<p>I didn't know if we needed to open an account at the Pentagon Federal Credit Union or just use her local checking account until later, possibly after her Plebe year. Is there an advantage or not? Thanks.</p>
<p>Never heard of Pentagon FCU, but Navy Federal Credit Union is probably her best bet. There used to be two branches in Bancroft Hall, but after all the renovations I'm not sure how many there may be or where. I can almost guarantee, however, that there IS one somewhere.</p>
<p>We had this conversation a while back but I don't remember if they basically march the Plebes down to NFCU to open accounts anymore. They did in my day.</p>
<p>Another option to consider once Plebe Summer has settled is USAA Federal Savings Bank. Killer service done over mail, e-mail, online, and phone.</p>
<p>ETA: Oh, good grief... </p>
<p>Terribly sorry. I answered the question for USNA. I didn't catch your screen name until later. Oops! :o</p>
<p>Well, forget NFCU, then. I regret I know nothing about what bank(s) may be available at WP, but my recommendation for USAA Federal Savings stands. They service all branches. :)</p>
<p>It is often easier to deal with either PFCU or USAA. They have representatives in the area. PFCU has a branch located just outside Thayer gate and, more importantly, an ATM located in the cadet area. (There is also a PFCU ATM located in the PX/Commisary Area) USAA also has a location just outside Thayer gate. PFCU and USAA are the two banks that will issiue an unsecured credit card (need to begin getting a credti history!) to cadets. My older son began his account at PFCU just before beast, and now has an account at USAA, becasue they were the company chosen to provide the cow loans this year. My husband and I have had accounts with both for more than 20 years, and the service from each has been excellent. Both are very easy to use online. Most importantly, both are used to dealing with the military and special situations that crop up. thus will be of value to your son/daughter throughout their military career. Your cadet will also probably end up getting his auto/household insurance through USAA when he/she needs that -- they will have an information booth at r-day for policies covering the computers, etc cadets will be issued later in the summer. If you have any more questions, please feel free to PM me.</p>
<p>For USNA: In the massive amount of mailings that will come in April-May time frame, there will be all of the literature for opening NFCU account. That account will be where your pay will be deposited. You open an account with just $5.00. There is a branch in Bancroft across from the travel agent. Also ATM on the yard. We received all of the information on USAA in a bag at IDay.</p>
<p>Generically, I would recommend whatever military-related Federal Credit Union that actually has a branch on campus, or USAA. You can't go wrong with either.</p>
<p>If you have more than one FCU option, then choose the better one. Just be sure that you pick one that has branches at whatever bases (Navy, Army, AF, etc.) you will be travelling through over the years.</p>
<p>I can personally vouch for both NFCU and USAA. NFCU is great. I prefer USAA long-term simply because their insurance deals and customer service cannot be beat, and because now that I'm a civilian, finding a convenient NFCU branch is a real pain.</p>
<p>With USAA you can deposit your from grandma by just scanning them. Also if you are traveling and the ATM is going to charge you a $2 fee, USAA will credit you back the fee up to 10 times a month. Later on their cadet car loans will be from USAA. You can bank totally on line and pay bill on line too. I write maybe 3 checks a month. </p>
<p>Their car insurance is the best and covers you anywhere.</p>
<p>We use USAA, and have already set up our son with an account there. We moved so much, switching credit unions every time, we decided to stay with USAA. We could move as much as needed and still keep the same account #, only having to buy new checks with the new address.</p>
<p>USAA returns the ATM fees, up to a certain amount (I can't remember the final amt.). Plus, like Zaphod says, they (USAA) have pretty good insurance.</p>
<p>Just had this conversation with my son this past weekend at WP. He's been using PenFed and isn't happy - online interface is a little clunky. You're much better off with USAA. I have a friend - non-military - whose Dad was military. He uses USAA for everything - checking, savings, insurance, etc. He thinks USAA is great.</p>
<p>^^^^^
How funny, over this past weekend my plebe at USNA said he wanted to switch to USAA. Tired of paying ATM fees off the yard and thinks that USAA would be a better option than NFCU. He just isn't sure how to move his pay to USAA. I'm sure the folks at USAA will be able to tell him how to get the direct deposit changed over.</p>
<p>They just need to go to the website usaa.com, they have a membership questionaire and they will be issued a USAA number. From there you just have to follow the directions. </p>
<p>Both my kids use USAA, my Daughter who is a senior in a "normal" college has her mastercard with the Air Force seal on it. Always a brat and proud, her honors thesis prof can't understand why her phone plays the AF fight song since she not in ROTC or anything. :p</p>
<p>Profmom2-</p>
<p>All he has to do is go to finance and have them switch routing/account #'s. He just needs an account with them, first.</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>I think he was going to get the account set up online this weekend when he has time.</p>
<p>Have him go down to the Disbursing office (used to be right across the breezeway from the Midstore; heaven only knows where it is now) and fill out the form to change over his direct deposit. He will need a voided check from his USAA checking account to do it.</p>
<p>Okay, I am totally jazzed! Anyway, USAA USED to have this overnight checking deposit deal with UPS. That ended in November 2006. HOWEVER...</p>
<p>If you have a scanner (I have one built in with my printer), you have the ability to scan in the fron and back of the check for immediate deposit! Cool! :D</p>
<p>Just another reason to love USAA! :cool:</p>
<p>I meant the word "front." However, in my excitement, I forgot the "t" at the end. Sorry. :D</p>