What can the Crew Bank do for me?
heatherpeterson
Director of StaffingPosts: 93 admin
Many of the most frequently asked questions of arriving crew members are related to their personal finances while they are on board. This should answer some of those questions, and if you don't find an answer here, you can email your question to our Crew Bank Clerk at [email protected].
What is the Crew Bank?
The Crew Bank is a service provided to all crew members serving on board. It operates very much like any other bank. You're even able to monitor your balance and spending activity from your computer! However, the Crew Bank is not connected to any outside banking network.
How do I set up an account in the Crew Bank?
When you arrive on board, you will check in with the Finance department and an account will be opened in your name.
What can you do with your crew account?
You can pay your crew fees, make deposits, request cash withdrawals, transfer money to other crew accounts, and pay for purchases in the Ship Shop and Cafe.
How do I access the account?
Our Information Services team will give you your login details and instructions upon arrival.
In what ways can money be deposited into the account?
1) Support from donors received by Mercy Ships
2) Bank Transfers (wire transfers or EFTs)
3) Personal check (USD, GBP, EUR, or CAN)
4) Credit card with 3% fee (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover)
5) Cash (USD, GBP, EUR)
6) Traveler's checks (USD, GBP, EUR)
Can I cash a personal check in the Crew Bank that is made out to me?
Yes, you can endorse it and can be deposited into your Crew Bank account. There is no fee/charges for this, however, if the check is from a supporter, the cannot be issued a receipt for their donation. (unless they make the check out to Mercy Ships).
What currency is used on board?
US Dollars are used for transactions such as crew fees, deposits into your account, and purchases in the Ship Shop or Cafe. If you are not from the US and plan to use your credit card to make a deposit, you should tell your credit card company that you will have some transactions processed through the US.
How can I take money out of my account?
You can withdraw money from by accessing your account online, or by going to the Crew Bank on board in person during its hours of operation.
Comments
Do the Crew Bank services include access and usage for volunteers during their service?
@VIRGINIASIMMONS : Hi Virginia, yes you have access to the crew bank during your time onboard. You can pay for your crew fees at the bank or even withdraw local currency if you choose to go out into the market or away for the weekend. They are most helpful in the crew bank and will assist you in whatever way they can when it comes to your finances onboard.
Hannah Mulvihill
UK Crew Support Coordinator.
Hi @SarahBurdette - Yes, one way to deposit money into your crew bank account is to transfer it from CrewMates / donor account. It's really simple to do in the online crew account. Hope that helps!
How do I do that? And I was wondering how much the crew fees are for someone staying only for 2 weeks. I know the monthly fee for Tier 1 is $700, but if I'm staying for 2 weeks do I pay the full $700 still, or is it halved? Thanks!
I found the answer myself, for anyone else looking at this thread and wondering. The fees are pro-rated for the time spent there. You only pay for the days of service, not the entire monthly tier fee.
How does the crew bank work for volunteer's staying at the off site dental clinic??
Hi Sylvie,
Excellent question! I have asked for clarification regarding how this is working for the Dental Clinic Team in Senegal. I'll post the r
equested informationsoon.@s.boulet
Hi Sylvie,
The crew members serving at the off-site Dental Clinic and Team House will visit the Africa Mercy at least once per week to visit the crew bank and take care of other business onboard. This is currently happening on either Wednesday or Thursday morning. Hope this is helpful. Let us know if you have any further questions.
Good morning from South Africa,
If we would like to book airline tickets with the money donated through our fundraising page, how would we go about this?
warm regards,
Chrissi
@chrissimaria - I believe that account only works as a reimbursement account. For example: I had money via my donation page, but had to buy my own plane ticket then submit the receipt in order to get the money transferred into the usable account. Does that make sense?
Hi Chrissi,
I sent you an email on how the process works regarding booking your airline tickets with the money donated through your Crowdfunding page on the US site. Please reach out to me if you have any further questions.
With warmth,
Sheila
@SarahBurdette thank you, and yes that makes perfect sense
@SheilaYoung thank you for your email!