0.50 Btc is a Good amount to start trading but be careful about trading bitcoin because if you don't have complete knowledge about Trading then you can Lose your Money. So My suggestion is that Do Trading but Carefully. 

Bank of America and chase have helped me with several overseas transactions. I feel that it all depends on regional guidance, being that in California you can go about business with bit more then a neighboring state like Oregon. It all depends. I'd look into your local banks, many here are trending out with bit.