Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Konglishman]

Hello, everyone.

Thus, far, I have been in Korea for nearly 2 years now. I had decided that I was going to switch my bank account to Shinhan. So, I opened a Shinhan account last week.

Unfortunately, the bank would not give me a bank card. I was told that I must have the account open for 3 months before I can get a bank card. So, I was only given a bank book. Since you can use the bank book at many of the ATM machines, I decided not to argue about this.

Last weekend, I got around to testing out using the bank book with the ATM machine. I was able to deposit money into the account, but to my surprise, I could not take money out or even transfer money to another account.

So, I went back to the Shinhan bank at the beginning of this week to get them to correct the problem. I told the manager that I wanted to be able to withdraw money from the ATM. Then, I was told that it was not possible. Since I am a foreigner, I am not allowed to have those bank account privileges until after 3 months have passed. So, the only way for me to withdraw money is to go to bank counter during banking hours.

Needless to say, I was quite irritated by this. Nonetheless, I kept the anger out of my voice and tried to find a compromise. I explained that with my other bank account, I never had to wait 3 months. Surely, there must be some exception to this rule. I then asked if I could get around the problem by having a Korean friend cosign the account. I was told "no".

Later on, I talked to a friend of mine in Seoul who has a Shinhan account. He said that he never even had to wait to get a bank card.

I wonder if I were to simply go into a different Shinhan bank branch, a different outcome would occur. Unfortunately, my working hours prevent me from having the time to go to another bank branch.

Does anyone have any thoughts on how I might convince this Shinhan bank manager to give me regular access to my bank account?

[Ukon]

Go to KEB bank...much better and easier for foreigners....

But yes, going to different branches will likely result in a different outcome....but screw shinhan and got to KEB.

[blaseblasphemener]

I agree, try another bank. I bank at KB and haven't had any problems. You can do online transfers overseas for 7,000 won.

[aphase]

wow, i never heard of that kind of rule before. I've opened something like 4 different bank accounts at different banks since I've been here and they always just gave the bank card right then after making the account.

I would say get another bank, that sounds like a really ridiculous rule.

[afsjesse]

I used KEB my first year here in Korea and had no problems. Money transfers were easy, but costly. Around 18k. Not sure about online transfer. I now use Nonghyup because I'm in a rural area and there's no other option really. Good Luck!

[Binch Lover]

Standard Chartered gave me an INTERNATIONAL ATM card right away last summer. I had to prove I was a public school teacher though.

[travelingfool]

Shinhan bank is the worst. They told me that they couldn't issue me a domestic debit card because foreign customers commit crimes and fraud. A card with international access was also out of the question. I actually did get a card right away though it was only good at ATM's and had a 100,000 per day limit.

[jdog2050]

[jdog2050]

[jdog2050]

[weatherman]

I bank with them, and never had a major problem. Last week I even registered with them to increase my overseas cash remittances limit to 50,00,000 won year. I have check card, which I think is what you newer guys call a debit card. They won't give me a credit card though. I got that through Samsung Card.

[cdninkorea]

I had the same problem: I went to Shinhan in Itaewon and was told no bank card for three months- they told me that was the law.
The next week I went to a branch in Yeouido and was given a bank card no problem. Did they break the law, or does the Itaewon branch not know what they're talking about?

In December '08 I tried to get an international bank card from Standard Chartered, and was told it was illegal- this was from the branch and from calling their English number.

I went to KEB, who gave me an international card. It worked in Thailand. My faith in Korea is partially restored.

[esetters21]

Never had a problem with Shinhan. I was issued a debit/check card immediately (albeit 3 or so years ago), set up internet banking, and have a global/international card from them. Try a different branch maybe? I've always lived and banked in Seoul, so who knows.

[kiknkorea]

I got a BC card from Shinhan the same day I opened the account. This was last month. Guess the person who stated the 3 month rule didn't know what they were talking about, or just didn't want to deal with foreigners. It's not much good having an account you don't have access to, so I would try KB or just about any other bank around since this branch isn't going to do business right with you.

[jdog2050]