Best bank for college students?

Question

I'm going to be a college student in philadelphia, pa in the fall and need a new bank, i originally had an account that was only local however, they suck and i need a new one.

So far my options are: PNC, Commerce, Bank of America, and possibly Wachovia.

** would really like a bank with good incentives, i.e intrest, no atm fees, or refunded atm fees. would also like a bank that offers a joint savings and checking account .

Answer 1

Check into Colonial Bank.  That's who I bank with, and they're pretty decent.

Answer 2

Go to the closest bank to your campus.  Doesn't matter who.  The easier it is to get there , the better.  Unless you have $1 Million but i guess that you don't.  Every bank has a current promotion to get you to open a checking account.  They have learned that checking accounts are "sticky" which is bank-talk for ...... once you start writing checks you will never close that account.  So they will offer you extra interest on your savings account if you also open a checking.  One bank is paying $50 cash, too.  

Would you open an internet account at ING Bank.  How brave are you?   They pay the highest interest.

Are you excited about college?

Answer 3

Every one of my friends who has an account with Commerce Bank loves them.

For what that's worth.

I've also heard that BoA fees are pretty high and that they don't have a lot of respect for their customers.

Answer 4

Go to www.bankrate.com to compare rates and fees. Choose the bank that is close to the campus or on the campus.

Answer 5

Does your University have its own student credit union?  Most do.  I'd suggest signing up with that.  They are run by other students, who help you out.  They tend to be fair and work with you, since its non profit and member owned.  And they tend to have the best ATM locations for students, which is right on campus.