. There are no restrictions on the number of accounts or banks in which you can create them. If we are talking about a savings account, look for the one with the biggest interest for you.

Question 6

What is a beneficiary on a bank account?

Answer

The beneficiary is the person on Payable on a Death or POD bank account. This means that when the owner passes away, his/her heir has a right to use his assets, but only after that. The recipient’s right become as if s/he is an owner, which means that all the transactions, such as deposits, withdrawals, and so on, are now available to him/her. It can also be very convenient if the person that died had any unpaid debts. In such cases, the beneficiary can pay them off with the bank account of the passed away one.

Question 7

How to deposit cash in a bank account?

Answer

Nowadays, most people prefer to have their money on credit cards, and probably they are right. But what to do if you suddenly find yourself with a considerable amount of cash? What is the best way to deposit this money? The first and easiest way is to find the nearest ATM and make an ATM deposit. In this case, it is necessary to insert a card into a machine, type your PIN code to unlock it enter the amount of cash that you want to deposit on your account, and insert cash. The second way is by bringing your cash to a local branch of your bank; in this case, a banker will do everything for you.

Question 8

How to open a bank account for a minor?

Answer

As a rule, banks do not allow minors to create a bank account without an adult’s involvement. In most cases, a joint owner is represented by the child’s parent or guardian. Once you have decided to develop the kid’s financial habits, specify the exact procedure you need to go through. Some banks will require visiting a local branch in person; others (modern ones) will ask you to install their app and fill out an online application form. You will have to prepare a documentation package including your SSN, driver’s license (or passport), your child’s birth certificate, or school ID (contact a bank representative over the phone for more precise information). In most cases, after you complete the application process, you have to deposit a certain amount of money into the new account. If it is not a custodial account and the kid has access to it, the bank will issue a card that the child can use to make purchases and manage funds at an ATM.

Question 9

How to unfreeze a bank account?

Answer

Your first step is to find out why the bank froze your account and what is your following plan of action. If you have an unpaid debt, the credit company can withdraw the money from your account or take the remaining funds. If you are in such a situation, file for bankruptcy as soon as possible. However, if you can pay this debt, it is better to pay the required amount to handle the problem. In both cases, your bank account will be unfrozen again after you pay all the money you owe. If suspicious frauds are committed using your card, and the bank has decided to freeze it, you should contact find out what the problem is. Most often, it is enough just to confirm your card is safe.

Question 10

How to add a beneficiary to a bank account?

Answer

You can add a beneficiary to your account. This can be useful in many situations, such as simplifying and speeding up the probate process. To do this, you require to visit your bank branch and provide them with the necessary documents and an application. The most reliable option would be to clarify the list of documents in the support service. Usually, the package of documents involves your ID, information about the beneficiary, or their document. And of course, you must know your account details. The process itself is pretty fast. You can check with your bank, and perhaps they also allow you to do this through the application. In this case, the process will be even easier and faster.

Question 11

How to get old bank statements from a closed account?

Answer

If you have to refer to the list of transactions from your closed bank account for any reason, you may rest assured that it is possible even after a significant amount of time has passed. However, keep in mind that most banks keep your statements for five years and are not required to hold on to them for a longer period of time. We recommend requesting statements from an account closed within the last five years. Otherwise, you may face a more time-consuming procedure and exorbitant fees. The most convenient way to receive your statements is to access them online. You can view and print them right away without being charged a fee. If your closed account is too old to access it via the app or the website, you can contact your bank over the phone or visit the office in person. The bank staff may ask you to prove your identity and provide the required information about your bank account.

Question 12

What is a bank account statement?

Answer

A bank statement is the list of all the transactions that the owner did for the previous month. It includes all operations made and also your balance at the beginning of the month and at its end. You can access your statement online on the website of your bank. Log in, find the page with electronic statements, choose the period and look at it on any of your devices, or download it as a PDF file.

Bankofthewest onlinebanking

Bankofthewestonlinebanking