<p>I was wondering what suggestions you guys have for banking services. I live in one of the dorms with a PNC ATM on the first floor, so having their card would probably be a good idea.</p>
<p>I was also wondering whether there is any downside whatsoever by having a VISA checking account instead of a credit card? The only problem I see is that it doesn't help me establish a credit record. As I'm an international student, I would like to work on that part too.</p>
<p>What about fees for example? How much should I expect to pay? How much difference is there in fees between PNC and SFSU? What about the Penn credit card from Bank of America? Do you know how they establish the monthly credit limit? My old bank had the option of paying credit in advance, so you could basically go over your monthly limit. This was pretty important when ordering something expensive online.</p>
<p>I'm just pretty lost with how these systems work. I was also wondering how I pay bills online with a US bank account? If the service I'm paying for is using another bank, do I have to pay any fees to transfer funds to another bank?</p>
<p>For convenience go with PNC. If you want to build credit, get a credit card. Enough people I know hated SFCU that it’s not worth experimenting with for a year.</p>
<p>I’m not an expert on credit cards because I’m still cosigning with my parents. Try the parent’s forum. They’d probably have experience helping young adults set up their own credit cards.</p>
<p>I’m also international and never had problems with PNC. The checking account is completely free and you’re not charged a monthly fee or anything. You also get one free monthly wire transfer per month. After this I think they charger around 15 per wire. As you say, there is no downside to using the VISA check card other than building credit, except if you maybe need to go to a hotel which usually require that you have a credit card. And you may want to start building credit now. This is something I didn’t care about and now it’s giving me some problems while I look for an apartment after graduating. With PNC you get access to an online banking web site from which you can transfer funds from your account to other accounts belonging to either yourself or other people, inside or outside PNC. I’ve only transferred to accounts belonging to myself at other banks, and there is no fee for those transfers. I believe there is also no fee for transfers to other people’s accounts at other banks. So in general, PNC is pretty convenient.</p>