Banking System in Chicago
The banking system in the U.S. is very safe with branches, ATMs (automatic teller machines) and drive-through services having security cameras, and websites having enhanced encryption for safe online banking. Many Chicagoans check their balance and pay bills online or receive email alerts for minimum balance or cleared checks, even as a text on their cell phone.
One aspect many expatriates are not accustomed to is the drive-through system. Most banks, even downtown, let you drive up to a station and conduct bank business out of your car or truck window. Outside ATMs are also designed for easy access by vehicle. It is efficient and fast. The process is safe but if you have to discuss confidential matters, it is recommended that you go inside the branch and speak to a teller or advisor there.
Expatriates may be used to easily wire money in their home country. In the U.S., money transfer has not become popular, with the exception of online banking, where you log in online and request to pay a bill with money from your account, called ‘Bill Pay’. International money transfers cannot be performed online and should be requested by visiting your bank directly and/or by using a money transfer service such as Western Union, http://www.westernunion.com.
Banks also offer notary services.
Typical banking hours are Mo – Fr 9 am – 6 pm, Sat 9 am – 3 pm. Banks are generally closed on Sundays and holidays. See the section Bank Holidays for more information.
If the bank is closed, you have access to 24/7 ATMs. ATMs allow you to withdraw and deposit money and check balances. ATMs are very easy to find. Most of the time, they are located inside the bank agencies. But you can also find some inside restaurants, supermarkets, department stores, pharmacies (Walgreens, CVS). But be aware that if you withdraw money from an ATM that is not your bank, you will be charged for the transaction.
Banks
Bank of America https://www.bankofamerica.com/
Chase Bank https://www.chase.com/
Citibank http://www.citibank.com/us/home.htm
Dresdner Bank https://www.commerzbank.com/en
141 W Jackson Blvd Chicago, IL
(312) 922-8964
International Bank of Chicago http://www.inbk.com/
International Commercial Bank
2 N La Salle St # 1803 Chicago, IL
(312) 782-9900
Korea Exchange Bank
181 W Madison St # 2100 Chicago, IL
(312) 372-7890
Societe Generale http://www.sgcib.com/
181 W Madison St # 3400 Chicago, IL
(312) 578-5000
State Bank of India http://www.sbichicago.com/
19 S La Salle St # 200 Chicago, IL
(312) 621-1200
Unicredito Italiano
180 N Stetson Ave # 1310 Chicago, IL
(312) 946-1111
US Bank http://www.usbank.com/
