So really, a 5 year elite visa costs 600,000. For an extra 200,000 (because basically that 400,000 isn't really yours if you never plan to leave) it almost makes sense to just pay up front then forget about it. Unless you do the 65,000 every month (and never, ever miss a month.)
I have never traveled with that much cash. That's what cards and ATMs are for. I will going into Thailand in case someone asks, but it will make me uncomfortable at best.
I plan to do it up front. Put the money in myself. I'm not going to cut corners, and the agency I use has me do the legwork, they assist with all the documents. With everything above board, I don't see a problem.
according to Schwab, all it does is restrict what you can invest in. Seeing as I'm just using their checking account merely collecting interest in my tiny investment account, it shouldn't be an issue.