What is a good bank to open a student checking account with?

Question

Hi there. I'm a college student looking to open a checking account. I'd like to know which banks are better. Currently, I'm considering Wells Fargo, Bank of America and Washington Mutual. I've been doing some research and I'm still unsure. Can you please tell me about your experience with these banks? Any advice would be appreciated as well! =)

Answer 1

Get one with low fees. If you know anyone that has an account at a credit union that can work. research fees.

Wells Fargo fees are high. Free checking at any bank always has catches.

Answer 2

It depends on where you live and where you go to school.  The biggest loophole about student checking or any "free" checking is that you usually have a certain number of alloted times you can use a teller/real person to conduct a transaction such as cashing a check, making a money order etc.  Therefore, it is always easier when the bank has ATM machines most convenient to your school and main residence.

Also, some offer free checks.  Even if they don't and you want to get jazzy-looking checks, you can order them for cheap nowadays online such as www.checkgallery.com.

I'm not too sure about Wells Fargo or Washington Mutual checking accounts but I know there is quite some fervor over Washington Mutual and whether they could be the next IndyMac Bank.  I HATE Bank of America.  They used to be good and care about the customers but now it just horrible.  Although, they are nationwide and you can find them just about everywhere in the U.S.

Personally, I like Citibank b/c you can get Thank You Rewards using your checking and it doesn't even have to be student checking.  Just get their free checking and it's always easy to move money and make transfers.  They also offer free checks and they usually have good promotions when you open a free checking account.  For instance, when I opened mine, they gave me a free ipod shuffle.

ING Direct Orange Electric Checking is free and good.  Also, they have a free Money Market Account that is FDIC insured and you can get pretty good interest rates.  And, since they are they same entity, you can transfer for free and easily between the two accounts.

Answer 3

They are all similar, but what state will you be going to school in? Will your folks be sending you money at all? My Son is working in California and he opened an account at Bank of America as he can use it either there or Illinois. I can write checks out of it also to pay any bills that come to the house. They are one of the few that are all over the country.

We are doing a which as he puts the money in. If he were a student like you there would be no fees on the account.

D

Answer 4

there all about the same Wamu (washington mutual) is good just stay with a major bank not a small one and you should be fine.

Answer 5

chase bank they don't charge you rates at all. and their student loan policy are really sweet

Answer 6

All of those banks are pretty much the same.  If you can join a credit union that's convenient for you, that's you best option.

Answer 7

What ever you do don't bank with Washington Mutual. They are about to go bankrupt and fall under (check out their stock:  http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=WM)  I have a student checking account with Bank of America and have not had any problems.  

Answer 8

Don't let them fool you into think there's something special about being a student and having a student account. THERE SHOULDN'T.

Get the checking account that's FREE. That's all that matters, checking accounts shouldn't cost you anything (or maybe just for a box of checks).

If there's more room to decide, find one that's most convenient to visit. Or has the most ATM machines (or if they offer free withdrawal from other ATM machines). These are the little things people don't watch out for, and could mean big bucks!