<p>I'm looking to create a checking account for EFT, secure monetary storage, and a way for my parents to send over money. Besides those abilities, I mainly want there to be a minimum amount of fees. Also, I will be overseas until move-in day, so it would be very convenient to be able to sign up without being physically present at Berkeley.</p>
<p>What recommendations do you have?</p>
<p>I signed up at Bank of America as soon as I got to Berkeley. My parents just transfer money into my account and it’s the closest/convenient bank to campus. The ATM is right there on your way home.</p>
<p>Don’t be in such a rush. You can set up your account in less than an hour once you get here.</p>
<p>Bank of America has a location near sproul, so many students like to go with them. Wells Fargo is a popular alternative, but they like to tack on fees (though most are easily waived). In downtown Berkeley, a bit west of campus, there’s also Chase. There are also a few credit unions around the area.</p>
<p>In any case, wait until you get here. It’ll be much less hassle, trust me.</p>
<p>And if you wait, you get a really cool cal credit card. No joke.</p>
<p>I don’t think you need to wait to get the cal card. when I signed up for my bank of America card, the lady offered me a booklet showing all the designs I could chose from and I narrowed it down to World Wildlife Fund and this Animal humane society thing but then I saw the Cal one and immediately chose that one. They give you a temporary one and in about 10 days, you get the Cal card</p>
<p>Well, right now I’m leaning towards Bank of America, but am interested in what others have to add.</p>
<p>What hassle do you avoid by signing up at Berkeley? I’m new to banking and all, but isn’t one BoA account the same no matter what branch you use? Also, is the “cal credit card” an actual credit card (Don’t you have to apply for them?) or something similar?</p>
<p>By signing up at Berkeley, you can review all the contracts, get your “starter” checkbook / deposit slips, and verify your identity all in one step.</p>
<p>If you do it without a physical presence, you won’t have all the materials that come with the account.</p>
<p>Yeah the Cal Card is an actual Credit Card. So basically when you go to San Francisco, like I did, and you take out your credit card, people are like “woah! You go to Berkeley?!” : ] </p>
<p>Also, I was hesitant about opening up an account in Berkeley cause my mom wasn’t there lol but I kind of had to because I didn’t have time at home and it was so easy. I recommend doing it when you get here too. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss! lol jk but yeah you should do it here. They tell you a lot about the account since they know your new.</p>
<p>There’s also another BoA on Northside, right by Cheeseboard.</p>
<p>Hmm, everyone seems to be supporting BoA. But isn’t there any dissent over this? Any?</p>
<p>I have a bank of america account and my only complaint is that the transactions are really slow. like I deposited my paycheck several days ago and it’s still “processing.” they did give me $100 of it but the rest has yet to be added to my account. so just be prepared to wait</p>
<p>So I already have a Bank of America checking account & debit card… (and I’m very happy with BoA)</p>
<p>Would you guys recommend the Cal Card? What kind of credit card is it?</p>
<p>What about citibank? Anyone?</p>
<p>From my experience, all the banks are about equal as long as you keep well within their account parameters and never overdraft.</p>
<p>Main reason why I use Wells Fargo is so that my parents can do EFT deposits into my account for free, since they are also Wells Fargo customers. There are basically no Bank of America or CitiBank locations near where my parents live.</p>
<p>@meakame: For us, CitiBank does provide lower transfer rates between countries (it’s a flat rate so no commission) but not many outlets near Cal, from what I’ve heard.</p>