Originally Posted by garce

Open a US account.

I've been dealing with TD Canada Trust since 1998 (just TD Bank back then - at least for a couple of months...) and I know pretty well everyone in my branch. I rarely have a problem, and the people that work there go out of their way to help me.

When I deposit cheques, I line up for a teller - the lines are short enough - and I get "face time" with the employees. We chat, we joke around, and the people at my branch now know me by name. Personal relationships and recognition makes a big difference if you're not huge player.

Its not hard work going to the bank once a week and shooting the shit.