Is East West Bank Good to Use?

Is East West Bank Good to Use?

East West Bank, established in 1973 and headquartered in Southern California, is a publicly traded bank primarily serving the Chinese and Asian communities in the United States. The bank has over 120 branches in the U.S., China, and Hong Kong, serving more than 500,000 customers with a variety of financial products, including savings accounts, checking accounts, credit cards, loans, and wealth management services. This article introduces several savings accounts and credit cards from East West Bank, discusses common fees associated with accounts, the account opening process, and provides information about customer service and online banking.

Table of Contents

East West Bank Accounts

First, let’s briefly introduce a few checking and savings accounts offered by East West Bank:

Account Type Account Features Account Opening Requirements and Monthly Fees
Value Checking¹
  • Basic checking account with no interest
  • Includes a VISA debit card with unlimited check writing
  • 24/7 phone, online, and mobile banking services
  • Free use of East West, Allpoint, and MoneyPass ATMs
  • Minimum opening deposit: $100; NY residents only need $25
  • Monthly fee: $5; waived for NY residents or if account balance is $1,500
Premier Checking²
  • Premium checking account with interest
  • Includes a VISA debit card with unlimited check writing
  • 24/7 phone, online, and mobile banking services
  • Free use of East West, Allpoint, and MoneyPass ATMs
  • Minimum opening deposit: $100
  • Monthly fee: $10 (waived by maintaining a balance of $2,500)
Premier Savings³
  • Premium savings account with interest
  • No withdrawal or deposit limits
  • Can use the debit card from the checking account for ATM withdrawals
  • Minimum opening deposit: $100
  • Monthly fee: $3 (waived for under 18 years old, or if maintaining a balance of $2,500)
CDs⁴
  • Certificate of Deposit with interest
  • Must have a checking or savings account to open a CD online
  • Term options range from a minimum of 32 days to a maximum of 5 years
  • Minimum opening deposit: $1,000
  • Monthly fee: $0

(Data checked on: August 28, 2024)

East West Bank Credit Cards

In addition to the VISA debit card that comes with checking accounts, you can also apply for a UnionPay prepaid card or a VISA credit card based on your personal needs:

UnionPay Prepaid Card⁵ Secured Credit Card⁶
Annual Fee $0 $0
Application Requirements
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must be an 18 years old U.S. resident
  • No SSN required
Credit/Spending Limit Recharge up to $1,000 weekly; balance can reach up to $5,000 Up to $10,000 approved (must provide the same amount as a security deposit)
Overdue Payment Annual Interest Rate Not applicable 20.99%
Features
  • UnionPay card is nearly 100% accepted in China
  • Can be used for payments and withdrawals
  • Enjoy discounts and offers with the UnionPay card
  • Can also be used in the U.S. (only at Discover and NYCE merchants)
  • Minimum recharge of $50 each time
  • Ideal for students and new immigrants to establish a credit history
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Can be added to mobile wallets (e.g., Apple Pay, Google Pay)

(Data checked on: August 28, 2024)

East West Bank Fees

Below are the common fees associated with East West Bank accounts:⁷

Service Fee
Account Opening Free
Account Maintenance Fee $3 to $10 per month (waived if balance requirements are met)
ATM Withdrawal Free at East West, Allpoint, and MoneyPass ATMs

Other ATMs: first two withdrawals free per month, $1 thereafter

Wire Transfer Fees Incoming: $10

Outgoing: $25 to $40 (depending on destination and currency); only $12 to $16 for transfers to China (depending on state)

Foreign Currency Exchange Fees Buying: $7 to $20 depending on currency

Selling: $5 to $10

Check Order Fee Varies
Overdraft Fees $35 each time, up to a maximum of $140 per month

(Data checked on: August 28, 2024)

East West Bank Customer Service

East West Bank offers customer service through the following channels:

  • Phone: 1-888-895-5650
  • Online Banking: Access your account online for balance inquiries and transactions
  • Mobile App: Available on iOS and Android for easy account management
  • Branch Locations: In-person assistance at local branches

East West Bank Reviews

Here are some common reviews about East West Bank:

  • Pros: Excellent customer service, convenient online banking, competitive interest rates
  • Cons: Limited ATM network, high fees for some services

East West Bank Online Banking Services

East West Bank provides robust online banking services, including:

  • Account access and management
  • Transfer funds between accounts
  • Bill payments
  • Mobile check deposit

How to Open an East West Bank Account

To open an East West Bank account, visit their official website or a local branch and provide the necessary documents (such as identification and proof of residence). The process is usually quick and straightforward.

Is East West Bank Safe?

Yes, East West Bank is FDIC insured, meaning your deposits are protected up to $250,000. The bank employs strong security measures to safeguard your financial information and accounts.

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