Good Mail Scanning/Forwarding Service from US to Ireland/Rest of World?

July 6, 2013 2:07 AM

Several years ago, I used US Global Mail with success, but while their monthly rates are still low, their individual services are priced at a rate that seems to add up quickly. I won't be using this extensively, just for banking and credit cards primarily. I'll probably want them to open and scan a few things per month and perhaps forward a few things on once or twice per month. I don't foresee using it for shopping or to receive packages and send on packages or anything like that. Money is an object; I need to not spend loads of cash on this, but I do need a place that is reliable. I am doing my own research, of course, and I found this thread, but it's more than three years old, and as it turns out, the mail forwarding business changes quickly! So, do you have experiences/recommendations, positive or negative, with US-based mail forwarding services, particularly if you are out of the country? Based on my requirements, is there a particular service that you know of that would be the perfect fit for me?
posted by tiger tiger to Grab Bag (4 answers total)

US banks and credit card companies are really pushing for "e-statements", which in my experience include PDF of the actual statement. Sorry, don't rally have an answer to your question though.
posted by zeikka at 4:57 AM on July 6, 2013

I would also just get paperless statements
posted by Heart_on_Sleeve at 5:53 AM on July 6, 2013

I have no personal experience but this is a newish company here in Austin that does this -- Outbox. I've seen their little cars driving around town, so I know they're at least somewhat legit. ;)
posted by pantarei70 at 8:25 AM on July 6, 2013

I'm sorry I cannot specifically answer your question but I can point you in another direction to search for answers. People who live and travel the world more or less full-time on boats need and use this kind of service. Scan the back pages of sailing magazines like Cruising World or Bluewater Sailing for ads touting this service. Search your keywords on Cruiser's Forum. Please share what you discover!

The above suggestions to go paperless are good ones. Lock down your banking sites with strong passwords, sign up for paperless statements and there will be little to forward. Develop the habit of online banking [perhaps download transactions to financial management software (like Quicken) or something cloud-based, like Mint].

At the same time, opt out of every piece of junk mail to minimize the card offers--just call the number on each and request to opt out. A hassle, but it definitely helps.
posted by AnOrigamiLife at 10:32 AM on July 6, 2013 [1 favorite]