Originally Posted by
MSPeconomist
If you open a new account, how long does it take before you have access to your deposited funds to use for foreign currency purchases? I wouldn't be surprised if the answer is about three weeks.
I ran into this with Discover (Bank side not CC). I had to submit a wire transfer request for any transaction over a certain amount for 1st 90 days. I opened because my house had just burnt and they were offering 5% on checking plus a sign an bonus. Purchases of foreign cash were prohibited during the time. There was no minimum balance though.