Like everything else here, it is all about contacts, and being smart.
I am with BP, had an account there for 3 years, now wanted to add my wife for residency reasons. I was told by one girl, that as my wife is a gringo, she would need a guarantor (Dominican), references, etc... I told her, I have had the account for 3 years, I will be the guarantor. She now uses my account, what the hell is the difference? No go...
Just talked to another girl at the same branch. I was waiting for the ATM to become free, and she was waiting for her guagua. For one reason or another, I am known to her as Peter, el entranador de perros. She told me to come in tomorrow, with my wife's passport, and she would arrange it, no probs.
And yes, sometimes there are long lines, and it takes for ever. Use the drive-through!!! For some reason they are always helped first!!!
BelgianK