<p>has anyone tried registering online for pnc bank? I looked, and it seemed complicated... will I have a chance to do it in person during orientation?</p>
<p>I registered online and it was really easy. Once you sign up you have to print out a signature page, sign it, and send it in along with proof that you are a CMU student (like a copy of the letter of acceptance). You can use a check or a card to add money into your account when you make it online too.</p>
<p>I am pretty sure there is a PNC branch in the lower level of the UC, near the mailboxes.</p>
<p>You can get a bank account the first day of orientation. Last year there were Citizen's bank and PNC representatives on the 2nd floor of the UC.</p>
<p>Son never opened a Pittsburgh account. He continued using his Credit Union ATM card and his Oregon checkbook. He maybe wrote 2 checks a year, otherwise he used his ATM (for cash) card, his CMU Tartan Card for campus purchases, and a credit card for internet and major purchases. Don't need another piece of paper and account to keeptrack. Keep it simmple.</p>
<p>We are not getting a local account for our son either - we got a debit card against his checking account at home - our local bank advised him to use it for cash by requesting cash over on small purchases like gum - to avoid ATM fees. And like itstoomuch he also will have a credit card for the same reasons.</p>
<p>My son opened an account at PNC the day before Orientation. They have treated him very well and it certainly is handy to have a banking connection in in town. During the year he did write a check or two and used the ATM card for cash. Last year PNC opened a new branch right in the Student Center and still have ATM's in other locations on campus. Oh so convenient!</p>
<p>There are at least 3 PNC ATMs on campus (in the Underground in Morewood, in the UC lower level next to the PNC branch office, and in Wean Hall's lobby). I have a PNC account and no complaints about it. It's also nice to know I can go to a branch if need be (there are big PNC branches in Oakland and Squirrel Hill).</p>
<p>for itstoomuch and Marilyn:</p>
<p>did your sons use the ATMs around campus? were they charged a service fee because they were from a different bank?</p>
<p>No fee. The ATM he used was compatible to his credit union ATM network. He didn't use the credit card or the cash card very much since he used the tarten card for most of the mundane purchases. We also got to monitor his purchases and we got a few extra air-miles.</p>
<p>Tips for those who don't want to make a local account:</p>
<p>you'll likely pay a fee if you request cash back at a store unless you get them to charge it as a credit card, maybe even 2 (not sure if this can be done while requesting cash back anyway)</p>
<p>you'll of course pay an ATM fee or two if you don't use your bank's or consortium's ATM</p>
<p>using the card as a debit card in stores will likely result in a fee, whereas using it as a credit card will mean the fee is charged to the store so do credit whenever you can</p>
<p>of course this is semi-common knowledge but you never know</p>
<p>I have opened a PNC account and I plan to open an HSBCdirect online savings account for kicks. My parents are very anti-credit card but I think I'm going to get one and charge small stuff to build my credit. Then again I decided to close my bank account in IA so obviously it was a logical decision to open one for college...I figure I'll be here 9/12 months of the year so there is no real point in keeping my account back home and using the store as an ATM but to all his own I guess. Maybe I'll switch in the spring and fall every year :D</p>
<p>Thanks Spetsnaz - We hadn't heard that there were fees for using cash over with a debit card - our bank said there would be no charge - we'll have to find out. The PNC banks are in a network with our home bank - apparently our home bank won't charge an ATM fee but the PNC ATM's will. So our son will have to be judicious in obtaining cash - hopefully he won't need a lot of cash so can get it infrequently.</p>
<p>Ever lost a checkbook? Ever lost a ATM card (not credit or bebit card)?</p>
<p>Ms M: The Fringe is a social and buggy racing club that our S may enjoy. A lot of different activities with engineering on the side.</p>
<p>While your S is at orientations; Visit Carnegie Museum, Carnegie Library. Schenley Park is enormous: golf course just up the hill and toe ice rink is down the hill from the observatory. Lots of shopping places for girls in Squirrel Hill. Visit Pitt's Cathedral of Learning rooms on 2nd floor and Heinz Chapel, both in Oakland and across from the Carnegie Library. The Mellon Instutue Bilding next to the apartments is very Greek. Stone Masonery very impressive throughout Pittsburgh.</p>