<p>and the credit union is always another option too</p>
<p>Its been awhile since I've been on here, but personally I prefer USAA. For all the reasons mentioned above and the ease of use and willingness they are to work with you. Not to mention, the insurance that is offered when you get your computers is through USAA, and some of my friends who got the insurance but have AFB wish they had USAA. </p>
<p>Also, I don't know about AFB, but once your accepted you can open an account with USAA and start banking then. I know I had all my accounts and credit card before I even arrived at the Academy. It is also very easy to set up transfers to/from USAA to another bank. Makes more sense to me to get a bank account your going to keep for a long time (not to mention I have heard horror stories about AFB and them charging fees after an account is closed)</p>
<p>The appointment package that my D received (2012) has information for AFB only. The acceptance paperwork even had a place she had to "check" that said she agreed to use AFB and she would be sending in the paperwork before her arrival. I just looked at all of it again to make sure and there is nothing in there at all about any other banking options.</p>
<p>hmmm iam not sure if i recall AFB being on the paperwork i sent back for my acceptance of appt., can anyone else verify? if so then obviously my choice has been made...</p>
<p>My D is 2011 and was not required to have any particular bank. She could have selected our local credit union, if she wanted. There was no requirement that they go with AFB for class of 2011. </p>
<p>Flymom - if your D does not want AFB perhaps a phone call is in order. Or, since at orientation USAA and AFB had booths set up so future cadets could arrange their banking you could wait and see. I would be surprised if Uncle Sam required any particular bank (though they may encourage one). If I remember correctly, in the booklet they sent last year it said AFB, or the bank of your choice - it may not have specified USAA but I'd have to hunt down that booklet to be sure (and I don't want to hunt that down!). At orientation USAA and AFB were both opening accounts and set up the direct deposit stuff right there at orientation. If you wanted a different bank it was fine and you could just fax a form with the banking info to AFA.</p>
<p>i actually recall the appointment package having a place you had to check saying something like "i'll send in this paperwork before i get there in june" too. they dont send anything about USAA, just an envelope with info on AFB. a question to ask at orientation, but i already sent in my AFB stuff :(</p>
<p>Thanks MOH2011,</p>
<p>D hasn't sent the paperwork in yet although she did "check" the box saying she would. It looks like it's the only option and honestly we have no preference for any particular bank, I just wanted to share what was included with her packet.</p>
<p>HNeedle, it sounds like AFB is a fine institution for your hard-earned money--don't fret! :) D will most likely be sending her paperwork in too since she "checked" that she would.</p>
<p>yeah... i prefer USAA and probably will use it at the USAFA.</p>
<p>but, I did just send off my appointment packet and I had to "check-off" that I would have an account with AFB. </p>
<p>don't know what that's all about !?</p>
<p>Just to add more information, I sent my acceptance in and I also distinctly remember checking the box that said I would fill out and send my AFB paperwork. So I guess I've already decided.</p>
<p>^^^ me too. I'm set with AFB. But we can always change farther along the line, and in this very thread, it has been recommended to use them as a 4° and switch afterwards :) Don't fret!</p>
<p>i called the admissions office today and was told that all incoming cadets have to have an account with AFB so i hope that clears up any debate... </p>
<p>i guess if youve found away around that great but all in all i think i will follow hornet's advice from before... Thanks to everyone!!! ;)</p>