Best Bank? (How Should I Keep My Money)

[KGB_Candle]

Hey, I would be surprised if this topic has never come up before, but I searched through the forum and haven't found anything that really answers my question. So sorry if this is something that has already been discussed.

I am planning on setting out on my first hitching trip very soon, and I have a good deal of cash saved up (about $650), though I doubt I'll use very much of it. I don't want to carry all this on my person - if I'm going to get robbed or lose something, I would rather not lose it all. I figured the best way to handle this is just open up a checking account with a very large and common bank (Bank of America for example - apparently they have the most branches in the most states, and I'm leaning towards that), and using a debit card to withdraw some cash from ATMs when I need to restock what is on my person. I'd probably carry maybe $30-$50 on my person at any one time, which actually would probably take me a while to go through.

I've heard of traveler's cheques, but have been cautioned that these are no longer a great way to go (at least if you're just staying in the US) - because of fees, complexity, whatever.

What do you recommend?

[Laz777]

you can and will get service fees for withdrawals if you're using an atm that isn't your bank's.
my recent experience with wells fargo was that when my balance got below a certain amount, they began hitting my account with more fees until they said I owed them money.
[MOD EDIT] banks, IMO. I carry more than you have on you at times and never get robbed. my wallet never leaves my person, even when sleeping.
if you're worried, buy or make something like a money belt and keep your money on yourself. keep a small amount in your wallet, the rest stashed on your person somehwere. never stash money in your pack. I've heard about people driving away with packs when the hitchhiker gets out. never happened to me, but I always leave the door I'm exiting from open while I take my pack out.
just all my opinion, do whatever feels safe for you.

[stevenmundial]

I have never hitched but I rode my bike accross the country and I opened an account with Chase they have no minimum amount you need to keep in they have branches everywhere and you get 3 free withdrawls at other banks a month. I started with 50 on me but then it turned into a game to see how little i really needed to get by which i found to be almost nothing. I worked on farms and such for some cash but it was really for the experience.

[RangerChris]

Leaving the door open while geting your pack is the best defence, second is having their plate number. As for carrying cash PM sent kgb.

[Laz777]

congrats RC!

[KGB_Candle]

Thanks everyone for all the info! Not quite sure what I'm going to do yet . . . I looked at Chase and I don't think they have the option you're referring to anymore, at least in my area. Probably going to go with Bank of America.

[KGB_Candle]

Leaving the door open while geting your pack is the best defence, second is having their plate number. As for carrying cash PM sent kgb.

Thanks, sent you one back.