Deposit Euro and Pund checks in the US

[shman]

I have been dealing with a few firms in Europe and was happy when I got my first commission in Euros for 31 euros. Imagine my surprise when the bank here in the US says it will charge me $20 dollars for collection and also it will take 8 weeks for the money to be collected.

Can anyone give me better options?

a) A better foreign exchange friendly bank in the US.
b) Is it possible / inexpensive to open a offshore account in any European country?

[tombola]

Well, for us Europeans dealing with American companies, it's the other way round: I have to pay 17.00 euro ($21.50) for each USD cheque I bring to my bank (but I get the money the same day).

Maybe you can ask for wire transfer?

Is it possible / inexpensive to open a offshore account in any European country?

I wonder if it's worth doing this for small amounts?

[GetYourWeb]

I am in the Uk and have customers here in the UK, Spain, Germany and Cyprus. And all have to pay me via PayPal or wire transfer. If wiretransfer they have to carry the costs. I do not accept any foreign cheques except foreign bankers cheques as the charges are paid by the cheque buyer.

Dani