<p>it would probably be smarter to open one with credit union than a big bank, right, fee-wise?</p>
<p>Most big banks offer free checking and savings accounts for college students. I personally use Wells Fargo and ING for Savings (one of the better interest rates out).</p>
<p>I'm still a rookie when it comes to checking, but I have had no problems with the USC Credit Union so far. One good thing in having a checking account with USC Credit Union is that they are part of the co-op network for ATMs. This means that there are thousands of ATMs you can access across the nation without any fees (such as surcharge fees). However, I'm guessing that other banks offer the same co-op network. Also, I haven't been charged a single fee yet. The Cardinal Checking really is free. It doesn't build up interest, but it's free without fees. USCCU does have checking account options that build interest, but they have a fee. I would say that the obvious disadvantage is the number of branches (2 that I know of, 1 in the 2nd floor of King Hall... which, by the way, is next to Fluor Tower (I think you'll be living in Fluor next year?), and 1 on the Health Sciences Campus (not on the USC University Park campus). I have found this inconvenient whenever I am not on campus (such as during winter break or summer break). Even though I live somewhat close, a 25 mile drive to a bank isn't worth it in my opinion. All in all, I would say that the USC Credit Union is a great place to start if you're not sure. However, I would definitely hear more opinions about this because I've only dealt with USC Credit Union and no other bank so far. Happy banking!</p>
<p>I use both Bank of America and Washington Mututal.
There's a BOA atm on campus and a BOA across the street in the UV.</p>
<p>I know Bank of America offer free checking and savings accounts for college students. And as rdang said above, there is a BofA right across the street.</p>
<p>i actually don't mind using USC Credit Union. easy access, many atms, etc etc. and if you need to use it outside of the USC area, go to 711. those ATMs don't charge you (and you can buy a giant pink simspons donut while there too)
hey rdang :)</p>
<p>can international students open checking account with bank of america as well?</p>
<p>WHy would a student need a checking account, if he/she has a debit or credit card? What sorts of things would a student need to write a check for on campus?
Just wondering if my D should open one up. Thanks.</p>
<p>in my case, my debit card is on my checking acct. maybe now you can get a savings acct w/ a debit card, but back in the day when i first wanted a debit card in like 2004 (bank of america was still fleet bank here), they said i had to open a checking acct because my savings acct wouldn't do.</p>
<p>I use a checking account to fund my debit card as well. I actually have written checks on campus a variety of times when the recipient didn't accept credit cards and I desired a more permanent record than plain cash. </p>
<p>For example, membership to an honor society, buying goods from a club on campus, etc. Having a physical check leaves a nice record of the transaction.</p>
<p>Sometimes to pay a bill or purchase something online you have to use an electronic check so it can be helpful. </p>
<p>I say go with a credit union over a major bank because you can build a history with them. Usually credit union's take care of their members and offer better loan rates, different kinds of loans for students, etc. </p>
<p>For example, at the First Entertainment Credit Union in Los Angeles they have a new computer loan for students with fixed interest rate. It's better than buying it on a credit card with a higher interest rate.</p>
<p>Second, my other credit union USAA which I gained membership through my affiliation with the military is great! It offers just about everything I'll ever need - car insurance, auto/personal/mortgage loans, free checking and savings. It offers free checks if I need them but the BEST part about my USAA checking account is that they reimburse me for any fees I accrue from using my card at ANY ATM. I also get some money back every year in dividends.</p>
<p>So, shop around! Credit Unions are more specialized but for big banks Bank of America or Washington Mutual aren't half bad either.</p>
<p>a checking account works in conjunction with the debit card. money used to buy purchases on the debit card are taken directly out of the checking account.the savings account on the other hand is less accessible, considering its less of "disposable" money.</p>
<p>I agree with what everyone said about the use of a debit card takes the funds directly out of your checking account so such an account is needed.</p>
<p>Such an account is not entirely necessary but does help with random payments such as club memberships, etc.</p>