How to open an account in Cartu Bank Georgia ?

[Remy]

I tried to open a personal account in Cartu Bank in Tbilissi. I've been first in an agency (looks like a State administration in the 70's), and then in the head office of the bank. I've been speaking 30 minutes, answering to many intrusive questions, showing documents I've prepared. I promised to deposit 20 or 30 000 USD on their Time Deposit if they open me an account. Finally after a few days, I got their answer : Niet ! No reason to explain why they refuse me only "Due to internal policy...bla bla". I answered if it was a question of amount, I could deposit more USD. A few days after, same answer : Niet "Due to internal policy..."

I would like to know if somebody succeeds to open an account, personal or corporate, in this bank. Generally, somebody could explain why you are very welcome in TBC and BOG, and why absolutly not in Cartu Bank.

 

[Outlander]

Well the question is, why would you want to open an account at one of‌ the smallest banks in Georgia when, as you pointed out, TBC and BoG are welcoming?‍

Also, it could have to do with your passport. I know that BoG will refrain⁠ from opening personal accounts to certain nationalities.

 

[Remy]

For their Visa⁤ debit card with unlimited spending coming with the account. I could be useful. I have⁣ EU passport, not sure the issue was related to my nationality.

 

[Anny08]

in close future banks of Georgia will ask a substance and really reasons/connections with Georgia‌ in order of bank acc. opening.

 

[patituanez]

What's unlimited spending?

 

[Remy]

Your debit card (Visa, Mastercard...) has a‌ daily, weekly or monthly limit for spending. I don't speak about limits concerning amount of‍ cash you can withdraw from ATM, but money you can spend in shops or on⁠ internet, even you have enough on your bank account. The good point is Visa Debit⁤ Cards from Cartu Bank have no limit, it's very rare.

 

[karim8899]

Isn't a limit already high enough for Visa Gold and MasterCard Black(or whatever it's called)?‌

 

[Remy]

The limits of your Visa Platinium, for example, are fixed‍ by the bank and vary much among banks. But to answer to your question, only⁠ unlimited is really useful.

 

[dvm]

To what nationalities?

 

[curiousmarv]

If you can deposit 100,000 € you can do private banking in Georgia (higher than‌ retail and priority banking) and you get a Visa infinity card. I think they even‍ offer unlimited cash world wide.
I agree to the other comments: Why open an account⁠ with such a small bank.

 

[Spinat]

Same as Cyprus debit cards have, no limit at‍ all on their Visa Platinum card.

 

[dvm]

What Georgian banks do you⁤ have in mind for doing private banking if you have 100K euro?

 

[curiousmarv]

Bank of Georgia Wealth (don't confuse that with higher retail banking from them like SOLO,‌ this is beyond SOLO)
or just google for "Private banking" or "Visa Infinite" together with‍ "site:.ge" to find alternatives.

No experience with any of this because I'm not interested in⁠ this.

 

[Remy]

Could you tell me in what bank in Cyprus ?‍

 

[Spinat]

Bank of Cyprus has no limit on their Visa debit card, well known for years‌ 🙂

 

[Remy]

Do you know if their Visa debit cards unlimited are‍ for a personal or/and business account ? I haven't found this information on their website.⁠

 

[Spinat]

Much about Cyprus banks you won't find on their website for good reasons. It's for‌ their business account.

 

[Outlander]

Most Africans, most Asians (exceptions to Singapore,‌ Japan, maybe a few others?). Surely they want no business with Nigerians, Indians and Pakistanis.‍ It's how the world is divided nowadays.

 

[Spinat]

Would you trust a bank⁤ in Georgia even Bank of Georgia with 100K euro ?

 

[curiousmarv]

At least more than Cyprus banks. But I agree I‍ would not use Georgia as first choice.
Hong Kong was first class and first choice⁠ for a long time... and look at it today. Nowhere it is safe! 😉