<p>I am just curious about anyone’s experiences with these two banks. I am looking for one that would be easiest to use as a cadet and also allow easy transfers to and from my parents…</p>
<p>USAA is all online I think, which my dad seems to frown upon…</p>
<p>Any suggestions and what not are appreciated… ;-)</p>
<p>about 3 pages of people talking about the AFB and how its better.</p>
<p>I am not a cadet, however i do have a usaa account. I have had this account since I was about eight and I have had no problems. Also, my parents have their car insurance through them, and as far as I know, have'nt had any trouble. I don't know anything about afb. I don't think it is all online, but am not totally sure.</p>
<p>yes ChrisC190, I just found that post but people seem to lean more USAA because of the online access and free ATM use, I am just curious which one the academy uses as far as depositing the monthly stipend as well...</p>
<p>yay I really dont know much. I havent started researching yet cause the more I know about Academy life the more its gonna blow if I get rejected.</p>
<p>Our family uses USAA for asset management, investments' credit cards, home and auto insurance, "allowance cards". The service can't be beat.</p>
<p>^^^^^^^^
ditto - USAA is bonafide.
USAA can't be beat -they are most awesome. we have used them for years and they are easy to use with terrific customer service. They really cater toward the military and if you are going to be moving every few years you will never have to change banks.
<a href="http://www.usaa.com%5B/url%5D">www.usaa.com</a></p>
<p>I would suggest using AFB as a 4 dig since the Academy is used to that on direct pay and it has a branch with people that helps. However, I suggest switching to USAA as an upperclassmen (I have) because of all the good stuff USAA offers.</p>
<p>thats what i was looking for, besides dad says visa is the best to have and afb offers that, he wants me to hava credit card to establish credit...</p>
<p>I have been using Mastercard for years now and the USAA mastercard works great for me. Not a fan of Visa.</p>
<p>Advice from a mom:
We have used USAA for 15 years and we have never once had a problem or security breach. We use USAA for checking, savings, kids' savings, mutual funds, IRA, house insurance, car insurance, visa card, home mortgage. I have just opened a checking account for my college bound senior. Yes, everything is online which is the best solution for any problem. Any time, day or night, in any country, I can log on and move money around. Right now I have one son in Turkey and one in New Zealand on school study trips. I can monitor their pre-paid debit cards and add money from their savinigs accounts if their funds get low. We live in Singapore but right now I'm in Houston. I have immediate access no matter where I am. Since we do everything with USAA, transfers are 'in house' and immediate...within seconds.</p>
<p>Until my son doesn't need me on his account anymore, both my husband and I are named on his checking and savings accounts. I would suggest that you have an account with this type of set up no matter which bank you use. Then in case of emergency someone you trust can handle your funds for you. I also set him up as a third user on our american express card. In case of emergency, but not in a situation that could put him in debt at an early age.</p>
<p>You can always call USAA about how things work at USAFA. I have to admit that these are the nicest people I have ever banked with.</p>
<p>well it sounds like iam goin to take your advice hornet and begin with afb for my 4 degree year and then probably switch after that...</p>
<p>continue to post opinions so that this thread can be archived for future use though!!! ;-)</p>
<p>thanks again...</p>
<p>my D uses USAA for her 4 dig year and has been very pleased. The direct deposit has been no problem. We set the account up online but at orientation they have people there ready to help you set it up. It was very easy to set up and now she can scan in checks that grandma sends to her and deposit directly from the computer anytime of day or night - no need to go to the bank or an ATM or anything. If she wanted to, I guess she could mail checks in but that's not necessary. She has immediate access to scanned checks so there is no delay and she is glad not to have to traipse out to an ATM or the bank to make deposits (not to mention the whole 4 dig "greeting" thing!) When she wants cash, she goes to the nearest ATM and pulls money out just like AFB - and I am sure she is using AFB ATM machine - no ATM fee's though. </p>
<p>As a family we have used USAA for over 25 years and truly would not change for anything.</p>
<p>i love USAA. i use that and AAFCU now b/c of the ability to deposit checks when my scanner breaks, and so i have two accounts so i can save money and have one i spend out of. but USAA interest is much higher, and the service is great (i had one issue which was quickly and easily resolved)</p>
<p>Momofhopeful, can you expand on the scanned checks thing? Seem's I read of that somewhere but can't remember where.</p>
<p>I would hugely recommend USAA also, for alot of reasons. One, their service, both online and via telephone is unbeatable, they are extremly friendly and courteous to help you with your every need. Secondly, I did not see if it was mentioned above but I have had direct deposits to them since I got my first Goverment check last summer and have 0 problems with that. Thirdly if you would prefer(not sure why) to have paperwork sent to like a normal bank you can, however if you prefer to do everthing online you can do that as well and it is extremly easy to use, their inteface at their site is awesome. So good that I have on my weekends set up two accounts(a saving and CD) within minutes while sitting in my very own room. I would say more, but I have a Ktest in a few, so I will leave with again hugely recommending USAA. (they also give you 10 free ATM uses) very nice. :)</p>
<p>USAA allows you to scan a check into the computer and transmit it to them as a means of depositing your check. For instance, assume my cadet receives a gift/check. D scans it into the computer and transmits directly to USAA. It goes to her account immediately - with immediate access, then you are done - you don't mail the check or anything. It just goes electronically into your account. It is good to avoid forgetting that you already deposited a scanned check by marking it in some way though (voice of experience!). D makes a mark on the face of the check after she scans it to indicate it has been scanned. It really is quite easy and she can do it in the comfort of her room - which these days is very nice!</p>
<p>I definately agree with hornetguy...</p>
<p>AFB your first year and then switch to USAA.</p>
<p>AFB is a way behind on the technology, when compared to USAA but all USAFA cadets are required to have an account with AFB their first year so I think you don't have much choice for the near future.</p>
<p>I have an account with both banks... the USAA perks are great.</p>
<p>direct deposit to AFB ... transfer to USAA... use USAA. ?</p>
<p>Did something change with all cadets required to have an account with AFB ? Our son, in the class of 2011 only has an account with USAA.</p>
<p>No I just think people are mis-informed..you dont have to have AFB.</p>