on sending money

[john_paul32177]

i am getting married next week and we will be sending the family money. i keep on reading on atm's and depositing in a bank account. how does this work?

[Georgina]

... in response to on sending money, posted by john_paul32177 on Nov 15, 2001

I think Pete is right. Better if you open an account in a different bank and send them the ATM card. You should set up an amount and let them know. Also is helpful to tell them that you will let them know when is the money available and how much for them to pick up so they just don't go anytime they need money and charge your account as if you were a blank check. You have to set up the rules.

[Pete E]

... in response to on sending money, posted by john_paul32177 on Nov 15, 2001

You give the family an ATM card and PIN number and they can get money from your account just like you can when you are there.As long as your bank is connected to a service that does this,like star.Most banks are.They just go to a ATM machine and withdraw money in pesos.You will see deduct from your account in dollars and can figure the exchange rate from there.
Possible problems.IF you just give them your ATM card you won't have one.If this is your main account charges they make could mess up your balence and could cause bounced checks,or they could clean out your account.If you open a new account with your name on it at the same bank the bank can take money from your main account to cover the new account.
I would open a new account at a new bank.This could be in you name or your wifes.My original bank wouldn't open an account for my wife untill she got her drivers licence,but we found one that would with just a social secuity number.Your wife CAN get this in about 2 weeks from SS.
We also found a bank that would give us 2 cards with only my wife on the account.They gave us a visa/atm card and a regular atm card.My mother in law uses the regular atm card.I would not mail it.(even UPS or Fed Ex.)Get someone to take the card to them.
This can take awhile to set up.You can just wire money in the meantime.Western Union charges 5-7%.

Pete