<p>What do parents of existing students suggest for banking in New Orleans? I see that Whitney is on campus, but I was wondering if there was an alternative that might be more convenient for making deposits. Any suggestions?</p>
<p>Depends on whether you have the same bank (like Chase) in your area. If not, Whitney is probably as convenient as any.</p>
<p>Bank of America, Capital One and Chase are the only national banks I am aware of with branches in New Orleans. If ATM fees are managable, you may not have a need to open an account in New Orleans if you don’t bank with these three banks.</p>
<p>I deposit into Chase in NY. D withdraws at Tulane Chase ATM.</p>
<p>We also use Chase.</p>
<p>DS has his account with USAA. I can deposit $ into his INGDirect account on line and he transfers it to his USAA account. USAA doesnt charge ATM fees (for up to 10/mo), and refunds fees charged by other banks up to $15/mo. And, he can take a picture of a check with his Iphone and it deposits it directly into his checking account. How cool is that?!?!</p>
<p>We also have linked Wachovia/Wells Fargo accounts, but use that for emergency only as there arent Wells Fargo banks in NOLA.</p>
<p>Which banks have a ATM on campus? That’s the really important question not answered so far. Thanks for a reply.</p>
<p>Whitney, Capital One and Chase for sure.</p>
<p>FC is correct as usual!</p>
<p>Does anyone know any local retailers, i.e. supermarkets or drugstores that give additional cash back from a purchase using an ATM debit card? This is a good way to avoid ATM fees.</p>
<p>Since we do not have any local offices for Chase or Capital One, we have begun the process of opening a checking account with Whitney which has an office in the LBC. You “apply” for the account online and then they send you additional paperwork including the signature cards to fill out and return. By opening a joint account, we are able to transfer funds into the Whitney account via online banking with my local bank. And Whitney has ATMs all over town in addition to being at the LBC. When I initiated this thread, I hadn’t investigated and didn’t realize that I could transfer the funds to Whitney through my online banking account. Seems easy to me and I like the idea that he can go to the branch office right on campus if he needs to!</p>
<p>kreativekat - I was unaware of that as well. That’s a great idea.</p>
<p>NervousParent - I will have to get the details, but I think for Whitney as long as they keep at least $300 in an account (we set up a separate savings account so she never has to think about it, she leaves that there and uses the checking account) students get 3 free ATM withdrawals a month. That should be plenty for most students. If you put $750 in the savings account then the checking is free. This savings account also serves as overdraft protection, although there is a $5 fee still for an overdraft, but it beats the NSF charges.</p>
<p>Actually, the parameters may have changed since your D opened her account FC. The account we opened - Smart Checking - is free for students 23 years old and under. There is no limit on debit transactions including cash withdrawals. They do say it is free with a linked $300 savings account, but if you are student 23 or under, no savings account is required. I do agree that the linked savings account is an excellent idea though. But they even have it set up now that with your email address (both parent and student addresses), you will receive email alerts if you are set up with online banking. From the Whitney website:</p>
<p>E-mail Alerts
We can notify you when events occur that affect your accounts, such as when a new E-Statement arrives, when a balance falls below a specified dollar amount, when a specific check clears, or when a specific deposit amount is credited. Can be sent to multiple email addresses. </p>
<p>I think it’s a great deal for parents and students.</p>
<p>Yes, it sounds like they may have made some improvements since she opened hers. She has been satisfied with Whitney.</p>