On what basis did you decide that an HSBC account in the US is "totally useless". Same question on why you think their service in Paris is "not very good". I ask because my needs may not be the same as yours and the information would be helpful to know.

My experience with their "customer service"... I opened an online savings and checking accounts, after much red tape. Their "security" features for online access are real painful. The name on the ATM card has a typo. 2 months later I get the statement and notice the interest is only 0.25% instead of 5%. I call to complain. They blame it on me. So I hang up and call again, asking for them to give me my interest properly. Same answer so I ask them to cancel. They transfer me to the closing desk. The IT savvy rep actually confirms that they screwed up. Too late by now.

The US division does not care about its customers. Looks for non deadbeat customers (those that don't result in fees) and cancels others in ways to intentionally harm them. Limited number of branches and only in a few locations of the US. They still operate on the Household mentality which is intended for low income, high risk account holders and tier 3 loan services strapped with fees and kickers. In Paris they are many in Paris but their customer service is only better than the US division and they are incompetent. They have plenty of branches in Paris and some to the north of Paris but other than that....no.

I understand you don't like HSBC's Paris customer service but without any specifics or examples, that really doesn't count for much. If any come to mind and you'd like to share, write again.

I have an account in HK HSBC and they charge me $50 HK (US$6.50) for using HSBC ATM machines outside of HK. I inquired about the US branch in Alhambra, CA, their policy is the same and will not waive any charges.

Please check with your HSBC branch before using it oversea.
The best deal is still B of A which has no fee. Citi charges me 1% conversion fee on top of a very bad exchange rate.

As to credit cards, CITI and HSBC are both charging 3%.

Confirmed HSBC US charges for use of their debit, credit or plain old ATM card when used anywhere besides their US branch. That includes all non HSBC banks in the world and HSBC banks outside of the US.

Can anyone give links and details to the BofA debit or atm card that is free of surcharges?

I have a free BofA checking account with ATM/debit card. I used it at a Deutche Bank ATM (one of BofA's partner banks) in Munich earlier this year. No service charge by either bank. I don't remember the exchange rate but I think it was close to the interbank rate. With one exception (*see below) I never use my ATM card as a debit card (PIN or sign).

BofA runs frequent promotions where you can get $100 for opening a free checking account with direct deposit (similar to the Citi EZ checking account, see related thread in this forum "10,000 AA miles"). I don't have the link but you can usually find it at PGary's great website - just opened one for my new child. ^

* BofA has a debit card promotion where they will match the change from your debit card purchases for 3 months and add it to a savings account, up to a total match of $300. Don't ask me to explain, you can find details at BofA's website. Too good to pass up a free $300, so I reluctantly used my BofA debit card at Starbucks for 3 months.

So you use it at an ATM only?
Then at the bottom it looks like debit at starbucks?
PIN or SIG?

Like you, I used my BofA ATM card at Deutsche Bank in Berlin and Scotiabank in Montreal with no service charge or extra fees! ^ The exchange rate seemed close to the Interbank rate. BofA is my secondary bank - used only for traveling where Wachovia bank isn't located. Wachovia is now expanding into Texas and California. ^

Compass in Alabama gives totally free checking. That includes checks and ATM usage. They even refund any foreign ATM charge from any ATM anywhere in the world. I have not seen a better deal yet.

I can sign up for this bank here in PA?

I know you can sign up online but I did not know there were branches there.
Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, New Mexico and Texas

I guess I'll have to live w/ BofA, unless I use my winter condo address in FL to sign up w/ Compass.

They do online signups.